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diff --git a/40229-0.txt b/40229-0.txt index 6daf744..2eaccce 100644 --- a/40229-0.txt +++ b/40229-0.txt @@ -9797,5 +9797,4 @@ We have corrected "compen-pensated" to "compensated" on p. 189. We have corrected "FROF. W. A. FRANTZ" to "PROF. W. A. FRANTZ" in the caption on p. 245. - *** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 40229 *** diff --git a/40229.json b/40229.json deleted file mode 100644 index 8aff098..0000000 --- a/40229.json +++ /dev/null @@ -1,6 +0,0 @@ -{ - "DATA": { - "CREDIT": "Produced by Meredith Dixon (R-MWC 1984), Melissa Reid, and James Dixon", - "EBOOK_NUMBER": "40229" - } -} diff --git a/40229.txt b/40229.txt deleted file mode 100644 index f505bf6..0000000 --- a/40229.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,10184 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of History of Randolph-Macon College, Virginia - -This ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online -at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, -you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located -before using this eBook. - -Title: History of Randolph-Macon College, Virginia - -Author: Richard Irby - -Release date: July 14, 2012 [eBook #40229] - Most recently updated: July 21, 2023 - -Language: English - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY OF RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE, VIRGINIA *** - - - - -Produced by Meredith Dixon (R-MWC 1984), Melissa Reid, and James Dixon - - - - - -HISTORY OF RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE, VIRGINIA: -THE OLDEST INCORPORATED METHODIST COLLEGE IN AMERICA -by Richard Irby (A. B. 1844) - - -PREFACE. - -The following resolution, adopted at the last annual meeting of the -Board of Trustees, will answer as a preface to what will be given as a -history of the oldest incorporated Methodist college in America now in -existence, and can be pleaded as an excuse, if any be needed, why one -so inexperienced in authorship should make this effort to rescue from -oblivion what is left of the records and information now obtainable in -regard to this, comparatively speaking, venerable college. - -"On motion of J. J. Lafferty and W. H. Christian, - -"_Resolved_, That the thanks of the Board be tendered to Richard Irby, -Esq., for his labors in the collection of material for a connected and -authentic historical account of this college, and that he be requested -to continue and perfect this work, and that all friends of the college -be requested to give him their cordial aid and co-operation." - - - -HISTORY OF RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE - - - -EARLY EFFORTS OF METHODISTS TO FOUND SCHOOLS. - -JOHN WESLEY, the founder of Methodism, was in every sense a highly -educated man. His education began at the knee of one of the wisest and -most accomplished women that ever lived to bless the world. It was -continued at Oxford, but did not stop there; for he believed, and acted -on his belief, that a man's education should continue as long as his -intellectual energy survives. - -The great business of Wesley was to spread scriptural holiness over the -world, beginning at his own home. To accomplish this great end he -sought and utilized every practicable agency. Early in the course of the -great movement he put in motion, he established the Kingswood School, -which he aimed to make as thorough, practically, as Oxford and -Cambridge, and free from the surroundings which hindered evangelical -believers in attendance on those schools, where he and his co-workers -had encountered so much opposition and ridicule. At this school were to -be allied in holy matrimony religion and learning, which godless hands -had sought to put asunder; for he valued education and learning severed -from, and unhallowed by, religion as worse than worthless. - -Following the example of this great leader, Asbury, the "Pioneer Bishop -of America," sought at an early day to carry out the same plans. But the -difficulties he encountered were different from those Mr. Wesley met in -many respects. At the close of the Revolutionary War, he found a -continent over the broad area of which was spread a population of about -three million of people. These people had just come out of a war of -seven years, impoverished in every species of property except their -broad acres of forest land, worthless until subdued by the sturdy -husbandman. The currency of the country was well-nigh worthless and -irredeemable in gold and silver. The great and controlling idea of the -people was the restoration of wealth and material resources. This meant -and required hard and constant work, which pushed aside schools and all -other enterprises of the kind considered as of secondary importance. At -that time only about eight colleges were found in the States, and these -were slimly endowed, if endowed at all, and but poorly patronized. - -But bold, and trusting in God, Asbury began the work of establishing -schools, hardly waiting for the clearing away of the smoke of battle. At -the time he was made General Superintendent, or Bishop, (1784), there -were in the United States 14,988 members in the Methodist Episcopal -Church. These were scattered broadcast over the States bordering on the -Atlantic Ocean, from New York to Georgia. The bulk of the membership was -found in the Southern States. The Minutes for that year give New York -City sixty members and Brunswick Circuit (Virginia) four hundred and -eighty-four, and other circuits in Virginia more. - -In the year 1784 Dr. Cummings (in _Early Schools of Methodism_, New -York, 1886) thinks Bishop Asbury founded the first Methodist academy -ever established in America. It is reasonable, however, to put the date -a little later, say 1785, for his services as General Superintendent did -not begin till later, inasmuch as Mr. Wesley's letter appointing him to -the place bears date September 10, 1784. This school or academy was -located in Brunswick county, Virginia, on the road leading from -Petersburg to Boydton, at a point about midway between the two places. -He named it - -[Illustration: EBENEZER ACADEMY]* - -*The Ebenezer Academy building is still standing, but it has been -changed somewhat since it ceased to be used for school purposes. The cut -used here was made from a pencil sketch of it made by Mr. Short, who -lives near, and sent by Rev. J. Carson Watson, in whose circuit it is -located. The walls are of stone, one of which has become injured; -otherwise, the old house would be good for another century. - -For a number of years this academy was controlled by trustees appointed -by the Bishop or by the Annual Conference, and enjoyed such supervision -as the Bishop was able to give, which, with such arduous labors as -demanded his energies, was of necessity but slight and occasional. On -this account, and other accounts incident to the times, the control of -the academy was lost to the Methodists, and went into the hands of the -county authorities, which control never was regained by the Church. But -it was kept up as an academy for many years, and at it many of the most -prominent men of the county and counties adjacent were educated wholly -or partly. In this way it did a good work for the people of its day, and -was the forerunner and prophecy of another school not far away, which, -under better auspices, though not without difficulties, has lived to -bless the Church and the world in this nineteenth century. - -The first regularly incorporated Methodist college in the United States -was Cokesbury College. It was located near Baltimore, Md. It was in -operation only a few years. Augusta College, Kentucky, was the next. -That has long since ceased to exist. In the period preceding the -division of the Methodist Episcopal Church, there were thirty-one -literary institutions controlled by this Church, of which three were -exclusively for females and several, co-educational. Seventeen of these -were located in the Southern States. Of the thirty-one, only seven -colleges have survived, viz.: Randolph-Macon College, chartered February -3, 1830; Wesleyan University (Connecticut), chartered May, 1831; Emory -College (Georgia), 1837; Emory and Henry (Virginia), 1838; Wesleyan -Female College (Georgia), 1839. Dickinson College (Pennsylvania) -chartered in 1783, but did not become a Methodist college till 1833, and -was opened as a Methodist college September, 1834. Alleghany College -(Pennsylvania) was chartered in 1818, and came under the control of the -Methodist Church in 1833, and was opened as a Methodist college the same -year. - -It will thus be seen that all these male colleges which survived, were -opened under Methodist patronage, nearly simultaneously, viz.: Wesleyan -University, October, 1831; Randolph-Macon, January, 1832; Alleghany -College, November, 1833; Dickinson College, September, 1834. This point -of time thus became a marked starting-point in the history of Methodist -colleges. Since this turning-point was passed, the number of them has -increased as rapidly as the membership of the church, and can now be -counted by the hundreds, making the Methodist Church foremost in the -great work of Christian education. - -It may be noted here that all of the above-named colleges succeeded to -buildings which had been used for school purposes, more or less -complete, while those of Randolph-Macon were built wholly out of new -material. - -It is probable that the idea and purpose moving Bishop Asbury to found -church schools, had never gone entirely out of the minds of the -Methodists of Virginia, notwithstanding all the failures and disasters -which had befallen the early enterprises. They found no school in the -Conference territory of high grade where they felt safe in sending their -sons. William and Mary College was under the control of the -Episcopalians, and its location was noted for excess in worldliness and -free-living, which did not invite Methodists, whose rules forbade such -customs. The atmosphere of the college and town was unsuited to -Methodists, and they were looked upon as unfit for the society of the -so-called best people. Hampden-Sidney College, originally non-sectarian, -had come under the control of the Presbyterians, with whom, in those -days, Arminian Methodists did not think it safe to let their sons remain -too long, lest they should become Calvinists. Washington College was -then a feeble school, and remote from the eastern portion of the State, -and outside the Virginia Conference. Under these circumstances, and for -what were esteemed good reasons, the Methodists of the Virginia -Conference, then composed of the eastern and middle portions of Virginia -and North Carolina, moved in the matter of establishing a college of -high grade. - -A resolution, adopted by the General Conference of 1824, recommending -"that each Annual Conference establish a Seminary of learning under its -own regulations and patronage," had the effect to direct the attention -of the church throughout the connection to the subject of education. So -almost simultaneously the New York Conference, with the Virginia -Conference, moved towards the establishment of a college, as recommended -by the General Conference, the result of which was the founding of the -Wesleyan University at Middletown, Conn., and of Randolph-Macon College -at Boydton, Va., the two oldest Methodist colleges, originally -incorporated as such, now existing in America. - -The credit of first planning or founding Randolph-Macon College has -been awarded to Rev. Hezekiah G. Leigh and Gabriel P. Disosway. The -former was a prominent minister in the Virginia Conference, and was -justly esteemed by his contemporaries as an orator second to but few, if -any, of his time. Dr. Bennett, in _Memorials of Methodism in Virginia_, -says: "Perhaps no man ever left a deeper impression on the hearts of the -people among whom he labored. In every city where he was stationed, in -every district, in every circuit, there are thrilling recollections of -his preaching.... He was not simply an eloquent preacher, he was a wise, -skillful, practical workman in the vineyard." Dr. W. A. Smith, third -President of Randolph-Macon College, said of him: "Dr. Leigh had few -equals in the pulpit. He filled a large space in public attention, and -wielded a wide and undisputed influence among his brethren in the -ministry." He was a native of Perquimans county, N. C., born November -23, 1795, but for many years prior to his death resided on his farm near -Boydton, Va. - -Gabriel P. Disosway was a native of the city of New York, of Huguenot -ancestry, born December 6, 1799. He took his A.B. degree at Columbia -College, New York, in 1821. In early life he became a citizen of -Petersburg, Va., and married a Virginia lady. He was a pious and devoted -Methodist, and by his superior education and literary abilities exerted -a wide and salutary influence on the church circles of his town and day. -Having been a college-bred man, he may have suggested to Dr. Leigh the -founding of a college, or the latter may have sought the advice and -co-operation of Mr. Disosway, and thenceforth the two worked together as -co-laborers in this good cause. Dr. W. A. Smith inclined to the latter -view of the matter, for he says (_Funeral Discourse on Rev. H. G. -Leigh_), "Regarding all the circumstances, the prominent position held -by Dr. Leigh in originating all the preliminary measures, and his -personal activity in advancing them, we have always considered him in a -good sense the founder of Randolph-Macon College." Mr. Disosway -returned to New York in 1828, and thus the college ceased to have his -active co-operation with Dr. Leigh, which might, and doubtless would, -have been very acceptable and beneficial. He lived to an honorable old -age, giving much of his valuable time to the great interests of the -Church of his choice, and also to the great religious institutions of -his State and the country, with a number of which he was closely -identified as manager or director. He also wrote frequently for the -press, and was the author of several books, one of which particularly -was highly esteemed, viz. _The Old Churches of New York_." - -The college, many years ago, recognized the claims of these co-founders -to the gratitude and remembrance of succeeding generations by placing on -the walls of the chapel marble tablets, suitably inscribed and dedicated -to their memory. - -The enterprise of establishing a college in the Virginia Conference took -definite direction, and resulted in practical action at the session of -the Virginia Conference held at Oxford, N. C., March 2, 1825. In the -minutes is this entry: "After some discussion on the recommendation of -the General Conference (of 1824), 'That each Annual Conference establish -a Seminary of Learning, under its own regulations and patronage,' the -whole question was referred to a committee of twelve--six ministers and -six laymen--to consider and report the best method of establishing such -a Seminary with suitable constitutional principles." The following -constituted the committee ordered: John Early, Hezekiah G. Leigh, Caleb -Leach, Charles A. Cooley, William Compton and George M. Anderson, of the -Conference; and Gabriel P. Disosway, Joseph B. Littlejohn, John Nutall, -Lewis Taylor, Joseph Taylor and Jesse H. Cobb, of the laity.... "The -College bill, which was laid on the table, was taken up, and, after some -amendment, was adopted." It would appear from the constitution of the -committee, that John Early made the motion to appoint the committee, and -this was probably the case, because he was then, and for many years -afterwards, a leader in the business of the Conference, and, therefore, -the prime mover in the enterprise, had enlisted his active interest in -the matter. We shall see that this prominent position was held by him -for many years afterwards. - -This was all that was done at this Conference. At the next Conference, -held in Portsmouth, Va., February, 1826, the committee was increased by -adding George W. Charlton and James Smith, ministers, and Robert A. -Armistead, Arthur Cooper, Jesse Nicholson, local preachers, and J. C. -Pegram, Cary Jennings, laymen. On the 20th the committee made a report, -and the report Was laid on the table. On the 22nd the College bill, -which was laid on the table, was taken up, and after some amendments it -was adopted. On the 23rd the "Select Committee," recommended in the bill -adopted on the days previous, was appointed, viz.: Hezekiah G. Leigh, -George W. Charlton, James Smith, John Early, Thomas Crowder, Ethelbert -Drake, ministers, and Gabriel P. Disosway, Robert A. Armistead, William -Clarke, John C. Pegram, laymen. This committee reported at the -succeeding Conference (1827) a "Constitution" for the College, which, -after some amendments, was adopted; and it was further "_Resolved_, that -every member take a subscription paper and use his influence and best -exertions to obtain subscriptions for the benefit of the College -contemplated to be founded within the bounds of this Conference." - -At the Conference of 1828 a new committee of seven was appointed "to see -that all the preachers pay a due and diligent attention to every -regulation and matter appertaining to the establishment of the College -contemplated, and to employ an efficient agent to make collections and -obtain subscriptions for the same, and to maturely consider the -advantages of every place proposed for its site, and to report thereon -to the next Conference upon which the location of the College shall be -fixed." - - -LOCATION AND NAMING OF THE COLLEGE. - -At the Conference of 1829 the committee appointed the year previous made -a report. The Committee had met at Zion Church, in Mecklenburg county. -The citizens of Brunswick offered $20,000 in subscriptions on condition -that the College be located at Physic Springs, about four miles from -Lawrenceville, the county seat, and not very far from the old Ebenezer -Academy. The citizens of Mecklenburg offered a parcel of land near -Boydton, the county seat, at a very low price, and $10,000 in -subscriptions, with some possible advantages from the Boydton Academy. -The location was fixed at or near Boydton, probably, mainly through the -influence of Rev. Hezekiah G. Leigh, the prime mover in the College -enterprise, and Howell Taylor, a very influential Methodist of the -county, together with Hon. William O. Goode and Col. William Townes, -men of great popularity. The site selected was also very near the line -dividing the States of Virginia and North Carolina, and probably more -accessible to the people of the two States at that time than any other -eligible location, and was considered healthful, as well as the centre -of a refined community. The county of Mecklenburg was one of the largest -and wealthiest in the State, and its people and the people of the -adjoining counties of North Carolina were friendly and homogeneous. - -The report of the Committee was confirmed by the Conference, and the -Committee was authorized to apply to the General Assembly of Virginia -for a charter. This the Committee proceeded to do, and Mr. Goode, of -Mecklenburg, presented a bill to incorporate the "Trustees of Henry and -Macon College" Friday, January 15, 1830. After going through the -several readings required, and having several amendments made, on motion -of Mr. Alexander, of Mecklenburg, the title was changed, making it to -read, "An act to incorporate the 'Trustees of Randolph-Macon College.'" -The bill so amended was passed by both houses, and became a law February -3, 1830. The Act in part is as follows: - -"1. _Be it enacted by the General Assembly_, That there be, and is -hereby erected and established, at or near Boydton, in the county of -Mecklenburg, in this Commonwealth, a seminary of learning for the -instruction of youth in the various branches of science and literature, -the useful arts, agriculture, and the learned and foreign languages. - -"2. _And be it further enacted_, That the said seminary shall be known -and called by the name of Randolph-Macon College. - -"3. _And be it further enacted_, That Hezekiah Leigh, John Early, Edward -Cannon, W. A. Smith, William I. Waller, Thomas Crowder, Moses Brock, -James Boyd, William Hammett, Caleb Leach, Matthew M. Dance, Lewis -Skidmore, Augustine Claiborne, Ethelbert Drake, Henry Fitts, John -Nutall, James Wyche, John P. Harrison, Grenville Penn, Walker -Timberlake, John G. Claiborne, Howell Taylor, James Smith, Joel -Blackwell, John Y. Mason, James Garland, Richard G. Morris, John W. -Lewis, William O. Goode, and Nathaniel Alexander be, and are hereby, -constituted and appointed trustees of said college, who and their -successors shall be a body politic and corporate by the name of the -'Trustees of Randolph-Macon College,' who shall have a perpetual -succession and a common seal, and by the name aforesaid they and their -successors shall be capable in law to possess, purchase, receive and -retain to them and their successors forever, any lands, tenements, -rents, goods, chattels or interests of any kind whatsoever, which may -have been already given, or by them purchased for the use of said -College; to dispose of the same in any way whatsoever they shall adjudge -most useful to the interests and legal purposes of the institution; and -by the same name to sue and implead, be sued and impleaded, answer and -be answered, in all courts of law and equity; and under their common -seal to make and establish, from time to time, such by-laws, rules and -ordinances, not contrary to the laws and constitution of this -Commonwealth, as shall by them be thought essential to the good order -and government of the professors, masters and students of said College." - -It will appear above that thirty were constituted trustees. Of the -thirty, twelve were travelling preachers of the Virginia Annual -Conference, and eighteen were local preachers and laymen. The name of -Rev. Hezekiah G. Leigh heads the list, as, by courtesy, was proper. All -were members of the Methodist Church, except the following: Judge John -Y. Mason, John W. Lewis, William O. Goode, and Nathaniel Alexander, the -three latter prominent citizens of Mecklenburg county. Of these a number -lived to take an active part in the affairs of the college for many -years. The last to pass away was Judge Garland, of Lynchburg, who died a -few years since at a very advanced age. - -It is well known for whom Randolph-Macon College was named--John -Randolph, of Roanoke, and Nathaniel Macon, of North Carolina. How it -came about that a Christian and Methodist college should have been named -for men who were not professed Christians, and who had never, so far as -is known, shown any preference or kindly interest for the Methodist -Church, has been a question of interest and speculation. The most -probable solution of the question is that the name was determined very -much by precedent. The oldest college in the State, William and Mary, -founded primarily and specially for educating "the savages" in -Christianity, was named for the King and Queen then on the throne. -Washington College was named for Washington, the hero of the day (1782); -Hampden-Sidney for the champions of liberty and human rights (1783), all -of them Christian colleges, but named for public men, representatives of -the sentiments of the periods uppermost when they were founded. -Following the precedents set by these colleges, the names then most -prominent in Virginia and North Carolina were selected, John Randolph, -of Roanoke, and Nathaniel Macon, one living on the south side of the -Roanoke River and the other on the north side. Neither of these men was -in any way connected with the College, nor did either, so far as is -recorded, ever manifest any interest in it by making a contribution to -it or otherwise, but both were very popular in their native State, in -whose service they literally spent their lives. John Randolph has been -called an infidel by some Northern writers, but those who knew him best -represent him as far from having been such, though he lived at a time -when infidelity was far from being uncommon among public men. At one -time, at least, he was a professed believer in Christ, and never gave up -his belief, however inconsistent in his life, at times, he may have -been. - -Hon. J. K. Paulding, a distinguished author and public man, in a letter -accepting membership in one of the literary societies of the College -soon after it was built, wrote of these men: - -"Randolph-Macon combines the names of two very distinguished men, with -whom I was acquainted; with the former, long and intimately. Mr. Macon -was one of the wisest, most virtuous men I ever knew. His integrity as a -private man was only equalled by his devotion to his country and to the -great principles of liberty, of which he was a most faithful and devoted -advocate. Indeed, I may say, with perfect truth, that in the simplicity -of his habits and character, as well as in the purity of his principles, -he realized more than any man I ever knew the example of a steadfast, -stern, inflexible republican. - -"With Mr. John Randolph I was on terms of intimacy for more than twenty -years. He was a very extraordinary man, whose life and character should -be delineated by one who could analyze them thoroughly and explain their -strange apparent inconsistency. To me it always appeared that but for -the weakness of his physical constitution and the almost perpetual -sufferings it entailed upon him, he would have been one of the highest -models of a high-minded gentleman, as well as one of the wisest, most -consistent statesmen of the age. But his physical infirmities and -sufferings impaired the vigor and consistency of his mind, while they -often soured his temper, and caused those sudden caprices, which lost -him many friends, and made his greatest admirers almost afraid to -indulge in the society of one the charm of whose conversation was -otherwise irresistible. This, however, I will say of him, that whatever -may have been the infirmities of his temper, his principles were of the -most high, and, indeed, lofty character. His integrity was exemplary, -and his devotion to the great principles of liberty consistent and -profound. - -"The life and character of Mr. Macon young men may safely make the -objects of their imitation throughout, while Mr. Randolph is rather a -subject of admiration and wonder. Virginia should be proud of him as an -orator without an equal among his contemporaries and as a man who, with -all his faults, was possessed of many virtues of the very highest -order." - -Looking at the matter from our present standpoint, it seems strange that -a more suitable name was not selected more in accordance with the -special character of the object of the institution, the blending of the -highest culture of the mind with the elevation of Christian character. - -[Illustration: REV. JOHN EARLY. _First President (1832-1868) of the -Board of Trustees of Randolph-Macon College, and Bishop of the Methodist -Episcopal Church, South._] - - - -FIRST MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES. - -The first meeting of the Board of Trustees appointed under the act of -incorporation, was held at Boydtown (so it reads), Mecklenburg county, -Va., April 9, 1830. - -The following members were duly qualified and took their seats, viz.: -Rev. Hezekiah G. Leigh, Rev. John Early, Rev. William A. Smith, Rev. -William I. Waller, Rev. Moses Brock, Rev. James Boyd, Rev. Caleb Leach, -Rev. Matthew M. Dance, Rev. Lewis Skidmore (members of the Virginia -Conference), Rev. John G. Claiborne, Rev. James Smith (local ministers), -Jas. Wyche, Howell Taylor, J. W. Lewis, William O. Goode, and Nathaniel -Alexander, Esqs. Rev. John Early was elected chairman, and Rev. William -A. Smith secretary. - -A committee was appointed to draft rules for the government of the -Board, and one to obtain drafts of buildings for the College. H. G. -Leigh, J. W. Lewis, James Boyd, and L. Skidmore constituted the latter -committee. - -H. G. Leigh, who had been acting as Agent for the College in securing -subscriptions and funds for the College enterprise, under the -appointment of the Virginia Conference, was elected Agent to continue -the same work. A committee was also appointed to secure land for the -location of the College. - -This was the work of the first day. - -At the second session--the next day--Rev. H. G. Leigh, from the -Committee to Draft Rules, etc., reported the rules for the government of -the Board, which were adopted. - -Rev. W. I. Waller submitted the following resolutions, which were -adopted: - -1. That a committee be appointed to prepare an address to the public -generally, and to the ministers and members of the Methodist Episcopal -Church particularly, requesting their aid and co-operation in procuring -funds for the establishment of Randolph-Macon College. - -2. That a copy of the address be sent to each presiding elder and -preacher in charge of circuits and stations within the bounds of the -Virginia Annual Conference. - -William A. Smith, Moses Brock, H. G. Leigh, and William I. Waller were -appointed on this committee. - -It was further resolved that an additional Agent be appointed. - -John W. Lewis was elected Treasurer of the Board. - -H. G. Leigh, from the Committee to obtain drafts for the College -Building, reported three--one to cost $30,182, one $20,569, and one -$19,238. - -The first resolutions adopted in the direction of building was to -appropriate $14,000 towards the purchase of land and the erection of a -College building. - -It was also resolved "that it is expedient to establish a Preparatory -School to Randolph-Macon College as soon as the building can be prepared -for that purpose," and $1,500 was appropriated to its erection. - -A "Committee on Building" was appointed to obtain the best model for the -College building, and contract for, and superintend the construction of, -the same, and also the building for the Preparatory School. - -Rev. H. G. Leigh's salary as agent was fixed at "the usual salary of a -Methodist itinerant preacher." - -The first financial report by the agent was made as follows: - - Monies subscribed, . . . . . . . . . . . $9,135 90 - Monies collected of this, . . . . . . . . . 399 79 - of this doubtful, $380. $8,736 11 - -The offer of the trustees of Boydton Academy to sell the same was not -accepted. - -The committee authorized to purchase land for the College made report, -and the committee was empowered to purchase land from several parties at -an average of about $5.50 per acre. - -The agent reported that the subscription of Mecklenburg county was -$10,000. It was ordered that the subscription paper be deposited with -the Treasurer. - -The first Building Committee appointed was as follows: Hezekiah G. -Leigh, John W. Lewis, James Smith, Matthew M. Dance, Moses Brock, and -John Early; and here the deliberations of the first meeting of the Board -ended. - -With a subscription list of less than $20,000, including the county -subscription, a large portion of which, in those days, as in the -present, was uncollectable and worthless, this band of workers went -forward, "not knowing whither they were going," but, like Abraham, -trusting in the Lord, whose spirit had prompted the enterprise, that he -would bring about a successful issue. Could they have foreseen the -difficulties ahead, the work probably would never have been undertaken, -nor would Columbus ever have discovered a new world if he had foreseen -the difficulties which were before him. - -It is not untimely to pause and dwell on some of the actors in this -work. - -The chairman, Rev. John Early, who was afterwards Bishop of the -Methodist Episcopal Church, South, was at this time in the prime of -life. He was not a college-bred man. He probably valued college -education as highly as he did because he felt so keenly the need of it. -He was, however, in the best sense, an educated man, and a man among -men. From his early manhood his brethren and fellow-citizens manifested -their appreciation of him by calling him to the highest positions in the -church and in the state. The latter, however, were not accepted by him. -It may be safely said that no man ever lived in Virginia who was more -intimately or more widely known than John Early. No man ever knew more -men. Few ever had more seals to their ministry. Not neglecting his own -peculiar work in the church, he was always foremost in everything that -he esteemed promotive of the good of the church and the state. From the -outset he threw into the college enterprise all his great energy, and -gave it the benefit of his large practical sense, because he felt that -the church, as well as the state, was in need of such an agency. Under -the charter, as subsequently amended, he was elected President of the -Board of Trustees, and retained that position for about forty years, -rarely ever failing to attend the annual meetings, when attendance -involved days of tedious and difficult travel over rough roads. When -over eighty years of age he was found at his place in the Board. -Doubtless his latest prayers were for the success of the cause to which -he gave many of the years of his manhood's prime. Randolph-Macon College -will never let the name of John Early be forgotten. His portrait adorns -the Trustees' room, and his eyes look down every June on his successors -in the Board of Trustees, who are laboring to carry forward the work -which he and his co-laborers commenced in 1825. - -The first secretary, Rev. William Andrew Smith, was another man of -power, a self-made man, as such men are commonly called. He accepted the -"call from on high" to do great things. He was endowed with a -wonderfully fertile and active mind. When fully aroused in any cause his -heart espoused, he was a power with the people and with deliberative -bodies. Commencing active service for the College as Secretary of the -Board, he lived to become the President of the College from 1847 to -1865. When he took charge of it, the College was at the lowest condition -financially as well as in patronage, that it ever reached. Full of faith -and zeal himself, he infused new life into it and animated its friends -with fresh courage and zeal. Realizing that an endowment was absolutely -essential, in 1855 he undertook to raise $100,000 for it, and succeeded. -Of this endowment more will be said further on. - -[Illustration: REV. LEWIS SKIDMORE. _Original member of Board of -Trustees._] - -Another self-made man among the corporators present was Lewis Skidmore. -In native talent of a peculiar order, he was second to none of his -associates. He had, however, none of the ambition of some of the others. -For power of argumentation on any subject he took in hand, he was equal -to the foremost. He said once, when asked at what college he had -graduated, "I graduated at the anvil." When the hammer of his logic -struck it shaped or shivered the object it struck. As punctual as a -clock, the day before the Trustees were to meet, his rotund form would -be seen about the same hour rising over the western hill as the sun was -going down. - -Space will not allow particular reference to the other members of the -Board. All of them were men of mark in their callings. Three of -them--laymen, citizens of Mecklenburg county--were not members of the -Methodist church. - -William O. Goode was a representative man. He was a member of the -Legislature, and brought forward the College bill. He was a member of -the State Convention of 1829 and of the Congress of the United States -for several sessions. - -Nathaniel Alexander was a wealthy planter and a man of fine education, -and represented his county in the Legislature more than once. - -John W. Lewis was a lawyer of prominence, and served as Treasurer of the -College as long as he lived. - -The fact that these men were on the Board will show that sectarian -bigotry was not so strong in olden times as some have been inclined to -believe. - -Rev. John G. Claiborne served on the Board for many years faithfully and -efficiently, and outlived all of the original members. - - -At the second meeting of the Board of Trustees, held October 30, 1830 -(Rev. John Early, chairman, presiding), the Building Committee reported -the plan for the main College building, with cost of erection. William -A. Howard and Dabney Cosby were the contractors. The plan embraced a -centre brick building fifty-two feet front by fifty-four deep, with -wings east and west sixty-seven and a half feet each, making a total -front of one hundred and eighty-seven feet, all four stories high. The -contract price for the same, except painting, tin roof, casement of the -library, and seats in the chapel, to be finished in "a plain, -workman-like manner, of the best materials," to be $14,137, and it was -to be ready for occupancy by the spring of 1832. The committee also -reported the purchase of two hundred and fifty-seven acres of land from -several parties, including previous purchase, the several tracts forming -a solid body. - -Rev. H. G. Leigh, Agent, made report as to the finances, as follows: - - Monies collected to date, . . . . $ 941 59 - Subscriptions deemed good, . . . . 27,762 70 - Total,. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $28,703 29 - -Rev. William Hammett, an eloquent Irish minister, was appointed agent -for soliciting additional funds. - -Of the subscriptions made by citizens of Mecklenburg county, the name of -William Townes heads the list with $1,000, the largest subscription to -the College funds in early times. He was not a Methodist, nor a member -of any church, but he was one of the earliest and best friends of the -College. - -On the early subscription lists there were about five hundred names. -Next to the subscription of Col. Townes, there were none above $300. - - -The third meeting of the Board of Trustees was held April 15, 1831, Rev. -John Early, chairman, presiding. The following items of business -transacted are noted: - -Rev. Thomas Adams, a local minister, of Lunenburg county, was elected in -place of Rev. James Smith, who resigned his membership. - -A "Stewards' Hall" was authorized, the cost of the building of which was -not to exceed $4,000. - -The chairman of the Board was authorized to advertise that the Board -would proceed to elect at the next meeting (in October, 1831) a -President, Professors, and Masters. - -The salary of the President to be elected was fixed at $1,000 for the -first year; salaries of the Professors for the first year, $800. - - -The fourth meeting of the Board was held October 13, 1831, Rev. John -Early in the chair. - -At this meeting Rev. H. G. Leigh, Agent, reported subscriptions -amounting to $9,873, and Rev. William Hammett, $13,047, in all $22,920. - -The South Carolina Conference was formally invited to unite and -co-operate with the Board in the support of Randolph-Macon College, with -the proviso that should the Conference agree so to do, the Board would -elect six members Trustees from the bounds of that Conference. - -Rev. Martin P. Parks was appointed the Agent to communicate with said -Conference and to solicit subscriptions. - -The Building Committee reported the centre building walls up and covered -in and the wings well under way; also, the purchase of additional land. - -The committee to whom was referred the matter of nominating a President -and Professors reported, and the following elections were made: Rev. -John Emory, D. D., of New York, President and Professor of Moral -Science; Rev. Martin P. Parks, of North Carolina, Professor of -Mathematics; Landon C. Garland, of Virginia, Professor of Natural -Science; Rev. Robert Emory, of New York, Professor of Languages. - -Mr. William O. Goode, member of the Legislature, of Mecklenburg county, -was appointed to ask of the General Assembly of Virginia aid for the -College. - - -FIFTH MEETING OF THE BOARD. - -A called meeting of the Board was held April 4, 1832. At this meeting -letters were presented and read announcing the declination of Dr. John -Emory to accept the presidency of the College, and of Rev. Robert Emory -to accept the chair to which he was elected. The letters were as -follows: - -New York, _February 17, 1832_. - -"REV. AND DEAR SIR: My conviction of the importance of time to enable -you to make suitable arrangements for the opening of Randolph-Macon -College at the appointed period, induces me to avail myself of the -occasion of your assembling in Conference to communicate to you the -conclusion to which I have come, on mature reflection, in regard to the -high and honorable post to which you have kindly invited me in that -institution. - -"I trust I need not repeat here how sincerely my best wishes attend your -exertions in the cause of education, nor the pleasure I should take in -contributing any small service in my power towards your success. - -"Considering, however, the confinement which such a situation would -require of me, the studies to which it would oblige me to devote myself -in order to discharge its duties as I would wish, and the effect which -such a course would be likely to have upon my health, already needing -rather relief from the arduous duties of my present post, I am under the -necessity of declining the acceptance of your kind invitation, and beg -you for me to make this communication to the Board over which you -preside. - -"Be pleased, at the same time, to accept for yourself personally, and to -convey to the members of the Board, the assurance of the deep sense I -entertain of the obligations you have laid me under, as well as in -behalf of my son as in my own; and that you may at all times command any -service which it may be in my power to render as friends of the -important institution under your care. - -"Very respectfully, Rev. and dear sir, yours, - -"J. EMORY." - -"_To the Rev. John Early_, - -Chairman, etc.. of the Board of Trustees of Randolph-Macon College, Va." - -"New York, November 3, 1831. - -"REV. AND DEAR SIR: Yours of the 15th ultimo was duly received, and -would have elicited an earlier reply but for the absence of my father, -whom I wished to consult previously to communicating my own views of the -subject. - -"I take, however, the earliest opportunity after his return to express -through you, to the Board of Trustees, the high sense which I entertain -of the flattering honor which they have been pleased to confer upon me, -and at the same time my regret for the necessity which I am under of -declining its acceptance. - -"My anxiety to prosecute thoroughly and with an undivided attention the -study of a profession is such that neither my desire to promote the -interests of education, nor even the temptation of the honorable post -which you have offered me, and the agreeable society which I should -enjoy in Virginia, are sufficient to withdraw me from a course in which -my father has had the kindness to yield me his acquiescence. With the -best wishes for the prosperity of your institution, and a hope that you -may secure for it the services of one whose ability (though certainly -not his desire) to serve you will be far greater than mine, I remain -with great respect, - -"Yours, &c., R. EMORY. - -"_To the Rev. John Early_." - - -Prof. Landon C. Garland and Rev. Martin P. Parks accepted the chairs to -which they had been elected at the previous meeting. Their letters of -acceptance were as follows: - - -FROM LANDON C. GARLAND. - -"WASHINGTON COLLEGE, December 13, 1831. - -"DEAR SIR: Circumstances not altogether under my control have prevented -me from replying to your communication of October 15th as early as I -wished. Having given to its contents that mature deliberation which -their importance surely demanded, I feel myself prepared to give a final -decision. - -"The only ambition of my life has been to devote all my time and talents -to the promotion and welfare and happiness of our common country; and -that situation which would enable me to do this _most efficiently_ I -have ever esteemed most eligible. Contemplating in this spirit the -important and extensive field of useful labor which Randolph-Macon -College presents, I have felt it a duty incumbent upon me to obey the -call which you so politely communicated in behalf of its Trustees. And -through you I beg leave to assure them that this discharge of duty -accords with every impulse of the heart; and I do trust that by a -vigorous and united exertion with those associated with me, we shall in -some humble measure redeem the pledge, which by our acceptance we make -both to that body and to the world. - -"Yours very sincerely, - -"LANDON C. GARLAND. - -"_To the Rev. John Early_." - - -FROM M. P. PARKS. - -PETERSBURG, VA., _April 3, 1832_. - -"REV. AND DEAR SIR: I hereby acknowledge the receipt of your official -letter informing me of my election to the professorship of mathematics -in Randolph-Macon College. My answer has been delayed until the present -that I might have an opportunity of consulting the Virginia Conference, -of which I am a member, before replying definitely to your -communication. The Conference at its last session having advised me to -the acceptance of the professorship tendered, it is hereby accepted. And -in accepting it, which I cannot do but with diffidence, in view of the -important duties and high responsibilities therewith connected, I beg -that you will present to the Board of Trustees my acknowledgements for -the favorable light in which they have been pleased to view my -qualifications for the department to which I am called. - -"For the institution now growing under their auspices I cherish the -warmest regard, and so far as devotion to its interests can ensure -success, I hope not altogether to disappoint the expectations of the -Board. More, it is presumed, need not be promised; less could not be -required. Offering through you to the Board my most Christian regards, I -have the pleasure to subscribe myself, dear sir, - -"Very respectfully yours, - -"M. P. PARKS." - - -Dr. John Emory was subsequently elected Bishop of the Methodist -Episcopal Church, and was one of the most honored and beloved Bishops -that church ever had. It was soon called to mourn his sudden and -untimely death, which occurred while he was in the prime of life and in -the height of a most useful career. His name is made honorable by its -association with two colleges of the church--Emory College, Oxford, -Georgia, founded in 1837, and Emory and Henry College, Virginia, founded -1838. - -His son, Rev. Robert Emory, was subsequently president of Dickinson -College, Pennsylvania, and was most highly esteemed by the church. His -name is known and repeated to this day as the christian name of children -whose fathers were under his care and tutelage at Dickinson College. - -At this meeting the Board found the Preparatory School in operation. It -had been opened in January, 1832. The first principal, Rev. Lorenzo Lea, -A. M., was not able to take charge of it promptly because of a -previous engagement at Chapel Hill University, North Carolina. He did -commence his work, however, early in the year. His place was temporarily -supplied by Mr. Hugh A. Garland, brother of Prof. Landon C. Garland, a -graduate of Hampden-Sidney College, who afterwards was clerk of the -House of Representatives of the United States, and the author of "The -Life of John Randolph, of Roanoke." - -The Preparatory School had during the first term a patronage of -thirty-eight. The Board ordered for this School an assistant teacher. - -In order to extend the influence and patronage of the College, the Board -took steps to secure the cooperation of the Georgia Conference of the -Methodist Episcopal Church, offering a representation on the Board of -such as should be nominated to it by the Conference. - - -SIXTH MEETING OF THE BOARD, JULY 4, 1832. - -Rev. Martin P. Parks, professor-elect, requested by the Board at its -last meeting, appeared and delivered "a learned, eloquent, and patriotic -address" before the Board and the public. - -The same gentleman, who had been appointed by the Board to visit the -South Carolina Conference to invite their cooperation in the College -enterprise, made a report of his mission, and laid before the Board the -response of the Conference, which was as follows: "The committee to whom -was referred the address and resolutions of the Board of Trustees of -Randolph-Macon College, report: - -"That they have had the same under consideration, and been favored With -an interview With the esteemed agent of the Board, Brother Parks, and -from all that has been presented to them, and which they have duly -weighed and examined respecting the College, have come unanimously to -the conclusion that the Conference ought to regard it with favor, and -accordingly do recommend the following resolutions: - -"_Resolved_, That the establishment of a well-endowed college, purely -literary and scientific, in a desirable place in the Southern Atlantic -States, and under the direction and control of a Faculty and Board of -Trustees, consisting, and perpetually to consist, of members and friends -of our church, is an object of first importance, vitally interesting to -our Zion, and deserving of the best wishes and assistance of all our -friends. - -"_Resolved_, That Randolph-Macon College, of Virginia, instituted under -an ample charter, of the State of Virginia, and now shortly to be opened -under the auspices of the Virginia Conference, possesses every -reasonable prospect of soon becoming in all respects all that the -friends of literature and religion, and those of our own church, -especially, could desire, and is entitled to, and ought to receive, the -preference and patronage of this Conference. - -"_Resolved_, That we earnestly recommend the Randolph-Macon College -aforesaid to all our brethren and friends of the South Carolina -Conference, and will cordially receive an agent and second his efforts -when such an one shall be sent to solicit aid for the College. - -"_Resolved_, That we accept a share in the supervision of the College -approved by the Board of Trustees, and nominate six suitable persons of -the ministry and membership of the church indifferently within our -Conference limits to be elected into the Board of Trustees on our -behalf. - -"All of which is respectfully submitted. - -"(Signed) W. CAPERS, _Chairman_. - -"On motion, it was resolved unanimously that the above report he -adopted. - -"The Conference then proceeded to nominate the following Trustees, viz.: -Col. Thomas Williams, Major Alexander Speed, Rev. Dr. William Capers, -Rev. Wm. M. Kennedy, Rev. William M. Wightman, and Rev. William Holmes -Ellison. - -"Teste: WILLIAM M. WIGHTMAN, - -"_Secretary_. - -"DARLINGTON, S. C., _January 30, 1832_." - -The above nominees of the South Carolina Conference were elected members -of the Board. - -George W. Jeffries, of North Carolina, was elected a trustee in place of -John Nuttall, deceased. - -The Baltimore Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church was invited -to unite and co-operate with the Board on the same terms and conditions -offered the Georgia Conference. An agent was appointed to visit these -Conferences in order to secure their co-operation. John Early was -appointed to visit them. - -The Holston Conference was likewise invited to cooperate with the Board, -and Rev. William Hammett was appointed to visit that Conference. - -The Finance Committee reported the receipts and expenditures to date, as -follows: - - Receipts, . . . . . . $11,350 02 - Expenditures,. . . . . 10,516 26 - Balance on hand, . . . . $833 76 - -Appropriations for the first year (including salaries of agents of the -College, $300), $4,500. - -A steward for the Boarding Hall was elected. The price of board of -students was fixed at six dollars per month at the Steward's Hall. - -On motion of Rev. William Hammett, Rev. Stephen Olin, of Franklin -College, Georgia, was unanimously elected President of the College. - -It was ordered that the College be opened for students on October 9, -1832. - -Prof. Edward Dromgoole Sims, A. M., of LaGrange College, Alabama, was -elected Professor of Languages. - -Dr. Olin and Prof. Sims subsequently accepted the positions to which -they were elected. Their letters of acceptance were as follows: - -"_Rev. John Early_, - -"DEAR SIR: I hereby announce to you, and through you to the Trustees of -Randolph-Macon College, that I accept the presidency of that -institution, as conferred upon me in July, 1832. I design to resign my -professorship in Franklin College as early as I can, consistently with -duty and propriety, and hope to be at Randolph-Macon at least as early -as the next commencement. - -"Yours very respectfully, - -"S. OLIN. - -"ATHENS, GA., _January 9, 1833_." - - -"LAGRANGE, ALA., _August 7, 1832_. - -"DEAR SIR: Your letter communicating the result of the late election of -officers for Randolph-Macon College was received eight or ten days ago. - -"In relation to the Professorship of Languages, to which the Trustees -have done me the honor to invite me, I have to say: In a previous letter -to you on this subject entire freedom to accept or decline was reserved -by me until I could procure more satisfactory information from Brother -Paine concerning the prospects of the institution. At this time there -exists no objection in my mind, and accordingly I now make known to you, -with pleasure, my acceptance of the appointment, and desire you to -communicate the same to the Board of Trustees. - -"Please accept for yourself and them my sincere regard and best wishes. - -"With brotherly love, ED. D. SIMS. - -"REV. JOHN EARLY" - - -The acceptance of Dr. Olin completed the Faculty, when it came, several -months after the College was opened. Rev. M. P. Parks, professor-elect, -acted as president until Dr. Olin entered on his duties. The first Board -of Instruction was as follows: - -Rev. Stephen Olin, A. M., D. D. (Middlebury College, Vermont), President -and Professor of Moral Science. - -Rev. Martin P. Parks, graduate West Point Academy, Professor of -Mathematics. - -Landon C. Garland, A. M., Hampden-Sidney College, Virginia, Professor of -Natural Science. - -Rev. Edward D. Sims, A. M., Chapel Hill (N. C. University), Professor -of Languages. - -Rev. Lorenzo Lea, A. B., Chapel Hill (N. C. University), Principal of -Preparatory School. - -It will be appropriate and interesting to give sketches at this point of -the men composing this first Faculty of the oldest Methodist College now -in existence in America by date of incorporation; not simply on that -account, but because they were mostly men of great ability, and made -their mark on the times in which they lived in a way and to an extent -that few others, if any, have ever done in the South. - -Dr. Stephen Olin was a native of Vermont, as was Dr. Wilbur Fisk, who, -contemporaneously with him, was moving on a parallel line at the -Wesleyan University, in Connecticut. These names, Olin and Fisk, the -Church, and the alumni of the colleges they presided over will never let -die. Wherever the initials "S. O." and "W. F." are seen in any -catalogue, it will be readily understood that they respectively stand -for these names, and they are common now, over a half-century after the -principals ceased to live. - -President Olin was a graduate of Middlebury College, Vermont. He took -the first honor in his class. From too much confinement and over-study -his health gave way. On this account he went to South Carolina, and took -charge of an academy at Cokesbury. - -He was fortunate in casting his lot in a very religious community, whose -leading men, patrons of the academy, were pious Methodists. He had had -no acquaintance with Methodists. He was not only not a Christian, but he -had been much troubled in his religious belief, and was inclined to he -skeptical. His views were changed by reading Butler's _Analogy_ and -Paley's _Evidences_. - -It was the rule and custom at the Cokesbury Academy to open the school -with the reading of the Scriptures and prayer. This requirement he had -to carry out. One day while engaged in prayer he was powerfully -convicted, and immediately sought pardon, and found peace in believing. -Very soon afterwards he felt called to preach, and entered the ministry, -and after a few years he joined the Conference, and was appointed to a -church in Charleston, S. C. His health, however, allowed him to remain -but a short time in the itinerancy. He accepted a professorship in -Franklin College, Athens, Ga., at which institution he remained till he -left to become President of Randolph-Macon College. - -[Illustration: REV. STEPHEN OLIN, D. D., _First President of -Randolph-Macon College._] - -Rev. Solomon Lea, who was associated with Dr. Olin during his presidency -at Randolph-Macon, gives the following points in regard to him: - -"In his physique he had large frame and limbs, but was well -proportioned. He had dreamy eyes and sallow complexion, indicating deep -affliction. He never saw a well day, and yet he faithfully attended to -all his duties. I have heard it said that he thanked God for his -affliction. Like Paul he could glory in his affliction. He preached but -seldom on account of his health. I shall never forget his sermons. The -impression made by them seemed to follow me day and night for weeks and -months. His style and manner were peculiar, differing from any other man -I ever heard. His language was simple, pure English, free from -technicalities and pompous words. His manner rather labored, not from -loudness of voice, nor from gesticulation, but his profound thoughts -elaborated in his giant mind seemed to struggle for utterance. There was -no attempt at what is called eloquence. I have heard most of the great -preachers of the day, some of them yery great, but I never heard the -equal of Olin." - -Rev. Leroy M. Lee, D. D., long a member of the Virginia Conference, and -editor of the Conference paper, said of Dr. Olin: "He was the only truly -great man I have ever seen of whom I do not feel constrained to say, on -analyzing his character, - -"'Tis distance lends enchantment to the view.'" - -Rev. W. M. Lewis, D. D., of Missouri, who spent several years of college -life under him, said of him: "He was of large and majestic form, a -physical and intellectual giant, a paragon of moral and religious -excellence, a perfect model of a Christian gentleman and scholar and -pulpit orator. In my opinion the church has never had a better or -greater man." - -Rev. W. B. Rowzie, long connected with the College as Financial Agent -and also as Chaplain, said: "He was a genial companion. No one could he -in his society without feeling that he was in the company of one of the -first men of the age, and yet he was modest and unassuming, as if -unconscious of his greatness." - -Dr. John E. Edwards, who visited the College frequently in its early -history, wrote: "Dr. Olin's personal appearance impressed me as no other -man ever impressed me. The Greeks would have deified him as a god." - -W. F. Samford, LL. D., of Alabama, who graduated at Randolph-Macon -College in June, 1837, wrote: "Physically, intellectually and morally, -Stephen Olin was a giant--as veritable a one as Og, king of Bashan. He -might well rank with the 'mighty men who were of old, men of renown' -_facile princeps_ among all the great men I have ever known. The -etymology of this word, by which I have designated him, _gigas_, suggests -its appropriateness--a man of violence and terror. Without the -restraints of divine grace his passions were volcanic, his ambition -boundless. He once told me that before his conversion to Christianity he -'would have bartered a crown in heaven for a seat in Congress.' How -humble, how patient, how loving he became as a disciple of Christ! -'Great, humble man!' exclaimed Dr. Leroy Lee, of Virginia, when he met -him at the Conference in Lynchburg in 1835. Olin had disclosed his whole -heart to Lee in a rebuke which he administered to him for a display of -untempered zeal in a debate on the Conference floor--'What business have -you with any feelings in the matter? A man of God should be gentle and -easy to be entreated.'" - -It may be thought that the estimates of Dr. Olin above given were -partial, and hence not fully reliable. It is proper, therefore, to give -the opinion of Rev. Theo. L. Cuyler, D. D., one of the most -distinguished ministers of the Presbyterian Church, and one of the best -writers of the present century. He speaks of him as President of -Wesleyan University, Connecticut, about ten years after he left -Randolph-Macon: - -"In physical, mental, and spiritual stature combined, no Methodist in -the last generation towered above Dr. Stephen Olin. He was a great -writer, a great educator, and preeminently a great preacher of the -glorious gospel. During the summer of 1845, While I was a student for -the ministry, I spent some time at Middletown, Conn. Dr. Olin was then -the President of the Wesleyan University, and was at the height of his -fame and usefulness. Like all great men, he was very simple and -unassuming in his manners; with his grand, logical head was coupled a -warm, loving heart. When his emotional nature was once kindled it was -like a Pennsylvania anthracite coal-mine on fire. These qualities of -argumentative power and intense spiritual zeal combined made him a -tremendous preacher. No one doubted that Stephen Olin had the baptism of -the Holy Spirit. - -"In physical stature he was a king of men; above six feet in height, he -had a broad, gigantic frame and a lofty brow that resembled the brow of -Daniel Webster. The congregation of the principal Methodist Church in -Middletown always knew when Dr. Olin was going to preach; for the astral -lamps were moved off the pulpit to prevent their being smashed by the -sweep of his long arms. He was a vehement speaker, and threw his whole -man, from head to foot, into the tide of his impassioned oratory. In the -blending of logical power with heat of spiritual feeling and vigor of -declamation, he was unsurpassed by any American preacher of his time. -His printed discourses read well, but they lack the electricity of the -moment and the man. Thunder and lightning must be heard and seen: they -cannot be transferred to paper. As I recall Olin now (after the lapse of -five and forty years); as I see him again in the full flow of his -majestic eloquence, or when surrounded by his students in the -class-room, I do not wonder that the Middletown boys were ready to pit -him against any president or any preacher on the American soil. There -are old graduates of the University yet living who delight to think of -him and to speak of him, and to assert that - - "'Whoso had beheld him then. - Had felt an awe and admiration without dread; - And might have said, - That sure he seemed to be the king of men. - Less than the greatest that he could not be - Who carried in his port such might and majesty.' - -"In August, 1851, I paid a visit to Professor Smith, whose wife was my -kinswoman, and on my arrival I learned that the President of the -University was dangerously ill. The next morning my host startled me -with the announcement, 'Dr. Olin is dead!' He had fallen at the age of -fifty-four, when he was just in his splendid prime. There was great -mourning for him throughout the whole Methodist realm, for he was a -prince in their Israel, who held an imperial rank above any of his -contemporaries. He took a large life with him when he went home to -heaven; and valuable as were his writings, yet his imposing personality -was greater than any of his published productions." - -Rev. Martin P. Parks, Professor of Mathematics, acted as President of -the College from its opening session, in October, 1832, until Dr. Olin -took the place, March, 1834. He was a minister in North Carolina when -elected professor. He had been educated at the United States Military -Academy at West Point, New York, where mathematics was taught more -thoroughly than at other schools of that day. He was a brilliant -preacher, and on that account he was put forward frequently, like his -contemporaries, Hammett and Maffitt, to advance the enterprises of the -church. Of his administration of the College not much can be said. His -military education had much to do with making the laws exacting and -minute. Rev. Solomon Lea (quoted above) said of Professor Parks: - -"Professor Parks was a great and good man, a fine preacher, was of a -sad, morose temperament, arising, no doubt, mainly from his physical -condition, as he was a great dyspeptic, and the most nervous person I -ever met. He could not bear the crowing of a rooster or the bleating of -a calf; this, together with other considerations, had the tendency to -make him suspicious, cold, and envious, so much so that Dr. Olin -remarked to me that he had to go often once a month to Parks' house, -read a portion of the Bible, and then pray together, and part with -expressions of mutual love and kind feelings. This was often done by Dr. -Olin. Poor Brother Parks, great and good man as he was (for I never -doubted his piety), finally yielded so much to his temperament and -jealous feelings as to resign his position, withdrew from the Methodist -Church, and joined the Episcopalians." - -Professor Landon Cabell Garland, first professor of Natural Philosophy, -Chemistry and Geology, was a native of Nelson county, Va., of which his -father was the clerk. He was born March 24, 1810. At the age of nineteen -he took his degree of A. B. at Hampden-Sidney College, Virginia. -Immediately afterward he was elected to the chair of Chemistry at -Washington College, Lexington, Va., where he continued till October, -1832, when he took charge of the same chair at Randolph-Macon. Bishop -Fitzgerald, in _Eminent Methodists_, says of him: "His change from -Washington College to Randolph-Macon was characteristic of Dr. Garland. -There was more money in the one place, but more usefulness in the other. -He was a Methodist, and he felt that Methodism had a paramount claim to -his services." This was indicated clearly in his letter of acceptance of -the place. Few men ever filled chairs at two colleges at an age just -past twenty-one. This will indicate what estimate was placed on him at -so early an age, and what was proven in this case to have been fully -correct, by his long service of sixty-five years as an educator. Nothing -but a most natural and remarkable modesty prevented him from becoming as -conspicuous as he was well entitled to be, unless it was that he spent -his long life in the South, the Nazareth of the nation, out of which few -"prophets can come," if we judge by _The Cyclopedia of Biography_, which -side-tracks such men as Garland and Duncan, whose names will shine -"forever and ever" when thousands of those given in full, with -portraits, shall have been forgotten, as if they never had lived. - -If a man could be too modest and retiring Dr. Garland was such a man. -Notwithstanding this, he lived to become President of Randolph-Macon -College from 1836, after Dr. Olin left, till 1847, then Professor and -President of the University of Alabama, Professor in the University of -Mississippi, and finally Chancellor of the Vanderbilt University at -Nashville, Tenn. In all these high places he influenced for good -hundreds of young men whose praise is in all the churches and homes of -the land. When he died, in 1895, these multiplied hundreds rose up and -"called him blessed." If Virginia ever gave birth to a man who did more -real service to the manhood of the South, his name and place would be -hard to find. - -Prof. Edward Dromgoole Sims was born in Brunswick county, Va., March 24, -1805. He was the grandson of Rev. Edward Dromgoole, one of the pioneer -Methodist preachers in the State of Virginia, and one of the trustees -appointed by Bishop Asbury for Ebenezer Academy, before referred to as -the first Methodist school of its kind in the State.* He was a man of -talents and great influence, and a member of the original Virginia -Conference. One of his sons, George C. Dromgoole, was a member of -Congress for many years, and was probably the most talented and -influential member of the Virginia delegation in his day. - -* This school was established in 1796, instead of 1786, as the -Records of Brunswick County, recently found, show. - -Prof. Sims took his A. B. degree at the University of North Carolina in -1824, and his A. M. degree in 1827, and was a tutor at that University -for three years. He was a Professor at LaGrange College, Alabama, at the -time he was elected Professor at Randolph-Macon. Like Dr. Olin his -personal appearance was very marked. He was a man of great dignity and -gentlemanly manner, and a most devoted Christian. Though not endowed by -nature with the mental power of others of his associates, he -nevertheless, by industrious application, became a fine scholar and a -model professor. He was the originator of the "English Course" in -colleges, of which more will be said further on. His department embraced -the "Ancient Languages." - -The Preparatory Department was under the control of Rev. Lorenzo Lea, an -A. M. of the University of North Carolina, and a native of North -Carolina. His contemporaries spoke well of him as a man of fine -accomplishments and skill as a teacher. He also had been a tutor at his -_Alma Mater_. - -Thus equipped, Randolph-Macon College entered on its career--a career -full of unforeseen trials and difficulties. It was to a great extent a -new experiment, and the great need of the College, without which few, if -any, have ever lived beyond a sickly existence, that is, a proper -endowment, was a _desideratum_ unprovided for at this time. The funds -on hand and subscriptions did not suffice to supply the buildings -necessary and other outfit. Other colleges of the Methodist Church in -distant States had entered on the same course. They had gone down or -were soon to go down. This one now to be launched, under the good -providence and blessing of God, was to survive the chill of poverty and -the disasters of war--cast down often, but not destroyed. After over a -half-century of struggle it was to anchor in a safe haven. Hope kindly -blinded the eyes of those who launched the ship and prophesied a -prosperous voyage. Faith sowed in tears ofttimes, and after many days -gathered in the precious harvest. It was to be indeed _Alma Mater_ to -many sons, and daughters, too, and a mother of many other Methodist -colleges, blessing every State in the South, some of them surpassing in -outfit and endowment the mother. As a loving mother rejoices with and in -her daughters, so does Randolph-Macon rejoice in the colleges of the -church she has lived to see grow and flourish. - -Before proceeding further, let us look at the location and outfit of the -College at the opening day. - -The first College building erected stood on gently rising ground, one -mile west of the village of Boydton, in the centre of what had been a -race-track. On the north was an "old field," once cultivated, but now -partially covered with pine and broom-sedge, a part seamed with gulleys. -One splendid sweet-gum tree fronted the west wing. On the south there -were small oaks of second growth, just large enough to furnish partial -shade. Outside of the campus further on were thickets on both sides of -the avenue leading to the Clarksville road. The campus contained about -four acres, and was enclosed by a heavy wooden fence. The style of the -building is shown on the opposite page. - -[Illustration: RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE. _Main Building, 1832._] - -The centre building contained the chapel on the north side--a room about -fifty-two feet by thirty-two, with galleries on all sides but one. The -other parts of this building were arranged for lecture-rooms, laboratory -and halls for the literary societies. The wings of the centre building -contained each twenty-four dormitories, each large enough for two -occupants. Until the Professors' houses were built there was not a -dwelling-house nearer than Boydton. Soon after the College was built, an -avenue was opened from it to Boydton, bringing the College building and -the village in sight of each other. Clarksville, a town of some -importance in the tobacco trade, was twelve miles distant. Here was a -bank and mercantile and tobacco houses. - -The country around was such as was usual in the uplands of South-side -Virginia, fairly productive of tobacco and grain. Petersburg was the -nearest town of much size. To this town, about seventy miles away, much -of the products of the country was wagoned over a dirt road, -indifferently good in some seasons and almost impassible in others. The -people around the College were kind and hospitable, representative of -old Virginia in those days, not Methodist particularly in their -persuasion; the more wealthy inclined to the Episcopal Church. There -was an old Methodist Church in Boydton, but after the College was built -the chapel became the worshipping place for the Methodists of the -community. - -The Preparatory School, a building containing two school-rooms, stood -about a mile away from the College. The "Steward's Hall," a two-story -brick building, fronted the College building on the north, intended to -afford board for the students. In "old Virginia" style, this was several -hundred yards distant from the College building. - -The President's house stood about the same distance away. It was a plain -brick building of one story. To the south and southwest other -professors' houses were located, all with a sufficiency of land for -gardens and lawns. - -"The Hotel" was built soon after the College was opened, about a quarter -of a mile to the south, on the Clarksville road. This had about a dozen -rooms in it, and was intended mainly for the boys at the Preparatory -School and to accommodate visitors. - -It will be seen that the Building Committee had much to do before -suitable accommodations could be provided for the professors and -students. That many mistakes were made in this work, and in the location -of the buildings and other matters, was not to be wondered at. They were -the result of inexperience in the men in charge, not of any want of good -intention and effort on their part. When it is considered that all the -lumber for the buildings had to be sawed by the old-fashioned "pit-saw," -and much of the other material had to be wagoned for seventy miles, we -must not wonder that two years were consumed in bringing the buildings -to partial completion. - -As the buildings stood when completed, they were as good as those of any -other college in the State had, and possibly better. The University of -Virginia, opened in 1825, had better and more extensive ones. - -The regular exercises of the College proper commenced on the day -appointed, October 9th, 1832, Prof. M. P. Parks acting as President, in -the absence of President Olin. - -If any account of the opening-day exercises were published it has not -come down to us. The first schedule of expenses was as follows: - - Tuition fee for session of ten months, . . . . $30 00 - Board (meals only), . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 00 - Bedding and washing, . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 00 - Fuel,. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 00 - Lights,. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 00 - Deposit fee, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 00 - Total, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$120 00 - -The first meeting of the Board of Trustees after the opening was held -February 5, 1833. - -At this meeting the following communication from the Georgia Conference -Was received: - -"LAGRANGE, Ga. - -"We feel a deep interest in the success of Randolph-Macon College. We -have full confidence in its moral and literary character and prospects, -and we will recommend it to the patronage of all who may be disposed to -send their sons or wards beyond the limits of the State to be educated. - -"We will appoint four Trustees agreeable to the proposal made by Brother -Early, the Agent of the College, who visited us. Whereupon the -Conference nominated the Rev. Ignatius Few and Rev. Lovick Pierce, -members of the Conference, and Seaborn Jones and John C. Poythress, -Esquires, for that purpose. - -"_Resolved_, That the Trustees of Randolph-Macon College be invited -through their representative, the Rev. John Early, to send an agent, -whenever they may judge it most suitable, to obtain donations within the -Conference in aid of the institution; and that Brother Early be, and he -is hereby, invited to take up contributions. - -"(Signed) JNO. HOWARD, - -"_Sec'y Georgia Conference_." - -The nominees named above were elected Trustees of the College. - -Rev. I. A. Few and Rev. L. Pierce were, by resolution of the Board, -requested to act as agents for the College in the Boards of the Georgia -Conference for securing funds for the College. - -Rev. Robert G. Loving, A. B., was elected assistant teacher in the -Preparatory School. - -Rev. John Early was appointed Agent for the College in the place of Rev. -H. G. Leigh, resigned, and Rev. W. A. Smith was appointed Assistant -Agent in place of Rev. William Hammett who had signified his intention -to resign. - -The salary of President Olin was fixed at $1,500. - -The first report of the Faculty, made through its Secretary, Prof. -Garland, gave the following points of interest: - -Though the session opened under many difficulties and embarrassments, -with buildings not entirely completed, still great satisfaction was -expressed at the success attained, and at the spirit and character of -the students who attended the first term. A number of these were from -the States of North and South Carolina and Georgia. The progress made -in the College course had been marked and satisfactory. The main -drawback had been in some cases a want of preparation for the course. - -The Faculty made a strong appeal for apparatus for the Natural Science -Department and for a library. In response to this appeal, the Board made -an appropriation of $2,600 to the former and $1,000 to the latter. - -The first session closed July 4, 1833. At the close Rev. William M. -Wightman, one of the trustees from South Carolina, delivered the first -literary address before the students and the public, at the request of -the Washington Literary Society. This Society had been organized -February, 1833. As it has been one of the main features of the College, -along with its sister society, the Franklin, it will be interesting to -give the names of its officers and members from the original records: - - _President_, ROBERT T. MARSHALL, Virginia. - _Vice-President_, THOMAS ADAMS, Virginia. - _Secretary_, JOHN G. PARKS, Virginia. - _Treasurer_, ADDISON LEA, North Carolina. - _Collector_, ISAAC C. CROFT, South Carolina. - _Censor_, J. G. BANKS, Virginia. - -_Members_. - - ADAMS, R. E. G., . . . . Va. - BAIRD, CHARLES W., . . . Va. - BLACKWELL, THOMAS, . . . Va. - COLEMAN, J. J., . . . . Va. - GOODE, ROBERT S., . . . Va. - HAMLIN, JOHN F., . . . . Va. - INGRAM, ROBT. M., . . . N. C. - ISBELL, THOMAS M., . . . Va. - JONES, JAMES R., . . . . Va. - JONES, ROBERT T., . . . Va. - PRICE, NATHANIEL S., . . Va. - SOMERVILLE, R. B., . . . N. C. - SMITH, WILLIAM B., . . . Va. - TUCKER, JOHN E., . . . . Va. - WATKINS, J. W.,. . . . . Va. - WILLIAMSON, JAMES J.,. . Va. - WILLIAMS, JAMES M.,. . . Va. - WINFIELD, JOHN O., . . . Va. - WINFIELD, W. S., . . . . Va. - -Immediately after the organization the following were introduced and -made members: - - BLAIN, GEO. W.,. . . . . Va. - BURNEY, JAMES, . . . . . N. C. - CALDWELL, JOHN H., . . . N. C. - CUTLER, ROBERT E., . . . Va. - DORRELL, AUGUSTUS, . . . S. C. - DRINKARD, W. R., . . . . Va. - DU PRE, WARREN,. . . . . S. C. - GAYLE, ALEX. T., . . . . Va. - GUNN, ALLEN M.,. . . . . N. C. - JENNINGS, JONA. B.,. . . S. C. - LYNCH, MONTGOMERY, . . . Va. - OWEN, WASHINGTON A., . . Va. - PERKINS, J. Q. A., . . . N. C. - STEWART, THEO.,. . . . . Ga. - STRATTON, R. B., . . . . Va. - -To this Society was assigned the northeast room on the fourth floor of -the centre building. One of the first acts of the Society was the -formation of a library, which rapidly increased, and in ten years -numbered two thousand volumes. - -Not only did the society rapidly accumulate a library, but the hall was -fitted up with a beautiful rostrum, president's chair, etc. A full -length portrait of Washington was purchased, which to this day is the -chief ornament of the hall. - -Professor Warren Du Pre, class of 1836, one of the original members, who -was a member when this portrait was bought, wrote an account of the -inauguration of it to the author, which is worthy of preservation. - - -"MARTHA WASHINGTON COLLEGE, - -"ABINGDON, VA., _May 30 1877_. - -"MY DEAR OLD COLLEGE FRIEND: I have forgotten the name of the artist, a -rising young man in New York, who copied it from a painting belonging to -a wealthy gentleman of that city. Dr. Olin was on a visit to New York, -and we put the matter in his hands. The artist was very highly -recommended to him by good judges. His price was $600, but when -informed by Dr. Olin that it was for a college literary society, he -agreed to deduct one half. The frame, I think, cost $60, and freight -about $20, making a total of $380. - -"Dr. Olin scolded us for our extravagance, but when the portrait was -finished, moderated his wrath. The amount was raised by subscription, -altogether, among the members of the society--we numbered then over -sixty members, as well as I can recollect. I. C. Croft and myself were -on the committee, with one other, probably, J. O. Wingfield. - -"When the portrait arrived and was placed in the hall, old John -Blackwell, with his _horse-collar_ legs (as Croft called them) was -appointed to unveil it and make a speech. This he did in his peculiar -style; and I think Old George was pleased with the eulogy delivered on -him. - -"Yours truly, - -"WARREN DU PRE." - -Rev. John Early, who had been appointed to visit the Baltimore Annual -Conference of the M. E. Church, reported to the Board that the -Conference had declined to cooperate in the College enterprise, with -kind expressions of interest in it. Dickinson College had recently been -made a Methodist College, and the Conference preferred to patronize -that, it being more accessible to their people. - -The charter of the College having been amended, so that a president of -the Board could be elected by that body, Rev. John Early was elected -President. - -The following resolution was unanimously adopted by the Board: - -"The Board take great pleasure in giving a cordial expression of their -thanks to the Faculty of this institution for the very able and faithful -manner in which they have discharged the duties of their several -stations. We consider them as having acted on the great principles on -which the College was founded, and upon the continuance of which its -prosperity in the future depends; and we have full confidence in their -ability and disposition to support these principles in their future -administration, and they are therefore worthy of the same confidence -from the numerous friends and patrons of the College and the warm -affection of the young gentlemen who may be placed under their care. - -"It is the pleasure of the Board that these resolutions be read to the -students of the College." - -The second session of the College opened September 4, 1833, under -favorable circumstances. A laboratory and library had been purchased, -and the latter had been increased by donations. Bishop J. O. Andrew had -donated forty-three volumes, and Judge A. B. Longstreet thirty. - -A few days after the session opened another literary society was formed. -It was first styled the Union Literary Society, but on the 7th of -September, at the next meeting, the name was changed to Franklin. At the -organization George Stewart, of Georgia, presided, and William C. -Knight, of Virginia, acted as secretary. The following constituted its -first regular organization: - - _President_, JAMES L. BROWN, Virginia. - _Vice-President_, JOHN A. TALLEY, Virginia. - _Secretary_, GEORGE STEWART, Georgia. - _Treasurer_, THOMAS S. JACOCKS, North Carolina. - _Collector_, JOSEPH B. PANNILL, Virginia. - _Censor_, FRANCIS W. BOYD, Virginia. - -_Members_. - - BATTE, W. C.,. . . . . . Va. - BETTS, WILLIAM S., . . . Va. - BLAKE, CHARLES H., . . . Va. - BLAND, WILLIAM R., . . . Va. - BLUNT, WALTER F.,. . . . Va. - BOISSEAU, GEORGE F., . . Va. - CARROLL, JAMES . . . . . Va. - CLAIBORNE, FIELD,. . . . Va. - CLEGG, BAXTER, . . . . . N. C. - CLEMMONS, JUNIUS L., . . N. C. - DAVIS, ARTHUR, . . . . . Va. - DORTCH, ISAAC F.,. . . . N. C. - DRINKARD, WILLIAM R.,. . Va. - EVANS, AUGUSTUS C.,. . . N. C. - HICKS, BENJAMIN L.,. . . Va. - HITE, BENJAMIN W., . . . Va. - JEFFRESS, LUTHER C., . . Va. - JONES, ALBERT C.,. . . . Va. - JONES, AMOS W.,. . . . . N. C. - JONES, JOHN J.,. . . . . N. C. - JONES, JOSEPH S.,. . . . N. C. - KNIGHT, WILLIAM C.,. . . Va. - MULLEN, FRANCES N.,. . . N. C. - OLDS, LEWIS P.,. . . . . N. C. - PERKINS, NATHAN, . . . . N. C. - ROSE, GARLAND, . . . . . Va. - STEDMAN, EDWARD, . . . . N. C. - STOCKWELL, JOHN M.,. . . Va. - TILLETT, JOHN, . . . . . N. C. - WILLIAMS, SOLOMON P.,. . N. C. - -[Illustration: [Uncaptioned portrait of William C. Knight, inscribed -"Yours truly, W.C. Knight."]] - -The Franklin Hall was immediately under the Washington, on the third -story. The rivalry between these societies was from the first strong, -but regulated by conventional rules. The membership took in every -student in the College at the beginning and for many years afterwards. -There was only one from Georgia for many years a member of the -Washington Society, and no one from South Carolina was ever a member of -the Franklin. Students from the other States were divided about -equally. Robert E. Cutler, of Virginia, gave tone to the oratorical -style of the Washington, and William F. Samford, of Georgia, to the -Franklin. The difference was thought to be observable for thirty years, -until the year the societies were temporarily disbanded. - -No catalogue of students was published in the early years of the -College. The only publication made was "_The Charter and Laws of -Randolph-Macon College, with the Names of the Trustees and Faculty, and -the Course of Studies_. Richmond: Printed by Nesbitt & Walker. 1833." -This prescribed four courses in the College, viz., Languages (Latin and -Greek), Mathematics, Natural Science, and Ethics. Upon the completion of -these four courses the degree of _Bachelor of Arts_ was conferred by the -Trustees, on the recommendation of the Faculty. No A. M. degree course -was prescribed, but all A. B. men could claim A. M. degrees who could -show that they had continued their studies or pursued courses of -professional study for three years. - -Dr. Stephen Olin, president-elect, gave up his place at Franklin -College, Georgia, December, 1833, and made his preparations to take the -presidency at Randolph-Macon. Of this move he wrote Bishop I. O. Andrew: - -"Upon the whole, I trust the hand of God is in these indications, and -that our church will see and obey it. My vocation may have given a wrong -bias to my views, but I must regard the subject of education as the -highest after the living ministry; nor do I believe it possible for our -church to maintain its ground, to say nothing of its fulfilling its high -obligation to Christ and the world, without a great and immediate -reformation. I was never so convinced that we must educate our own youth -in our own schools, and there is no work to which I so desire to -consecrate myself." On his way to Virginia he visited the South Carolina -Conference at Charleston. Here he ably advocated the College and -secured a pledge from the Conference to endow a professorship, the first -we hear of endowment. The whole journey was made in his private -carriage, his wife accompanying him. To her he dictated his "Inaugural -Address," which she wrote out. Reaching the College after a long and -tedious journey, he delivered the address in the College chapel. This -address produced a profound impression on those who heard and on those -who read it. It was published in the journals of the day, and was highly -praised. Governor Tazewell said he had "never heard or read any similar -address of equal ability so well suited to such an occasion." It is well -worthy of republication in this history, but space will not permit. To -show its chief point, the following extracts are given: - -"In proportion as virtue is more valuable than knowledge, pure and -enlightened morality will be regarded by every considerate father the -highest recommendation of a literary institution. The youth is withdrawn -from the salutary restraints of parental influence and authority and -committed to other guardians at a time of life most decisive of his -prospects and destinies. The period devoted to education usually -impresses its own character upon all his future history. Vigilant -supervision, employment and seclusion from all facilities and -temptations to vice are the ordinary and essential securities which -every institution of learning is bound to provide for the sacred -interests which are committed to its charge. But safeguards and negative -provisions are not sufficient. The tendencies of our nature are -retrograde, and they call for the interposition of positive remedial -influences. The most perfect human society speedily degenerates if the -active agencies which were employed in its elevation are once withdrawn -or suspended. What, then, can be expected of inexperienced youth sent -forth from the atmosphere of domestic piety and left to the single -support of its own untested and unsettled principles in the midst of -circumstances which often prove fatal to the most practiced virtue! I -frankly confess that I see no safety but in the preaching of the cross -and in a clear and unfaltering exhibition of the doctrines and sanctions -of Christianity.... Christianity is our birthright. It is the richest -inheritance bequeathed us by our noble fathers. Are the guardians of -public education alone 'halting between two opinions'? Do they think -that, in fact and for practical purposes, the truth of Christianity is -still a debatable question? Is it still a question whether the -generations yet to rise up and occupy the wide domain of this great -empire, to be representatives of our name, our freedom, and our glory -before the nations of the earth, shall be a Christian or infidel people? -Can wise and practical men, who are engaged in rearing up a temple of -learning to form the character and destinies of their posterity, for a -moment hesitate to make 'Jesus Christ the chief corner-stone'?" - -When President Olin took charge of the College he found the system of -departments somewhat elective. This was changed on his recommendation, -to a curriculum of four classes, by the unanimous vote of the Faculty. - -At the annual meeting of the Board, June, 1834, an additional college -building was ordered to be built, a four story brick one, to contain -thirty-two dormitories, adjacent to the main building. This was to -supply rooms for the increased number of students. - -The salaries of full professors was fixed at $1,000. The following -resolution was adopted: - -"That whereas the South Carolina and Georgia Conferences have manifested -a deep interest in the permanent establishment of Randolph-Macon College -by each agreeing to raise a sum sufficient to endow a professorship, and -in consideration of which professorships they ask the privilege of -sending, perpetually, the former Conference five and the latter seven -students, to be educated free of tuition fees; and whereas we highly -appreciate the generous spirit of said Conferences, therefore we hereby -agree to receive ten from each of these Conferences free of tuition -fees." - -As further evidence of the interest felt by these Conferences, it was -noted that Rev. W. M. Wightman, of South Carolina, and Dr. Lovick Pierce -and Mr. E. Sinclair, of Georgia, attended the meeting of the Board at -this session. - -At the annual meeting held June, 1835, Professor E. D. Sims was granted -leave to visit Europe to prosecute the study of Modern Languages, and -particularly Anglo-Saxon and Gothic, preparatory to the more thorough -teaching of the English language. This, so far as we know, was the first -move made by any college in America, and marks an epoch in that -department. Prof. J. B. Henneman, in the _Sewanee Review_, in a sketch -of the teaching of English, in American colleges, gives the credit of -inaugurating the English course to Randolph-Macon College. - -A distinct and special effort was made at this meeting of the Board to -endow a professorship, and the President of the Board made a -subscription towards it of two hundred dollars. This was to be called -the Virginia Conference Scholarship. - -To fill the vacancy caused by Prof. Sims' absence in Europe, Rev. George -F. Pierce, of Georgia, was elected Professor of Languages. - -[Illustration: JOHN C. BLACKWELL, D. D., (A. B. 1835).] - -At this commencement the first degree of A. B. was conferred. The -recipient was John C. Blackwell, of Lunenburg county. He was a typical -alumnus, the leader of a great host that followed him, who lived to -bless the world by their example and teaching. Beginning his active life -after graduation as a tutor in Randolph-Macon College, he continued to -teach until he became enfeebled by age. He founded the "Hinton Hill -Academy" in his native county, and taught there for nine years. He was -then, in 1848, elected President of the "Buckingham Female Institute," a -school for girls, founded by the Virginia Annual Conference, one of the -best, as it was the first, built by the church, in the State. He was, -after this school was broken up by the war, made President of the -Petersburg Female College. This, too, was broken up by the war. After -the war he was elected Professor of Chemistry in Randolph-Macon College, -just prior to the removal of the College to Ashland. He closed a long -and useful life as President of the "Danville School for Young Ladies." -During all his active life he was a local minister of the Methodist -Episcopal church, and preached as he had opportunity. He received the -degree of Doctor of Divinity from his Alma Mater. The number of young -people brought into the church through his instruinentality have been -counted by the hundred. The first to receive a degree, he was the first -alumnus to have a son and a grandson to receive the same. He died -February 1, 1885. He was elected tutor in the College June, 1835. - -Changes had occurred during the year. Fisher A. Foster had been elected -Principal of the Preparatory School in place of Lorenzo Lea. Rev. Jno. -A. Miller and Rev. John Kerr had been elected assistant agents in place -of Rev. W. A. Smith and Rev. Thos. Crowder. The Treasurer, John W. -Lewis, had died during the year: Beverly Sydnor was elected in his -place. Bishop J. O. Andrew was elected a Trustee in place of Major -Speer, of South Carolina: Hugh A. Harland in place of J. W. Lewis, -deceased, and M. M. Dance in place of Green Penn, resigned. - -COLLEGE YEAR 1835-1836 - -This year was successful under the guidance of President Olin, who was -still in feeble health. - -[Illustration: REV. ALFRED T. MANN, A. B., D. D. _An Effective Minister -in the Georgia Conference Sixty Years Ago._] - -Prof. M. P. Parks resigned at the close of the session; Prof. Garland -was transferred from the chair of Natural Science to fill the vacancy -thus made. Robert Tolfree, of New York, took Prof. Garland's chair. Rev. -Mr. Tomlinson was elected to the chair of English Literature. - -The degree of A. B. was conferred June, 1836, on the following -graduates: John O. Winfield, Virginia; Addison Lea, North Carolina; -Robert S. Goode, Virginia; Charles W. Baird, Virginia; Alfred T. Mann, -Georgia; Thomas M. Isbell, Virginia. - -So feeble had the health of Dr. Olin become that he asked, in June, -1836, leave of absence to visit Europe, which was granted with great -reluctance by the Board. - -The following quotation from the _Life and Letters of President Olin_ is -given as a closing reference to his presidency. He saw the College for -the last time March, 1837: - -"The last Commencement at which Dr. Olin presided during his connection -with Randolph-Macon College was in June, 1836.... - -"The conviction grew upon him, from many unmistakable indications, that -his health must rapidly break up, unless a year or two of retirement -from intellectual labor and all kinds of mental excitement, and devoted -to foreign travel, should, under the blessing of God, restore him. The -return of cool weather in the autumn and approaching winter failed to -recruit his shattered nerves or restore his health. His course was then -at once decided on. After making several ineffectual efforts to have his -place supplied, he consented, at the earnest wish of the Board of -Trustees, to retain at least a formal connection with the College while -in Europe, leaving the future, then so uncertain, open to the -indications of Providence. To supply the vacancy in the Faculty, an -additional officer was elected, and Professor Garland was appointed -chairman of the Faculty and president _pro tempore_.... - -"The day of his departure came. His last interview with the Faculty was -very touching. He was too feeble to sit up, but, reclining on a couch, -he spent some half-hour in conversation respecting the affairs of the -College. He felt satisfied, from the lengthened experiment he had made, -that there was little or no hope of his being able to do efficient labor -in a Southern climate, even though his health might be improved somewhat -by his contemplated voyage. Although the Board of Trustees had declined -to accept his resignation, and had given him as long a furlough as the -exigencies of his health might require, yet he was persuaded that the -time of his final departure from Randolph-Macon had come. It was very -doubtful whether he should ever again see the face of any of his -colleagues. His parting words had all the tenderness and dignity of a -Christian who bowed with uncomplaining submission to the will of God--of -a philosopher who looked calmly at the future, whatever its developments -might be, whether bright or dark--of a friend who was about to carry -with him the warm attachments of a heart alive to every generous -sentiment and affectionate impulse. At the close of the interview his -brother officers, with moistened eyes, knelt around his couch, and -Professor Wightman, at his request, offered up a fervent prayer to the -throne of the heavenly mercy, that God would graciously preserve in his -holy keeping the life of their brother and friend, restore his health, -and bring him back to his native land, prepared for greater usefulness -than ever to the church and cause of Christ. - -"At the close of this affecting interview the doctor was supported to -his carriage, and left the College, never to see it again. His -presidency had been a brief but brilliant period in its fortunes. He had -manifested the highest adaptation to the responsible office which he -held there. His unrivaled judgment, his shining talents, his far-seeing -sagacity, his prudence in administration and firmness in government, his -masterly grasp of influence, wielded for the highest good of the young -men who came from far and near, attracted by the prestige of his name, -his genuine love of learning, and enthusiasm in communicating knowledge, -formed a combination of great qualities very rarely met with in men of -even the highest reputation. No student or graduate of the College who -enjoyed the benefits of a personal acquaintance with Dr. Olin will think -the foregoing estimate of his worth as a presiding officer strained or -overstated in the least particular." - -Professor Hardy, of La Grange College, Alabama, who was a student at -Randolph-Macon College during Dr. Olin's administration, has retained -the following distinct remembrances of him: - -"Dr. Olin left the College of Randolph-Macon in the spring of 1837, a -few months before the class of which I was a member took their first -degree. We waited on him in a body, and asked him to put his signature -to our diplomas, for we cherished for him a filial affection, and felt -that his name was indispensable. Many youthful hearts were sad the day -he left the College for his European tour. The students met in chapel, -adopted appropriate resolutions, and appointed two of their number to -attend him to the railroad, a distance of sixty miles. He was worn down -by disease, and we had no expectation of seeing his face again. He rode -in his carriage on a bed, and preferred to go with no one attending him -save his faithful, devoted wife. We bade him farewell, as children shake -the hand of their dying father, and we saw him no more." - -This was the marked event in the history of the College for the fifth -year, 1836-'37. - -Professor L. C. Garland was made President _pro tempore_. Rev. Mr. -Tomlinson having declined to accept the chair of English Literature, -Rev. William M. Wightman was elected to it, and accepted it. Professor -David Duncan was elected Professor of Languages in place of Rev. Geo. F. -Pierce who had declined to accept it. - -[Illustration: REV. W.M. WIGHTMAN, D. D.] - -Professor William M. Wightman was an alumnus of Charleston College, -South Carolina, and a member of the South Carolina Conference. He took -the chair of English Literature and Rhetoric which Professor E. D. Sims -was expected to fill after his return from Europe. He was a man of -decided talent and culture, and was in the prime of life, and well -fitted for the work assigned him. He remained until Professor Sims -returned from Europe, and then returned to South Carolina. He filled -other very important and prominent positions in after years, viz.: The -editor's chair of the _South Carolina Christian Advocate_, the -Presidency of Wofford College, Spartanburg, S. C., and the Southern -University, Greensboro, Ala. While at the latter he was elected, in -1866, Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in which office -he served till his death, February 15, 1882. He received the degree of -D. D. from Randolph-Macon College. - -[Illustration: PROFESSOR DAVID DUNCAN, A. M.] - -Professor David Duncan was a native of Ireland, and a graduate of -Glasgow University, Scotland. At the time of his election to the chair -of Ancient Languages he was conducting a flourishing classical school in -the city of Norfolk, Va. The whole of an extended manhood was spent in -teaching, the prime of it from 1837 to 1857. To his high scholarship was -added a singularly genuine character and gentlemanly and genial -deportment, which made him acceptable to his associates and popular with -his classes. He was brimming full always with wit and humor. He was the -father of Rev. J. A. Duncan, D. D., President of Randolph-Macon College, -1868-1877 and Bishop W. W. Duncan of the Methodist Episcopal Church, -South. He died at Wofford College, where he was Professor of Ancient -Languages, in 1881. - -The year 1836-'37 was marked by the first report of the raising of a -considerable instalment of the proposed Virginia Conference endowment of -a Professorship. Rev. Jno. Early reported eighty-seven subscribers of -two hundred dollars each, making $17,400. It was also a prosperous and -satisfactory year in College work. The report of the Faculty made to the -Trustees referred with emphasis to the good deportment and studiousness -which had characterized the student body during the closing session. -Their report also for the first time indicated the distinctions in the -graduating class, which were as follows: - - 1. JAMES W. HARDY, . . . . . . . . . . Georgia. - 2. FRANCIS N. MULLEN,. . . . . . . . . North Carolina. - 3. JUNIUS L. CLEMONS,. . . . . . . . . North Carolina. - 4. LEWIS W. CABELL,. . . . . . . . . . Virginia. - 5. ROBERT M. INGRAM, . . . . . . . . . Virginia. - 6. WARREN DU PRE,. . . . . . . . . . . South Carolina. - ADAMS, RICHARD E. G., . . . . . . . Virginia. - BEARD, CLOUGH S., . . . . . . . . . South Carolina. - BLAIN, GEORGE W., . . . . . . . . . Virginia. - CROFT, ISAAC C.,. . . . . . . . . . South Carolina - GEE, JESSE, . . . . . . . . . . . . Virginia. - HORSELEY, WILLIAM A., . . . . . . . Virginia. - MONTGOMERY, HENRY T., . . . . . . . Virginia. - SAMFORD, WILLIAM F.,. . . . . . . . Georgia. - STEWART, THEOPHILUS,. . . . . . . . Georgia. - WILLIAMSON, JAMES J., . . . . . . . Virginia. - -In all sixteen. - -The first-honor man pronounced the Valedictory Address; the second-honor -man, the Latin Salutatory; the third, the Philosophical. - -[Illustration: PROFESSOR WARREN DU PRE, A. M. _Tutor at Randolph-Macon -College; Professor at Wofford College, South Carolina; President Martha -Washington Female College, Virginia._] - -COLLEGE YEAR 1837-'38. - -This year, under the presidency of Professor Landon C. Garland, acting -president, the college made good progress. In the annual report of the -Faculty made to the Trustees June, 1838, they say: "The past year has -been one of peculiar interest and pleasure on account of the highly -respectable conduct and praiseworthy diligence of the students -generally, the number of whom has amounted to one hundred and ten in the -College, and over fifty in the Preparatory School." - -On the recommendation of the Faculty the following degrees were -conferred, viz.: - -_Bachelor of Arts_. - - 1. JOHN T. BRAME, . . . . . . . . . . . North Carolina. - 2. EDWARD H. MYERS, . . . . . . . . . . Florida. - 3. JAMES R. THOMAS, . . . . . . . . . . Georgia. - 4. EZEKIEL A. BLANCH, . . . . . . . . . Virginia. - 5. JOHN W. LEAK,. . . . . . . . . . . . North Carolina. - 6. FRANCIS A. CONNOR, . . . . . . . . . South Carolina. - BAXTER CLEGG,. . . . . . . . . . . . North Carolina. - GEORGE F. EPPES, . . . . . . . . . . South Carolina. - JAMES M. FITTS,. . . . . . . . . . . North Carolina, - CHRIS. D. HILL,. . . . . . . . . . . North Carolina. - THOS. J. KOGER,. . . . . . . . . . . South Carolina. - HENRY E. LOCKETT,. . . . . . . . . . Virginia. - JOHN A. ORGAIN,. . . . . . . . . . . Virginia. - THOS. B. RUSSELL,. . . . . . . . . . South Carolina. - JAMES R. WASHINGTON, . . . . . . . . North Carolina. - JAMES. W. WIGHTMAN,. . . . . . . . . South Carolina. - -_Master of Arts: (Honorary)_. - - REV. GEORGE F. PIERCE, . . . . . . . Georgia. - PROF. DAVID DUNCAN,. . . . . . . . . Virginia. - GABRIEL P. DISOSWAY, . . . . . . . . New York. - -_Doctor of Divinity_. - - REV. THOMAS JACKSON, . . . . . . . . England. - -Steps were taken by the Board to endow the fourth professorship in the -College. - -[Illustration: REV. JAMES R. THOMAS, LL. D., _President Emory College, -Georgia._] - -Rev. John Early, agent, reported that further efforts to endow a -professorship by the Georgia Conference would be suspended, that -Conference having resolved to establish a College in its bounds. The -amount reported as raised on said endowment was $16,000. He also -reported the amount of endowment raised in Virginia as $20,000. - -At this meeting we have reported the first intimation of financial -embarrassment in the affairs of the College. Notwithstanding this the -salaries of the full professors were raised to $1200 per year. The -acting president, Landon C. Garland, was appointed to prepare an address -on the pecuniary condition of the College, the same to be published in -the papers. - -Professor E. D. Sims having returned from Europe, Rev. William M. -Wightman, Professor of English Literature, tendered his resignation, -which was received with complimentary resolutions to him for his -efficient services. Prof. Wightman returned to his native State, South -Carolina, and to the itinerant ministry. The Faculty as reorganized for -the session of 1838-'39 was as follows, viz.: - - LANDON C. GARLAND, A. M., Professor of Mathematics, and Acting - President. - EDWARD D. SIMS, A. M., Professor of English Literature and Oriental - Language. - DAVID DUNCAN, A. M., Professor of Ancient Languages. - JAMES W. HARDY, A. B., Professor of Experimental Sciences. - EZEKIEL A. BLANCH, A. B., Tutor. - SOLOMON LEA, A. M., Principal of Preparatory School. - -This college year was marked by the first serious rupture between the -Faculty and the students. The occasion was a requirement made on the -Senior Class to attend a recitation on the "Evidences of Christianity" -on Monday morning before breakfast. The result was the leaving of a -number of students involved in the contest. - -At the close of the year, June, 1839, the annual report of the Faculty -made to the Board gave the following item: "The affairs of the College -for the session have proceeded with tolerable prosperity and quietness." -The following were recommended for the degree of A. B., June, 1839, and -the same received it: - - AMOS W. JONES, . . . . . . . . . North Carolina. - CHARLES W. BURNLEY,. . . . . . . Virginia. - JOSIAH F. ASKEW, . . . . . . . . Georgia. - THOMAS H. GARNETT, . . . . . . . Virginia. - JAMES F. SMITH,. . . . . . . . . South Carolina. - WILLIAM H. BATTE,. . . . . . . . Virginia. - -[Illustration: REV. A.W. JONES, D. D., _For fifty years President of the -Memphis Conf. Female College._] - -The resignation of President Stephen Olin, tendered in 1836, was -accepted at the meeting of the Board, all hope of his returning to the -College having been abandoned. Prof. Landon C. Garland was then elected -by unanimous vote President, and he accepted the office. Prof. David -Duncan was elected rector of the Preparatory School, and Amos W. Jones, -A. B., principal. William L. Harris was elected a tutor of the lower -classes in languages. - -[Illustration: LANDON CABELL GARLAND, LL. D.] - -On motion of Rev. John Early, the following resolution was adopted: -"That, as soon as practicable, the trustees of Randolph-Macon College -will establish a Normal School as a department in the College, in which -a good and liberal education can be obtained, and which, in its -organization, shall be especially fitted to educate students for -common-school teachers, and that the Professor of English Literature be -the rector of said school." - -This action of the Board, showing such remarkable foresight and wisdom, -ought to be emphasized. So far as the State of Virginia is concerned, it -is believed to have been the first move in the establishment of a normal -department for fitting teachers for their special work. Many years -afterward (1884) the State established such a school. The first -established in the United States was in the year 1839. This important -move was never fully and specifically carried into operation, for the -same reason which forbade other projects of the Board--that is, want of -means. - -Another important step taken at this meeting was the action in regard to -the issue of scholarships. At the previous annual meeting a resolution -was adopted providing that any person paying $600 into the treasury of -Randolph-Macon College shall be entitled to send one student free of -tuition fees so long as he shall live or have a son to educate; and any -minister who shall collect and pay into the treasury a like sum shall be -entitled to the like privilege. At the meeting in 1839 this action was -rescinded, and the following was enacted: - -On motion of John Early, - -"_Resolved_, That any person who shall pay into the hands of the -treasurer five hundred dollars, or any minister who shall collect and -pay into the hands of the treasurer five hundred dollars, shall be -entitled to a scholarship in Randolph-Macon College in perpetuity, and -all persons who have agreed to take scholarships at $600 shall be -entitled to the benefit of this resolution. - -"_Resolved_, That any person who shall secure by bond or otherwise five -hundred dollars, the principal of which shall be paid within five years, -and who shall pay the interest semi-annually, shall be entitled to a -scholarship in perpetuity, but the certificate of scholarship shall not -be issued until the principal is paid." - -This was an unfortunate move, because it never brought into the treasury -the amount it was expected to bring--not exceeding eight thousand -dollars. The evident intention that such scholarship should be -considered as an "heir-loom" in the family was in the years after the -war, never before, violated, and parties bought them on speculation, -getting money-rent for them, when such a course was never contemplated. -When they were issued, fees were $33 per session. Since the war fees -have been $75. - -My readers will pardon me for here giving some personal recollections, -inasmuch as it was in 1839 I matriculated as a student of the College. - -Mounted on my black filly, I, with several from my native county, -Nottoway, made the journey of forty miles to Boydton, where we were -guests of Col. George Rodgers, who then kept the Boydton Hotel. He was -then, and for years afterwards, a great friend and liberal benefactor to -the College. - -The next morning I saw the belfry of the College in the distance for the -first time. The same day I took up my abode in "Texas," a portion of the -western building, so-called. To a boy not quite fourteen, the -experiences of matriculation, examination for entrance, and for the -first time coming into contact with young men from distant States, can -never be forgotten. "Hazing" was then unknown, though it was not -uncommon for some of the "green ones" to have a little fun poked at -them. - -We had four classes: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior. To the -"Fresh," the "Seniors" looked very dignified, and the latter usually -felt their dignity, but generally bore it gracefully. The Seniors and -Juniors generally did most of the debating in the Society Halls, and -generally dealt most in "Calico." - -The student body at this time was composed very largely of men from -States south of Virginia, the Senior class of that year having been -wholly from South Carolina and Georgia. - -At this session Professor Landon C. Garland was inaugurated a full -President, after having acted as such since Dr. Olin left for Europe. We -looked up to him with marked reverence, though he was not quite thirty -years old. It was his dignity of character which caused us to do this. -Few men ever possessed more than he. No man ever trifled in President -Garland's lecture-room. The rules of discipline were felt rather than -seen. His familiar designation was "Old Landon." - -President Sims was much like President Garland in his official character -and conduct. He was a high man in person and every way. Thoroughly -imbued with the love of his native English, he threw his heart and mind -into his teaching. Unable to get text-books in Anglo-Saxon, he wrote the -elementary exercises on the blackboard. Some of these are remembered to -this day. We did not realize nor appreciate the fact that our classes -were the first in a course which is now magnified in all the colleges -and universities in the land. - -Professor Duncan was the genial, humor-loving Irishman. His shillalah -was ever ready for any exposed head, but he had no murderous intent, and -did not mind when the subject hit back, but rather enjoyed a repartee. -A broad smile always foretold his sally of wit, and sometimes it was so -slow coming that the victim would have time to "cut." Dear, dear "Old -Pad," as we called him, it was hard to say whether he enjoyed most his -fun with the boys or his ancient languages, with the love of which he -seemed to be fully saturated. A kinder heart never beat in human frame. - -"Old Jim" (Hardy) presided in the Laboratory on the third story. He was -a third-story man every way. Though a young man, and the first alumnus -of the College made a full professor, his manner was austere, and hence -he had but little popularity with the students. Some excuse for his so -appearing was due to the fact that he had to study hard to keep up with -the expectations of his classes. - -"Old Zeke" (Blanch) our tutor in mathematics, was a fine instructor and -bright every way. He, too, was fond of humor when out of his -lecture-room, but very strict while in it. - -Oh! for a Dickens to picture Tutor Harris. Pardon me for taking up more -room with him than is given all the rest. But such a character is not -often found, and deserves the space he takes. - -My first classical instructor was one of the tutors. He was the first -Virginia University man ever elected to fill a chair at the old College. -Deeply imbued with a love for his subjects, he looked upon the ancient -languages as having, potatoe-like, the best parts at the root. The -"particle" was his especial delight. So much absorbed was he in -discoursing on it, that he was not particular whether his pupils -listened or not. They might go to sleep or do anything, so they did not -break the thread of his lecture. It was amazing to see how many learned -authorities in the shape of books he would daily lug to the room. -Doubtless this digging at the root was very deep and thorough--too much -so for the average "fresh." Some of the most scholarly appreciated the -exercise, or pretended to do so. To the latter the tutor mainly directed -his attention. - -Not only did the tutor pursue this absorbing search indoors, but it -seemed to monopolize all his thoughts, even while going to his meals and -returning. It made him oblivious to all else for the time being. He -would, while thus absorbed in thought, kick a chip before him for a -mile, and would not recognize the best friend he might meet in the way. -All he asked then was the full "right of way." - -His abstraction or absent-mindedness was exhibited in many ways. Some -mischief-lover barred up his door one morning and thus made him tardy at -recitation hour, which gave occasion to the boys to "cut"--that is, -leave and miss recitation. He went to the President and said, "Sir! is -there any way to have a young man up, when you don't know who he is?" -The President was a great mathematician, but he could not solve that -problem. - -"Sheep-ear" collars were in fashion in those days, just the reverse of -those now or lately fashionable--I mean those with turned-down points -and rising high at the back of the neck, making one look like he had on -a mustard-plaster. The "sheep-ear" collars had points with acutest -angles, which came up to the corners of a man's mouth. When starched and -stiffened they looked as if great danger would be incurred by a sudden -turn of the head. Now just picture to yourself a sober-looking man -coming into a parlor in the morning with these "sheep-ears" pointing to -the back of the neck instead of to the front, and you will realize how -very peculiar the tutor looked one morning when he came down. This I was -eye-witness of, and if I laughed I hope no one will accuse me of want of -due respect. It could not be helped, certainly by one who has been known -to enjoy a hearty spell at times. - -The tutor was by no means a _pharisee_ in spirit, for he was one of the -"meek of the earth." But his inveterate habit made him liable to be -pronounced as pharisaic. When officiating at public prayers in the -chapel he would sometimes forget that after prayer came recitation or -lecture and then breakfast, and his prayer would seem to be -interminable. Knowing his absence of mind, one morning while thus -engaged some good-intentioned or irreverent fellow prompted him by a -hearty _amen!_ This brought the prayer to a speedy conclusion, but the -tutor was highly displeased--so much so that he sent for the most -mischievous one of the auditors, whom he naturally charged with the -offence, and said to him, "Mr. Blaze, I have sent for you, sir! to say -to you that _you shan't say amen_ to my prayers." - -The tutor was very economical--some would say, penurious. Not so. He was -generous and warm-hearted--as much so as an old bachelor could be. A -true Christian, he felt it to be his duty to save every dime he could, -that he might have the more to meet the demands of charity. This -conviction caused him to discard pins as extravagant. In his room would -be seen what Adam and Eve used when their first garments were donned, to -furnish which conveniently he kept a thorn bush hung up behind his door. -This he kept up until he was convinced that the damage thus caused to -one's collar exceeded the cost of pins. - -Candles being expensive, he thought the twilight sufficient to enable -him to make up his morning toilet. This economy, combined with his other -besetting habit, got him into a most ludicrous scrape. It happened thus: -In writing out his voluminous notes he used many quill pens, which from -time to time accumulated on his table. He took these--quite a -number--one night, just before retiring, and washed them in his bowl, -leaving the water in the bowl very much the color of the _blue_ ink he -was wont to use. The next morning in the dimness of twilight he failed -to observe this discolored fluid when he went to perform his ablutions; -when he finished he was blue--yes, very blue. Not taking time to look -into his glass, he went to the chapel and took his place on the rostrum -ready to officiate at the appointed hour, wholly unconscious of the very -remarkable visage he wore, and thus unprepared for the scene which was -to follow. - -As the boys dropped in each one would stop, and look, and wonder, and -then break out into most uproarious laughter, as perfectly -uncontrollable as a storm in its fury. There was no use to attempt to be -devout that morning. How the tutor got through with the reading and the -prayer I can't say, but I fear he was not in a very devotional mood -himself. How could he be when every one was laughing, while he could not -see what was making them laugh. He was utterly disgusted with such -rudeness and irreverence. - -But he did get through. When some one informed him of his cadaverous -appearance, he suddenly recollected the blue pens he had washed in his -bowl. Then it was his turn to laugh, and laugh he did with a vim. - -But lest I weary you, I will here conclude this reminiscence of the -olden times by saying that with all the oddities of this old tutor I -still cherish the highest respect for his character as a good and deeply -pious man. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." I -doubt not that he will be of that number in the great day when the -jewels are counted. - -[Illustration: PROF. DAVID S. DOGGETT, A. M.] - -These made the Faculty of 1839-1842. In the latter year Rev. David S. -Doggett succeeded Professor Sims in the English course. He was an -eloquent preacher, in the prime of life, a diligent student, and -dignified in his deportment. The pulpit was his place of power, and he -did not remain long away from it. He was afterwards a Bishop in the -church, after having served the church as editor of the _Methodist -Review_ for a number of years. - -So much for the professors and tutors. What of the students under them? -Taking the men who received degrees during the five years 1840-1844, it -is pleasant, though it may seem invidious, to mention a part where it is -not possible to name all. - -The first name in the roll of his class (1840), and the first in honor, -David Clopton, of Georgia, made his mark at College, and his after life -was what his college life predicted. - -He represented the Montgomery (Alabama) District in the United States -Congress prior to the war, and the same district in the Confederate -States Congress. Afterwards he served for many years as Associate -Justice of the Supreme Court of Alabama. He was also very prominent in -the church. - -James F. Dowdell, of Georgia, was a member of the United States Congress -from Alabama prior to the war, and was a local preacher of the Methodist -Episcopal Church, South. - -Tennent Lomax, of South Carolina, also moved to Alabama. He was editor, -soldier in the Mexican war, and was prominent in politics. He was killed -while leading his regiment into battle at Seven Pines, Virginia, May, -1862, just after having received a commission as brigadier-general. - -James L. Pierce was an eloquent speaker, a Doctor of Divinity, and -President of Lagrange (Georgia) Female College. - -In this connection it might be interesting to mention that Clopton's -roommate was Robert Lanier, of Macon, Ga., a member of the Sophomore -Class. He and Burwell Harrison, also of Georgia, married Virginia -ladies, whose acquaintance they formed while they were at College. -Lanier's son, Sidney, has been called the "poet laureate of the South." - -Coming to the next class (1841), George B. Jones, first-honor man, was a -fine scholar, but turned from teaching to business life. He was killed -at Petersburg in 1864, while defending his city in Kautz's attack on it. - -Thomas H. Campbell was a distinguished lawyer, served in both houses of -the General Assembly of Virginia, and was president of the Southside -Railroad Company. - -Edward Wadsworth was a prominent minister in Virginia and Alabama, a -Doctor of Divinity, and President of the Southern University, -Greensboro, Ala. - -In the class of 1842, Thomas C. Johnson, of Virginia, first-honor man, -became a prominent lawyer in St. Louis, Mo., and a member of the -Legislature of that State. After the war he served two years as -President of Randolph-Macon College (1866-'67, 1867-'68). - -William G. Connor, D. D., of South Carolina, was for many years a -prominent minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in Texas. - -Ira I. Crenshaw, of Virginia, was tutor in Randolph-Macon College -several years, and professor at the Female Institute, Buckingham, Va., -and a minister of the Virginia Conference. - -Dr. Samuel D. Saunders was professor at the Southwestern University. -Georgetown, Texas, for a number of years. - -Of the class of 1843, George W. Benagh, of Virginia, first-honor man, -was a professor at the University of Alabama, succeeding Dr. Landon C. -Garland, his old preceptor. He died young by accidental drowning. - -Edward S. Brown, of Virginia, an eminent lawyer and member of the -Virginia Legislature, is still an active, vigorous man (1897). - -William H. Lawton was a faithful itinerant in the South Carolina -Conference for nearly fifty years. - -Richard H. Powell was a prominent man in church and state for many years -in his State (Alabama). - -A number of the members of this class died in early manhood. - -Coming down to my own class (1844). This class in the Freshman year -numbered thirty-three. Of these only nine took degrees. Four others came -in after the opening year, making total graduates thirteen. - -John Lyon, of Petersburg, was the first-honor man of this class. He -entered the class in the junior year, when he was in his sixteenth year. -Before his entrance there were several candidates for the first honor. -It was not long before their hopes began to fail. He was precocious, but -his precocity was not short-lived, as it so frequently is. Mathematics, -the great rock on which so many aspiring men were wrecked, was -apparently a pastime with him. President Garland, a natural-born -mathematician, had no mercy on men not like gifted with himself. His -course was beyond the power of nine out of ten. John Lyon was the one of -ten, and was head and shoulders above all the others in the class in -this course, while not equal to others in other courses, but high in -all. His brilliancy made him in after life a successful lawyer. He died -in Washington, November, 1897, aged seventy. - -The second-honor man was William C. Doub, of North Carolina. He was an -untiring student, gifted especially in the acquisition of language. He -was a teacher all his life, having spent the most of it as professor in -Trinity College, North Carolina, and Greensboro Female College. He was -very prominent in the Methodist Church. He died in the high noon of -life. - -The third-honor man, William M. Cabell, of Virginia, was a man of -clear-cut intellect, and he had the power of concentration in a high -degree. This power was shown in his early life, and afterwards made him -distinguished and feared at the bar and in the Virginia Legislature. He -is still living (1897). - -The fourth-honor man was Holland Nimmons McTyeire. Brought by his old -preceptor, James R. Thomas, to Randolph-Macon, when otherwise he might -have gone to a state school, he entered the Sophomore Class in 1841. -College life was no pastime for him. His ambition would make it a -stepping-stone to high position--as at first desired and designed--in -the State. Like Dr. Olin, no place lower than the highest would satisfy -his ambition. To attain to this, all the power of an iron will moving -the enginery of a somewhat slow but giant mind was bent and made -subject. Had not a change come to divert him from his original -intention, he would doubtless have become as notable in the councils and -courts of the State as he became in the church. When he first came to -College he appeared indifferent in church matters, though it was known -he was a member. Whether this was the result of a lapsed religious life, -or was the result of a struggle to still the promptings of conscience, -is not known. But the call to a higher life, heard, doubtless, before, -but a while unheeded, was emphasized in one of those sweeping revivals -which Dr. Olin valued more than laws of discipline, and which he -pronounced as indispensable in college work. Worldly ambition ceased to -be the mainspring of his action, and he began to seek to "have the mind -which was in Christ." But it was no easy work to bend such a will in a -new direction. It was like turning the mighty steamship on a different -course. The passion to rule men around him, the gift of so doing (and it -is the greatest gift with which man is endowed), was constantly -asserting itself. It probably was "strong in death," but it was tempered -and sanctified to other than selfish ends by that good Spirit which -subdued a Luther, a St. Paul, and a John Knox. What Randolph-Macon did -for McTyeire in strengthening his mental powers for what he was to -become as editor and bishop and builder of a great university, in -sobering and elevating his ambition and aspirations, and fitting him for -the work he was called to do in and for the church, cannot be computed. -He has made his mark as high as any son of his alma mater, possibly -higher than any other. - -Space will not allow me to dwell upon the names of Thomas H. Rogers, of -Virginia, for a while a tutor in the College, afterwards M. D.; of -Richard S. Parham, of Virginia, a clever student and lawyer, who died in -the prime of life, in his adopted State, Tennessee; of "Judge" Fanning, -of Georgia, the frequent butt of Prof. Duncan's wit, who was said (poor -fellow) to have chewed his brains out along with his teeth; of B. F. -Simmons, a prominent young lawyer, who died prematurely, and of Willie -M. Person, a M. D., who also died young. - -John Howard has been since early youth a prominent lawyer in Richmond, -ranking very high in his profession. He was noted when at College for -his love for, and proficiency in, English literature and composition. -He is still living (1897). - -Of my most intimate friend in the class, Archibald Clark, I quote what -Bishop McTyeire wrote of him: "The most useful local preacher in -Southern Georgia, is what his presiding elder said of him." - -Among those who were students with me at the College, but left without -taking degrees, the following were the most notable: William T. Howard, -of Virginia, who became a distinguished physician and professor in the -University of Maryland; Lucius I. Gartrell, of Georgia, who became one -of the foremost lawyers of his State, and a general in the Confederate -army; Chas. E. Hooker, of South Carolina, Attorney-General of the State -of Mississippi, colonel in the Confederate army, and for many years a -member of Congress; Colonel Joel B. Leftwich, of Virginia, for a number -of years a member of the General Assembly of Virginia; Smith W. Moore, -of North Carolina, a Doctor of Divinity in the Memphis Conference, -author of several books, and poet. He was associated with Bishop -McTyeire on the Board of Trust during the early years of the Vanderbilt -University. James N. Ramsey, of Georgia, colonel in the Confederate -army; Robert Ridgway, of Virginia, the brilliant editor of the _Richmond -Whig_, and member of Congress from Virginia; Walter L. Steele, of North -Carolina, a member of Congress, and prominent in business and state, -matters; W. L. Blanton, a minister of the Virginia Conference, eloquent -and zealous, who died in early manhood; James D. Crawley, a most -estimable man, and a local minister for many years; W. K. Blake, of -North Carolina, a prominent merchant in Spartanburg, S. C., and trustee -of Wofford College; John Wesley Williams, a member of the Virginia -Conference, whose useful life was early cut short by consumption. - -Nearly all of my college-mates sleep in the dust of the earth. Many of -them were "wise, and shall shine as the brightness of the firmament," -and some "turned many to righteousness," and shall "shine as the stars, -forever and ever." - -[Illustration: GEN. TENNENT LOMAX, CLASS 1840. _Killed at Seven Pines, -Va., 1862._] - -We go back now and take up the record regularly. At the close of the -session of 1839-'40 the report of the Faculty notes the year as -successful, and makes mention of the introduction of Anglo-Saxon into -the course as the basis of the proper study of English. The Bible was -also recommended as a part of the course of study. At this meeting the -first legacy to the College, made by Rev. Robert C. Jones, of $3,000, -was reported. - -[Illustration: DAVID CLOPTON, LL. D.] - -The following degrees were conferred June, 1840: - -A. B. - - DAVID CLOPTON, of Georgia. - JAMES F. DOWDELL, of Georgia. - BURWELL K. HARRISON, of Ga. - JAMES L. PIERCE, of Georgia. - TENNENT LOMAX, of S. C. - WOODSON L. LIGON, of S. C. - -A. M. - - JOHN C. BLACKWELL, of Va. - R. E. G. ADAMS, of Virginia. - J. W. HARDY, of Georgia. - F. N. MULLEN, of N. C. - JOHN TILLET, of North Carolina. - JUNIUS L. CLEMONS, of N. C. - WARREN DU PRE, of S. C. - -[Illustration: D'ARCY PAUL] - -The "Centennial of Methodism" occurred in 1839, and was celebrated by -the church. Considerable collections were taken up during the year to -increase the endowment of the College. This year a name, _clarum et -nobile_, appeared for the first time on the records of the Board, D'Arcy -Paul, of Petersburg. In the good providence of God, he was permitted to -act as trustee for many years, and to exert a great influence in saving -the College from financial wreck. At the time of his election he was a -leading Methodist in his city, and probably the most prominent layman in -the State. As a merchant, he had been very successful, and enjoyed the -unbounded confidence of the business world. His liberality towards all -church and benevolent enterprises was such as probably had never before -been witnessed in Virginia. He was by birth a native of Ireland, but his -whole life, except his early boyhood, had been spent in Virginia, and no -son "to the manner born" was more enthusiastic in pushing forward all -interests that enured to its welfare. When he accepted the place of -trustee his heart and hand and credit were put at the service of the -College. Taking the helm of the ship as Financial and Investing Agent, -he held it for nearly thirty years, and it is not going too far to say -that to him, more than to any other man, the College owes its -continuation to the day when age and feebleness forced him to turn over -to other hands the trust he had so long and faithfully borne on his -shoulders. If it had the means, it should erect a monument to perpetuate -his memory. Happy am I here to pay this feeble tribute to his worth, and -to give the portrait, faint representation, though it be, of one who is -worthy of all the honors that could be bestowed on him. His form was so -erect that age could not bend it. His character, which beamed forth in a -face of more than usual manly beauty, was still more true to the line of -truth and righteousness. - -[Illustration: EDWARD WADSWORTH, D. D., _President of the Southern -University, Ala._] - -The report of the Faculty for the year ending June, 1840-'41, makes -favorable mention of the work of the session and of the conduct and -scholarship of the students. The financial condition of the College was -found to be such as to call for an address asking of the patronizing -Conferences needed relief. - -The degrees conferred at the close of the year were: - -A. B. - - GEORGE B. JONES, Virginia. - THOMAS B. GORDON, Georgia. - ROBERT C. GILLIAM, S. C. - WILLIAM H. DENTON, S. C. - WILLIAM H. BASS, Virginia. - MARCELLUS STANLEY, Georgia. - THOS. S. ARTHUR, S. Carolina. - THOS. H. CAMPBELL, Virginia. - THOMAS H. JONES, Virginia. - WM. W. HEREFORD, Mississippi - SAMUEL B. SCOTT, Virginia. - EDWARD WADSWORTH, N. C. - OLIVER P. WILLIAMS, S. C. - -A. M. - - CHARLES W. BAIRD, Virginia. - THEOPHILUS STEWART, Georgia. - JOHN T. BRAME, N. Carolina. - EDWARD H. MYERS, Florida. - JAMES M. FITTS, N. Carolina. - HENRY E. LOCKETT, Virginia. - JAMES R. THOMAS, Georgia. - EZEKIEL A. BLANCH, Virginia. - GEORGE W. BLAIN, Virginia. - -YEAR 1841-'42. - -At a called meeting of the Board held April, 1842, Prof. E. D. Sims -tendered his resignation. The law of Virginia at that time prohibited a -person from marrying the sister of his deceased wife. The Professor was -about to marry Miss Andrews, the sister of his former wife, daughter of -Prof. Andrews, author of Latin Grammar, and therefore was compelled to -leave the State to marry her. - -The loss of a Professor so capable and eminent as Professor Sims was -much regretted by the trustees and the friends of the College. Under the -circumstances, it could not be remedied, for there was no one to take -his place in the special English course. He had been elected to take the -chair of English in the University of Alabama, which he accepted. At -this institution he formulated a course of instruction in English based -on Anglo-Saxon, similar to the one he had taught at Randolph-Macon. Here -he proceeded with the work on the Anglo-Saxon Grammar and Dictionary. -This work he was not long permitted to prosecute. He died in 1845. Forty -years after his death the manuscripts of his Anglo-Saxon works came to -Randolph-Macon in an unexpected way. Rev. Mr. Stephan, of Missouri, -found them at a second-hand bookstore in St. Louis, and noticing the -name of Professor Sims on the title-page, he purchased the lot, -embracing other papers, and sent them to the writer. Prof. Sims labored -faithfully, but "others have entered into his labors." - -[Illustration: SAMUEL D. SANDERS, A. M., M. D., _Professor Southwestern -University, Texas._] - -Rev. Dr. Capers, of South Carolina, was elected to fill the vacancy, and -also president of the College, President Garland having tendered his -resignation. - -In the annual report in June, 1842, the Faculty say: "Our pecuniary -embarrassments are becoming serious, and unless effectually relieved, it -will be impossible to keep up the operations of the institution much -longer. The trustees cannot give this matter too much patient -reflection; and if it be practicable to sustain the institution in this -respect, we have no fears for its success in all others." - -The reorganization of the Faculty was recommended, also some -modifications in the course of study; also, the establishment of a -"School of Law." This school was established, and Edward R. Chambers, an -eminent lawyer of Boydton, elected Professor. - -The degrees conferred June, 1842, were: - -A. B. - - THOMAS C. JOHNSON, Virginia. - JOSEPH SUTTON, Virginia. - ALEX. B. PIERCE, N. Carolina. - BENJAMIN Z. HERNDON, S. C. - WILLIAM G. CONNOR, S. C. - SAMUEL D. SANDERS, S. C. - IRA I. CRENSHAW, Virginia. - THOMAS R. EPES, Virginia. - JOSEPH T. REESE, Georgia. - LUCIEN H. LOMAX, S. Carolina. - GEO. E. WYCHE, N. Carolina. - -A. M. - - ISAAC C. CROFT, S. Carolina. - WILLIAM H. BATTE, Virginia. - JOSIAH F. ASKEW, Georgia. - CHARLES F. BURNLEY, Virginia - AMOS W. JONES, N. Carolina. - JAMES W. WIGHTMAN, S. C. - JAMES R. WASHINGTON, Ga. - Rev. DAVID S. DOGGETT, Virginia (honorary). - -Rev. David S. Doggett was elected to the chair vacated by the -resignation of Professor Sims. - -1842-1843. - -This year the second decade of the College commenced. The year was -marked by great financial pressure, which was partially relieved by the -sale of some of the funds of the College. A part of the proceeds of the -sale was used to pay off a debt on building account and the rest for -current expenses. At the low rates of college fees, the current receipts -failed to meet salaries and other expenses. - -In the annual report of the Faculty mention is made of a decrease in -patronage, caused by the financial condition of the country and the -establishment of colleges in other Southern Conferences; so that it was -again necessary to ask the Board to do something to increase the income -of the College. - -This year a French course was introduced for the first time, and E. A. -Blanch was elected tutor of French. - -At the annual meeting, June, 1843, a committee was appointed, consisting -of Messrs. Chambers, Rogers, Alexander, Leigh, and Early, to recommend a -plan for the relief of the College from financial embarrassment. This -committee reported as follows: - -1. That it is absolutely necessary to raise a permanent fund of $20,000 -to sustain the institution, and if we fail in doing so, _it must and -will go down_. - -2. That the Agent be instructed to endeavor to obtain one hundred -subscribers of $500 in money or in bonds, the interest to be paid -annually at the sessions of the Virginia and North Carolina Conferences, -and the principal within a period not to exceed ten years, no -subscription to be binding until $10,000 shall have been subscribed, the -principal to be kept as a permanent fund. - -The Faculty of the College showed their spirit of liberality and -self-denial by the following communication: - -"The Faculty, with a view to contribute all in their power toward the -establishment of the College, propose to give to the Board of Trustees -the sum of five thousand dollars, the same to be paid in five years by a -relinquishment annually of $1,000 on their salaries upon the following -conditions, viz.: - -"1. That the balance of their salaries be paid promptly. - -"2. That the donation shall cease before the expiration of the five -years, unless the exigencies of the institution shall require it." - -[Illustration: GEORGE W. BENAGH, A. M., _Professor, University of -Alabama._] - -It being necessary to raise funds to pay the professors, Messrs. H. G. -Leigh, D'Arcy Paul, Dr. Archibald A. Campbell, George Rogers, and Edward -R. Chambers offered to loan the College $500 each, and Messrs. H. B. -Cowles and Landon C. Garland $250 each, on the 25th of December next; -and Rev. W. B. Rowzie, Agent of the College, offered, that if the amount -of his collections should fall under $500, to make up the deficiency in -a loan. - -[Illustration: JUDGE EDWARD R. CHAMBERS, _Professor of Law 1842-'43. -Trustee of the College. Judge Circuit Court. Member of Virginia -Convention 1851 and 1861._] - -The above record is given to show the great financial strait of the -College and to bring to mind the liberality of the members of the Board -and the Faculty. But for this liberal action the College would have -ceased its work, as so many others were forced to do. - -Some steps were taken at this meeting to establish a Medical Department -in the College. - -The following degrees were conferred, June, 1843: - -A. B. - - GEORGE W. BENAGH, Virginia. - EDWARD S. BROWN, Virginia. - HAMPDEN S. SMITH, N. C. - THOMAS E. MASSIE, Virginia. - WILLIAM H. LAWTON, S. C. - FELIX H. G. TAYLOR, Miss. - RICHARD H. POWELL, Alabama. - THOMAS W. BLAKE, N. C. - HENRY B. ELDRIDGE, Virginia. - WALLER MASSIE, Virginia. - JOHN F. RIVES, Mississippi. - NATHANIEL R. WADDILL, Va. - JOHN C. WALKER, Virginia. - -A. M. - - JAMES F. SMITH, South Carolina. - -D. D. - - Rev. ROBT. NEWTON, England. - WILLIAM WINANS, Mississippi. - LOVICK PIERCE, Georgia. - WILLIAM A. SMITH, Virginia. - - -1843-1844. - -The dark cloud resting on the prospects of the College in June, 1843, -still hung over it the succeeding year, notwithstanding the efforts made -to relieve the embarrassment. Patronage continued to decrease. The -session opened with sixty matriculates in the College and thirty in the -Preparatory School, the smallest number in the history of the College up -to this year. - -The President, in the annual report, alludes to the depression of -Faculty and patrons, neither of whom "could feel proper interest in an -institution _which might close its doors at any time_." This feeling of -despondency seemed to have pervaded also the members of the Board, for a -bare quorum were in attendance at the opening session. The president, in -his report, said: "We shall regard it as a calamity if you leave this -place without making some definite arrangement by which our future may -be relieved from all embarrassment." - -[Illustration: HOLLAND N. MCTYEIRE, A. M., D. D., _Bishop of the -Methodist Episcopal Church, South; Regent Vanderbilt University._] - -That grand layman, D'Arcy Paul, in this dark hour, came to the relief of -the College by guaranteeing the salaries of the professors to the amount -of $5,000 on certain conditions. Thus, in the good providence of God, -the life of the College was prolonged. - -[Illustration: COL. WM. TOWNES, TRUSTEE. _Elected 1844._] - -The following received degrees June, 1844: - -A. B. - - JOHN LYON, Virginia. - WILLIAM C. DOUB, N. C. - WILLIAM M. CABELL, Virginia. - HOLLAND N. MCTYEIRE, Ala. - ARCHIBALD CLARK, Virginia. - THOMAS H. RODGERS, Virginia. - JAMES G. FANNING, Georgia. - JOHN HOWARD, Virginia. - RICHARD IRBY, Virginia. - RICHARD S. PARHAM, Virginia. - WILLIE M. PERSON, N. C. - BENJAMIN F. SIMMONS, N. C. - J. L. GILLESPIE, Virginia. - -A. M. - - THOMAS B. GORDON, Georgia. - GEORGE B. JONES, Virginia. - Rev. EDWARD WADSWORTH, Va. - FRANCIS A. CONNOR, S. C. - Rev. THOS. H. JONES, Virginia. - WILLIAM H. BASS, Virginia. - HENRY F. JONES, N. C. - - -Rev. Henry B. Cowles having declined to accept the office of Agent, to -which he had been previously elected, was again elected. - -Warren DuPre resigned the tutorship, and Holland N. McTyeire was elected -to fill the place. - -It would be an omission if, in describing and relating other matters, -the description of an old-time Annual Commencement should be left out. -These occasions were notable events in the first two decades of the -College. In those days preparations were begun four weeks before the -Commencement day by releasing the Seniors from regular daily exercises -so as to give them time to prepare their orations, which each one had to -write and commit to memory and rehearse before the Professor of English, -who was authorized to make corrections in matter, style, and also in -manner of delivery. The Commencement generally was held the third -Wednesday and Thursday of June. The Sunday previous a sermon was -preached by some eminent minister appropriate to the occasion. Selecting -one occasion that the writer witnessed as a specimen, that of 1842, the -following description is faithful: The visitors, in the main, began to -fill up the boarding-houses around the College and the hotels of Boydton -on Tuesday. The Board of Trustees assembled on Tuesday at an early hour, -holding their meeting, strictly private, during the day. Friends of the -graduates from Virginia and the Carolinas were largely in attendance on -Wednesday in time for the opening of the exercises in the chapel. On -this occasion the far-famed evangelist, Rev. John Newland Maffett, had -been selected to deliver the annual oration before the literary -societies. He arrived on Tuesday by private carriage, having travelled -over seventy miles. The Alumni Society orator had also arrived. - -The exercises of Wednesday opened at 11 A. M. The band had been -discoursing musical selections for hours previous on the campus, and -continued in the gallery of the chapel, to which they and the crowd had -repaired. The chaplain invoked the blessing of God on the College and -the young men. The president introduced the alumni orator, who delivered -his address to the Society and the audience. The applause of the -auditors would have been prolonged but for their anxiety to hear the -silver-tongued orator, whose fame was as wide as the country. He was in -the prime of life. His dress was faultless; his black locks were -unruffled, as when he left the hair-dresser's shop an hour before, for -it was said he held his hat in his hand all the way from Boydton as he -rode in the carriage to the chapel. Be that as it may, every lock was in -perfect order. He was a native of the Emerald Isle, but was thoroughly -naturalized. His manner was well-nigh perfect, possibly a little too -dramatic; his voice musical, his enunciation rolling and faultless. - -What was the theme memory cannot recall. All that is remembered is his -action, voice, and the general effect on the auditors. The house was -packed; the crowd outside was as great as that inside. The oration over, -all breathed naturally again; the boys applauded, the ladies waved their -handkerchiefs and fans, and the band struck up enlivening notes, and all -said, as the morning exercises closed, "We have heard an orator to-day." - -In the afternoon the representatives of the Washington and Franklin -Societies--George Benagh and Felix Taylor of the former, and Marcellus -Stanley and Rives Waddill, of the latter--did their societies great -honor as their representatives by delivering in the chapel eloquent -orations. - -At night the Societies held their annual meetings, at which the -presidents-elect, distinguished honorary members, presided and made -addresses. In the debates following the honorary members were expected -to take part. The Society medals and honors were delivered to graduate -members. These meetings were held in the halls, and were not open to the -public. - -At night the parlors of private houses and the hotels were radiant with -the wealth of beauty gathered mainly from the Old Dominion and the old -North State. If there were ever fairer and more lovely women since the -days of Helen this deponent never saw them. - -The next day the graduating class made their last bows to a College -audience, having, according to custom, appeared three times before in -the last year of their course. It would be hard to decide which did -best, if the verdict had to be given by the fair auditors who heard -them. - -The "Latin Salutatory" came first, delivered by the second-honor man. -This was followed by the orations of others, without regard to grade. -The closing "Valedictory" was delivered by the first-honor man, who in -a manner represented the whole class. Then each graduate received his -"sheep-skin," delivered by the President, who, in Latin, said, "_Accepe -hoc diploma_," as he handed the diploma. - -The graduating class was complimented by a "party" given in their honor -by the students at the Steward's Hall, which was largely attended. This -closed the Commencement. - -So great was the interest in the Annual Commencements that parties came -for long distances, even as far as South Carolina. Some of them came in -coaches drawn by four horses with out-riders. - - -COLLEGE YEAR 1844-'45. - -The tendency in patronage this year was still downward. The number of -students was smaller than ever before. - -A movement was made to carry out the project to raise $20,000 for -endowment. The salaries of the Faculty were reduced, so that the -President only got $1,250; the professors, $1,000; Tutor, $600; -Principal of the Preparatory School, $600. This was done in the face of -the fact that the dues to the Faculty at this time amounted to $7,000. -This unfortunate condition of affairs was brought about and aggravated -by several causes. The poorly paid officers worked without hope of -remuneration. Students failed to attend because the impression was -becoming prevalent that the College would be forced to close its doors. -Besides, the farming community were receiving low prices for their -crops. In 1845 the severest drought prevailed in Virginia ever known -since 1816. - -At the Commencement, June, 1845, a case of smallpox was reported on the -morning of the first day. This threatened the total suspension of the -exercises, and many visitors did return home. The exercises were held at -Boydton, and the address of Rev. Dr. William S. Plumer, one of the -greatest men of his day, served to put all in good humor and restore -quiet. The next day the services were held in the chapel. - -[Illustration: TURNER M. JONES, A. M., D. D., _President Greensboro -Female College, N.C._] - -Degrees were conferred as follows: - -A. B. - - CHARLES B. STUART, Va. - JOHN G. BOYD, Va. - THOMAS T. BOSWELL, Va. - JAMES T. WRIGHT, Va. - WILLIAM F. BLACKWELL, Va. - JOHN W. SHELTON, N. C. - TURNER M. JONES, N. C. - -A. M. - - JOSEPH T. REESE, Ga. - GEORGE E. WYCHE, N. C. - THOMAS S. ARTHUR, S. C. - - -At the close of this year I. I. Crenshaw and H. N. McTyeire resigned -their places as Tutors. The former went to the Buckingham Female -Institute, and the latter took work as an itinerant on a circuit till -Conference. - -[Illustration: O. H. P. CORPREW, A. M., LL. D., _Professor in -Randolph-Macon College and Central College, Mo._] - -Williams T. Davis was elected Principal of the Preparatory School. - - -COLLEGE YEAR 1845-'46. - -The drought referred to continued till late in the summer. Many farmers -had to buy corn at one dollar per bushel, and in some cases had to go as -far as thirty miles to get meal. - -At the close of the year in June, at the meeting of the Board, great -financial embarrassment was reported. A bond to be secured by mortgage -on the real estate of the College for $5,000 was authorized to raise -funds to meet pressing indebtedness. - -The following received degrees June, 1846: - -A. B. - - JOHN DAVIS, Va. - OLIVER H. P. CORPREW, Va. - FRANK X. FOSTER, S. C. - EDWARD T. HARDY, Va. - SAMUEL HARDY, Va. - WM. G. de GRAFFENREIDT, Va. - OLIN M. DANTZLER, S. C. - BENJAMIN F. LOCKETT, Va. - THOMAS J. LOCKETT, Va. - THOMAS P. JERMAN, S. C. - GEORGE HOWARD, Va. - -A. M. - - JAMES F. DOWDELL, Ga. - WILLIAM F. SAMFORD, Ala. - JOHN F. RIVES, Miss. - THOMAS H. CAMPBELL, Va. - WILLIAM G. CONNER, S. C. - JOHN C. WALKER, Va. - -D. D. - - Rev. W. M. WIGHTMAN, S. C. - EDMOND W. SEHON, Ky. - -The session of the College, 1846-'47, opened very inauspiciously. In -addition to (and probably in large measure growing out of) the financial -troubles which had been thickening for years past, a want of harmony and -co-operation between the President and some of the members of the -Faculty began to be shown. This led to disorder and insubordination -among the students. To inquire into the matter at issue a meeting of the -Trustees was called in September, 1846, at which, after reciting a -history of the troubles, President Garland tendered his resignation, and -requested the immediate acceptance of the same. This was followed by the -resignation of their positions by Professors D. S. Doggett and David -Duncan, and Tutor Thomas H. Rogers. - -The resignation of the President was not accepted for prudential -reasons. That of Professor Doggett, to take effect at the close of the -session, was accepted, as was that of Tutor Rogers. Professor Duncan was -induced to withdraw his. - -The Board then adjourned to meet in the succeeding November, at the -session of the Virginia Conference, which was to meet at the College. - -At the adjourned meeting held November 13, 1846, the Board accepted the -resignation of President Garland. Rev. Wm. A. Smith, D. D., of the -Virginia Conference, was elected to fill the vacancy caused by the -resignation of President Garland. The Faculty, as re-organized, was as -follows, viz: - - REV. WM. A. SMITH (_President_), _Prof. Moral and Mental Philosophy_. - REV. CHARLES F. DEEMS, A. M., Prof. _Latin and Belles Lettres_. - EZEKIEL A. BLANCH, A. M., _Prof. Pure and Applied Mathematics_. - DAVID DUNCAN, A. M., _Prof. Greek Language and Literature_. - JAMES W. HARDY, _Prof. Experimental Science, Astronomy and Optics_. - -The severance of President Garland from the College, after a service of -fourteen years in various capacities, was a source of great sorrow to -his old pupils and friends. However deficient he may have been in some -qualifications for the presidency, which from the first he not only did -not seek, but frequently declined, he preserved all along the -unqualified respect of all as an able professor and scholar. So devoted -was he to the prosecution of his favorite study, Astronomy, that he -generally broke himself down every year by attempting to perform the -arduous work of the president and also of full professor. Added to this -he was for years Treasurer. To a sensitive nature like his, the demands -of creditors made on him when he could not meet them was a burden of -itself heavy enough for any one to bear. If the College had had an -endowment fund large enough to pay the expenses as they were incurred, -and had allowed him to retain a professorship at a fair salary, with a -president taking on his shoulders the duties which in most colleges -devolved on the president, his valuable services could probably have -been retained--certainly if the dissension had not arisen in the -administration of the College. It is proper here to state that this -dissension was only with Professor Hardy, and was not participated in by -the other members of the Faculty, and did not lead to the resignation of -several of them. - -President Garland accepted the Chair of Mathematics in the University of -Alabama, at Tuscaloosa. He never returned to his native State except on -visits. The whole of a long life was spent, first, at the University to -which he went, then at the University of Mississippi, from which he was -called to take the Chancellorship of the Vanderbilt University, at -Nashville, Tenn., which he accepted and filled for many years. Here in -connection with his old pupil, Bishop McTyeire, he did valuable work, -till age and feebleness forbade active work. Then he was made -_Chancellor emeritus_. He died suddenly, but not unprepared, at the -Vanderbilt University. - -The closing years of President Garland's administration were the darkest -in, the history of the College. Many of its friends were hopeless of its -ever rallying again. Others gathered new hope, and their faith -"staggered not" in this dark hour. All the older Methodist colleges had -gone down, or were tottering to their fall. So much the greater faith -was needed at Randolph-Macon. - -It was a fortunate circumstance that this re-organization took place at -the session of the Virginia Conference, which was held at the College, -and presided over by Bishop Capers. - -[Illustration: REV. WM. B. ROWZIE.] - -Rev. W. B. Rowzie, who for many years had been Agent, resigned the -position. A better friend the College never had. - -At the request of the Board, Rev. B. R. Duval and Rev. Nathaniel Thomas -were appointed Agents for the College. They were men of extraordinary -energy and zeal, and they at once entered on a thorough canvass of the -Conference in raising funds for the College. President Smith entered on -his duties with characteristic zeal. He was fortunately possessed of an -unconquerable will and a buoyancy of disposition, without which he would -have quailed under the discouragements under which he labored. - -"Wm. A. Smith was born in Fredericksburg, Va., November 29, 1802. His -mother was a consistent member of the Methodist Church, and in death -prayed that her son might live to preach the glorious gospel. His father -was a man of honorable character and position. Both died when he was of -a tender age. For a time the orphan boy had rough usage; but he was -afterwards adopted and raised by Mr. Russell Hill, a friend of his -father, and a worthy merchant of Petersburg. When seventeen years old, -he was converted, and joined the M. E. Church. He had received a good -English education, and had commenced the study of the classics; but -feeling that he was called of God to the ministry, and not being able to -attend college as he desired, he studied privately one year at the home -of his uncle, Mr. Porter, in Orange county, and taught school two or -three years in Madison. In 1824 he travelled the Gloucester circuit -under the Presiding Elder; in February, 1825, he was admitted on trial -into the Virginia Conference. In 1833, while Agent for Randolph-Macon -College, then in its infancy, he met with a fearful accident: the -carriage which he was driving upset and fell on him, breaking his right -thigh and dislocating his left hip, and badly laming him for life. He -was a delegate to the General Conference of the M. E. Church every -session from 1832 to 1844, and occupied a high position in that great -council as an adviser and debater. In the memorable appeal case of -Harding, and in the yet more important extrajudicial trial of Bishop -Andrew, which led to the division of the church, he won a reputation -wide as the United States, and inferior to that of no minister of any -denomination, for the highest deliberative and forensic eloquence. He -was a member of the Louisville Convention which organized the M. E. -Church, South, and of all the General Conferences of this church to the -date of his death. He commanded universal respect and confidence among -his brethren by the sincerity of his zeal, the wisdom of his counsels, -and the power of his reasoning. His impress will long remain on the -legislation and institutions of Southern Methodism. In 1846 he was -called from the regular pastorate, by the urgency of the Trustees of -Randolph-Macon College, sanctioned by the Virginia Conference, to the -Presidency of this institution. He was selected for that place because -his courage, energy and strength of intellect seemed indispensable not -only to the prosperity, but even to the saving of this noble -institution. Twenty years of his life was consecrated to this -cause--years of self-sacrifice, of unremitting toil, of courageous -battling with difficulties and victory over them; of hope where others -desponded, of faith where others doubted, of resolution where others -wavered. He was diligent in his study, diligent in his lecture-room, -diligent in his travel through Virginia and North Carolina to collect -money and to arouse interest in behalf of the College. The number of -students steadily increased, the standard of scholarship was elevated, -and through the joint efforts of Dr. Smith and the agents of the College -an endowment fund of $100,000 was raised. Then came the terrible war, -which emptied those classic halls and swept away the funds which had -been gathered with so much toil. Yet not in vain had he labored. Scores -of ministers, hundreds of pious young men, educated under his care, -moulded by his influence, are this day in their several spheres carrying -on the same grand work to which he was devoted, and have learned, from -his teachings and example, never to surrender, never to despair of -Randolph-Macon. - -"We have not spoken of Dr. Smith as a preacher and pastor. He soon rose -to eminence in the ministry, and stood with the foremost in the pulpit -and pastorate for faithfulness, ability and success. He had a deep, -distinct, happy, constant experience of the saving grace of God in -Christ Jesus. His zeal for the cause of religion was pure, steady, -consuming. He was fully consecrated to the work of the ministry. The -doctrines and polity of our church had no stronger, nobler expounder and -champion than he. His sermons were "logic on fire"--grand and solid -discussions of the leading truths of the gospel, animated with deep -emotion. Thousands were converted under his ministry; many of them -became preachers of the word in our own and other denominations; the -churches he served were ever edified and trained, not less by his -pastoral fidelity than by his luminous discourses. - -"As a man, he was of marked character. Who that ever saw him could -forget that bold, frank, noble face and forehead, which revealed at a -glance the lofty attributes of his intellect, the loftier attributes of -his heart! Cunning and deceit he knew not; to fear he was a stranger; -his convictions he was ever ready to avow and maintain. Yet, with all -his courage and indomitable energy of will, he had a tender, sympathetic -heart, and much of a child-like spirit, simple, unselfish, trustful, -easy to be entreated." * - -* Copied from Memoir in Virginia Conference Minutes. - -Rev. C. F. Deems did not accept the chair of Latin, and O. H. P. Corprew -was elected professor _pro tempore_, and filled the place. - -At a meeting of the Board held March 31, 1847, an effort was made to -establish a medical department of the College, but it never resulted in -any permanent success. - -[Illustration: BENNETT PURYEAR, A. M., LL. D., _Professor Chemistry -Randolph-Macon College; Chairman Faculty and Professor Chemistry, -Richmond College._] - -At the meeting of the Board held June, 1847, President Smith reported -that the session had been pleasant and the prospects of the College -improving. The success of the Agents in their work gave promise of -better financial conditions. A committee was appointed to reorganize the -Preparatory School system, and it was proposed to establish one or more -at salient points. - -[Illustration: WM. A. SMITH, D. D., _President of Randolph-Macon -College, 1846-1866. President Central College, Missouri._] - -Professor J.W. Hardy tendered his resignation, which was accepted. He -had been elected President of La Grange College, Alabama, where he died -after a short service. - -The following received degrees: - -A. B. - - BENNETT PURYEAR, Va. - JOHN MOODY, Va. - R. H. BEALE, Tenn. - -A. M. - - W. C. DOUB, N. C. - JOHN LYON, Va. - T. C. JOHNSON, Mo. - ARCHIBALD CLARK, Va. - THOMAS H. ROGERS, Va. - JOHN HOWARD, Va. - -D. D. - - REV. D. S. DOGGETT, Va. - REV. EDWARD WADSWORTH, Ala. - -At a meeting of the Board held at Charlottesville November 17, during -the session of the Virginia Conference, a further issue of -life-scholarships was authorized. - -The committee on Preparatory Schools reported in favor of retaining the -old school at the College under certain rules, and the establishment of -one at Ridgway, N. C., under a contract with the Trustees of the Ridgway -Academy, with William C. Doub, A. M., as Principal; also of one at -Garysburg, N. C., with C. B. Stuart, A. M., as Principal. - -At the close of the year, June, 1848, the President in the annual report -reported increased patronage, and a session marked by studiousness and -good order among the students. The number in the College and the -Preparatory School was about one hundred and forty. - -The graduates receiving degrees June, 1848, were-- - -A. B. - - JOHN C. GRANBERY, Va. - JOHN H. CLAIBORNE, Va. - JAMES R. BRANCH, Va. - JOHN S. MOORE, Va. - DALLAS SMITH, Ala. - TAZEWELL HARGROVE, N. C. - RICHARD G. MORRIS, Va. - GEORGE W. FRIEND, Va. - CHARLES E. WILLIAMS, Va. - JAMES D. BLACKWELL, Va. - -A. M. - - CHARLES B. STUART, Va. - TURNER M. JONES, N. C. - WILLIE M. PERSON, N. C. - J. W. SHELTON, N. C. - THOMAS B. RUSSELL, Ga. - JOHN G. BOYD, Va. - WILLIAMS T. DAVIS (Hon'y), Va. - BENJAMIN JENKINS (Honorary), Missionary M. E. Church, South, in China. - -[Illustration: JAMES R. BRANCH, A. M., _Colonel Artillery, C. S. A._] - -D'Arcy Paul, Investing Agent and Chairman of the Finance Committee, -reported the probable income for coming year at about $3,500, $2,000 of -which amount to come from fees and the balance endowment dividends. - -[Illustration: JOHN C. GRANBERY, A. M., D. D.] - -We pause again in this narrative to give a reminiscence of College life -as written in 1882 by a distinguished member of the class last named, -John C. Granbery, who delivered the valedictory as first-honor man. The -distinction then achieved was but a presage of his rank in the several -positions he has been called to fill--Pastor, Chaplain to the University -of Virginia, Chaplain in the Confederate army (in which service he was -severely wounded and taken prisoner), Professor in the Vanderbilt -University, Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South (elected -1882), and author of several works. At this writing he lives at Ashland, -and is the President of the Board of Trustees. - -"As the earliest of the American Methodist Colleges now extant, -Randolph-Macon may be called venerable, if not ancient. But I use the -prefix _old_ in order to distinguish the College as it was at Boydton -from the College as it is at Ashland. The features of contrast are many -and important. In the old days slavery was, as we thought, a fixed and -lasting institution; civil strife had not swept away lives and fortunes, -and the South was proud, independent, fiery and enthusiastic, chivalrous -withal, generous, genial; now we are just beginning to adjust ourselves -to the new social and political conditions which have been imposed by a -disastrous war. Then there was a single degree, Bachelor of Arts, for -which the students strove, and the course of four years was prescribed, -with its regular gradations of Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and -Seniors; now the studies are eclectic, and the matriculates may select -any one of several degrees, or study without reference to graduation. -Then the lumbering stage brought up the tri-weekly, or perhaps daily, -mail and passengers, and the word of the driver rang forth cheerily, but -no shrill whistle of steam-engine or thunder of lightning trains -disturbed the silence of the classic groves, and the attractions and -distractions of the crowded, hurrying, clamorous city were out of -reach and out of thought; now the steam-car and the steam-press are -familiar objects, the capital is less than an hour's distance, and the -stage-coach is a tradition. - -"A change has taken place in the manner and measure of collegiate -discipline. This is due not to the change of locality, but to the spirit -of the age. It has come to be a maxim that the best government is that -which governs least. We seek the minimum of restriction on liberty that -is compatible with the ends of government, viz., order, morality and -diligence. Formerly the dormitory system prevailed; students were -required to be in their rooms during certain hours of the day and night; -professors and tutors visited the buildings, seeking to surprise the -inmates, in order to ascertain whether the rule was observed; there were -many minute regulations which have since been abandoned. This continued -exercise of authority and plan of watching provoked insubordination and -evasion; the wits of the boys were set to work in order to deceive the -teachers, and to break the rules without detection, or, at least, with -impunity. The risk gave to mischief and lawlessness a relish they would -not otherwise have possessed. Unwholesome suppers were stealthily -brought to the rooms by negroes at late hours of the night; calathumps -aroused the neighborhood with most hideous music; blackboards were -greased; the bell-rope was cut, and old John had to blow his horn at -daybreak in every row of the buildings, as a call to prayers and -recitations. This provoked him greatly, and he used to say, 'If you -won't be rung up as gentlemen, I must blow you up as hogs.' How heartily -I have heard Dr. Smith laugh as he repeated the old negro's complaint at -such times, 'We have the worstest young men, and the mostest on 'em, I -ever seed!' Practical jokes, sometimes of a very disagreeable sort, were -played on professors in their nocturnal rounds of inspecting the -premises. Calves were hauled up into lecture-rooms, and other silly -tricks were perpetrated. I am glad that these follies have passed away, -that faculty and students treat each other as gentlemen and friends, and -that the public sentiment of the College would not tolerate any -rudeness, though disguised under the name of fun. It is well to appeal -to the conscience, gentlemanly propriety and honor, and generous and -kindly sentiments of young men, rather than resort to espionage and -multiplied restraints. - -"I appreciate the arguments in favor of locating institutions of -learning on the great lines of travel, and in or near large towns. It -should be easy to get to them, and get away from them. The frequent mail -and the time-destroying telegraph are now indispensable where students -are a small minority of the population, and where there is a vigilant -and effective police many disorders are prevented, and faculties and -boards of trust are saved much trouble. Low vice is cheap, and will go -to the most secluded spot in search of victims; but the city presents -many refined pleasures which may serve to draw off ingenuous youth from -haunts of sin and projects of mischief. But there are advantages on the -side of the more quiet and retired situation. It favors concentration of -interest on books, lectures, and light collegiate exercises. The whole -life at the country college becomes student life. There is no division -of mind and heart. There is nothing to tempt the earnest youth from his -proper work. The _esprit du corps_ of old Randolph-Macon was very -strong. There were hospitable and cultivated homes in the neighborhood, -and most charming maidens; those who visited them found entangling -alliances for life, if the fair sex consented. But the number of young -ladies sufficiently near to be easily visited was small, and many of the -students were not, if I must use the modern slang which was unknown in -my day, calicoists. The two literary societies were centres of -enthusiasm. A new Randolph-Macon student can hardly understand the -intensity of devotion "Washs" and "Franks" had for their societies in -those times. All students were members of the one or of the other, and -were ready to brag for it, quarrel for it, and, if need be, fight for -it. They did not all attend regularly the meetings, or take part in -discussion and other literary exercises; their lack of presence or -performance was amply atoned for by the payment of their fines, for we -were always eager to replenish the treasury. But a number studied -carefully the questions of debate, reading largely, and thus, forming a -fondness for books and habit of reflection; they prepared their -speeches, and often waxed very warm. Indeed, bitterness and strife would -sometimes arise, but they soon passed away. A frequent and effective -debater of rather waspish and contemptuous temper alluded one day to the -arguments of his opponents as flimsy cobwebs, as he quoted one after -another, and answered it, 'I brush that cobweb away,' said he. A modest, -merry-hearted man on the other side--he is now one of Lee's one-armed -heroes--responded: 'The gentleman called my arguments cobwebs, and it -may be that they are; but to-day is not the first time that I have seen -a fly caught in a spider's web, and vainly struggling to get loose.' -Colonel R., an intelligent gentleman of the community, said to me more -than once, when he had been listening to a spirited debate, 'It is not -inferior to the best debates I have heard in the Legislature of -Virginia.' Some of the most skilled debaters in church and state would -give a large share of the credit for their power in deliberative -assemblies to the inspiration and training of those old Randolph-Macon -halls. Many foolish things were spoken there, I must admit. 'I don't -know I did the thing with which I am charged,' said an excited Frank; -'but if I did, I oughtn't to be fined, for I did it with malice -aforethought.' 'With malice aforethought!' responded the censor, who was -our honored and beloved Duncan; 'who ever heard before of that being an -excuse?' 'I said it, and I repeat it, that I did it with malice -aforethought; and if the gentleman doesn't understand, I will explain -that it is a law phrase, and means I didn't go to do it!' - -"There were many traditions in my day of giants who had been at old -Randolph-Macon. They told how Dr. Olin, the first President, a man of -great head and heart, would send for an idle or offending student, place -his feet on the chair where the delinquent sat so as to hold him, a -close prisoner, and talk to him faithfully, yet tenderly, until with -burning cheeks and floods of tears the youth promised never again to -offend. It was a memorable event when the great man preached; solid -thought in vast masses was driven to the mark with resistless power. -There was a story of an eloquent and mighty sermon from Dr. Lovick -Pierce, of Georgia, from a text which astonished every listener: 'Let -him that stole steal no more; but rather let him labor, working with his -hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that -needeth.' There were glowing reports of the wonderful pathos and power -of Russell, of Georgia; how he melted the cold, stone hearts of the -Faculty, who were bent on sending him home, but they had all their -resolves converted into admiration and sympathy for the youth who -pleaded eloquently his own cause; how often he electrified his society. -It was my good fortune to see and hear him in the pulpit and on the -platform, when he visited the College as Commencement orator." - -During the session of 1847-'48, a man of more than ordinary distinction -and talent became connected as Professor with the College, Rev. Charles -Force Deems. He was a native of New Jersey, and a graduate of Dickinson -College. In very early manhood he came to North Carolina to represent -the American Bible Society in that State. He was there only a short time -before he was elected to a chair at the University of North Carolina at -Chapel Hill. When Dr. Smith was elected President in November, 1846, he -was elected Professor of Latin and Belles Lettres. He did not accept the -chair at that time. In December, 1847, he did accept another, and the -January following entered upon his duties as Professor of Chemistry. He -remained that year and then returned to North Carolina, and entered on -the regular work of an itinerant minister. It is not known why he so -soon severed his connection with the College, for which he always to his -latest day expressed an attachment, evidenced by more than one or two -acts of interest and generosity. It is probable that there was little -kindly feeling from some cause not known, or congeniality between him -and the President of the College. This doubtless was the root of the -bitter feud between him and Dr. Smith in after time, culminating in the -alienation of many friends from each other and the North Carolina -Conference from the College. - -The portraits of the two now hang near together on the wall of the -Trustees' room in the library, and it is hoped that all "bitterness and -wrath" having been laid aside they together share the blessedness of -heaven. - -COLLEGE YEAR 1848-'49. - -The report of the President and Faculty gives the following items for -the year 1848-'49: - -Students in College proper, 61; in Preparatory Schools, viz.: at the -College, 51; Ridgway, N. C., 20; Garysburg, 40; Lowell, N. C., 21; -Richlands, N. C., 20; in all, 213. - -"The schools in North Carolina from the last quarterly returns are in a -prosperous condition, and promise in reasonable time to operate as -valuable auxiliaries." - -Professor Deems resigned the chair about December, 1848. The vacancy was -filled, or arranged to be filled, by Charles B. Stuart, of the class of -1845, with the privilege extended to him to spend about a year at -Yale College, where Agricultural and Analytical Chemistry were made -specialties. This arrangement was carried out. - -At the meeting of the Board, June, 1849, a department of Agricultural -Chemistry was provided for, to be in charge of Professor Stuart. - -[Illustration: RICHARD W. LEIGH, _Major C. S. A.; killed at Murfreesboro, -Tenn._] - -The following degrees were conferred: - -A. B. - - JAMES A. DUNCAN, Va. - WILLIAM G. FOOTE, Miss. - JAMES W. JACKSON, Va. - RICHARD W. LEIGH, Va. - LEWIS MILLER, N. C. - R.S.F. PEETE, Va. - B. CRAVEN (Honorary), N. C. - -A. M. - - LUCIEN H. LOMAX, S. C. - EDWARD T. HARDY, Va. - O.H.P. CORPREW, Va. - FRANCIS X. FOSTER, S. C. - -COLLEGE YEAR 1849-'50. - -The attendance this year at the Home Schools was 134 (College, 62; -Preparatory, 72). Improvement reported in general morals and habits of -students. - -Great financial embarrassment reported, and urgent appeals for active -measures to secure needed relief. - -[Illustration: EDWIN E. PARHAM, A. M., _President of Warrenton, -Petersburg, and Hampton Female Colleges._] - -Early in the session of 1849-'50, Professor E. A. Blanch resigned the -Chair of Mathematics on account of continued bad health. Professor John -C. Wills, a distinguished graduate of the Virginia Military Institute, -was elected to fill the vacancy, and entered on his duties. He was a -local minister in the Methodist Church, and a man of fine character and -an accomplished teacher. The College was fortunate in securing such a -man. - -The Faculty now consisted of the following; Dr. Smith, President; -Professors Duncan, Stuart, Wills, Corprew (Tutor), and Williams T. Davis -at the Preparatory School near the College. - -In June, 1850, they reported the Preparatory School as having done well, -and the reception from it of twenty students for the next session, and -four from the Ridgway Preparatory School. The school at Garysburg, N. -C., had been discontinued. The schools at Lowell, N. C., and Richlands, -N. C., in successful operation and accomplishing much good. - -From the above it will be seen that the establishment of academies as -feeders to the College was a fact accomplished before the late effort in -1889. They were all in North Carolina, and the subsequent alienation -carried them away from the College with whatever patronage they were -bringing to it. - -Degrees were conferred as follows, June, 1850: - -A. B. - - EDWIN A. THOMPSON, N. C. - EDWIN E. PARHAM, Va. - EDWARD A. ADAMS, Va. - JOHN F. DANCE, Va. - WILLIAM A. BRAME, N. C. - ROBERT H. WINFIELD, Va. - BENJAMIN C. DREW, Va. - THOMAS F. FITZGERALD, Va. - -A. M. - - REV. N. F. REID (Hon'y), N. C. - BENNETT PURYEAR, Va. - -COLLEGE YEAR 1850-'51. - -Number of students reported this year: In College, 91; in Preparatory -School, 62--total, 153. - -The schools in North Carolina, except Ridgeway, prosperous. - -The year was not satisfactory in the deportment of students generally, -nor in finances. - -[Illustration: PROF. WILLIAM T. DAVIS, _Principal Preparatory School._] - -In June, 1851, the following degrees were conferred: - -A. B. - - WILLIAM H. CHRISTIAN, Va. - HUGH D. BRACEY, Va. - WILLIAM M. CRENSHAW, Va. - HENRY F. DRAKE, N. C. - ARMSTREAT E. FOWLKES, Va. - JOHN H. GUY, Va. - HEZEKIAH G. LEIGH, Jr., Va. - JOHN S. LONG, N. C. - JAMES O'HANLON, N. C. - JACOB M. PALMER, Va. - REUBEN PALMER, Va. - WILLIAM MCK. ROBBINS, N. C. - RICHARD H. WILLIAMS, Va. - HENRY W. WINGFIELD, Va. - -[Illustration: WILLIAM MCK. ROBBINS, _Member of Congress from North -Carolina._] - -A. M. - - RICHARD H. POWELL, Ala. - DAVID CLOPTON, Ala. - THOMAS J. KOGER, S. C. - JAMES F. DOWDELL, Ala. - TENNENT LOMAX, Ala. - JAMES L. PIERCE, Ga. - EDWARD WADSWORTH, Ala. - ADDISON LEA, Miss. - Rev. B. CRAVEN (Honorary), N. C. President Trinity College. - -The Finance Committee reported to the Board that the sum of $57,000 had -been raised in subscriptions, bonds, etc., towards the endowment of the -College. - -COLLEGE YEAR 1851-'52. - -A number of changes took place this year. Williams T. Davis, A. M., who -had for many years successfully conducted the Preparatory School, -retired to go to Petersburg, where he spent the balance of a useful life -in the education of young ladies. He was temporarily succeeded by W. G. -Foote, A. B., and later by James S. Kennedy, A. B., of Emory and Henry -College. - -O. H. P. Corprew, A. M., tutor, was succeeded by Rev. J. A. Dean. - -The annual report mentions better financial condition; decrease in -patronage, due in part to changes of teachers; the introduction of the -"Demerit system," which is noted as having worked satisfactorily; also -the establishment of the degree of "Bachelor of English Literature and -Science," allowing a degree without taking classical studies. - -The Preparatory School at Ridgway, N. C., was discontinued. The other -schools were reported as doing well, but no statistics as to numbers in -attendance were given. The first volume of the _Randolph-Macon -Magazine_, containing ten numbers and three hundred pages, was published -in 1851. The Editors' Table states that "the primary object of our -publication is the _enlargement of our Society libraries_." - -The following is another extract from the Editors' Table: "The time is -at hand for us to throw off our dependence upon the North, and establish -an _independent Southern_ literature." - -The old _Southern Literary Messenger_ was then published, and several -_Reviews_, more or less literary. None of permanent standing are -published now. Southern independence in government and literature seem -to have both surrendered at Appomattox. Some of these young men laid -down their lives for one, some have been too busy fighting "the wolf at -the door" to do much for the latter. While we lament their defeat, we -admire their pluck. - -The following is the title-page of Volume I.: - -[Transcribers' Note: In the printed book, the editors and agents are -listed in two parallel columns. The left-hand column is headed "_From -F.L. Society._" and the right-hand column is headed "_From W.L. -Society._"] - - -THE RANDOLPH-MACON MAGAZINE. - -PUBLISHED BY THE STUDENTS OF THE R.-M. COLLEGE. - -"_Adeo in teneris consuescere, multum est_." - -EDITORS: - - _From F. L. Society._ - ROBERT M. MALLORY. - WILLIAM Y. PEYTON. - JOHN WILLIAMS. - - _From W. L. Society._ - CHARLES H. HALL. - JOHN S. JACKSON. - THADDEUS L. H. YOUNG. - - -AGENTS: - _From F. L. Society_. - JAMES SANGSTER. - THOMAS C. THACKSTON. - - _From W. L. Society_. - LEROY M. WILSON. - EDWARD M. PETERSON. - ------------------------ - - PRINTED BY CHAS. H. WYNNE, - _150 Main Street, Richmond Va._ - ------------------------ - -The following degrees were conferred June, 1852: - -A. B. - - ROWLAND DOGGETT, Va. - ROBERT A. JACKSON, Va. - SAMUEL LANDER, N. C. - ROBERT M. MALLORY, Va. - BENJAMIN W. OGBURN, Va. - JOHN F. OGBURN, Va. - HORACE PALMER, Jr., Va. - RUFUS R. PEGUES, S. C. - HENRY H. WILLIAMS, Va. - JOHN WILLIAMS, N. C. - -A. M. - - JAMES W. JACKSON, Va. - JAMES A. DUNCAN, Va. - R.S.F. PEETE, N. C. - WILLIAM G. FOOTE, Miss. - -COLLEGE SESSION 1852-'53. - -At the annual meeting, June, 1853, the report of the President and -Faculty was duly made, but, from some cause, it was not recorded. - -[Illustration: SAMUEL LANDER, D. D., _President Williamston Female -College, South Carolina._] - -The following degrees were conferred: - -A. B. - - CHARLES H. HALL, N. C. - JOHN S. JACKSON, Va. - EMBRY MERRITT, Va. - HENRY D. MILAM, N. C. - JAMES D. PROCTOR, Va. - JAMES E. SEBRELL, Va. - RICHARD W. THURMAN, Va. - JAMES SANGSTER, Va. - -A. M. - - E. W. ADAMS, Va. - JOHN H. CLAIBORNE, Va. - RICHARD W. LEIGH, Va. - EDWIN E. PARHAM, Va. - GEORGE HOWARD, Va. - LEWIS MILLER, N. C. - ROBERT H. WINFIELD, Va. - Rev. JOHN E. EDWARDS, Va. (Honorary). - -D. D. - - Rev. HEZEKIAH G. LEIGH, North Carolina Conference. - Rev. CHARLES F. DEEMS, North Carolina Conference. - -[Illustration: REV. CHAS. H. HALL, _Of the Virginia Conference._] - - -COLLEGE YEAR 1853-'54. - -There were in attendance this year 111 students in College and 43 in the -Preparatory School. Great gratification was expressed on account of the -good order of the session. The financial condition, however, was still -very embarrassing. The scholarships sold had added something to the -endowment fund, but the number of students paying tuition fees was -reduced, and thus the current receipts were not increased. This -embarrassed the officers of the College, because, while they preferred to -remain, higher salaries elsewhere invited them away. The President -stated that he visited the Virginia Legislature and made strenuous -efforts to induce the body to pass an act which would give all -incorporated Colleges $20,000 in State bonds for every $30,000 invested -by them in State bonds. Though the project seemed to meet with great -favor, nevertheless it failed, as all efforts to get the State to aid -denominational colleges have done. - -Dr. Smith adds: "But if the hope of succeeding with this scheme be not -sufficient to justify you in making better provision for your officers, -and another should not present itself to your minds affording better -grounds of hope for success, it is respectfully submitted whether it be -not better to close your doors until such of the officers as you shall -deem proper to employ shall succeed in raising from the public an -endowment fund sufficient to meet the wants of the institution." - -The venerable Professor David Duncan resigned the Chair of Ancient -Languages, September, 1853, to take effect June, 1854. So in June, after -a continuous faithful service of twenty-one years, he bade farewell to -Randolph-Macon, and went to Wofford, the scene of his labors to the end -of a long life. - -Professor O. H. P. Corprew, A. M., was transferred from the Chair of -Natural Philosophy to fill the vacancy occasioned by Professor Duncan's -resignation. Professor Corprew had been elected to the Professorship of -Natural Philosophy in the previous December. H. G. Leigh, Jr., resigned -as Tutor of Languages, and was succeeded by T. H. L. Young, A. B. Wm. H. -Bass resigned the place of Principal of the Preparatory School, and was -succeeded by John W. Stuart. - -[Illustration: THOMAS C. ELDER, A. M., _Of the Staunton, Va. Bar._] - -John S. Moore, A. M., was elected to the Chair of Natural Philosophy, -vacated by the transfer of Professor Corprew. - -At the annual meeting in June, 1854, the following received degrees: - -A. B. - - JESSE P. BAGBY, Va. - JOHN G. S. BOYD, Va. - RICHARD BOYD, Va. - WILLIAM H. CHEEK, N. C. - THOMAS C. ELDER, Va. - GEORGE W. HAMLIN, Va. - GARLAND B. HANES, Va. - GEORGE W. MAGRUDER, N. C. - ADOLPHUS W. MANGUM, Va. - A. C. MASSENBURG, N. C. - SAMUEL MOORE, Va. - THOMAS C. THACKSTON, Va. - L. O. RIVES, Tenn. - LEROY M. WILSON, Va. - THADDEUS L. H. YOUNG, Va. - -A. M. - - WILLIAM M. CRENSHAW, Va. - BENJAMIN F. SIMMONS, N. C. - WILLIAM MCK. ROBBINS, N. C. - HEZEKIAH G. LEIGH, JR., Va. - EDWARD S. BROWN, Va. - ARMSTREAT E. FOWLKES, Va. - -B., Eng. Lit. and Science. - - ALEX. HOGG, Va. - J. KIRKPATRICK. - W. H. SHAY. - -D. D. - - REV. T. B. SARGENT, Balt. Conf. - REV. ALFRED T. MANN, Ga. Conf. - - -At a called meeting held July 26, 1854, which was well attended, a -further effort was made to secure aid from the Legislature of Virginia. - -At this session of the Board the following important action was taken: - -Rev. Robert O. Burton offered the following resolutions: - -1. That in view of still further elevating the institution and securing -its permanency we will endeavor to increase the endowment to $100,000. - -2. That whenever the amount of $100,000 shall have been secured, or the -interest on the endowment fund shall amount to $6,000, this Board will -grant to the ministers of the Virginia and North Carolina Conferences -the right to educate their sons free of tuition fees for thirty years. - -3. That one or more agents be appointed to raise the money, and that we -earnestly ask the co-operation of all the ministers of the Virginia and -North Carolina Conferences. - -4. That subscriptions of $500 may be paid by the subscribers either -during their natural life or twelve months after death, with interest -from date, to be paid annually. - -5. That Rev. H. B. Cowles be appointed agent, and that Dr. William A. -Smith be associated with him. - -[Illustration: REV. L. M. LEE, D. D., _Editor: Richmond Christian -Advocate_.] - -These resolutions were adopted, and the agents appointed were requested -to make arrangements for the prosecution of the work as soon as -practicable. It could not be done at once, as the Agent elected had to -be assigned to the work by the Conference, which did not meet till -November. So it was arranged that the work should be commenced next -spring. - -In the interval Dr. Leroy M. Lee, then editor of the _Richmond Christian -Advocate_, proceeded to write and publish from time to time a series of -articles on "Christian Education"--articles probably not surpassed in -force and pertinence by any ever written on the subject. He kept the -matter of the canvass which was to be inaugurated the coming year before -the Methodist public, and thus effectually paved the way for better -success. - -In May, 1855, the agent and president of the College began the active -field work to raise the amount to one hundred thousand dollars at -Crenshaw's Church, on the Nottoway circuit, near Blacks and Whites -station, on the the (then) Southside Railroad. At this church a -mass-meeting was held, lasting several days. There were present, in -addition to the leaders above named, Dr. Leroy M. Lee, editor, who was -much interested in the effort. - -Dr. Smith was the chief speaker, and he never appeared to better -advantage, having the sympathy and interest of the audience with him -from the start. Dr. Lee followed him. Agent Cowles struck while the iron -was hot and took the subscription, which, in addition to what was -secured in the circuit in the next few days, amounted to five thousand -dollars. This gave the enterprise a good send-off, and was received and -accepted by the church at large as an augury of final success, which -proved to be true. The agents did not relax their efforts till the limit -was reached. - -There were several circumstances which made this effort a success. The -men in charge were the right men. Dr. Smith was a great man before the -people. Few men who lived in the State ever equalled, fewer still ever -surpassed him. His colleague, while not deficient in public speaking (he -was a most excellent preacher), was gifted with good business address -and tact, well versed in reading and managing mankind in general, and -thorough in his business transactions, securing all the benefits which -were possible. Both were largely acquainted throughout the Conference. - -The times were propitious. The decade beginning 1851 was the golden era -in the material prosperity of Virginia. The spirit of improvement in -lands, building railroads, and plank roads, and other roads was at its -height. Most of the great lines throughout the State were built during -this decade--the Richmond and Danville, the Southside (Petersburg and -Lynchburg), the Virginia and Tennessee (Lynchburg to Bristol), the -Orange and Alexandria (Lynchburg and Alexandria), and the Roanoke Valley -(Clarksville and Ridgway, N. C.), and others were built or projected. -The last named brought railway communication within twelve miles of the -College, and Keysville, on the Richmond and Danville, was within -thirty-five miles of the College. Besides these improvements, a plank -road was built from Petersburg to Clarksville, which was, as long as it -lasted, a great improvement. Another plank road from Blacks and Whites, -on the Southside Railroad, was built through Lunenburg in the direction -of Boydton, but its terminus was twenty miles short of reaching it. - -The Crimean war, involving the great Powers of Europe, raised the price -of wheat to a price seldom, if ever, reached previously. It sold in -1853-'54 for $2.35 per bushel, and good prices were maintained for the -balance of the decade. Lands in the State, which had been low in price, -were increased in value one hundred per cent. and other property in -something like the same ratio. All this made people more ready to -contribute as well as more able. - - -COLLEGE YEAR 1854-'55. - -This College year was marked by no special change or event. The -President's report notes: matriculates in College during the session, -134, 72 of whom were on scholarships. - -[Illustration: DAVID R. DUNCAN, _Major C. S. A.; Senator S. C. -Legislature._] - -Professor Samuel Lander, A. M., entered upon his duties as Adjunct -Professor of Languages, and W. A. Shepard was Assistant in the -Laboratory. - -At the annual meeting, June, 1855, degrees were conferred: - -A. B. - - GEORGE E. BOOKER, Va. - JAMES B. DUGGER, Va. - WILLIAM N. CARTER, Va. - JOHN E. CHRISTIAN, Va. - THOMAS A. GATCH, Va. - JAMES C. HANES, Va. - PETER A. MOSES, Va. - ROBERT N. SLEDD, Va. - DAVID R. DUNCAN, S. C. - OLIVER G. SMITH, N. C. - -A. M. - - THOMAS E. MASSIE, Va. - SAMUEL LANDER, N. C. - ROWLAND DOGGETT, Va. - JOHN F. DANCE, Va. - JOHN F. OGBURN, Va. - ROBERT M. MALLORY, Va. - HENRY W. WINGFIELD, Va. - BENJAMIN W. OGBURN, Va. - SAM'L B. PAUL (Honorary) Va. - -COLLEGE YEAR 1855-'56. - -The celebrated trial of Deems vs. Smith took place at the Virginia -Conference held in Petersburg, November, 1855. The charges were -presented by Dr. C. F. Deems in person, and defence made by Dr. Smith. -The verdict was almost unanimous, finding Dr. Smith not guilty. - -The result of this unfortunate affair was the resignation of quite a -number of the Trustees from the North Conference, that Conference having -espoused the cause of Dr. Deems by a very large majority. - -At the meeting of the Trustees in June, 1856, Dr. Smith tendered his -resignation as President of the College. The Board refused to accept the -resignation, only two voting to receive it. - -This year the first catalogue, as printed, comes to us. Others had been -printed, but no copies preserved. - -Of the original charter members of the Board all had died or retired but -John Early, William A. Smith, Mathew M. Dance and John G. Claiborne. All -the original members of the Faculty had resigned. Students in College, -93; in Preparatory School, 36--total, 129. - -We have no mention of the several Preparatory schools in North Carolina. -Thos. A. Gatch, A. B., was Principal of the Home School. - -[Illustration: W. T. BAILEY, _Killed at Gettysburg; buried on the -field._] - -A resolution was adopted by the Board asking the Legislature to -establish a school of "military tactics" in connection with the College, -but nothing ever came of it. - -In January, 1856, a most remarkable fall of snow occurred, with a -temperature of ten degrees below zero. The snow was fifteen inches deep. - -In June, 1856, the following received degrees: - -A. B. - - W. T. BAILEY, Va. - GREEN A. JACKSON, Va. - THOMAS L. JACKSON, Va. - WILLIAM T. MERRITT, Va. - JOHN P. FULLER, N. C. - -A. M. - - JAMES E. SEBRELL, Va. - WILLIAM A. BRAME, Va. - JAMES D. PROCTOR, Va. - - -COLLEGE YEAR 1856-'57. - -The changes in the Faculty this year were the resignation of Assistant -Professor Samuel Lander, whose place was not filled, and the -substitution of Charles W. Crawley, Principal of the Preparatory School -for Thomas A. Gatch, resigned. - -In June, 1857, Professor Charles B. Stuart resigned the Chair of -Chemistry and Geology, and Professor N. T. Lupton succeeded him. -Professor O. H. P. Corprew at same time resigned the Chair of Ancient -Languages, and Professor William B. Carr succeeded him. - -The degrees conferred June, 1857, were-- - -A. B. - - GEORGE W. ARMISTEAD, Va. - WILLIAM I. COWLES, Va. - RICHARD W. JONES, Va. - JOSEPH E. LEIGH, Va. - EDWIN G. MOORE, N. C. - WILBUR F. DAVIS, N. C. - JOHN B. WILLIAMS, N. C. - WILLIAM W. PENNY, Mo. - WILLIAM A. SHEPARD, Mass. - -A. M. - - WILLIAM G. CONNOR, Tenn. - L. O. RIVES, Tenn. - GARLAND B. HANES, Va. - THAD. L. H. YOUNG, Va. - JESSE P. BAGBY, N. C. - ADOLPHUS W. MANGUM, N. C. - SAMUEL MOORE, Va. - THOMAS C. ELDER, Va. - THOMAS C. THACKSTON, Va. - WILLIAM H. CHEEK, N. C. - -Number of students during the session, 144, including those at the -Preparatory School (34). - -The worst blizzard ever known in Virginia occurred in January, 1857; -thermometer ten degrees below zero. Some suffering in the College for -want of fuel. - - -COLLEGE YEAR 1857-'58. - -This year was reasonably prosperous. Some dissatisfaction was expressed -in the president's annual report on account of salaries. - -[Illustration: RICHARD W. JONES, A. M., LL. D., _Major C. S. A.; -President Mississippi Industrial Institute; Professor Mississippi -University and Randolph-Macon College._] - -In June, 1858, Prof. Lupton resigned the chair of Chemistry and Geology, -which was subsequently supplied by the election of Prof. Bennett -Puryear, of Richmond College. - -Dr. W. A. Smith again tendered his resignation, for reasons personal to -himself. At the urgent solicitation of the students, the Alumni Society, -and the Board, he withdrew his resignation. - -[Illustration: REV. RICHARD FERGUSON, _Virginia; Adjutant Eighteenth -Va. Regiment._] - -Degrees were conferred as follows: - -A. B. - - BENJAMIN H. THACKSTON, Va. - RICHARD FERGUSON, Va. - VICTOR M. BRANDON, Va. - RICHARD B. HOLSTEAD, Va. - ROBERT S. ISBELL, Va. - ALEX. MALLORY, Va. - ROBERT MOORE, Va. - CLAUDIUS G. PHILLIPS, Va. - PITTMAN R. VENABLE, Va. - RICHARD O. WYATT, Va. - -B. L. AND S. - -WALTER M. IRBY, Virginia. - -A. M. - -GEORGE E. BOOKER, Va. -PETER A. MOSES, Ark. -THOMAS A. GATCH, Va. -ROBERT N. SLEDD, Va. -JAMES C. HANES, Va. -Prof. JOHN C. WILLS (Honorary), Randolph-Macon College. - -Students in College this session, 109; in Preparatory School, 16-total, -125. - - -THE ENDOWMENT RAISED TO $100,000. - -At a called meeting of the Board December 27, 1858, the following action -was taken: - -"The Board, being satisfied, from an examination of the bonds and -subscriptions obtained by the agent, that the endowment fund of the -College, in bonds, cash, and valid subscriptions, has been raised to and -above one hundred thousand dollars; therefore be it - -"_Resolved_, That the following notice be given through the newspapers -of the State, viz.: 'By order of the Board of Trustees of Randolph-Macon -College, at a meeting held this day, notice is hereby given to those -persons who have contributed by bonds and subscriptions to increase the -endowment of the College that the said fund has been raised to the -amount of one hundred thousand dollars in bonds, cash, and valid -subscriptions, that their obligations have become absolute, and it is -hoped that they will discharge them, in order that the money may be -invested in permanent form as soon as practicable.'" - -The herculean task of raising the largest endowment fund ever -contributed to any college in Virginia or in the South up to this date -by public subscription was thus confirmed. When it is considered that -the larger part of this amount was contributed by individuals in sums -ranging from five to one thousand dollars (the latter sum the largest -contributed by one subscriber), the immense labor and difficulties of -the undertaking may be, to some extent, estimated. But the large number -of subscribers evidenced one gratifying fact, that after the subject of -education had been ventilated in mass-meetings, the people had become -interested in Christian education, and had given practical proof of that -interest. - -[Illustration: HENRY B. COWLES, _Virginia Conference; Agent -Randolph-Macon College._] - -The friends of the College were jubilant over this great event, which -seemed to insure new life and energy to the College, the subject of so -many hopes and prayers. The three great moving and active agents in -consummating the work--President W. A. Smith, Dr. Leroy M. Lee, and -Agent Rev. Henry B. Cowles--are worthy of all honor, and their names -should be handed down to succeeding generations as the benefactors of -their State and church. - -At the commencement, June, 1859, there was a large re-union of the -Alumni of Randolph-Macon to rejoice over the endowment secured and to -consult together about the interests of the College. Prominent among -those present were Rev. President John C. Blackwell, the oldest alumnus; -Rev. Holland N. McTyeire, D. D., editor of the _Nashville Christian -Advocate_; Rev. James A. Duncan, Hon. Thomas H. Campbell, etc. A banquet -of the Society was held, which was attended by many of its members and -invited guests. The Society of Alumni adopted the following preamble and -resolutions: - -"Whereas the Bible, as the word of God, contains the highest wisdom as -well as the highest truth; and whereas it is the oldest as well as the -best of books, and bears a vital relation to literature and civilization -as well as to religion; and whereas a knowledge of its teachings and the -history of those religious opinions and institutions which have -exercised a controlling influence upon the character and destiny of -mankind is necessary to a broad, liberal and complete education; -therefore, - -"_Resolved_, 1. That the Bible, as a text-book, ought to occupy a -central place in education, as it does in morals. - -"2. That it is eminently proper for the church, in conducting education, -to give the Bible such a place and distinct recognition. - -"3. That we, the alumni of Randolph-Macon College, recommend and -respectfully urge upon the Board of Trustees the creation of a _Chair of -Biblical Literature_, whose instruction shall be accessible to all -students of the College who shall desire to include them in their course -of study, and shall be extended free of charge to any young men who are -studying with a view to the Christian ministry. - -"4. That we recommend that the Virginia Conference rand the friends and -patrons of the College everywhere take measures for speedily endowing a -_Chair of Biblical Literature_. - -(Signed) "HOLLAND N. MCTYEIRE. - -"JOHN C. BLACKWELL." - -[Illustration: REV. WILLIAM S. DAVIS, _Of the North Carolina Conference; -General of Cavalry in the C. S. A._] - -This was the most pleasant and cheering commencement occasion which had -occurred for many years. The catalogue showed the attendance to have -been: Students in College, 119; in Preparatory School, 22--total, 141. -This year the old curriculum of four years was abandoned, and the course -was made _elective_, with the following departments, viz.: - -[Illustration: THOMAS J. JARVIS, LL. D., _Ex-Governor of North Carolina; -Senator in U. S. Congress; Minister to Brazil._] - - 1. Ancient Languages, - 2. Mathematics, - 3. Chemistry and Natural Philosophy, - 4. Moral Philosophy, - 5. Modern Languages, - 6. Preparatory. - -A. B. and A. M. courses for degrees were established. - -Professor J. C. Wills resigned the Chair of Mathematics. He left much to -the regret of the Board and the Faculty to take a professorship at the -Southern University, Greensboro, Ala. Mr. Robert T. Massie was elected -to fill the vacancy. Robert S. Isbell was Principal of the Preparatory -School. - -The following degrees were conferred: - -A. B. - - WILLIAM S. DAVIS, N. C. - AURELIUS T. GILL, Va. - ADAM C. BAGBY, Va. - JOHN L. JOHNSON, Va. - HENRY B. COWLES, JR.; Va. - JOHN DAVIDSON BLACKWELL, Va. - WILLIAM H. DAVIS, Va. - JOHN T. HUMPHREYS, Va. - THOMAS J. OVERBY, N. C. - JOHN L. CHAMBERLAIN, N. C. - EDWIN S. HARDY, Va. - JOHN W. JONES, Va. - WILLIAM G. STARR, Va. - CHRISTOPHER THROWER, Ark. - LEROY S. EDWARDS, Va. - LUTHER WRIGHT, Va. - -ENGLISH AND SCIENCE. - - J. W. HEARTSFIELD, N. C. - THOMAS W. BRANCH, Va. - F. X. MILLER, N. C. - -A. M. - - DR. SAMUEL D. SANDERS, S. C. - WILLIAM T. MERRITT, Va. - GREEN A. JACKSON, Va. - ARGYLE HALEY, Va. - JOHN E. CHRISTIAN, Va. - JOHN WILLIAMS, N. C. - ALEXANDER HOGG, Texas. - -D. D. - -Prof. A. M. SHIPP, Wofford College, S. C. - - -COLLEGE YEAR 1859-'60. - -This was the first year under the new system of instruction. At the -annual meeting of the Board of Trustees, the committee on "The course of -instruction and new system of government" reported very favorably on the -results, and advised continuance of the same, with some modifications. - -The Preparatory School was abolished this year, after an unsuccessful -course generally, for about twenty-eight years. The number of students -in attendance this year was: in College, 149; in Preparatory School, -16--total, 165. - -[Illustration: B. W. ARNOLD, A. M., _Professor of Vanderbilt University; -Member of the Virginia Legislature._] - -Degrees conferred June, 1860, _under new course_: - - A. B. - - JOSEPH D. ARNOLD, Va. - WILLIAM P. HILL, Va. - THOMAS J. JARVIS, N. C. - -A. M. - - BENJ. W. ARNOLD, Va. - ANTHONY DIBRELL, Va. - GEORGE B. FINCH, Va. - P. FLETCHER FORD. Va. - WILLIAM M. JONES, Va. - JAMES H. PEAY, Va. - BENJAMIN I. SCOTT, Va. - JOHN W. TAYLOR, Va. - -A. M., under the old course. - - WILLIAM I. COWLES, Va. - RICHARD W. JONES, Va. - JOHN B. WILLIAMS, N. C. - WILBUR F. DAVIS, Va. - EDWIN G. MOORE, N. C. - GEORGE W. ARMISTEAD, Va. - WILLIAM A. SHEPARD, Va. - JOHN L. GILLESPIE, Va. - -COLLEGE YEAR 1860-'61. - -This College year reached into the first year of the civil war. The -matriculation at the opening was fairly good, but during the second term -many of the young men left to enter the military service. The -Commencement exercises were dispensed with, and the Board conferred only -a few degrees. Those receiving them were-- - -A. M. - - B. L. ARNOLD, Va. - B. J. HAWTHORNE, Va. - RICHARD B. HOLSTEAD, Va. - RICHARD O. WYATT, Va. - - -A. B. - - JOHN THOMPSON BROWN, Va. - -D. D - -REV. JOHN C. BLACKWELL, A. M., Pres. Buckingham Female Inst. - -Under the discouraging circumstances the Board determined to suspend the -exercises of the College--a very wise move, but unfortunately it was -countermanded at a subsequent meeting. - - -COLLEGE YEAR 1861-'62. - -At a called meeting of the Board held August 29, 1861, the previous -action of the Board was rescinded, and it was resolved, "That the -College be opened at the usual time under a complete system of military -government, and Rev. Major William H. Wheelwright Was elected Professor -of Military Tactics." - -At a subsequent meeting of the Board, Professor Lewis Turner was elected -to the Chair of Mathematics, vacated by the resignation of Professor -Massie, who had entered the military service; Professor W. A. Shepard -had also entered the service, but his place was not filled. - -At a meeting held in Norfolk, Va., November 22, 1861, a committee was -appointed to secure a change in the charter, authorizing the military -feature proposed for the College. - -At a meeting of the Board held January 20, 1862, J. E. Blankenship was -elected Professor in place of Major Wheelwright, who declined to accept -the position offered him. On the 20th February the military organization -was completed by the action of the Executive Committee. It was as -follows, viz.: - - REV. WM. A. SMITH, D. D., _Col. Commanding Corps Cadets_. - J. E. BLANKENSHIP, Major, _Professor Mathematics and Military - Science_. - BENNETT PURYEAR, Captain. _Professor Chemistry_. WILLIAM B. CARR, - Captain, _Professor Ancient Languages_. - G. STAUBLY, Captain, _Professor Modern Languages_. - -A long schedule of military rules was adopted--too long for their -insertion here, and much longer than their existence would have -justified. - -Those who reversed the deliberate action of the Board at the annual -meeting, carried away with the excitement of the times, thought they -were doing the best, but, as we look at it now, it appears a solemn -farce. It was also an expensive one. - -At the close of the year, June, 1862, the following received degrees: - -A. M. - - WILLIAM A. ARCHER, Va. - J. E. BUTLER, Ark. - R. A. COMPTON, Va. - WILLIAM S. WILLIAMS. Mo. - -GRADUATES OF FORMER YEARS. - - WILLIAM G. STARR, - ROBERT S. ISBELL, - JOHN D. BLACKWELL. - -A. B. - - WILLIAM E. EDWARDS. - B. L. ARNOLD, Va. - -[Illustration: WILLIAM E. EDWARDS, D. D., _A. B., 1862._] - -At the annual meeting, June, 1862, of the Trustees, the following -resolution was adopted: - -"This Board, having the utmost confidence in the ability of the -Confederate States to maintain their independence, and that it is safe -to make investment in their stocks (bonds), is of the opinion that it -would be judicious to sell out our stocks which do not pay an interest -of more than six per cent., and to invest the same in Confederate States -bonds, bearing an interest of eight per cent. And that the President of -the College be requested to confer with our Investing Agent on the -subject, and that if the investing Agent concur with the Board in the -propriety of the exchance of stocks, that he proceed to make it." - -Under the military _regime_ the session opened as usual in September, -1862. The number of students in attendance was small, as might have been -expected. - -The board of students was fixed at $25 per month, with the following -bill of fare at the Mess Hall: - -"_For breakfast_--Sugar, coffee (_or substitute_) or milk (_those using -the one will not be entitled to the other_), flour-bread, viz., loaf -bread and biscuit, and either batter-bread, waffles or muffins, butter, -cold or fried bacon, or hash. - -"_For dinner_--Boiled bacon and cabbage, or other greens, and one of the -following kinds of meats, viz., beef, mutton, shoat or fowls, with the -vegetables of the season, and corn-bread. - -"_For supper_--Sugar, coffee (_or a substitute_) or milk, as at -breakfast, flour-bread, viz., loaf-bread and biscuit, and either -batter-bread, waflles, muffins, or toast-bread and butter." - -What soldier could not fight on such fare as this! - -In October, 1862, Professor Staubly resigned, and soon afterwards went -to Petersburg, along with Professor W. B. Carr, to teach in the -Petersburg Female College. They were thus engaged till the 9th of June, -1864, when General Kautz attacked the Home Guards, under the command of -Major F. H. Archer. In this engagement Professors Carr and Staubly were -participants, and the latter was killed, along with Geo. B. Jones, a -Randolph-Macon alumnus. - -At a called meeting of the Trustees held December 18, 1862, the -President presented to the consideration of the Board the condition of -the College, with an exhibit of receipts and disbursements. - -After much deliberation, it was ordered that the operations of the -College be suspended from and after the 5th of February, 1863, to the -opening of the fall term, in September following. - -"Dr. W. A. Smith was placed in charge of the property. At a meeting of -the Trustees held July 24, 1863, the President in his report in regard -to the closing term said: - -"The College opened September, 1862, with about twenty students, which -number gradually increased to forty-four. The Conscript Act then went -into operation, and took nearly half that number. - -Then, on motion, it was ordered that the exercises of the College be -suspended until otherwise ordered. The Virginia Conference of the M. E. -Church, South, held its annual session at Broad-street Methodist Church -November, 1863. At this Conference the following resolution was adopted: - -"_Resolved_, That we recommend the Trustees of Randolph-Macon College to -remove it from its present site to some more eligible locality, and we -call their attention specially to the advantages presented by Lynchburg -as the place to which it should be transferred." - -A meeting of the Trustees was called to consider the resolution of the -Conference, and the Trustees assembled at Broad-street Church November -26, 1863. - -As there were only nine members in attendance, the Trustees adjourned to -meet in the city of Petersburg on the 20th of January, to consider the -recommendation of the Conference, and an order was made that notice of -the adjourned meeting be given in the newspapers of Richmond and -Petersburg. - -The Trustees of Randolph-Macon College met, pursuant to adjournment, at -the Washington-street M. E. Church, Petersburg, Va., on Wednesday, -January 20, 1864. There were present seventeen members. The chairman, -President Smith, presented the resolution of the Conference, given -above. - -After considerable discussion, the following was agreed upon as the -sense of the Board: - -"_Resolved unanimously_, That while the Board of Trustees of -Randolph-Macon College are not prepared to take decisive action on the -resolution of the Virginia Conference in relation to the change of -location of said College, yet this Board so far concurs in the spirit of -their resolution as to appoint five members as a committee of the Board -to take immediate steps to ascertain the comparative advantages offered -by other localities with a view to its removal; and that the committee -be requested to perform their duty with dispatch, and report to an -adjourned meeting to be held in Petersburg, Va., on Wednesday, March 9, -1864." - -The following were appointed said committee: Rev. W. A. Smith, chairman, -Rev. L. M. Lee, Rev. J. C. Blackwell, E. R. Chambers, and R. M. Smith; -and, on motion, Captain Richard Irby was added to the committee. - -The Trustees met, pursuant to adjournment, in Washington-street M. E. -Church, Petersburg, Va., March 9, 1864. - -The committee appointed at the meeting January 20 last made report, as -follows: - -"The committee to whom were referred the comparative claims of the -different localities which have been spoken of as offering the most -encouraging prospects of success beg leave to submit, that such is the -unsettled state of public opinion as to the financial condition of the -country at this time, and for some time to come, that no enlightened -judgment can be reached by your committee as to the advantages offered -by other localities compared with the present location of the College, -we beg, therefore, to be relieved from the further consideration of the -subject. - -"(Signed) WM. A. SMITH, _Chairman_." - - -The following order was adopted in regard to the report, viz.: - -"_Resolved_, That the report of the committee be referred back to the -same committee, with instructions to take into consideration all the -subjects committed to them at the meeting held in Petersburg on the 20th -January last, and report to a subsequent meeting to be held in -Petersburg at the call of the President, or when he may be requested to -call a meeting by any five members of the Board of Trustees." - -This meeting was never called. The committee never formulated any -further report. In a few weeks after the meeting was held, Petersburg -was invested by the Federal army, under General Grant. This investment -was continued until April, 1865, when General Lee's right wing was -turned, Petersburg and Richmond evacuated, and the final surrender at -Appomattox. - -The following reminiscences of the last days of the College before the -suspension are given by Rev. Dr. W. E. Edwards, who was at the College -till near the close: - -"The years 1860-1862 were among the most memorable in the history of the -College. In 1860 the College, perhaps, had attained the climax of its -_ante-bellum_ prosperity. It had met difficulties and conquered them. It -had grown and developed into commanding importance. A future of great -promise opened up before it. Dr. William A. Smith was now at the zenith -of his great popularity as a college president and as an instructor in -Moral Philosophy. The changes which from time to time he had introduced -in the management of affairs bore continually-increasing fruit in the -orderly conduct of students and in their closer application to books; -nay, more, his adaptation to the professorial duties which he had -assumed shone out conspicuously before the church and the state. He was -endowed with splendid abilities--an intellectual giant. Especially was -he a born metaphysician. He possessed a power of introspection and an -aptness for the logical arrangement of truth that fall to the lot of -but few men in life; and now, by patient toil, he elaborated and -delivered to his classes a course of original lectures upon the various -subjects in his special department, which of itself would justly -entitle him to a high rank among the instructors of the country. It is -to be regretted that these lectures were never written out _in extenso_ -and given to the public. No doubt, at certain points, they would -disclose a lack of thoroughness, due to the absence of large and general -reading; still, they would manifest a marked degree of original and -profound investigation, and would prove, what cannot be said of all that -today is taught in our colleges under the name of Moral Science, -exceedingly helpful in the proper culture and discipline of character. -In other words, the Doctor, in the plan and order of his talent, was -practical rather than speculative. - -The dark cloud of civil war, so long anticipated and dreaded, now -appeared with threatening aspect upon the horizon. The presidential -nominees were made. Intense excitement pervaded every department of -society. Still the attendance of students upon the fall session of the -College for 1860 was not much abated. Of course, the storm without was -felt in the narrower circle of college life; all the circumstances of a -regular political campaign was here faithfully enacted. Parties were -formed; electors were chosen; speeches were made; votes were cast. The -majority upon which so important a decision was made (to the best of my -memory) was five, yet, in spite of this political strife, studies were -pursued with the zest and regularity of former years. A few months -passed by. The great American people, despite the students of -Randolph-Macon College, decided who should be the President of the -country, and declared in favor of Abraham Lincoln, 'the rail-splitter of -Illinois.' The College participated more and more in the effects of the -increasing excitement. Many students from the seceded States returned to -their homes. At length the 4th of March, 1861, arrived. Mr. Lincoln was -inducted into office. Immediately he called for seventy-five thousand -men to crush the 'rebellion.' Virginia, so long standing aloof, and -hoping against hope, now compelled to make a decision, unhesitatingly -cast her fortune with that of her Southern sisters. The wildest -enthusiasm prevailed among the students. Bondfires were kindled; a great -torchlight procession was formed; the different professors were visited, -and, after the most approved style, called on for speeches. Then the -march was continued to Boydton, to the manifest delight of the citizens -of that little town; and then, at a late hour of the night, the line was -broken, and every one was left to find his way as best he could back to -his room. It is a time long to be remembered. - -"Soon students in large numbers left for their homes to prepare for war. -The country was converted into an immense camp. So great was the -depletion in the number of students, and so great was the excitement -that prevailed throughout the country, that the College authorities -deemed it inexpedient to hold the regular commencement exercises for -this year. So closed the term of 1860-'61. - -"A word at this point: In those days it was not deemed improper or -unbecoming for ministers of the gospel to have decided views upon -questions of state. There were clerical Whigs and there were clerical -Democrats, and very stoutly did they maintain the cause of their -respective parties. Of course, they never entered the political arena, -but in private and around the fireside there was often no small war -waged by these 'gentlemen of the cloth' over the great issues of the -day. Dr. William A. Smith was a Democrat of the Calhoun stamp. He -believed implicitly in the right of secession, a sacred right guaranteed -by the constitution, and was not slow to give the reason for the opinion -which he cherished. Still, in the earlier part of 1861, he did not -recognize the necessity for the exercise of this right on the part of -the South. He thought that some compromise might be effected and the -Union saved; yet when Mr. Lincoln was inaugurated, and his policy -forecast in the call for seventy thousand men to crush the rebellion, he -no longer hesitated, but claimed rights which before he was willing to -ignore; and the South had no stauncher friend or more zealous advocate -than he during all those dark days of fratricidal strife, even to the -close, when drums ceased to beat and the battle-flags were furled. - -"We start a new era. Vacation begins. The excitement in the land, if -possible, becomes more intense. There is volunteering for service, -drilling, hurrying on to the front. Everything is placed under -contribution to facilitate and render successful the mighty trial of -arms which is impending. The battle of Manassas is fought. The South is -the victor; yet the fruits are not what were desired and anticipated. -The war cloud, instead of vanishing, grows denser. The evidences of a -protracted and sanguinary conflict become manifest. The trustees of the -College, under existing circumstances, were embarrassed. They knew not -what to do; yet in the early part of July they declared against the -opening of the doors of the institution for the coming year. Later on, -however, they reversed this decision, and the College began its fall -session at the usual time. Several important changes are here to be -noticed. First, the number of students was perceptibly smaller than -usual; the whole body, perhaps, did not exceed sixty-five or seventy. A -few of these were manifestly parties desiring to shirk military service; -yet the great majority was composed of persons under the age of -conscription and of persons who were already far advanced in their -college course and looked forward to a speedy graduation. - -"Again: there was a change in the complexion or membership of the -Faculty. Professor Massie resigned to accept a call to governmental work -in Richmond, and Professor Turner was elected to fill the Chair of -Mathematics. He, however, resigned at the close of the half session, and -Professor Blankenship was chosen as his successor. Professor Shepard -resigned, and entered upon active military service in the field. No one -was appointed to fill his place, as the exigencies of the case did not -demand it. - -"Once more: the style of the College was changed from a purely literary -to a semi-military institution. A regular uniform was prescribed; drills -were daily observed, and other things of a similar character were -enjoined, all looking to the preparation of the student for the duties -that awaited him in defence of his country. - -"The Commencement exercises for this year were exceedingly interesting -and for the times very largely attended. Dr. James A. Duncan delivered -the address before the two societies. His presence among the scenes of -his boyhood was a joy to his old acquaintances, and his address was -highly appreciated for its worth and for the sake of the man who -delivered it." - -The record of the meeting held March 9, 1864, given above, closes the -official history of the College prior to the surrender. - -We give the names of the trustees following those who were named in the -charter of February, 1830, with date of their election: - - NAME. STATE. YEAR. - NATHANIEL MASON,. . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1833 - THOMAS ADAMS, . . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1833 - THOMAS WILLIAMS,. . . . . South Carolina, . . . 1833 - ALEXANDER SPEAR,. . . . . Georgia,. . . . . . . 1834 - W. H. ELLISON,. . . . . . Georgia,. . . . . . . 1834 - Rev. WILLIAM CAPERS,. . . South Carolina, . . . 1834 - Rev. W. M. KENNEDY, . . . South Carolina, . . . 1834 - Rev. W. M. WIGHTMAN,. . . South Carolina, . . . 1834 - GEORGE W. JEFFRIES, . . . North Carolina, . . . 1834 - BEV. SYDNOR,. . . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1834 - Rev. I. A. FEW, . . . . . Georgia,. . . . . . . 1834 - Rev. LOVICK PIERCE, . . . Georgia,. . . . . . . 1835 - SEABORN JONES,. . . . . . Georgia,. . . . . . . 1835 - J. C. POYTHRESS,. . . . . Georgia,. . . . . . . 1835 - Rev. JAMES McADEN,. . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1835 - Rev. ABRAM PENN,. . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1835 - WILLIS LEA, . . . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1835 - Bishop J. O. ANDREW,. . . Georgia,. . . . . . . 1835 - HUGH A. GARLAND,. . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1835 - Rev. STEPHEN OLIN,. . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1835 - HORACE PALMER,. . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1837 - Rev. JAMES JAMEISON,. . . North Carolina, . . . 1837 - Rev. B. T. BLAKE, . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1837 - M. M. MCPHERSON,. . . . . Georgia,. . . . . . . 1838 - THOMAS W. WILLIAMS, . . . South Carolina, . . . 1838 - S. K. HODGES, . . . . . . South Carolina, . . . 1838 - L. C. GARLAND,. . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1840 - D'ARCY PAUL,. . . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1840 - A. A. CAMPBELL, . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1840 - Rev. D. S. DOGGETT,.. . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1841 - Rev. A. M. FORSTER, . . . South Carolina, . . . 1841 - Rev. HENRY B. COWLES, . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1842 - GEORGE ROGERS,. . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1842 - EDWARD R. CHAMBERS, . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1842 - WILLIAM TOWNES, . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1844 - WESLEY YOUNG, . . . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1845 - Rev. R. O. BURTON,. . . . North Carolina, . . . 1845 - Rev. WILLIAM B. ROWZIE, . Virginia, . . . . . . 1845 - ELLIS MALONE, . . . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1846 - THOMAS BRANCH,. . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1846 - Rev. L. M. LEE, . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1846 - THOMAS W. HARRIS, . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1846 - RICHARD B. BAPTIST, . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1846 - CHARLES R. EATON, . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1848 - MASON L. WIGGINS, . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1848 - CHARLES S. HUTCHESON, . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1848 - WILLIAM IRBY, . . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1848 - JAMES J. DALY,. . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1848 - Rev. R. I. CARSON,. . . . North Carolina, . . . 1848 - Rev. JAMES REID,. . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1848 - G. W. S. PARHAM,. . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1848 - GEORGE WILSON,. . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1848 - GEORGE D. BASKERVILLE,. . North Carolina, . . . 1848 - Rev. ANTHONY DIBRELL, . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1849 - Rev. WILLIAM CLOSS, . . . North Carolina, . . . 1852 - Rev. THOMAS S. CAMPBELL,. North Carolina, . . . 1854 - THOMAS H. CAMPBELL, . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1854 - RICHARD IRBY, . . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1854 - CHARLES SKINNER,. . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1854 - Rev. GEORGE W. NOLLEY,. . Virginia, . . . . . . 1855 - JOHN G. BOYD, . . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1855 - Rev. LEO ROSSER,. . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1855 - Rev. J. P. MOORE, . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1855 - Rev. R. E. G. ADAMS,. . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1855 - Rev. P. W. ARCHER,... . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1855 - Rev. N. F. REID,. . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1855 - Rev. WILLIAM CARTER,. . . North Carolina, . . . 1855 - Rev. J. E. EDWARDS, . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1857 - N. MILAM, . . . . . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1857 - Rev. G. W. CARTER,. . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1858 - RICHARD M. SMITH, . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1858 - Rev. JOHN C. BLACKWELL, . Virginia, . . . . . . 1858 - THOMAS P. JERMAN, . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1858 - LEROY M. WILSON,. . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1859 - O. H. P. CORPREW, . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1859 - WILLIAM A. SMITH, . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1860 - W. T. SUTHERLIN, . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1860 - -_Secretaries of the Board._ - - Rev. WILLIAM A. SMITH, - Rev. WILLIAM M. WIGHTMAN, - Rev. JOHN G. CLAIBORNE, - Rev. EDWARD WADSWORTH, - Rev. HENRY B. COWLES, - RICHARD B. BAPTIST, - RICHARD IRBY, - WILLIAM A. SHEPARD. - -_Treasurers._ - - JOHN W. LEWIS, - ALEXANDER BOYD, - BEVERLY SYDNOR, - LANDON C. GARLAND, - DAVID DUNCAN, - CHARLES B. STUART, - Rev. WILLIAM A. SMITH. - -Agents. - - Rev. H. G. LEIGH, - Rev. WILLIAM HAMMETT, - Rev. M. P. PARKS, - Rev. JOHN EARLY, - Rev. WILLIAM A. SMITH, - Rev. THOMAS CROWDER, - Rev. JOHN A. MILLER, - Rev. JOHN KERR, - Rev. S. S. BRYANT, - Rev. R. O. BURTON, - Rev. WILLIAM B. ROWZIE, - Rev. R. I. CARSON, - Rev. BENJAMIN R. DUVAL, - Rev. N. THOMAS, - Rev. HENRY B. COWLES. - - Rev. JOHN EARLY, - Chairman Board of Trustees, 1831. - President " " 1833 to 1872. - -In the body of the history sufficient prominence has not been given to a -number of the Professors and Agents. They in many instances richly -deserved this prominence, but it seemed to be impossible to get -portraits of them. A search for some of them for years failed to secure -them. - -The good work, as agents, of Rev. B. R. Duval and Rev. N. Thomas, more -particularly the former, deserved a much more extended notice and -commendation. - - -WAR HISTORY. - -The war history of the College and its Professors and sons is and must -remain very imperfect. It is impossible for the writer to gather up the -scattered threads of this history. No approximate estimate can be given -of the number who went into military service, nor of the casualties -which befell them. That many of them were killed and wounded and many -died of sickness is well known. - -Six Randolph-Macon men were enrolled in one company, and the casualties -which befell these are here given from actual data. Whether this is a -fair sample of the rest is not known with certainty. There is no reason -why it should not be assumed as a fair average. - -In Company G, Eighteenth Virginia Regiment, Army Northern Virginia, the -following casualties occurred, viz.: - -Richard Irby, class of 1844, first lieutenant and captain, wounded twice -at Second Manassas, 1862. - -Samuel Hardy, class of 1846, first lieutenant, lost an arm and disabled -at Gaines' Mill, 1862. - -Richard Ferguson, class of 1858, first lieutenant (and adjutant of the -regiment, 1863), wounded at Gaines' Mill, Frazier's Farm, Second -Manassas, and captured inside the cemetery wall at Gettysburg; in prison -to the close of the war. - -Edward H. Muse, class of 1861, second lieutenant, wounded at Frazier's -farm, Gettysburg, and Sailor's Creek. - -Anthony Dibrell Crenshaw, class of 1858, third lieutenant, killed at -Five Forks, 1865, and buried on the field. - -Benjamin I. Scott, class of 1860, corporal, killed near Boonsboro, Md., -1862, and left on the field. - -The writer can give the history and portraits of these, because he had -the honor to command the company in which they served, and preserved -their records and portraits. - -The College premises were occupied after the close of the war for some -time by the Federal forces. The main building was used as headquarters -of the Freedman's Bureau, and the rooms filled with the "wards of the -nation." The damage done to the property was assessed at about five -thousand dollars, which is unpaid to this day, and will doubtless so -remain to the end of time. - -This closes the _ante-bellum_ record. - -[Illustration: OFFICERS COMPANY G, EIGHTEENTH VIRGINIA REGIMENT. No. 1. -Captain Richard Irby. No. 2. Lieut. Richard Ferguson. No. 3. Lieut. S. -Hardy. No. 4. Lieut. E. H. Muse. No. 5. Lieut. A. D. Crenshaw. No. 6. -Corpl. B. I. Scott.] - - - -INTERLUDE. - - -BEFORE entering upon the subsequent history of the College, this writer -would take this occasion to refer to one of many omissions, which he has -noted in revising the pages already printed, a point of special interest -and importance. This is the religious element in Randolph-Macon College. - -The College was the child of the Methodist Church, established, in large -measure, to educate young men for the ministry in accordance with the -ideas and usages of the church of that day. Religion was the first and -foremost consideration--religion as taught and emphasized by the -Methodist Church--religion allied with education. At the first opening -of the College a chaplain was appointed for it by the Conference, a man -who was as complete a model of the Methodist minister as could be found, -William B. Rowzie, a walking, living epistle of Christ, "known and read -of all men." One better than he could not have been found to inaugurate -the religious life of the College. - -Never in the history of the church in Virginia has Methodism, in its -spirit and economy, been more thoroughly exemplified than it has been at -Randolph-Macon. The morning and evening sacrifice of prayer and praise -noted every day of work. Preaching in the chapel was had twice on -Sabbath and prayer service was held on Wednesday evenings. Students were -required to attend morning and evening prayer and Sunday morning -service. Besides this, the members of the church were organized into -classes with leaders, according to Methodist usage, and class-meetings -were regularly held once a week. Thus was exhibited a complete practical -example of Methodist economy as prescribed in the _Discipline_. The -result and fruit of this work was a high state of religious life. Every -year, or oftener, this life took the form of great religious activity, -and sweeping revivals occurred, bringing well-nigh all in the College -and many outside under spiritual influence, and many converts into the -church. There were few years, if any, when some such revival did not -take place. Of many it could be said, "This and that man was born -there"; many who not only became Christians themselves, but went forth -from the College to preach the gospel throughout the Southern land. Many -here were drilled in Methodist usages, and thus prepared to become -class leaders, stewards and Sunday-school teachers and superintendents -after they left College. A large proportion of these became presidents -of colleges and principals of high schools and academies, in which they -inaugurated the same system of "religion in earnest." These schools -shared the same benign and gracious influences, and in turn became -"fountains in the desert," from whence "streams broke out," reaching -even to the ends of the earth, "making glad the city of our God," and -causing "the wilderness to bloom and blossom as the rose." - -It may be thought strange that fathers belonging to other churches and -others not religious were ever found sending their sons to a college -which was thus permeated with religious life as taught and practiced by -Methodists. But in many cases they did send them. - -This writer, whose acquaintance with the College extends over a period -of nearly sixty years, makes bold to say that he has never known a -student to change his church membership during all that time and become -a Methodist. He has known class-leaders who had been at home -Presbyterians and Episcopalians, but after leaving College they resumed -their work in their fathers' churches, none the worse for having for a -time worked in "Methodist traces." - -As to calculating the ultimate effects of all these causes and -influences in time and eternity, it were as vain to try to calculate or -measure them as it would be - - "To bind the sweet influences of the Pleiades - Or loose the bands of Orion." - - - -COLLEGE HISTORY AFTER THE WAR. - - -THE period immediately succeeding the surrender of the Confederate army -at Appomatox was one of the darkest and most discouraging that any -civilized people was ever called to face. Virginia had been for four -years the battle-ground over which great armies had marched and -counter-marched and fought. Every home had felt the torture that "tried -men's souls." Widows gathered their fatherless children around them to -share the last crust of bread together, not knowing whether even that -much could be found to-morrow. For miles along the highways over which -the armies had marched, the bare chimneys only, marked the sites where -comfortable houses had sheltered happy households. The farmer had his -land left--that could not be carried away; but few had any teams to -break the ground, and many had not the seed needed to sow the fields. -The last cow was in many cases driven away or killed. A noted Federal -general had boastfully reported to the general-in-chief that so -completely had he devastated the fairest and most fertile section of the -State that a crow could not travel over it without carrying his rations -with him. - -Richmond, the capital city, after withstanding two sieges successfully, -had been, in large part, made a bank of ashes. Petersburg, beleaguered -so long, was a scarred and battered wreck. Fredericksburg, Winchester, -Norfolk, and many other towns, were little better off. Some of the -railroads were stripped of their rails--all of them in bad plight and -almost without any equipment for business, if any business were to be -found. The labor system, which had for centuries been used to cultivate -the land and gather the crops, had been at one stroke subverted, and -virtually destroyed. None had been found for months afterward to take -its place. With the people at large it was a struggle for existence and -a fight with famine. - -One of the saddest scenes this writer ever witnessed was at Nottoway -courthouse. A few days after the surrender at Appomattoax, he was -summoned with other citizens of the county to attend a meeting called to -confer with the military officers as to the best plans to be devised to -prevent suffering among the people. Just as he entered the courthouse, -where a number of people were assembled, he saw a venerable man of more -than three-score years and ten standing before the officer, with tears -streaming down his furrowed cheeks, and heard him say: "Every scrap of -meat, every grain of corn, everything in the way of food I had, has been -taken from me. I know not where I shall get my meat or bread to-morrow." -This man had been for many years one of the foremost men in the county, -a Senator in the General Assembly of Virginia, and for many years a -Trustee of Randolph-Macon College. - -But poverty and penury were not all. The people were humiliated and -despondent. Their State, "the mother of States and statesmen," had now -the tyrant's heel upon her neck, and was styled "District" (No. 1), a -"conquered province"--her governor, first a refugee, then a prisoner. -Military satraps filled the seats of judges and magistrates. The -ignorant slave was often shown more deference than his former cultured -master. Most of the flower of the manhood of the State had died by the -sword or disease. The boys and girls of the next generation were growing -up without the means of education, and helping to eak out a living for -their widowed mothers. - -Such, in brief, was the condition of Virginia in the period succeeding -the close of the war. - -What could the Trustees of the College do under such circumstances as -now surrounded them? The endowment gathered at such an expenditure of -time and labor was in large part lost. The investments made were in -bonds and stocks of more than uncertain value, some not worth the paper -on which they were printed. The College buildings, libraries and -laboratories had all been impaired and damaged by non-use or abuse. -There was no money in hand to repair and refit them. Our own people were -too poor to furnish it. Those who had devastated the property, and added -injury to insult, could not be expected to restore what they had -destroyed. - -Nevertheless, it had been but a few months after the surrender before a -meeting of the Board was called to be held in Petersburg, August 23, -1865. - -At this meeting a quorum was lacking, and the Board adjourned to meet on -September 13 following, at the residence of Richard Irby, in Nottoway. -This adjourned meeting was held, and a quorum was present. - -One of the first matters attended to was the appointment of a committee -consisting of President W. A. Smith and four others "to estimate the -damage to the College incurred by the occupation of it by the United -States troops _after the surrender_, and in behalf of the Trustees to make -application to the proper authorities of the government for payment." - -On motion of D'Arcy Paul it was-- - -_Resolved_, That all the Professor's chairs be declared vacant. - -A provisional arrangement was made to open the College for school -purposes, but this arrangement was not carried out. - -A further plan was provided for taking care of the College property, and -the Board adjourned. - -The next meeting of the Board was held at the College July 11, 1866, -with eighteen members in attendance. The chairman of the committee -appointed at the last meeting to assess and press claim for damages to -College, reported that the committee had not been encouraged in their -efforts by the military authorities in Virginia. - -Judge E. R. Chambers was appointed to prosecute the claim. - -It may save time here to say, as has been said before, that this claim -was never recognized by the government. - -The Finance Committee made a report of the Endowment fund and -liabilities of the College: - - Bonds of the city of Petersburg and interest, . . . . . . $19,000 - Bonds of the State of Virginia, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,000 - ------- - (Classed available),. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $22,000 - - Bonds Southside Railroad Company, guaranteed - by city of Petersburg,. . . . . . .$15,800 - Stock Petersburg Railroad Company, 8,000 - ------- - $23,800 - ------- - $45,800 - ------- - Private or personal Endowment bonds, . . . . . . . . . . .$24,900 - Legacy of W. B. Jones, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .500 - ------- - $25,400 - ======= - Confederate bonds, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $37,000 - Confederate currency, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,536 - ------- - $44,536 - ======= - - Leaving out the Confederate bonds, which were worthless, the balance - of available and possible assets were $71,200 - Liabilities as far as known, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,854 - ------- - Net assets, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $62,346 - -This, under all the circumstances, might be considered a favorable -showing, and the credit of it is due to the faithful Investing Agent, -who also showed his skill and faithfulness by bringing through the war -the "Savings and Insurance Company," of which he was president, free -from wreck. - -The resolution of the Virginia Conference in regard to the removal of -the College had been allowed to sleep since the committee's report, in -March, 1864. It was again brought forward by the following resolution, -offered by Richard M. Smith, Esq.: - -"_Resolved_, That a committee of ------ be appointed to ascertain what -accommodations and on what terms and what inducements generally can be -obtained for transferring Randolph-Macon College to Petersburg, -Richmond, Lynchburg, or any other place, and also the earliest day at -which accommodations can be at command, and report to an adjourned -meeting of this Board." - -This resolution was defeated by a vote of 12 to 6. - -The following, offered by Judge E. R. Chambers, was then adopted: - -"_Resolved_, That it is inexpedient and injudicious to change the -location of the College." - -The ayes and noes on this were recorded, as follows: - -_Ayes_.--William Townes, Sr., C. S. Hutcheson, W. B. Rowzie, William -Townes, Jr., William Carter, T. P. Jerman, R. B. Baptist, N. Head. J. P. -Moore, O. H. P. Corprew, N. Alexander, E. R. Chambers, L. M. Wilson--13. - -_Noes_.--Richard Irby, D. S. Doggett, R. M. Smith, J. C. Granbery, T. S. -Campbell, J. C. Blackwell--6. - -Dr. W. A. Smith, at his own request, was excused from voting. - -It was resolved to take steps to re-open the College as soon as -practicable. - -The degree of A. M. was conferred, under the law, on the following: -Leroy S. Edwards, Thomas J. Overby, and J. Davidson Blackwell, A. B.'s -of former years. - -Dr. William A. Smith tendered his resignation as President of the -College, to take effect at once. The resignation was accepted by the -Board, and resolutions were adopted expressing the high appreciation of -him and his work, which had extended over a period of nearly twenty -years. - -The Board resolved to adjourn to meet again on the 18th of August -following to elect a president and three professors. The salaries of -these were fixed--Guaranteed, to the President, $1,000; to the -professors, $750 each, and, in addition, the tuition fees of the -students in attendance. - -At the adjourned meeting, August 15, 1866, the following elections were -made: - -RICHARD W. JONES, A. M., _Professor of Mathematics_. -O. H. P. CORPREW, A. M., _Professor of Ancient Languages_. -Rev. JOHN C. BLACKWELL, A. M., D. D., _Professor of Chemistry_. -ERNEST LA GARDE, _Professor of Modern Languages_. - -The election of a President was postponed to an adjourned meeting, and -Dr. John C. Blackwell was appointed to act as President until a -president should be elected. - -At an adjourned meeting held October 16, 1866, on the nomination of -William Townes, Sr., Col. Thomas Carter Johnson, A. M. (Class 1842), was -elected President and Professor of Moral Philosophy. - -The Board then adjourned to meet at the session of the Virginia Annual -Conference, November 22, 1866. Colonel Johnson was then a citizen of -Montgomery, Ala., practicing law. He accepted the office tendered, -but did not take the position until near the close of the year. - -At the adjourned meeting held at Norfolk, November 22, 1866, the Board, -on motion of Dr. William A. Smith, resolved to establish "The School of -Commercial Science" in the College. This was never done. - -At this meeting a representative from Ashland, Hanover county, Va., -presented a communication from owners of property in that town offering -to sell certain property in case the Board should determine to move the -College. A committee, consisting of D'Arcy Paul, R. M. Smith and D. S. -Doggett, were appointed to investigate and report in regard to the -matter. - -At the adjourned meeting in December, held at the College, -President-elect Johnson appeared before the Board and was formally -inducted into office. He was requested to visit the Baltimore Conference -of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, which had recently adhered to -the Southern Church, and endeavor to secure the patronage and -co-operation of that Conference; also, to visit Baltimore and other -cities with a view to securing financial help for the College. - -An overture was also made to the North Carolina Conference with a view -to the restoration of former relations and the securing of its -patronage. - -President Johnson subsequently reported the result of his visit to the -Baltimore Conference, and submitted the action of that body, which was -as follows: - -"BALTIMORE CONFERENCE, M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH. - -"REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON COLLEGES. - -"The Committee on Colleges submit the following report: - -"_Resolved_, 1. That the Conference accepts the proposition of the Board -of Trustees of Randolph-Macon College to give its patronage to said -institution and to participate equally with the other patronizing -Conferences in its government and privileges, and we hereby nominate -four suitable persons to be elected Trustees from this Conference to -represent our interests on said Board. - -"_Resolved_, 2. That when a Trustee shall locate, it shall be his duty -to resign. - -"_Resolved_, 3. That we will give the full weight of our influence in -extending the patronage of Randolph-Macon College." - -"(Signed) S. S. ROSZEL, _Chairman_." - -These resolutions were adopted by the Conference March, 1867. - -On the recommendation of the Baltimore Conference the following -gentlemen were elected Trustees of Randolph-Macon College, viz.: Rev. S. -S. Roszel, Rev. John Poisal, Rev. S. S. Register, and Rev. John -Landstreet. - -At the first annual meeting of the Trustees held at the College, June -25, 1867, after President Johnson had assumed control, eleven Trustees -were in attendance. - -Ex-President W. A. Smith had gone to Central College, Fayette, Missouri, -of which he had been elected President. - -The President's report stated that the attendance for the session of -1866-'67 had been in all forty-five students; a large proportion of them -were on scholarships. The net receipts from fees were necessarily very -small. - -The degree of D. D. was conferred on the following: Rev. Nelson Head, -Rev. John E. Edwards, and Rev. W. W. Bennett, of the Virginia -Conference; Rev. Samuel S. Register, Rev. S. S. Roszel, Rev. John -Poisal, and Rev. John S. Martin, of the Baltimore Conference; Bishop -Enoch M. Marvin, of the M. E. Church, South, and Rev. Smith W. Moore, of -the Tennessee Conference. - -The degree of LL. D. was conferred on Bishop George F. Pierce, M. E. -Church, South, and Hon. James F. Dowdell and William F. Samford, of -Alabama. - -The degree of A. M. was conferred on Thomas J. Jarvis, of North Carolina -(class of 1860). - - -REMOVAL OF THE COLLEGE. - -The College year, 1867-68, was not a prosperous one. The financial -condition of the country was anything but favorable to a successful -year. The dissatisfaction with the location of the College had been -increasing since 1863. At the annual meeting in 1868 it was to -culminate. The President had become convinced that something must be -done or the College would have to close its doors. Some who had opposed -removal heretofore now favored it. - -In the notice for the meeting a special request was made for a full -meeting, and the object was generally understood. The meeting commenced -its session June 24, 1868. There were present the following: Revs. James -Jamieson, H. B. Cowles, Robert O. Burton, W. B. Rowzie, L. M. Lee, T. S. -Campbell, Geo. W. Nolley, L. Rosser, J. P. Moore, Wm. Carter, John E. -Edwards, J. C. Blackwell, Nelson Head, J. C. Granbery, John Landstreet, -and Messrs. N. Alexander, D. Paul, E. R. Chambers, Wm. Townes, Sr., -Thos. Branch, R. B. Baptist, J. J. Daly, R. Irby, R. M. Smith, T. P. -Jerman, T. M. Jones, T. C. Johnson, C. S. Hutcheson, W. Townes, Jr., and -O. H. P. Corprew--thirty in all. - -President T. C. Johnson presided, and Professor Corprew was secretary. -The feeling prevailed generally that this meeting would decide the -question of removal. There was early skirmishing by the opposing sides, -and it was some time before the decisive vote was reached and taken. - -Finally, the motion of Dr. J. E. Edwards, which was as follows: - -"Resolved, That in the judgment of the Board of Trustees for the greater -prosperity of the institution, Randolph-Macon College should be removed -from its present to a more accessible and eligible location"--was -adopted by the following vote: - -_Ayes_.--Paul, Cowles, Burton, Rowzie, Branch, Lee. T. S. Campbell, -Irby, Nolley, Rosser, Edwards, R. M. Smith, Jerman, Blackwell, Head, -Granbery, Jones, Johnson, and Landstreet--19. - -_Noes_.--Alexander, Chambers, Townes, Sr., Baptist, Daly, Moore, Carter, -Townes, Jr., and Corprew--9. - -[Illustration: REV. JOHN ELLIS EDWARDS, A. M., D. D., _Virginia -Conference, M.E. Church, South._] - -On motion of D'Arcy Paul, the Board took steps to secure the authority -of the constituted authorities for the necessary change of the charter, -so as to allow the change of location. - -On motion of Dr. J. E. Edwards it was-- - -"_Resolved_, That so soon as the gentlemen (Messrs. Branch, Irby, Snyder -and Watts) who have purchased the property and premises at Ashland are -prepared to make a tender of the same to the Trustees for the use of -Randolph-Macon College, free from any encumbrance as to title, and so -soon as the legal authority is secured for the transfer of the -institution, the Trustees bind and pledge themselves to make the -transfer and removal to Ashland; and also pledge themselves further to -open the next session of the College exercises at that place; provided -the above-named conditions are complied with in time to enable the -Trustees to carry out this pledge." - -A committee, consisting of D. Paul, R. M. Smith, Drs. L. M. Lee, J. E. -Edwards and N. Head, were appointed to secure the legal authority to -remove the College to Ashland, and to secure proper title to the -property to be used for the location of the College. - -The President was authorized to employ an Agent to have the furniture, -libraries, apparatus, etc., removed to Ashland. - -Thus ended the struggle in regard to moving the College. The majority, -while taking this step, which they deemed absolutely necessary in order -to carry out the object sought in the establishment of the College, took -it with the greatest reluctance. They could not grieve so generous a -people as those living in the vicinity of the College without feelings -of the utmost regret and pain. - -The minority could not see what had been the pride of the community and -section taken away, without feelings of sorrow. Many of them had for -many years been the strongest and warmest friends of the College, and -had often manifested their friendship by generous acts and steadfast -devotion to it in adversity and prosperity. - -After transacting a few items of business, one of which was the -conferring the degree of D. D. on Rev. Robert S. Moran, of the North -Carolina Conference, the Board adjourned to meet again in Centenary -Church, Richmond, Va., July 29, 1868. - -After the adjournment of the Board the opponents to the removal of the -College sued out an injunction restraining the Board from taking the -step contemplated. - -When the adjourned meeting of the Board assembled in Centenary Church, -Richmond, July 29, 1868, this action was reported, "whereupon a motion -was adopted to appoint a committee to wait on General Stoneman, in -charge of the District." - -This committee addressed the following communication to General -Stoneman: - -"RICHMOND, VA., _July 29, 1868_. - -"_Major-Gen. Stoneman, Commanding General District No. 1_: - -"SIR,--We are instructed by the Trustees of Randolph-Macon College, now -in adjourned session in this city, to acknowledge the receipt of your -letter of the 8th instant, addressed to a previous committee of this -Board, touching the interests of the College under their management. - -"Since the communication on behalf of the Trustees, to which your letter -of the 8th instant was in reply, a contingency then contemplated has -arrived. A minority of the Trustees have sued out an injunction -restraining the Board from making the contemplated removal of the -College, the writ being returnable on the first Monday in August at -Charlotte Courthouse for hearing before Judge Marshall. We are advised -that the suit will prove very tedious as well as very expensive, and -will thus operate very disadvantageously to the interests of the College -whatever the decision. We therefore add to the former application made -to you in behalf of the Trustees, that you will issue an order -protecting us, both from obstruction and from delay, through these -appeals to the courts, until such time as the legislative authority of -the State, of which you are at present the sole representative, shall be -regularly organized and open to the application usual in such cases. - -"Very respectfully yours, - -(Signed) "J. EARLY, ETC., ETC., - -"_Committee_." - -To this communication General Stoneman submitted the following reply: - -"HEADQUARTERS FIRST MILITARY DISTRICT, - -"RICHMOND, VA., _July 29, 1868_. - -"GENTLEMEN: I am directed by the commanding General to acknowledge the -receipt of your letter of this date in relation to the subject of the -removal of Randolph-Macon College, and in reply thereto, to inform you -that authority is hereby given to the Trustees of that College to remove -that institution, with all the appurtenances and fixtures thereunto -belonging, to such place and at such time as the majority of the -Trustees may think proper, this removal to be subject to the conditions -set forth in a former letter from these headquarters, dated the 8th -instant.* - -*This letter is not found in the record. - -"I am, gentlemen, very respectfully, - -(Signed) "S. F. CHALFIN, - -"_Assistant Adjutant-General_" - -"_To Messrs. John Early, D. S. Doggett, Richard Irby, R. M. Smith, and -others, Committee of the Trustees of Randolph-Macon College._" - -The owners of the property at Ashland, who had purchased the same for -the Trustees, submitted the conditions on which they proposed to turn it -over to the Trustees, and the same were, on motion, accepted. This -property embraced all the buildings then standing on the thirteen acres, -now constituting the campus of the College at Ashland, with some other -lots adjacent. Thus the location was provided for the College with -accommodations for professors and students, and the way was cleared for -the removal of the College to it. - -At this juncture President Johnson submitted the following -communication: - -"RICHMOND, VA., _July 30, 1868_. - -"_Gentlemen of the Board of Trustees of Randolph-Macon College:_ - -"The experiment upon which you are about to enter, with my aid and -approbation, seems to me to demand that you should have the widest field -for the choice of a man to fill the position I now hold. The general -troubled condition of the country, excluding many distinguished men from -the arena of politics, in which the talent of Virginia and the South has -heretofore been employed, and also the returning to this State of many -unemployed scholars and literary men, affords you a wide field of -selection for this purpose. I feel that in your straitened condition, -having to make a new appeal for students and for friends to re-endow -your College, you are entitled to every possible advantage in your -arduous undertaking. A son of the College, I love her too well, and the -church which has founded and supported her in the past, to stand in the -way of any possible effort that may give prestige to your labors to put -her once more on the high road to prosperity. - -"With this view and the kindest wishes to every member of the Board, I -hereby resign the presidency of the College. - -"Very truly, your obedient servant, - -(Signed) "THOMAS C. JOHNSON." - -On motion of Rev. J. C. Granbery, the following resolution was -unanimously adopted: - -"_Resolved_, That in accepting the resignation of President Johnson it -is due to ourselves as well as to him that we express the high esteem -which we feel for him as a Christian gentleman and our admiration of the -great zeal and fidelity with which he has discharged the duties of his -oflice at a most critical and embarrassing juncture in the history of -the College, also our warm appreciation of the disinterested and -generous motives which have prompted him to tender his resignation." - -On motion of Dr. N. Head-- - -"_Resolved_, That in the absence of a Legislature having obtained -authority from General Stoneman to do so, the College be removed from -Mecklenburg county to Ashland, in Hanover county, Va., and that a -session of the College be opened at that place on the first day of -October next. - -"_Resolved_, That in deciding to change the site of Randolph-Macon -College this Board has been actuated only by the solemn conviction that -it was imperatively demanded by the educational interests of the church -and community at large, and that the opposition which has been offered -to this action by a minority of the Trustees is deeply deplored by their -colleagues of the Board, who here now and hereby respectfully request -that those members will withdraw that opposition, as injurious to the -interests dear alike to all, this earnest and fraternal appeal being -prompted and encouraged by the very high esteem and respect entertained -for the gentlemen to whom it is addressed by their associates of the -Board." - -On motion of Richard Irby-- - -"_Resolved_, That this Board holds itself in readiness to make such -arrangements as will secure to the county of Mecklenburg a High School -at the present site of Randolph-Macon College on terms such as may be -desired, said school to be a preparatory school to the College." - -Preparatory steps were taken to have the College furniture, libraries, -etc., removed at once to Ashland. - -The Board then proceeded to fill the place of President, vacated by the -resignation of President Johnson. - -Dr. Landon C. Garland, of the University of Mississippi, was unanimously -elected President. - -A committee of nine members was appointed, who were authorized, in -conjunction with Dr. Garland, to elect the professors of the College; -and in the event that Dr. Garland declines to accept the presidency, -then said committee shall be authorized to elect another man to be -President. - -The following were then, on nomination, elected to constitute said -committee, viz.: Bishop John Early, Bishop D. S. Doggett, Drs. N. Head, -L. M. Lee, J. E. Edwards, L. Rosser, Rev. H. B. Cowles, Rev. J. C. -Granbery, and Richard Irby. - -Professors Corprew, Jones, Blackwell, and La Garde severally submitted -their resignations. - -The duty of removing the College and preparing the buildings and -premises at Ashland, and making other necessary arrangements, was -devolved on the "Executive Committee, which consisted of Richard Irby, -Dr. N. Head, D'Arcy Paul, Thomas Branch, and Rev. T. S. Campbell. - - - -THOMAS CARTER JOHNSON. - -In Memoriam. - - -Colonel Thomas C. Johnson was born near Lynchburg, Va., on the 22nd of -March, 1820. He was converted and joined the Methodist Church in his -seventeenth year. In 1842 he graduated with the highest honors of his -class at Randolph-Macon College. In the fall of the same year he was -married to Martha R. Scott, daughter of H. B. Scott, of Nelson county, -Va., and was soon after appointed Professor of Mathematics and Natural -Sciences in the Female Collegiate Institute in Buckingham county. This -position he filled ten months, when he removed to Potosi, Washington -county, Mo., whither the parents of his wife had preceded him. Here he -accepted a position in a classical school, in the meantime assiduously -prosecuting the study of law. He was soon after admitted to the bar, and -took a position with the foremost in the ranks of the profession in his -district. The year 1849 was an eventful one. He conceived the idea of -building the Iron Mountain railroad, and suggested it to the people of -the county. He was by them nominated and elected to the General Assembly -for the purpose of securing the passage of a bill for the establishment -of that road. - -In June, 1849, the cholera raged in Potosi. He was stricken down, and, -while violently ill, his wife and infant daughter died of this disease. -The following winter he served in the Missouri Legislature, and secured -the passage of the bill for the Iron Mountain road. He was subsequently -largely concerned in developing and mapping the entire railroad system -in that State. - -In 1851 he removed to St. Louis, and was appointed land agent and -attorney for the Pacific railroad. In the year 1853 he was married, the -second time, to Pattie B. Scott, eldest daughter of Rev. Robert Scott, -deceased, of the Virginia Conference. He was elected in 1858 a member of -the Missouri State Senate from the city of St. Louis. In this body he at -once took a prominent position, and was a member of nearly every -important committee of the body. In the session of 1860-'61 he was -chairman of the Committee on Federal Relations, at that time the most -important committee of the Senate. - -He was decidedly conservative in his views, and anxious to secure the -preservation of the Union, if it could be done consistently with the -rights of the South; but when the Peace Congress proved a failure, the -Crittenden Compromise was rejected, and Virginia seceded, he became a -secessionist, and was heart and soul with the South throughout the -struggle. His position and opinions on the vexed question forced him to -leave Missouri. Without hesitation he sacrificed all for his principles, -left his family in St. Louis, and joined the forces under General -Sterling Price, on whose staff he served for two years as volunteer aid. -Being convinced that the many reverses in that department, at that -period, were due in a great measure to lack and inferiority of -transportation, he called the attention of the authorities at Richmond -to this point. He was soon after authorized to establish the Confederate -Transportation Works at Columbus, Ga. To this important interest he -directed his whole energies, and succeeded in establishing one of the -best arranged, most extensive and complete machine shops in the -Confederacy. This position he retained until the close of the War, when -he removed with his family to Montgomery, Ala., and returned to the -practice of law. While there he was elected to the Presidency of -Randolph-Macon College. On reaching Virginia and entering upon his -duties he found great difficulties in his path. But with characteristic -energy he at once addressed himself to the task of re-establishing the -College. Nearly two years of unremitted toil, under the most -discouraging circumstances, convinced him that success could never crown -his efforts at that location. He felt that to make the College a success -it must be removed to a more accessible point. Fortunately, just at this -juncture of affairs, the hotel property at Ashland was thrown upon the -market. With his quick foresight, Colonel Johnson realized the -importance of securing this eligible location. - -It was not to be expected that the removal of the College would be -accomplished without strong opposition on the part of some of its -warmest friends. But in the midst of the contest Colonel Johnson bore -himself like a Christian gentleman. He could appreciate the views of -others, while he felt that the very existence of the institution -depended on its removal to a more suitable site. We believe, indeed we -have reason to know, that he entertained for those who opposed him in -his plans no other feelings than those of friendship and Christian -affection. To his particular friends, who were often indignant at the -hard speeches uttered against him, he would reply, "Never mind, I keep -my heart right before God." Believing that he was acting for the best he -went forward like a true and earnest man in what he regarded as the path -of duty. - -Having seen the removal of the College determined upon, to relieve the -Trustees of all the embarrassment in the election of a Faculty, he -generously came forward and tendered his resignation, and soon after -started to the West, the scene of his early labors and successes. It was -while en route to St. Louis (on August 8, 1868,) that he met with the -terrible accident that in a few hours closed his noble and useful life. -The death of Colonel Johnson was a calamity to our church and to our -country. He had passed the period of life when men are seized by -ambition and borne off in pursuit of wealth or fame. He had gained both; -the former he had lost in standing for his native land and State rights; -the latter he still possessed in a more valuable form, as purified by -the power and faith of his religion. Repeatedly has he said to the -writer, "I only wish to live to do good." To the Christian education of -the young men of the South he was ardently devoted, and to this work we -know he wished to devote the energies of a manly and mature intellect. - -The spontaneous tributes to the memory of this good man will best show -how he was appreciated by those who knew him. - -In a letter now before us from Rev. Charles K. Marshall, D. D., of -Mississippi, to his bereaved family, that eminent minister says: "From -my first acquaintance to this hour my affections took to and clung -around him as one of the highest and noblest types of exalted manhood, -as a true, steadfast, appreciating friend; and as a brother in Christ -with whose inward spirit it was a joy to commune. Few men cherished so -high and sacred views of the dignity and ends of life. Usefulness was -the keynote of his being. Unselfish, wide-minded, spiritual, -transparent, pure, he was a living epistle known and read of all. His -life was hid in Christ, and the highest ambition of his soul was to live -to and for Christ." - -Rev. Dr. Deems, of New York, says: "His abilities and virtues rendered -him one of the most useful men I have ever known. Every interview I have -had with him since our acquaintance began has served to deepen my -respect for the loftiness of his character." - -Bishop McTyeire, who was a fellow-student with him at Randolph-Macon, -says: "In church and state it seemed to me he was just such an one as we -need now. With gratitude I remember his high Christian influence as a -student. Our meeting and reunion at Montgomery, twenty-five years after, -was one of the most pleasing events of my life. Who of us has not -coveted his gifts?" - -Such is the testimony, voluntarily given, by this eminent minister. - -We are enabled to give a more detailed account of this sad event from a -letter written by the proprietor of the hotel at Mattoon: - -"When Mr. Johnson came out of the saloon of the sleeping car, the -conductor told him to 'hurry up.' Thinking he would be left if he did -not make haste, Mr. J. went quickly forward through the car, and was -just in the act of stepping across to the forward car when the cars -separated, and he fell on the track, and before he could recover himself -he was struck by the rear car and fatally injured. His right leg was -crushed in two places and his back broken. As soon as possible he was -taken from under the car. His first words were, 'My friends, my name is -Thomas C. Johnson, of Boydton, Va.; take your pencil and write it down.' -A stretcher was then procured, and he was brought to my house. We did -all we could for him. Doctors were at hand from the moment he was hurt -until he died. The injured leg was amputated; and on further examination -it was found that his back was broken. He was then told that he was -fatally injured and could live but a short time, and that any directions -he had to give must be given quickly. He then gave directions as to the -disposal of his body, requesting it to be sent to his friends in -Virginia. He was emphatic in saying that his death was caused by the -mismanagement of the railroad officials. Before his death, at his -request, a notary public was sent for, and his testimony as to the cause -of his death was legally taken. He was sensible to the last moment, and -spoke with deep feeling of the overwhelming effect the tidings of his -terrible and sudden death would have upon his family. I sat by his side -and heard every word he uttered. The general opinion of the public here -is that the railroad company is responsible for Mr. Johnson's death." - -[Illustration: JUDGE W. J. KILBY, Trustee of College.] - -[Illustration: PROF. MANSFIELD T. PEED, A. M., 1877. _Prof. Emory -College, Ga._] - -Such was the end of a most useful and devoted Christian. In the midst of -strangers, mangled, and bleeding, he died. By the grace of God he was -sustained and comforted. Calmly he surrendered his life into the hands -of his Creator. How wonderful are the ways of Providence! The workmen -die, but the work goes on. Is the doctrine of premonition true? We often -incline to the belief that it is. In many cases there appears to be a -conviction that the work of life is finished, and the soul feels itself -nearing the portals of eternity. Speaking of Colonel Johnson's -experience, one who knew him well says, "I can but think that the last -six months of his life was a period of preparation for eternity. I was -deeply impressed with his growth in grace, the fervor and earnestness of -his piety, and his forbearance and patience under severe trials." - -The close of life was in happy accord with his previous religious -experience. A letter from Mattoon says: "He died in perfect peace. I -never saw a more peaceful expression than rested on his face after -death." He leaves to his family the priceless legacy of a pure and noble -Christian life. May they move on to the meeting and reunion in the house -of our Father in heaven.--W. W. BENNETT, in _Richmond Advocate_. - -The committee of nine appointed to elect professors and a president (in -case of Dr. Garland's declination to accept) met August 7, 1868. Dr. -Garland having declined to accept the presidency, the committee, all -being present, elected Rev. James A. Duncan, of the Virginia Conference, -and an alumnus of the College (class of 1849), president, at a salary of -$2,500 per annum, and use of residence. Subsequently, on the first day -of September, the committee, all being present except Bishop Doggett, in -conjunction with the President-elect, Duncan, who had accepted the -presidency, proceeded to fill the chairs of instruction. Thomas R. -Price, M. A., was elected Professor of Ancient Languages; Harry Estill, -A. M., Professor of Mathematics; Richard M. Smith, Professor of Natural -Sciences. Their salaries were fixed at $2,000 per annum with houses of -residence. - -[Illustration: PROF. THOMAS R. PRICE, M.A., LL. D., _Founder of the -School of English._] - -[Illustration: REV. JAMES A. DUNCAN, D. D., _President Randolph-Macon -College, 1868-1877._] - -Subsequently, at a meeting of the Board October 1, 1868, the chair of -Modern Languages was filled by the election of W. W. Valentine, of -Richmond. - -The sudden and lamented death of the late President Johnson was -announced to the Board, and appropriate resolutions in regard to him -were adopted. - -At a meeting of the Board, held November 20, 1868, Rev. Wm. B. Rowzie -was appointed Agent of the College in the bounds of the Virginia, and -Dr. Nelson Head Agent (till the succeeding Baltimore Conference), in the -latter Conference. - -[Illustration: PROF. HARRY ESTILL, A. M., _Professor of Mathematics, -1868-1878._] - -The College opened at Ashland, October 1, 1868. - -With great labor and many embarrassments the College furniture, -laboratories and libraries had been transferred from Boydton to Ashland, -under the special superintendence of Rev. T. S. Campbell. The buildings -on the campus had been remodeled and repaired, and were in fair -condition for occupancy, and for the work and use to which they had been -converted. They had in former years been used for a summer resort, to -which many visitors annually repaired for health and dissipation. The -largest building was the hotel, which had several buildings attached. In -the centre of the grounds was the ball-room, flanked by dressing-rooms. -This building was converted into a chapel and society halls, while the -hotel became the main dormitory building. The bowling-alley and other -buildings also became dormitories. Three buildings were fitted up for -professor's houses. The rooms on the lower floors of the hotel were made -lecture-rooms. Though the buildings were extemporised, the whole -arrangement was comparatively convenient and comfortable. What was -defective and might have been complained of was more than compensated -by the superb Faculty of instruction provided for the students in -attendance. First and foremost was the President, Rev. James A. Duncan, -D. D. Of him we will let others who were associated with him speak. His -colleagues were Professor Thomas R. Price, M. A., Professor Harry -Estill, A. M., Professor Richard M. Smith, Professor W. W. Valentine. - -[Illustration: PROF. RICHARD M. SMITH.] - -[Illustration: MAIN COLLEGE BUILDING, ASHLAND, 1868-1875.] - -Rarely has such a combination of teaching ability been found in any -college, or one which met the needs of the time more fully. - -The name of the President had drawn from his far-away Southern home one -of the most original characters the College ever had among its -matriculates, John Hannon, of Montgomery, Ala. - - -JOHN HANNON'S SKETCH OF DR. DUNCAN. - -"In the autumn of 1868 upon the train I first met Dr. James A. Duncan, -as I was going to Ashland. Full-orbed, approaching his zenith, this -pulpit star thus came into my sky. Though he has years since set behind -the grassy hills of Hollywood, the light of his great character still -lingers in the valleys and on the high places of my being. - -"It is impossible in a sketch like this to give the full spectrum of a -character so rich as that of Dr. Duncan. There were X-rays, delicate -gleamings of light from his presence, that could be felt, but do not -photograph themselves upon the plates of a biography. He was not a man -easy to forget. - -"There is a sense in which every man is a word of God, or a syllable of -the word. But in some the divine articulation is not so distinct. -Regarding humanity as a written word, such characters are what scholars -would call a 'disputed text.' Not so with James A. Duncan. Looking upon -him no man could doubt the authorship. The divine autograph was there in -capital letters. A look at him shook our faith in man as an evolution. -We felt that _that_ man was a creation. - -"Would I had a presence,' said one of our brainiest men to me. A lady of -my congregation asked a friend in a Boston dining parlor who a certain -man was, remarking that she knew he must be a distinguished person, for -she said, 'He has a presence.' The man was Phillips Brooks. - -"Dr. Duncan had a _presence_. Who will ever forget that Napoleonic -build? That physique, the very motion of which was silent music. - -[Illustration: REV. J. W. COMPTON, R. M. C. 1867-'68--1868-'69. _Removed -with College from Boydton to Ashland. Pioneer preacher Pacific Coast for -twenty-three years._] - -[Illustration: REV. W. WADSWORTH, D. D., _Author and Minister -North-Georgia Conference._] - -"Tremendous was to be the draft on this superb physique during the ten -years that followed the day I first looked on it. The College with its -endowment had gone down amid the ruins of the Confederacy. The outlook -was gloomy; but it was resolved to remove the tree to Ashland. Here the -railway system of the South would renew its roots and make it bud and -bloom again. Jefferson Davis was thought of for the presidency, but in a -happy hour Dr. Duncan was chosen to lead the forlorn hope in its -rebuilding. Without funds, without laboratory, without proper buildings, -he addressed himself to the task. Providence came to his rescue. By one -of those flashes of common sense, which not always light up church -enterprises, a Faculty pre-eminently adapted to the work had been -chosen. Professor Thomas R. Price, a name synonymous now with -scholarship, was in the chair of Ancient Languages. Harry Estill filled -the chair of Mathematics. Professor Richard M. Smith brought the ripe -wisdom and experience of his distinguished life to the chair of Natural -Sciences. W. W. Valentine held the keys of the Modern Languages. - -"It has been said that what a university needs is not so much an -endowment as a _man_. Randolph-Macon had men, and Dr. Duncan, a _man_ -among _men_. The Faculty itself was an endowment. Good material gathered -around them as students. '_Facile princeps_' among these were Wm. W. -Smith, now LL. D., and President of the Randolph-Macon System of -Colleges and Schools; Charles Carroll, now a brilliant lawyer of the -Crescent city; Rhodes, since a judge in Baltimore; J. F. Twitty, of -blessed memory, and a number of others. - -"Dr. Duncan, while not technically trained as a teacher, yet showed -himself a great teacher. What an inspiration he imparted to the band -that gathered around him! How he lit up every dreary field of text! -Blessed, yea, thrice blessed, was that school of young prophets. While -himself the finest of models, nothing was farther from his thought than -to make little 'Duncans' of every student. Bring up a boy in the way he -should go, according to his bent, this was his idea. He would never have -been guilty of putting the toga of Cicero upon Charles Spurgeon. With -him good 'pork and beans' was not to be made into bad 'quail on toast.' -'Sing your own song,' only let that song be the best possible to you. -Broad, Catholic-hearted Duncan! - -"Making a great teacher did not spoil a great preacher in Duncan's case. -On a 'star-map' of the pulpits of that day, the pulpit in the old -ball-room chapel at Ashland would shine as a star of 'the first -magnitude.' His sermons were not like Robertson's eruptions of internal -volcanic fires lifting up new heights of thought; they were not Munsey's -great, gorgeous cathedrals of polished words; neither were they Keener's -cyclones filling the air with boulders of logic, cutting a pathway -through forests of prejudice as old as our being. His eloquence was not -the glacial magnificence of Wilson's great icebergs floating in polar -seas with grassy shores; it was not Galloway's mountain torrent with -'optimism,' that music of heaven in its splash and the swiftness of -redeeming love in its rush to the low places of earth. Very different -was it from Sam Jones' wild tanglewood of tropic forest of mingled fruit -and flowers and thorns. His sermons were the expression of what Carlyle -would style a healthy nature. There was nothing wild or abnormal. They -were like landscapes in a civilized land--great, like the movement of -the seasons, like the coming of the tides--as the processes of nature -are great; great as a summer day is great. The introduction was -morning!--sunrise! not striking, not surprising. The thoughts not larks -soaring heavenward, were rather sparrows on the sward. But we could see -great stretches of thought before us. Now the morning changes into high -noon. It is the sermon proper. We are now in the midst of vast -grain-fields of ripe thought. Divisions barely visible above the heads -of the choicest of the wheat waving now in the zephyrs of pathos. Shouts -at times among the listeners, as like reapers they garner ripe sheaves -into their bosoms; orchards now growing with ripe fruit. - -"The peroration comes naturally, as evening follows noon. We hardly know -when it comes. A splendid sunset, often tears like the dewdrops in the -flowers of new resolves, now springing in the soul; solemn impressions, -like shadows, growing larger; a deep hush upon everything. The sermon -closes. It is night. But stars of hope are shining in the sky of the -soul. - -"At Haslup's Grove, in the seventies, in a great sermon, the rush to the -altar was so great that the enclosure had to be torn down. It was -pentecostal. - -"I heard him on two great occasions. In 1876, along with Dr. Landon C. -Garland and Lovick Pierce, he was fraternal delegate from our church to -our sister Methodism at the General Conference in Baltimore. After years -of estrangement the two Methodisms were meeting again. It was an -occasion. You could feel it. The great building was thronged. When the -time came for Duncan to speak he threw his soul into the 'God speed -you!' of seven hundred thousand Southern Methodists. The audience for -awhile it seemed would go wild. The day was a great triumph. - -"During that same Conference the princely 'Jeff. Magruder' organized a -great mass-meeting of the Sunday-schools of the Southern Methodist -churches in Baltimore. Bishop Vincent, Secretary of the Sunday-School -Board of the Methodist Episcopal Church, then in the prime of his -powers, General Clinton B. Fiske, and Dr. Duncan were to speak. The -speeches of Vincent and Fiske had been so superb that a gifted minister -remarked to me, 'I am sorry for Duncan.' I responded, 'I am sorry for -any man who has to follow two such speeches.' But I found that I did not -yet know him. He pulled out new organ stops in his great soul that -afternoon. His speech was a brilliant improvisation. The audience was -captured. Southern Methodists who gloried in the flesh were radiant. - -"When going to New Orleans, in 1877, I met him going to Washington City -to preach the first sermon to the President-elect, R. B. Hayes. It was -not long before wires flashed to me the startling news of his death. -Duncan, Marvin, A. T. Bledsoe, Doggett, in a single year. Heaven was -drawing heavily upon our beloved church. Duncan's old pupil, President -Smith, took up the work he and the sainted Bennett laid down. - -"The Randolph-Macon System of Schools and Colleges is a worthy monument -to the memory of our dead Duncan. May the graduates of these schools be -living stones in the living shaft, ever rising higher and higher to the -memory of Olin, Garland, Smith, and their successors, who spent their -best days for the advancement of Christian education at our alma mater." - - -The number of students matriculated the first session was 67. Under all -the embarrassments and difficulties of the situation, this number was as -great as could have been expected. The income from such a small number -was insufficient to meet the expenses, and here ensued the old trouble, -which had been such a clog in the past, that is, straitened finances. -The condition of the country was anything but favorable to any effort to -raise funds for the College. Various plans were proposed, some of which -were adopted, but none of them brought speedy relief, and the -embarrassment became very onerous and trying. By the efforts of the -Agent, Rev. W. B. Rowzie, and the securing of a loan by D'Arcy Paul, -Esq., the College was carried through the first session. - -The first annual report of the President was made June 21, 1869. The -following synopsis is given: - -Congratulates the Board on the increase of patronage; the zeal and -efficiency of the Faculty; the diligence and good order of the students; -the general healthfulness and pleasant harmony of all connected with the -institution, and the increased confidence of the public in the -permanency and success of Randolph-Macon College; expresses the -conviction that the only condition prerequisite to complete success, -under the providence of God, is a _determined_ and energetic purpose to -succeed; affirms that the demand for such an institution to secure -important interests of Methodism is imperative;.... refers to his visit -to the Baltimore and North Carolina Conferences and the cordial -reception given by these Conferences; recommends a fiscal secretary or -director, whose duty it shall be to take entire control of the financial -interests of the College, except as to matters in the hands of the -Proctor, and to do all he can by travelling and speaking for the -College. - -The following degrees were conferred, on the recommendation of the -Faculty, viz.: LL. D., on Professor Francis H. Smith, of the University -of Virginia; D. D., on Rev. James L. Pierce, of the Georgia Conference, -Rev. William G. Connor, of the Texas Conference, and Rev. John C. -Granbery, of the Virginia Conference. The commencement in June was well -attended, especially by visiting Trustees and others from the Baltimore -Conference. - -An excellent dwelling for the President had been erected by the liberal -aid of a friend in Richmond. At an adjourned meeting of the Board, held -in Richmond, Va., next November, there were several causes for -encouragement. The Agent reported subscriptions amounting to over -$13,000. Of this Samuel O. Moon, Esq., of Albemarle, gave $5,000 in -Virginia bonds; the Society of Alumni, $1,200; Major W. T. Sutherlin, of -Danville, $1,500 ($300 per annum for five years to meet current -expenses). But the most important action taken was on the suggestion of -Rev. W. H. Christian, an alumnus of the College (class of 1851.) In -response to this suggestion, the following resolutions were adopted: - -"_Resolved_, That we request the Virginia Conference to order that the -deficiency in the yearly revenues of the College (which shall be -reported by the Board to each annual session of the Conference) shall be -divided among all the districts of the Conference, and sub-divided among -all the stations and circuits by the district stewards, as in case of -the Conference collection, and shall be raised by collections in every -congregation, and embraced in the annual report of the recording steward -of every charge to the Financial Board of the Conference. - -"_Resolved_, That when the Virginia Conference shall have adopted the -plan proposed, all its ministers shall be entitled to send their sons of -proper age and acquirements to College without payment of tuition fees; -that the Baltimore Conference, by adopting the same plan, shall be -entitled to the same privilege, and that $2,500 be fixed as the amount -to be raised by each of these Conferences for the next year." - -This action has been considered, and rightly so, to have been for the -time and under the embarrassments of the surroundings the most important -and efficient ever taken by the Board. With a small assessment of about -five cents on each member of the church in the two Conferences, the -annual income was in a short time increased by the sum of $4,000, which -was equal to the dividends on an endowment of about $70,000. The -Conferences adopted the plan, and have annually raised a large -percentage of the assessment, the Virginia Conference having in 1882 -increased its assessment to $3,500. - -[Illustration: REV. W. H. CHRISTIAN, D. D., _Virginia Conference._] - -In looking back on the period since, nearly thirty years, it really -looks as if, without this action, the College could not have continued -its work. Certainly this work would have been greatly narrowed and -restricted. Great honor, therefore, should be bestowed on the name of -William H. Christian as the mover of this plan, and the friends of -Christian education in the State should render to the Conferences -grateful thanks for having, under the promptings of the good Spirit, -acted so promptly on the suggestion and carried it out for so many -years. - -[Illustration: JOHN HOWARD, A. M.] - -The year 1869 was otherwise a notable year. In the latter part of the -year the first general election for State officers and a Legislature was -held since the close of the war. With the inauguration of the Governor -elected at this election and resumption of the legislative functions -by the General Assembly, the State resumed its normal condition, and -military rule ceased to exist. - -At the meeting of this first Legislature, a committee, which had been -charged with that duty, appeared before the body and asked and obtained -the change of the charter, and the sanction to the removal of the -College from its original site to Ashland. The amended charter reads as -follows: - -"[Section] I. That the removal of the aforesaid College is hereby -ratified and confirmed, and that there be, and is hereby, established at -Ashland, in the county of Hanover, in this Commonwealth, a seminary of -learning for the instruction of youth in the various branches of science -and literature, the useful arts, agriculture, and the learned and -foreign languages." - -The suit which was instituted to enjoin the removal of the College never -came to an issue. It was ably defended on the part of the majority of -the Board by John Howard, Esq., of Richmond (class of 1844), and the -argument was printed. It is worthy of reprinting here, but space will -not permit. - -The second session of the College had a larger attendance than the first -by fifty, of which number twenty-five were ministerial students. - -About the close of the first term of the second session (1869-'70) one -of the professors was taken from the College by death--Richard M. Smith, -Professor of Natural Science. He was the oldest man of the Faculty. - -The following preamble and resolutions, drafted by Professor Price and -adopted by the Faculty, was endorsed and adopted by the Trustees at an -adjourned meeting held in Richmond, February 23, 1870: - -"Upon us as friends who loved and honored him, upon the College whose -faithful officer he was, upon the classes he taught with -self-sacrificing zeal, upon the community and the church in which his -virtues made him eminent, an overwhelming sorrow has, under God's will, -fallen in the death of our late colleague, Professor Richard M. Smith. -Even those who had not the pleasure of knowing, from intimate -association, the beauties of his private character, may from the -knowledge of his career form some conception of the vigor of his mind -and the unspotted virtue of his life. For us, who had in him the closer -and tenderer interests of a common work and an undisturbed friendship, -his sweet temper, his wise conversation and lofty unselfishness, will -ever be a source of blended sorrow and consolation; be it, therefore, - -"_Resolved_, 1. That we tender, as a body, to the widow and family of -our dearly beloved colleague, our respectful sympathy in their -bereavement. - -"2. That we request our President to publish this expression of our -heart-felt sorrow for the friend whom we have lost." - -Professor Smith had been a prominent man in his native State, first as -an educator, then as editor of the _Alexandria Sentinel_, afterwards of -the _Richmond Enquirer_. He was the first Professor to die at his post. - -[Illustration: PROF. WM. A. SHEPARD, A. M., _Class 1857; Major -Confederate States Army._] - -The Board, after paying tribute to his memory, proceeded to supply the -vacant chair. - -On the first ballot Professor William Arthur Shepard, of the Southern -Female College of Petersburg, was elected to the place. He was no -stranger to the College, having served as Professor prior to the war, -and having resigned his place to go into the service. Though a Northern -man by birth, he threw his heart and energies into the Southern cause, -and was so true and faithful that, after having been disabled for field -service by wounds, he was promoted to be Major and Assistant Commissary. - -It would be safe to say that the College never had a warmer friend or a -truer man in its service than he proved himself to be for over thirty -years. He entered at once on the duties of his chair. - -At a meeting of the Board held in Baltimore, March, 1870, at the session -of the Baltimore Conference, that Conference was requested to make an -assessment to aid the College, on the same plan as that adopted by the -Virginia Conference. This the Conference agreed to make. - -At the annual meeting, June, 1870, the President made the annual report, -which gave the attendance as 110; total earnings from fees for the -session, $5,040. A preparatory school was recommended to take charge of -students unable to take College courses; recommended employment of -assistants in the departments of Mathematics and Ancient Languages, -particularly the latter, so that Prof. Price might initiate the School -of English, as described in the Catalogue. Reference was made to the old -trouble of financial embarrassment; also, to his efforts during the last -summer's vacation to arouse interest in the College, which efforts he -proposed to continue the coming summer as far as practicable. - -[Illustration: JAMES M. BARROW, A. M., _Superintendent of Public -Schools, Columbus, Miss._] - -The Executive Committee reported that they had appointed as instructor -in the Introductory Department, as authorized, Col. Henry W. Wingfield -(A. M. Randolph-Macon College), at a salary not to exceed $800. - -The Finance Committee reported as follows: Liabilities, $26,475; assets -(outside of College buildings and lots), $31,375. On some of the bills -payable a discount of 12 per cent. had been charged. - -At this meeting Rev. W. E. Munsey, D. D., was elected Financial -Secretary. This position Dr. Munsey declined to accept. - -Dr. William W. Bennett resigned the place of Agent, and Rev. George W. -Nolley was elected in his place. - -[Illustration: CHARLES CARROLL, A. M. 1872. _Washington Hall Builder._] - -On the recommendation of the Faculty, the following degrees were -conferred: Master of Arts, on James M. Barrow, of Virginia; Doctor of -Divinity, on Rev. James W. Wightman, of Kentucky. - -Rev. David Thomas was appointed as Agent to attend to subscriptions and -collections within the bounds of the Baltimore Conference. - -Richard Irby resigned the office of Treasurer, which he had held for two -years, and William Willis, Jr., was elected in his stead. - -[Illustration: H. C. PAULETT, _One of the builders of Library Hall._] - -In the third session (1870-'71) the effort to build the Library building -for the halls and libraries of the two literary societies was -inaugurated. Up to this time the two societies had occupied the -ante-rooms attached to the chapel, which were very cramped and -inconvenient. Who was the first to suggest the building of the new -edifice is not known to this writer, but it is well known who the -parties were who did the main work in raising the funds. They were, on -the part of the Washington Society, Charles Carroll, of North Carolina, -and H. C. Paulett, of Virginia; and on the part of the Franklin Society, -William W. Smith and Jordan W. Lambert, of Virginia. - -An old alumnus offered to give to the Society which should raise the -largest amount a copy of Audubon's _Birds of America_. - -[Illustration: JORDAN W. LAMBERT, _Franklin Hall Builder._] - -This enterprise was prosecuted with great zeal and skill, and the -building devised by the young men, let to contract by them, and paid for -by them (in most part), went on to completion. It was the first brick -building ever erected on the campus, and the first ever built in the -town. More will be said of this in due time. - -At a called meeting of the Board, held in Richmond, February, 1871, the -committee appointed to make sale of the buildings and property near -Boydton reported the sale of the same to Henry G. McGonegal, of New York -city. The sum of the purchase money was $12,500. This included the claim -on the United States government, which was transferred with the property -to the purchaser. - -This sale was a great sacrifice, embracing as it did the two large -College buildings, the Steward's Hall, Hotel, and President's residence, -all brick structures, and, in addition, the old Preparatory School -building (also brick), and three other dwellings, and several hundred -acres of land. But the pecuniary obligations of the College were heavy -and pressing, and the rate of interest, even on bonds secured by real -estate, ten per cent. Under these circumstances, the sale was ratified, -and the Board parted with the old premises, built, for the most part, in -1830-'32, at a cost largely over $50,000. - -At the annual meeting in June, 1871, the President, in his report, spoke -in high terms of the studiousness and good deportment of the students. -The whole number in attendance was 142. The prospects for further -increase were encouraging. - -Prof. W. W. Valentine resigned the chair of Modern Languages, chiefly on -account of delicate health. He was a faithful officer and a nice -gentleman; he enjoyed the respect and regard of his colleagues and the -Board. - -Great embarrassment had been experienced on account of want of funds to -meet promptly the salaries of the Faculty. - -The appointment of a "fiscal executive officer, competent to execute the -plans of the Board, and also to invent schemes of his own for obtaining -funds," was strongly pressed. This recommendation was promptly adopted, -and a committee appointed to define his duties and to nominate a -suitable man for the place. - -During the session this committee made report, defining the duties of -the Financial Secretary, and placing all the business matters and -financial interests in the hands of said officer. He was also to travel -as much as practicable through the Conferences to influence patronage, -secure donations and bequests, and also to encourage the Conference -educational collections. The salary of the officer was fixed at $2,000 -per annum. - -[Illustration: REV. A. G. BROWN., D. D.] - -To fill the office the committee nominated Rev. A. G. Brown, of the -Virginia Conference. He was not a stranger to the College, having served -as chaplain there in former years. He was duly elected, and a resolution -adopted asking the Virginia Conference to assign him to this work. - -This was a fortunate appointment. The Financial Secretary, after -entering on his duties, proceeded promptly to adjust the matters of the -College, and soon got them into manageable shape. - -Prof. Thomas R. Price appeared before the Board and explained his views -in regard to the "School of English." - -On motion, it was-- - -_Resolved_, That the Faculty be, and they are hereby, authorized to -establish, if they find it possible, "a School of English and -Literature." - -This most important move was on the same general plan adopted in 1835, -and carried out for several years by Prof. E. D. Sims after his return -from Europe, where he had spent several years studying Anglo-Saxon and -other languages preparatory to this course. - -It does not seem, however, that Prof. Price was aware that such a course -had been previously established, and it was as original with him as it -was with the first mover in it. Fortunately, in this second movement it -became a permanent course, and the influence of the move has spread far -and wide. - -[Illustration: REV. W. W. ROYALL, D. D., (R. M. C., 1872-'75.) -_Missionary to China. Member Virginia Conference, M. E. Church South._] - - -LETTER OF PROF. THOMAS R. PRICE, LL. D. - -"COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY, NEW YORK. - -"_Capt. Richard Irby, Randolph-Macon College:_ - -"DEAR SIR,--The President and Trustees of Randolph-Macon College, in -1868-'70, deserve, I think, the credit of having made the boldest and -wisest move in education that has taken place in my time. Dr. Duncan, -above all, so great and wise in many directions, was, in my judgment, -the most deeply devoted and the most far-sighted friend of collegiate -education I have known. When made a member of his Faculty, in 1868, as -Professor of Greek and Latin, I had, with my large classes, to struggle -against great difficulties and grave discouragements. Amid all I had his -tender sympathy and wise and loving help. The fundamental difficulty of -all soon revealed itself to me. I was seeking, as all instructors of -Greek and Latin of that period were seeking, to give a knowledge of the -ancient languages to boys and young men that knew not enough of their -own language to receive it or apply it. It was irrational, absurd, -almost criminal, for example, to expect, a young man, whose knowledge of -English words and construction was scant and inexact, to put into -English a difficult thought of Plato or an involved period of Cicero. -Dr. Duncan, to whom I imparted my conviction, shared with me the sense -of the grave evil. Braver and more hopeful than I, he bade me not to -despair, but to cut at the root of the trouble by introducing the study -of English. His eloquence and radical good sense won the majority of the -Trustees, and the English school was founded. I had the honor, which I -prize highly, of having been made professor of English, giving up the -Latin to Dr. James A. Harrison. I had the duty laid on me, by the -Trustees, of drawing up the programme of the new course and of selecting -text-books and supplementing text-books by lectures. My plan was, -through the course of five years, to make the literary and historical -study of our great language go forward evenly balanced. I began with the -study of grammar and of easy texts in the preparatory section, and then, -year after year, thus formed in succession the four college classes up -to the Senior and graduation. I cannot give you the exact dates. The -struggle began, I think, in 1869, and it was carried on to full success -by 1873-'74. The catalogues of the College will give the work and -programme of each year. - -"To Dr. Duncan, and to the good and wise men of the Trustees, I am -profoundly grateful for having used me to carry out the bold and noble -design. It was their own work--not suggested from the outside at all, -imitating nothing that existed, springing from their clear perception of -what education meant and from their sense of duty to their church and -their people. - -"Yours very truly. THOMAS R. PRICE." - - -RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE AND THE STUDY OF ENGLISH. - -Prof. J. B. Henneman, of the University of Tennessee, writes as follows -in the _Sewanee Review_. It is gratitying that the good work done by -Randolph-Macon is so freely acknowledged: - -"It was Randolph-Macon College, rather than the State University of -Virginia, though it was the work of one of her graduates, that was to -have the distinction of creating a School of English in the South which -should send forth apostles with all the fervor of converts and -enthusiasts. Randolph-Macon College would have deserved notice for -devoting a separate chair to English Literature as early as 1836, almost -from its inception; and Edward Dromgoole Sims, a Master of Arts of the -University of North Carolina, gave a course on Historical English in the -year 1839. He was installed in that year as Professor of English, after -a stay in Europe, where he heard lectures on Anglo-Saxon. Tradition -tells how, having no text-books, he used the blackboards for his -philological work. At the end of three years he removed to the -University of Alabama in consequence of having contracted a marriage not -then allowed under the laws of Virginia. He was preparing a series of -text-books in Old English, tradition again says, when he died, in 1845. -Had he accomplished his purpose, these works would have preceded -Klipstein's in point of time. (Other occupants of the chair of English -at Randolph-Macon were William M. Wightman and David S. Doggett, both -afterwards bishops in the Methodist Church, South.) It was again at -Randolph-Macon College (though now removed from Mecklenburg to Hanover -county) that, immediately after the war, there was founded a distinct -school of English, based on historic and scientific principles, and -productive of far-reaching results. I believe that I am but paying a -worthy tribute to one whom all his pupils have found a helpful guide and -inspiring instructor in making the statement that this movement was -mainly due to the inspiration and effort of one man--Thomas R. Price. - -"The suggestion of the course of English at Randolph-Macon College -sprang from the study of the ancient languages. The feeling existed that -it was impossible to expect appreciation of idioms in a foreign language -when students knew nothing about those in their own tongue. To quote -from Professor Price's own words at the time: 'It was irrational, -absurd, almost criminal, for example, to expect a young man, whose -knowledge of English words and constructions was scant and inexact, to -put into English a difficult thought of Plato or an involved period of -Cicero.' The course pursued in consequence was entirely original in its -premises, and endeavored to meet these difficulties. Both the disease -and remedy were brought out by the conditions present; and to this, I -think, may be ascribed, in large measure, the success of the movement -and its value as a stimulus. The end set was to place, in the ordinary -college course, the study of English on an equal footing with that of -Latin or Greek, giving it the same time and attention, aiming at the -same thoroughness, and enforcing the same strictness of method. A -knowledge of the early forms of English was demanded, not as philology -pure and simple, constituting an end in itself, but as a means for -acquiring a true, appreciative knowledge of the mother tongue, and -thereby for understanding its literature and other literatures all the -more. It now seems almost incredible that it required so great an effort -at the time to take this step or that old traditions could become so -firmly crystallized. - -"Professor Price's efforts succeeded all the more easily in that they -were seconded by his presiding officer, the Rev. Dr. James A. Duncan, a -man of singular breadth and sympathy of mind, who had grouped about him, -irrespective of church and denominational ties, a band of worthy -associates. Price, as Professor of Greek and Latin, gave up the latter -to his colleague, James A. Harrison, who had charge of the modern -languages, and taking control of the English, developed it side by side -with his Greek, so as to cover a course through four continuous years. -This was the result of the work of two sessions, 1868-'70. The movement -soon spread far and wide. Other institutions, impelled by the same -needs, either imitated it outright--some of them actually going so far -as always to unite the English department with the Greek, as if there -were some subtle virtue in the connection (building possibly even wiser -than they knew)--or developed out of their own necessities similar -arrangements. - -"After the men at Randolph-Macon had been drilled in the rudiments and -given their primary inspiration, many of them were dispatched to Europe -for further training, and returned Doctors of Leipzig and fired with a -new zeal. In mere appearances, it should seem as if this Randolph-Macon -migration to Leipzig was the beginning of the attraction exerted by that -University on young Southern scholars, an attraction which has been -rivalled in recent years only by that of the neighboring Johns Hopkins. -The land lay open before these young men, and they proceeded to occupy -it. Robert Sharp returned Doctor from Leipzig, and was soon called to -Tulane; William M. Baskervill returned Doctor from Leipzig, and started -an impulse at Wofford College, South Carolina, which he broadened and -deepened after his transfer, in 1881, to Vanderbilt; Robert Emory -Blackwell returned from Leipzig and succeeded Professor Price in his -work at Randolph-Macon; Frank C. Woodward succeeded Baskervill at -Wofford in 1881, and removed to the South Carolina College in 1887; W. -A. Frantz has built up a following in Central College, Missouri; John R. -Ficklen, having followed Dr. Price to the State University, has become -associated with Sharp at Tulane. The English fever at Randolph-Macon -became epidemic. Dr. James A. Harrison accepted a call, in 1876, to -Washington and Lee as Professor of Modern Languages, and formed a new -Virginian centre for specialists. Even Price's successor in the Greek -chair at Randolph-Macon, Charles Morris, soon resigned to go to the -University of Georgia as Professor of English. Nor has the manufacture -of Randolph-Macon professors of English ever entirely ceased. Howard -Edwards, formerly of the University of Kansas; J. L. Armstrong, late of -Trinity College, North Carolina, and now of the Randolph-Macon Woman's -College; John D. Epes, of St. John's College, Maryland; John Lesslie -Hall, Ph. D. (Johns Hopkins), of William and Mary, are later accessions -to a list by no means complete. - -"It is very curious to trace these various ramifications of mutual -influences, and to see them acting and interacting, crossing and -recrossing. Three main lines may be detected. Just as the University of -Virginia, through its graduates, became the pattern for many, especially -State institutions, and Hampden-Sidney, Davidson, Central, and, -particularly, Presbyterian colleges, felt the influence of the course at -Washington and Lee; so Randolph-Macon affected, among others, Wofford, -and then Vanderbilt, which, in turn, has become a new centre of -activity. - -"The transmission of this spirit to Wofford College, and thence to -Vanderbilt University at Nashville, is peculiarly instructive. W. M. -Baskervill, trained under Price and Harrison, and in Leipzig, came to -Wofford in 1876, where he met with a sympathetic circle. The president, -Dr. James H. Carlisle, had always been interested in English work, and -was a close student of the history and meaning of words. Charles Foster -Smith was fellow-professor with Baskervill, and James H. Kirkland, first -an appreciative pupil, was afterwards colleague as Smith's successor. -All three of these young scholars ultimately took their degrees in -Leipzig, and were called to Vanderbilt University, of which Dr. Kirkland -is the newly-elected Chancellor. The English language and letters have -been steadily emphasized by the close sympathies uniting these three men -in their common work in the department of languages. Kirkland's Leipzig -dissertation was on an English subject, though he is now professor of -Latin; Smith, the professor of Greek, has been a constant contributor on -English points, and Baskervill is specifically professor in charge. -Through the standard which their fortunate circumstances allowed them to -set, a new centre of influence has been formed in Nashville. - -[Illustration: REV. JOHN HANNON, A. M., D. D., _Ukiah, California._] - -"It was this Wofford influence, if I may be personal for a space, that -had much to do with sending me to the University of Virginia to hear -Price in Greek. And I but echo the feeling of many in Professor Price's -class-room, that it was hard to know to which of the two languages his -class leaned the more, Greek or English, so intimately upon one another, -especially in the work of translating, did the two depend. At any rate, -it is singular that his pupils, stirred by the Greek, just as at -Randolph-Macon, have used this classical impulse to enter upon the -keener study of their native language and literature. I was privileged -to be in the last Greek class which Professor Price taught at the -University of Virginia; and contemporaneous with me at the University -were other pupils: Charles W. Kent, Ph. D., of Leipzig, just returned to -his _Alma Mater_ as Linden Kent Professor of English Literature; James -Douglas Bruce, of Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, and the editor of this -_Review_. Eventually Professor Price's strong predilections for English, -and the memory of the work wrought while at Randolph-Macon, led, in -1882, to his acceptance of a call to the chair of English in Columbia -College, New York, a change which, in the face of all he had -accomplished at the South, many of his old pupils were selfish enough to -regard with regret." - -On the recommendation of the Faculty, the degree of A. M. was conferred -on John Hannon, of Alabama, and William Waugh Smith, of Virginia. - -The vacant chair of Modern Languages was filled by the election of Mr. -James A. Harrison, of New Orleans. This officer proved to be a valuable -accession to the Faculty, and his success at Randolph-Macon was the -prophecy of further success at Washington and Lee University, and the -University of Virginia, where he is at this writing. - -In regard to the enterprise referred to at the last annual meeting, the -Board adopted the following resolutions: - -"Whereas suitable halls for the literary societies of this College are -imperatively necessary in the work of this institution; and whereas the -Washington and Franklin Literary Societies have taken this enterprise in -hand with commendable zeal and liberality: therefore, - -"_Resolved_, I. That we gratefully recognize the efforts of the young -gentlemen in projecting and prosecuting this enterprise. - -"II. That we consider the success which has already attended their -efforts as a gratifying evidence of the speedy completion of the work. - -"III. That we commend this enterprise and the young gentlemen engaged in -it to the liberality of all the friends of this College and the cause of -liberal education. - -"IV. That we pledge our hearty co-operation in this work in every way in -our power." - -[Illustration: PROF. J. A. HARRISON, M. A., LL. D.] - -At the close of the college year ending June, 1872, the following items -of interest were reported to the Board at the annual meeting: - -The Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad Company conveyed to -the Board of Trustees a tract of land lying on the south of the line of -said railroad, near what was called the Club House, containing about -twenty acres, "on condition that the Trustees erect on the said land -permanent college buildings within fifteen years after the date of -conveyance, and that the deed shall contain the _prohibition of the sale -of ardent spirits without the written consent of said company_." - -This was considered to have been a better location for college buildings -than the first occupied, and the project might have been carried out but -for want of means to erect the buildings. - -The Financial Agent further reported the need of additional college -buildings on account of increased attendance of students. The number in -attendance the past session was 167, being 25 more than any previous -session at Ashland. Amount of fees, $7,652.30; amount remitted to -privileged students, $6,182.50; amount received from the Virginia and -Baltimore Conferences, $2,682.33. This was a gratifying result. - - Available assets, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $58,729 65 - Assets not now available, . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24,603 67 - Total, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $83,333 32 - Liabilities, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23,216 49 - -Resolutions commending the Agent for his work were adopted, and pledging -the support of the Board to him in his work. - -The absence of the two oldest members of the Board, viz., Bishop John -Early and D'Arcy Paul, Esq., on account of age and feebleness, were -noted by suitable resolutions. - -[Illustration: LIBRARY HALL.--Built by the Washington and Franklin -Societies 1872.] - -President Duncan, in his annual report, said: "It is specially -gratifying that I can congratulate the Board on the plan of fiscal -management adopted at your last meeting. The experience of the last -twelve months has demonstrated the wisdom of your action, and the same -illustrating your good fortune in securing an officer whose efficiency -in a most laborious task merits your high commendation.... The large -number of students have been generally studious and well behaved, a -large proportion of them are Christians, and thirty-two are candidates -for the ministry. During the year the reputation of the College has -extended, and its patronage steadily increased. Both the patronizing -Conferences manifest increasing interest in the College." - -The degree of A. M., on recommendation of the Faculty, was conferred on -Charles Carroll, of North Carolina. - -Mr. Jordan W. Lambert, on behalf of the Building Committee of the -Literary Societies, reported the Hall building as completed, at a cost -of $12,954.40, on which the committee had raised $7,093.30, leaving a -balance still due, $5,861.10. - -A committee appointed to consider this report submitted the following: - -"Your committee, after a full conference with the committee of the two -Societies, submit a proposition made by them to secure from the Board of -Trustees the necessary amount to discharge the existing obligations of -the Societies, which proposition is made the basis of this report, and -is most heartily recommended to the favorable consideration of the -Board. - -"It may be proper to state, in connection with this report, that the -committee submitted in detail the accounts with the various persons from -whom they had secured material, both by donation and purchase, and also -the correspondence with various friends of education both North and -South, all of which was most gratifying to your committee, as they -exhibited on their face the evidence of great energy, system, and tact, -which not only reflects credit on themselves, but also on the Societies -represented by the committee as well as the College itself. - -"In consideration of the foregoing facts, we offer for adoption the -following resolution: - -"_Resolved_, That the proper officers of the College proceed at once to -raise $5,700, and if it be necessary, they be authorized to create a -lien upon the property referred to, to secure the payment of principal -and interest, and the Financial Secretary be instructed to pass over the -amount thus raised to the Building Committee, to be used by them in -liquidating the obligations created in the erection of the hall." - -Accompanying this report was the following paper: - -"ASHLAND, VA., _June 27, 1872_. - -"In consideration of $5,700 to be advanced by the Board of Trustees of -Randolph-Macon College, the Washington and Franklin Societies will -undertake and pledge themselves to use their best efforts to pay $1,000 -annually upon the principal until the whole amount is liquidated, -interest to be paid by the Board of Trustees. It is understood and -agreed that if the Board of Trustees should find it necessary to create -a lien upon the property to raise the amount so advanced, they will not -in any way bind the furniture of the two Societies. - -[Transcribers' Note: In the original text, the names of those belonging -to each society were bracketted, and "Committee F. L. S." and -"Committee, W. L. S." appeared on the right-hand side of the -page, beside their respective brackets.] - - _Committee F. L. S._ - - (Signed) - "J. W. LAMBERT, - "F. C. WOODWARD, - "R. E. BLACKWELL, - - _Committee W. L. S._ - - (Signed) - "CHARLES CARROLL, - "HERBERT M. HOPE, - "W. B. PAGE, - "H. C. PAULETT, - "JOHN M. BURTON," - -[Illustration: WASHINGTON HALL, Randolph-Macon College.] - -[Illustration: FRANKLIN HALL, Randolph-Macon College.] - -To show the appreciation of the work done by the Societies, the Board, -on motion of Rev. A. W. Wilson, adopted the following: - -"_Resolved_, That the President be instructed to express in the chapel, -during the public exercises of the day, the Board's appreciation of the -energy and zeal of the Literary Societies in the erection of the Library -building, and that the Secretary furnish the Societies with a copy of -the action of the Board." - -In the chapel the same day Maj. Sutherlin pledged the Board to a -subscription of $500 towards the Library Hall. - -The above record in relation to this worthy and remarkable effort--one -that has found few, if any, parallels in the history of colleges--is -given at some length to show the spirit of the young men of the period -succeeding the war, and also to stimulate a like spirit in the young men -who are now filling these halls and others after them. Such an example -seems to be needed at this time to rekindle the interest in these most -worthy Societies, which is not as great as it formerly was, and as it -should be. - -At this meeting Major William T. Sutherlin, of Danville, who had -manifested his interest in the College by agreeing to pay three hundred -dollars annually towards the current expenses of the College for five -years, submitted the following proposition: - -"_To the Board of Trustees of Randolph-Macon College_: - -"I propose to place in your hands good eight per cent. securities to the -amount of four hundred dollars ($400), the interest to be collected by -you, and invested in a suitable medal, to be presented at each annual -commencement to _the best orator_ connected with the college who shall -contend for the same, to be decided by three competent judges who have -no official connection with the College, to be selected by yourselves, -whose decision shall be final. The fund hereby donated shall be held by -you and appropriated to the above purpose in perpetuity, and to no -other. Respectfully, - -(Signed) "W. T. SUTHERLIN." - -On motion of Rev. A. W. Wilson-- - -"_Resolved_, That the proposition be accepted, and that the thanks of -the Board be returned to Major Sutherlin for the generous donation, and -that the medal be styled the _Sutherlin Prize Medal for Oratory_." - -Rev. A. G. Brown, Financial Secretary, made the following review of the -financial operations of the year: - -"1. That the current expenses of this session have been promptly and -fully paid to June 1st. - -"2. That means are in hand to meet obligations to July 1st. - -"3. That we rely principally upon the assessments and special donations -to the College for the succeeding three months. - -"4. That the assets of the College have been improved in value and in -the amount of interest they yield. - -"5. That the liabilities have been materially reduced. - -"6. That the financial interests of the College are freed from legal or -legislative embarrassments. - -"These are gratifying results. I mention them for your information and -encouragement. They are the sign of a better day. Let us consecrate -ourselves to this noble institution, and, with the blessing of God on -our duty faithfully performed, we may expect to see it what it ought to -be in the scope of its usefulness and the development of its resources, -a strictly first-class College. - -(Signed) "A. G. BROWN, - -"_Financial Secretary Randolph-Macon College_." - -This gratifying report, the best that had been submitted for years, -caused the Trustees to adjourn in a cheerful mood. - -[Illustration: G. E. M. WALTON, _Founder of the Walton Greek Library._] - -[Illustration: MAJ. W. T. SUTHERLIN, ELECTED TRUSTEE, 1860. _Founder of -the Sutherlin Prize for Oratory._] - -A called meeting of the Board was held in Richmond October 13, 1872. A -letter was presented from Prof. Thomas R. Price, which was as follows: - -"_Rev. James A. Duncan, President_: - -"DEAR SIR,--As Professor of Greek in our College, I feel great pleasure -in informing you, and through you the Board, of the noble act of -generosity by which Mr. George E. M. Walton, of Hanover county, Va., has -planned a lasting benefit to the School of Greek. - -"Mr. Walton was, as you know, the father of Mr. Andrew Minor Walton, -who, with rare learning and diligence, discharged until his death, in -September, 1871, the duties of Assistant Greek Professor in -Randolph-Macon College. In order, then, to foster in the College the -studies that his son loved so well, and at the same time to keep alive -in the College history and traditions the memory of that son, Mr. Walton -has offered to give to Randolph-Macon College the sum of one thousand -dollars to create and endow what shall be called the _Walton Greek -Library_. This donation Mr. Walton desires to see, without delay, put -into the proper legal form. His own wishes and intentions, as given to -me in conversation, are: - -"1. That the money shall, in consultation between him and the agents of -the College, be securely and permanently invested. - -"2. That ten dollars of the annual income shall be used to buy, in the -shape of a valuable Greek book, or other appropriate gift, as the -Faculty may decide, a prize that shall be called the _Walton Greek -Prize_, and bestowed on the student that, in the judgment of the -Faculty, has made during the session the best progress in Greek studies. - -"3. That the remainder of the income arising from the investment of the -fund shall be annually expended, under such regulations as the Board and -Faculty may establish, in the purchase of Greek books, including the -texts of Greek authors, Greek lexicons, Commentaries on Greek authors, -works on Greek history, Geography, Grammar, antiquities, etc., and all -direct auxiliaries to Greek study, to form a special and distinct -collection, to be called the _Walton Greek Library_. - -"4. That this Library shall be carefully guarded by the College -authorities and secure adequate protection from theft and fire. - -"There is visible in this act of Mr. Walton no less wisdom than of -generosity and tenderness. The helps to the successful carrying on of -Greek study are becoming year by year more numerous and more masterly, -but, unluckily, more costly, too. To use them is indeed necessary for -every earnest student, but to buy them is oft-times to the student -impossible. To meet this necessity is the object of Mr. Walton's gift, -while his prize will serve to stimulate and reward Greek study; in all -the classes of our school the Library will, year after year, as it -widens, open to students that are more advanced the treasures of Greek -learning. - -"Being sure that you will feel the same pleasure that I feel in this -wisely-devised increase to our means of education, I ask you to make Mr. -Walton's purpose known to the Board, and to have the proper measures -taken for the consummation of the gift. - -"With great respect, your obedient servant, - -"THOMAS R. PRICE, - -"_Professor of Greek._" - -The donation of Mr. Walton was accepted with thanks, and an order was -made to carry out his intentions as speedily as possible. - -It may be stated here that this fund was safely invested, and the annual -proceeds, from the year of its establishment, have been applied, as -directed, in annual prizes and the purchase of books, until, at this -writing, the collection has, become imposing and very valuable. The -first prize was awarded June, 1872, to R. E. Blackwell, of Virginia. - -The College year 1872-'73 was remarkable in the patronage and financial -outcome. The number of students was 234, the largest in the history of -the College up to that year. The receipts for fees amounted to $11,220; -Conference educational collections, $3,411. The excess of current -receipts over current expenses reported, for the first time in the -history of the College, went towards needed improvements of the property -and reduction of debts of other years. Available assets were reported at -$74,610; liabilities, $26,377--net assets, $48,233. This exhibit, made -by Rev. A. G. Brown, Financial Secretary, was highly gratifying to the -Board, so long accustomed to discouraging reports. - -Of the 234 students, 44 were studying with a view to the ministry, and -29 sons of ministers. - -The honorary degree of D. D., on recommendation of the Faculty, was -conferred on the following: Rev. John C. Wills, president of Central -College, Missouri; Rev. Alpheus W. Wilson, of the Baltimore Conference; -Rev. John D. Blackwell, of the Virginia Conference. - -The degree of A. M. was conferred on Franklin C. Woodward, of Virginia. - -The "Sutherlin Medal for Oratory" was awarded Franklin C. Woodward, of -Virginia. - -[Illustration: FRANKLIN C. WOODWARD, A. M., D. D., _Sutherlin Medalist, -1873; President South Carolina College._] - -The "Walton Greek Prize" was awarded to Robert Sharp, of Virginia. - -An educational convention to devise plans to increase the Endowment and -Building funds of the College was held in Richmond, April, 1874. The -following plan was adopted: - -"I. That delegates shall be appointed (by the committee under item -III.), consisting of one layman and one preacher in each district, whose -duty it shall be to present the subject to the several District -Conferences at their meetings during the summer and fall of this year, -and take up collections for this object, and that the presiding elders -be requested to arrange the exercises of their district meetings so as -to secure _one whole day_ for the interests of Randolph-Macon College. - -"II. That we earnestly solicit the co-operation of the presiding elders -in this great work, and request the appointment of meetings in the -several pastoral charges, in which this cause shall be presented and -collections taken. - -[Illustration: PROF. W. M. BASKERVILLE, PH. D., _Vanderbilt -University._] - -"III. That a committee be appointed, who shall attend these meetings, -take up collections, etc." - -(_Committee_: Rev. J. A. Duncan, D. D., Rev. A. G. Brown, and Richard -Irby, Esq.) - -It was resolved that a committee be appointed to mature a plan for the -further prosecution of this work, and report to an adjourned meeting at -Ashland in June, 1874. - -It was resolved that any contributor of $20,000 shall have the privilege -of naming a professorship in the College. - -It does not appear on the record that any direct and decided benefit -resulted from this convention, but it kept the subject before the -people, and doubtless bore good fruit in after times. - -[Illustration: JOHN T. MOORE, _Of the Virginia Conference; Sutherlin -Medalist, 1874._] - -At the annual meeting, June, 1874, it was found that, by inadvertence, -the amendment to the charter approved April 9, 1874, contained a clause -which read as follows: - -"[Section] 14. That the said Board of Trustees shall never be less than -twenty-four nor more than forty-four, one of whom shall be elected by -the Board president thereof; provided, also, that no member of the -Faculty or Board of Instruction in the College shall be a member of the -Board of Trustees." - -This vacated the office of the president of the Board, inasmuch as Dr. -Duncan was a member of the Faculty. Steps were taken to have the above -clause stricken out by the Legislature. - -[Illustration: [Portrait of Thomas Branch, inscribed "Tho. Branch", and -captioned "_Trustee 1846 President Board of Trustees 1877._"]] - -To the office thus vacated Thomas Branch, Esq., of Richmond, Va., was -elected. He was the only layman ever elected to that office. - -Mr. Branch had been a trustee for thirty years. He was one of the most -zealous and constant friends the College had. His donations to the -College had been frequent and liberal. He had been largely instrumental -in having the College moved to Ashland. Recognizing the faithful service -and devotion of Mr. Branch to the College, the Board thus unanimously -elected him president. At the same time Rev. Alpheus W. Wilson, of the -Baltimore Conference, was unanimously elected vice-president. - -[Illustration: GEORGE MERRITT NOLLEY, A. M.] - -The attendance of students for the closing year had been 235, one in -excess of the previous year's number. - -In the record of this year the regular report of the President and -Faculty is not found, though doubtless one was made. - -On the recommendation of the Faculty, the following degrees were -conferred: - -A. M.--George Merritt Nolley, of Virginia; Robert Emory Blackwell, of -Virginia. - -D. D.--Rev. C. Green Andrews, of Mississippi; Rev. William A. Harris, -President of the Wesleyan Female Institute, Staunton, Va. - -On motion of Rev. J. C. Granbery, the following was adopted: - -"Whereas, since the last annual meeting of the Board the venerated -Bishop John Early, for many years the president of the Board, has been -taken from us by death: therefore, - -"_Resolved_, That in the death of Bishop John Early the College has lost -one of its most zealous, faithful and useful friends, and the Board of -Trustees one of its most honored and efficient members." - -His term of service (1830-1874) was the longest on record. - -The School of English, under Prof. Price, had shown great progress, and -had become the most popular of all in the College, evidenced by the fact -that out of 235 students, 191 took the English course. - -The report of the Financial Secretary gave the following items: - - Assets, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $72,496 47 - Liabilities, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21,538 12 - Net balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50,958 35 - -This exhibit of the finances was particularly favorable and gratifying -when it is remembered that the country had in the past year passed -through one of the severest financial panics ever known, a panic whose -withering effects on business did not cease for many years. The College, -in common with all other enterprises requiring the use of money, felt -the effects of it, and it might be said that it felt it for nearly a -score of years. - -A called meeting of the Board was held in Richmond during the session of -the Virginia Conference, November, 1874. This meeting was held to bring -the College more particularly to the attention of the Conference with a -view of enlisting its members in a hearty effort to raise $50,000, to be -used in increasing the facilities of the College, specially in buildings -and apparatus. - -The action of the Trustees was laid before the Conference, and the -following action was taken thereon: - -"1. That we will seek to raise within the bounds of the Virginia -Conference $50,000 for the College, to be expended in the erection of -suitable buildings under the direction of the Board. - -"2. That the Joint Board of Finance apportion this amount among the -districts of the Conference. - -"3. That all the preachers be solicited to do their utmost to secure the -full amounts apportioned to their respective districts." - -At the annual meeting of the Board, held June, 1875, the announcement -was made of the death of two of its most useful and venerable members, -viz., D'Arcy Paul, of Petersburg, and Rev. Henry B. Cowles, of the -Virginia Conference. - -It would be meet and right to give the tributes paid to these Trustees, -so worthy of them, if space allowed. The first had served most -faithfully for a period of thirty-five years, and the other -thirty-three. - -The annual report of the Financial Secretary was not so satisfactory as -to current receipts, the number of students at the College having fallen -down to 215, instead of 235. There had been deficiencies in other items. -All these deficiences were caused, in the main, by the financial -condition of the country, which was so sadly affected by the panic of -1873. There were some cheering signs, however, to offset these -deficiencies. The largest donation ever made to the College up to this -time had been received the past year. This was made by Mr. James B. -Pace, of Richmond, Va., viz., $10,000 in Virginia State bonds. This was -given to build the Pace Lecture Hall, a building so much needed, and -which is now, and will be for years to come, a monument to the liberal -donor. - -[Illustration: JAMES B. PACE, _Trustee, and Founder of Pace Hall._] - -[Illustration: RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE, 1880 to 1886.] - -[Illustration: PACE HALL.] - -Another donation of $5,000 was made by the old and fast friend of the -College, Thomas Branch, president of the Board; by others, -$808.50--total, $15,808.50. - -The financial statement for this year is given in the comparative -statement furnished by the Financial Secretary in his annual report: - - Assets. Liabilities. Balance. - 1872, . . $58,729 65 $23,216 49 $35,513 16 - 1873, . . 74.611 13 26,377 14 48,233 99 - 1874, . . 72,496 47 31,538 12 50,958 35 - 1875, . . .91,660 78 20,974 36 70,686 42 - Increase, 99-1/4 per cent. - -The degree of Master of Arts was conferred on John W. Redd, of Virginia. - -Rev. A. G. Brown reported the building by him as a private enterprise of -the hotel near the southwest corner of the campus. This was a -much-needed improvement. - -Notwithstanding the increase in assets during the year, -the current receipts were not sufficient to meet current expenses. - -At this meeting Rev. John C. Granbery, who had served the Board -faithfully as secretary since 1868, resigned the position, on account of -his having accepted a professorship at the Vanderbilt University. He -also resigned his place as Trustee of the College. - -Rev. Paul Whitehead was elected to succeed him as trustee and secretary, -and he has been secretary of the Board from that meeting to the present -time (1898). - -[Illustration: JOHN B. WARDLAW, _Of Georgia; Sutherlin Medalist, 1874._] - -At a called meeting of the Board in October, 1875, President Duncan -informed the Board that the condition of his health was such that he -felt unable to do the heavy work devolved on him. An arrangement was -therefore made to lighten his duties, and he was requested to travel as -much as practicable in the interest of the College. - -[Illustration: JOHN W. REDD, A. M., 1875. _Prof. Centre College, Ky._] - -At an adjourned meeting of the Board, held November, 1875, Rev. A. G. -Brown, Financial Secretary, tendered his resignation. A portion of his -letter is here given, partly as history, and in justice to him: - -"That my labors have not been more efficient, I deeply regret, yet in -what has been accomplished I am not without cause for gratitude to God, -to whose merciful kindness I am infinitely indebted. - -[Illustration: REV. PAUL WHITEHEAD, D. D., _Secretary Board of Trustees, -1875-'98._] - -"The assets of the College have been increased in value about one -hundred per cent.; nearly fifteen thousand dollars of its debt has been -paid; valuable additions and improvements have been made to the grounds -and buildings; the State stock owned by the College has been materially -increased in value; the annual deficit on account of current expenses, -ranging from twenty-five hundred to three thousand dollars a year, has -been provided for; all claims for interest on College debts, amounting -to about eighteen hundred dollars per annum, have been promptly paid; -the salaries of the professors and employees have been paid in full to -October 1st, as well as all bills on current account. In no instance has -the credit of the College been allowed to suffer. Its business has been -systematized so as to be easily understood. The patronage of the College -has been largely increased; its interests have been faithfully -represented in the patronizing Conferences.... I have never hesitated to -use my personal means and influence in financial circles whenever -exigencies required my so doing. Meanwhile the country has passed -through a period of unprecedented financial depression. The wisest -schemes have failed; the ample fortunes of wealthy citizens and -corporations have been swept away; the active industries of the country -have been fearfully impaired, and the shrinkage in the marketable value -of property of all descriptions has scarcely been less than one-third. -This sad condition of business, without a parallel in the history of -this country, has seriously hindered all our efforts in behalf of the -College. I have done what I could. That I have not accomplished more has -not resulted from any lack of love or zeal for the College, but is -mainly referable to the mysterious adversity which has come upon us. - -"In resigning my office as Financial Secretary, I do not abate one jot -or tittle of my interest in the College. No! I love the College as I -love the church; and fidelity to the church enjoins upon me and upon all -fidelity to the interests of this institution. Be assured of my hearty -prayers and co-operation in the future as in the past. As a member of -this Board, I shall stand shoulder to shoulder with you to make -Randolph-Macon a permanent and ever-increasing blessing to church and -state." - -The following resolution, offered by Rev. Paul Whitehead, was then -adopted: - -"_Resolved_, That the resignation of Rev. A. G. Brown as Financial -Secretary be accepted, to take effect December 1, 1875, and that the -Board hereby express their appreciation of the fidelity, ability, and -integrity with which he has discharged the duties of his office." - -This resolution was not any too flattering. It may be truly said that it -is doubtful whether any man in the Conference could have brought the -College through the trying period of the panic as well as the late -Financial Secretary. - -It was "_Resolved_, That the presiding bishop be requested to appoint at -the ensuing Virginia Conference an agent for the College." - -At an adjourned meeting held at Danville, November, 1875, the Board -abolished the office of Financial Secretary. - -William Willis, Jr., of Richmond, was appointed Treasurer, and Prof. -William A. Shepard, Proctor. - -At the request of the Board, the Bishop appointed Rev. Thomas A. Ware, -agent. - -[Illustration: WALTER H. PAGE, _Of North Carolina; Sutherlin Medalist; -Editor Atlantic Monthly._] - -At the annual meeting in June, 1876, the Building Committee reported the -Pace Lecture Hall as being about half completed, with funds on hand to -meet expenses of completion. This was the second brick building erected -on the campus. - -The following received the degree of A. M.: John M. Burton, of Virginia; -Howard Edwards, of Virginia; Robert Sharp, of Virginia; R. Bascom -Smithey, of Virginia. - -The President, in his annual report, does not give the statistics as to -the number of students in attendance, but the catalogue for the year -gives it as 167. He, evidently regarding this as the last he would make, -takes the occasion to speak in the kindest and most commendatory terms -of his associates of the Faculty. He was on the most cordial terms with -them, and his kindly regard was fully reciprocated. Referring to his -resignation, which he was about to tender, he said: - -"And now I approach a matter which it gives me very great pain to -announce. Many reasons combine to make it best, however, that I take the -step now; but these reasons I do not propose to open for discussion, -because I have become satisfied and decided in my convictions. - -"I have worked earnestly, in all good conscience, before God for eight -years to promote the cause of Christian education in connection with -Randolph-Macon College; nor have I spared myself till my health demanded -it. I have done what I could. Eight years ago, in a critical moment in -the history of the College, your flattering representations of the -service you believed I might render to Christian education induced me to -sacrifice my own inclinations and to accept the presidency of -Randolph-Macon. - -"What has been done is too well known to you to make it necessary for me -to recount the familiar facts. My rejoicing in it all is the blessing -the College has been to our young men, and the fact that, by abundant -labors, I have also had a personal share in the rebuilding and -re-establishing an institution whose work is its best witness. In God's -providence these labors have, I trust, been blessed unto permanent good. - -"But in the meanwhile I have found that to repeat or continue them would -be a tax on my health and strength too great for me to bear. I am fully -satisfied that the confining duties of College life are entirely -incompatible with my future health and consequent usefulness; but I -cannot consent to be a nominal president of an institution whose funds -are not sufficient for the support of all the active officers she needs. -When invitations to more lucrative positions were extended to me I have -not entertained them for a moment, simply because I could not allow my -duty, as a minister of Christ, in relation to this work to be governed -by monetary considerations. But now, when unembarrassed by any -invitations whatever, after calm reflection on all the reasons which -favor or oppose it, after careful and prayerful meditation upon it as a -question of duty as under God's guidance, I am fully persuaded that the -moment has come when I may and ought dutifully to return to the position -I formerly occupied as a preacher in the church of God. This conviction -is too firmly and clearly fixed for me to alter it at present. - -"I hardly need to say that my devotion to the College is unchanged. My -readiness to do whatever I can to advance its welfare, I know you will -believe and appreciate. Therefore, most respectfully, with the warmest -wishes for your success personally and officially, I feel it my duty to -tender my resignation as President of Randolph-Macon College. This I -propose shall take effect at the beginning of the next session, or at -the meeting of the Virginia Conference. - -"With many prayers for the prosperity of the great cause, which I must -now serve less efficiently, but not less earnestly, and with immutable -love for Randolph-Macon, I am, most respectfully and sincerely yours, - -"JAMES A. DUNCAN." - -[Illustration: REV. JOHN D. BLACKWELL, D. D., _Vice-President Board of -Trustees, and President Elect, 1877._] - - -The resignation of President Duncan was most reluctantly accepted, with -resolutions of highest regard for him personally and commendation of his -great services to the College. It may be stated here that he continued -to act as president in the interval between the annual meeting and the -adjourned meeting, held in Richmond, July, 1876. At this meeting Rev. -John D. Blackwell, D. D., was elected President. He declined to accept -the office. At the adjourned meeting, in November, Dr. Duncan was -re-elected, and he consented to serve again, under the most pressing -solicitation of the Board and the evident urgency of the case. - -It has been said that "coming events cast their shadows before." So this -resignation of Dr. Duncan, on account of the consciousness of failing -health, was a shadow, and a very dark one it was, of the event of the -coming year, which was to cause mourning in all Southern Methodism and -in regions beyond. - -The annual meeting adjourned, in sadness and gloom, to meet again in -Richmond, July 25th. - -The financial condition was not satisfactory, and the old embarrassment -of former years was again felt. - -At the adjourned meeting, held in Richmond, Va., July 25, 1876, the -resignations of Professors Thomas R. Price and James A. Harrison were -tendered. Professor Price had been elected to the chair of Greek at the -University of Virginia, and Prof. Harrison to the chair of Latin at -Washington and Lee University. - -[Illustration: PROF. R. E. BLACKWELL, A. M.] - -Changes were made in the chairs to be filled, viz., one to be that of -English and Modern Languages, and the other that of Latin and Greek. To -fill the first Robert Emory Blackwell, A. M., was elected, and to the -other Prof. Charles Morris, M. A., of the University of Georgia. Prof. -Blackwell was in Europe at the time, taking a course at Leipzig. He took -his degree of Master of Arts in 1874. He had served as assistant in the -School of English under Prof. Price, and was recommended by him in the -highest terms. He was the first of Prof. Price's graduates, of a long -list, to be elected to a chair of English. - -Prof. Morris was, when elected, Professor of Latin and Greek at the -University of Georgia. He, also, was highly commended to the Board by -Prof. Price, who was a fellow-student with him at the University of -Virginia. A more whole-souled, ingenuous man never lived than he, and -his character was beaming from his face. Though a member of the -Episcopal church, he threw his whole soul into the religious work of the -College, and no one would have known that he was not a member of the -Methodist church. - -[Illustration: CHARLES MORRIS, M. A., _Professor of Greek and Latin, -1876-1882._] - -The scale of salaries was changed. The salary of the President was fixed -at $2,000: of professors, $1,600. Dr. T. H. Bagwell was elected College -physician, in place of Dr. H. M. Houston, resigned. - -In parting with Prof. Price, the Board expressed for him the kindest and -highest appreciation of his long and distinguished services. -Complimentary resolutions were also adopted in regard to Prof. Harrison. - -As a part of a great educational advance, the following extract is given -from Professor Price's letter of resignation: - -"You have used me to do one piece of work that was so bold, and timely, -and wise as to draw the attention of educated men throughout America to -our College, and to win for your system of education the hearty applause -of all that love the culture of our young men. - -"In establishing the chair of English you have taken a bold step and -wise innovation. You have pushed the whole system of Virginia education -distinctly forward, and you have given to your system of collegiate -education a firm basis in the needs of our people. I have felt the -sweetest joy of my life to have been permitted to help in this great -work. I have seen the School of English, from session to session, bear -richer fruits in the development of our whole student class and in the -growing power of the College over the educated opinion of the State. I -beseech you now, in parting from you, to take the chair of English under -your fostering care, not only to uphold it, but to develop and expand it -as the characteristic and special glory of the College, and to bring it -to pass that every alumnus of Randolph-Macon College shall be, to his -own benefit and to your honor, as soundly and correctly educated as man -ought to be in the knowledge and use of his mother tongue." - -At this meeting Dr. W. W. Bennett, chairman of the Building Committee, -announced to the Board the completion of the Pace Lecture building, at a -cost of about $11,000. - -At the annual meeting of the Board of Trustees, held June, 1877, the -reports made by the President and Treasurer showed great embarrassment -in financial matters, which, as a matter of course, affected the prompt -payment of salaries to the members of the Faculty. - -The patronage for the year was reported to be 132. - -[Illustration: PROF. W. A. FRANTZ, A. M., _Prof. English, Central -College, Missouri._] - -The degree of A. M. was conferred on William Abner Frantz, of Virginia. - -At the June meeting, 1877, Thomas Branch, Esq., resigned the office of -president of the Board. Resolutions of regret at his action, and -expressive of the kind regard of the Trustees towards him, were adopted. - -Dr. J. A. Duncan was elected to fill the vacancy. - -William Willis, Jr., resigned the oflice of Treasurer of the Board on -account of ill-health and defective eyesight. This was accepted with -great reluctance by the Board, and resolutions of sympathy for him in -his afflictions and thanks for his faithful service were adopted. - -Prof. W. A. Shepard was elected Treasurer _pro tempore_. - -When the Board adjourned, it closed its last meeting in connection with -the president who had inaugurated the College at Ashland, and had -presided over it for nine years. - -A few days after the opening of the session of 1877-1878 he passed away, -after a brief illness. The record of the journal made by the Secretary, -and enclosed in black lines, is as follows: - -[Transcribers' note: In the original book, the following paragraph is -also enclosed in black lines.] - -On Monday, September 24, 1877, at 4 o'clock A. M., Rev. JAMES A. DUNCAN, -D. D., President of Randolph-Macon College, died at the President's -house, Ashland, Va., after a brief illness. On Tuesday, the 25th, a -brief funeral service was conducted in the College chapel by Rev. Leroy -M. Lee, D. D.; after which the corpse was conveyed by a special train to -Richmond. Funeral service conducted at Broad-Street Church by Bishop D. -S. Doggett, D. D.; a procession formed to Hollywood, and the body of -this faithful and illustrious servant of God buried there, in the hope -of a glorious resurrection. - -"This writer was a student at Randolph-Macon when Dr. Duncan was a -little boy, not yet in his _teens_. He was then as full of fun and -mischief as a boy could be, which, with his sprightliness, made him an -uncommonly interesting boy. He was a scholar in the first Sunday-school -class he ever taught, and along with him were Dick and Gib Leigh and -Dick Manson. He was intimately associated with him in re-establishing -the College at Ashland, he beginning his presidency, with this writer as -treasurer and chairman of the Executive Committee. Then, from 1870 to -his last illness, he sat under his ministry in the old ball-room chapel, -whose walls echoed to the tones of his wondrous voice, such as -cathedrals rarely, if ever, have heard. This ought to render him -competent, in part, to write of this most gifted man. - -[Illustration: WILBUR F. TILLETT, A. B., D. D., _Sutherlin Medalist, -1877; Dean Theological Faculty, Vanderbilt University._] - -But others have written tributes so much better and worthier of the -subject that he will let them speak. The first tribute to him was given -by Prof. Thos. R. Price, LL. D., who has more than once expressed to -this writer the great remissness of the Methodist Church in not having -had prepared a memoir of one of its greatest preachers and wisest men. - -The following is Prof. Price's sketch of Dr. James A. Duncan: - -"THE GREAT PREACHER." - -"The bitterest hour for them that mourn their dead is not when the -breath rattles in the throat nor when the clod rattles on the coffin. It -comes when, after all the stir and turmoil of death and funeral are -over, the family go back to the ravaged home, and grope their ways, -blinded with tears, through the rooms that the dead man has left forever -empty. Not even the sudden jar of the final separation strikes so deep a -wound as the growing sense of loss, as the accumulating despair of -unsatisfied longing. So, in all the many regions where Dr. Duncan, the -great apostle of Virginia, was known and loved, the deepest grief was -not felt when all those thousands followed the hearse and sobbed around -the open grave under the stars at Hollywood. A deeper sorrow comes to us -now, after taking up again the task of life, when we feel, amid our -pleasures and our business, that the great advocate of God, who lived -Christ among us as sublimely as he preached him, has been withdrawn -forever from among the potencies of our time; when we remember that, in -evil days, when many bad men are seeking to break down the honesty and -to dull the moral sense of the Virginia people, we are left without the -mighty aid of that one man who knew best of all how to stir the hearts -and to guide the acts of our people to good. Yet with the calmness of -the deeper sorrow comes, too, the calmness to think out the secret of -the dead man's power over the great masses of the Southern people, for -that power was one that reached far outside of his church and of all -churches deep down into the moral life of Virginia. Thus even for us -laymen, for us that have no right to preach and no theology to teach, -the character of this wonderful man has an abiding interest. It is worth -while for us all to know what were the means by which he worked. As his -life did such immense good to so many thousands of our people, the -contemplation, and, if possible, the understanding, of that life, can -hardly fail to do good to the great communities that are now mourning -for him. - -"On the first meeting with Dr. Duncan, were it only a hurried talk at a -street-corner or a few minutes' conversation on a railway train, the -first impression that came to the stranger from his sweet eyes and -tender lips was the sense of a strange and overpowering love and -loveableness in the man. The face and voice stole their way to the heart -and mastered the affections. All the children were drawn to his -caressing hands by a charm that their little hearts could not withstand. -The negro servants in the houses that he visited could be seen to hang -upon his words and to strive to catch his smile. The belle of the -springs, on her way to the ball-room; the roughest mountaineer loafing -on the skirts of a camp-meeting; boys and old men, the ignorant and the -educated, had to yield themselves to the fascination of the fresh and -guileless love that emanated from his beaming eyes and tender, -penetrating voice. Whether he was moving with his exquisite grace, -smiling and talking, through a parlor, or standing all aglow in his -passionate eloquence beside his pulpit; whether he spoke to one man, -soul to soul, in the quiet of his study, or faced the thousands of eyes -that looked up to him from a great city church, or from the green -hillsides of a rustic amphitheatre, the power that went forth from him, -winning all hearts and softening all hardness, was the power of an -exquisitely loveable nature, giving love richly and pleading for love in -return. But as you listened to him, as you watched the play of his -mobile features, and took in the rich, sweet tones of his voice, this -first impression of the man's intense loveableness was deepened by the -impression of his marvellous intellectual power. The shrewdness of his -observation, the penetrating keenness of his intelligence, the splendid -precision of his thought and of his utterance, took instantaneous -possession of the hearer's mind. His knowledge of human character as men -moved before him, his ready insight into the tangled web of human -motives, was almost infallible. In spite of his boundless charity and -graciousness, he was a man that could not be deceived or cheated. He -took men in at a glance. The smile that curled around his lips, the -light that sparkled in his eyes, showed to the dullest, as to the -wiliest, that the secrets of their character were seen, that the very -depths of their soul lay unveiled before him. Thus, when you talked with -him, you were sure to feel that, while his love opened his heart to you, -his intellect opened yours to him. In managing men, above all, in -wielding the discipline of a college, the amazing quickness and -penetration of his intellect made him the fittest of all men to control -both character and conduct. The offender who came to hide his sin -beneath a lie, found the lie impossible, and flung himself with -passionate tears upon the love of the man that both understood and -pitied his weakness. Even in great audiences, when he spoke to thousands -of God and goodness, the veils of self-deception fell away before the -glances that he shot into the souls of men. In all the history of -Christianity no man ever pleaded for Christ before men with a mightier -control over the secrets of human hearts, with a sharper penetration -into the weakness and badness of each human soul. It was this union of -moral with intellectual force, this union of the attractive power of -love with the penetrative power of understanding, that gave to Dr. -Duncan his unrivalled and irresistible control over the heart and -intellect of the Virginia people. The world is so bad that we are apt to -confuse amiability with silliness, and to see a sign of intellectual -weakness in a good man's love and care for his fellow-men. But here, at -least, it was one man as strong as he was good, a man that joined to the -charm of a tenderly loving heart the power of a splendid genius and of -an incisive intelligence. Thus he rose on the hearts of men to be a -living power in our State and time. Thus to each man that saw much of -him, to every human being that was exposed for long to the influence of -his words and actions, the man, simple and kindly, and great in all his -deeds, shone forth as the revelation of a higher life, as the proof and -example of what Christ's teaching meant. - -"The mystery both of the moral power and of the intellectual power of -this great man lay in his astounding unselfishness; for the egoistic -habit of mind is a hindrance not only to the moral but also to the -intellectual progress of the man. A selfish regard for one's own -interests, the bad trait of regarding all things and all men as -subordinate to one's own designs, not only deadens the moral -sensibility, but it even distorts and discolors all intellectual insight -into the world. If we fail to care for other men's good by being so busy -about our own, we fail equally to penetrate into their characters and to -see the good and evil that is in them by being unable to remove from our -intellectual vision the beam of our own desires and designs. From all -these obstacles, to noble acting and to accurate thinking, Dr. Duncan -was sublimely free. He had resigned himself so fully into the hands of -God that he had ceased absolutely to care for his own advantage or to be -perplexed by the contemplation of his own aims. Thus he moved through -the annual courses of his serene and glorious activity, preaching and -teaching and helping all good causes, with a mind unperverted from great -things by any care for little ones, with a soul ready for any sacrifice, -and, what is harder still, ready to throw itself into full and -instantaneous sympathy with any soul that opened to his approach. In all -his dealings with men, as friend with his friends, as preacher with his -congregations, as teacher with his pupils, the loveliness and warmth of -his affections were equalled only by the pliability and penetration of -his intellect, by his wisdom in advising, by his discretion in helping. - -"All the ordinary temptations to self-seeking fell off powerless from -the supreme unselfishness of his nature. When the fame of his eloquence -spread over many States; when he was acknowledged as the greatest orator -of his church, and, perhaps, of his country; when the richest churches -of the greatest cities offered him vast salaries to leave the struggling -people and the impoverished college that he loved, he clung fast to -poverty, and put aside, without a struggle, the temptations of ease and -wealth. Even when temptation assailed him in craftier forms; when men -told him of the mighty congregations that New York or St. Louis or San -Francisco would pour forth to catch from him the words of life, he said -that 'he loved his own people best, and must stay to help Virginia -along.' Like his Master, he chose poverty rather than riches; like his -Master, he chose to work in a little village, among a small band of -disciples, rather than among the splendors and plaudits of cities; like -his Master, he made of life one long series of sweetly-borne -self-sacrifices. Before the spectacle of such sublime self-depression -all words of common praise are unseemly. But to them that lived with -him, who saw the great soul take up so bravely and bear so lovingly the -burthen of poverty, trouble, and suffering, the life he led was a -miracle of beauty and holiness, making the world brighter and nobler by -even the remembrance of him. - -"In his preaching, as in his life, the same blending of love with -wisdom, of childlike simplicity with manly power, was revealed. There -was no fierceness, no affectation, no struggling after oratorical -effects; but, as the powers of his mind got into motion, as the thoughts -rolled on, clear and massive, the words and sentences grew rich and -lofty, the sweet voice swelled out into organ tones, the small and -graceful figure swayed to the pulsations of his thought, and the -beautiful face glowed with all the illumination of love. There was no -theology in his sermons, no polemical divinity in his conception of -divine truth. To love God, and to love men was for him, as Christ taught -him, the sum of all righteousness. This power of love was the agency -through which he did his work in the world. As the warmth of the sun -controls all the processes of nature and commands all the movements of -the universe, so warmth of love, as the central fact of God's moral -government, was for him the source of all power, the means of subduing -all wrong, and of bringing the world back into harmony with God's laws. - -"No human life ever lived in this world of ours was attuned more fully -to a loftier harmony. As we think of all the good deeds he did, of all -the wise words he spoke, of his solemn yet tender warnings against evil, -of the love that charmed so many souls to do right, of the sublime -unselfishness that made his life a sacrifice to other men's good, we can -feel that to us, in our own State, born of our own stock, in full sight -of us all, a man has been given to live for our good, as nearly as man -may, up to the life-story of the Christ himself. - -"_University of Virginia._ T. R. PRICE." - -The following is taken from the Minutes of the Virginia Conference, and -was written by an old college mate, Dr. J. C. Granbery, now bishop: - -"James Armstrong Duncan was born in Norfolk, Va., April 14, 1830. He was -dedicated to God from his birth and trained in piety by his father, the -venerable David Duncan, who has been prominent through two generations -in the education of the youth of the Southern States, and who accepted -the chair of Ancient Languages in Randolph-Macon College while James was -a child; and by his mother, a woman of saintly character, who preceded -her son by a few years to the heavenly land. In his boyhood he was a -universal favorite, and displayed the gifts of mind and genial spirit -and grace of manner which became so conspicuous in his riper years. We -may mention his overflowing humor and gaiety, tempered with a kind and -generous nature; and a wonderful power of mimicry, which furnished -unbounded amusement to his comrades, and, indeed, to persons of mature -age, but was never used to wound in feeling or reputation. In 1847, -during one of those gracious revivals with which our church has been -signally blessed year after year, he sought and found Jesus. In one of -his latest and most effective sermons, he has described his conversion -and affirmed that the vow of consecration then made had been the -controlling principle of his ministry and the motive of those labors -which his brethren sometimes thought excessive. - -"He was licensed to preach probably the next year. The people of -Mecklenburg still speak of his first sermons, in which they saw the -prophecy of his future greatness. Having graduated in June, 1849, he was -immediately placed in charge of a society in Alexandria, which had just -organized in connection with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. From -that hour his popularity and success as a preacher and pastor began, and -they steadily waxed fuller and more lustrous until his death quenched a -star than which none shone with a purer and more brilliant radiance in -the whole firmament of Methodism. A great revival attended his labors -during the few months before the session of our Conference and the -prosperity of the church was secured. He was kept on our northern border -for nine years, in Fairfax, Leesburg, Alexandria and -Washington--everywhere beloved with enthusiasm, everywhere successful in -his ministry. Then followed nine years of faithful labor in the city of -Richmond. In 1857 he was sent to Trinity, one of our oldest and most -important stations. There had come a crisis in the history of that -church. Its prosperity was already impaired and seriously threatened by -the unfortunate location of the house of worship. The young pastor soon -had the building crowded with an eager congregation. The eloquence of -his discourses and the charm of his social manners were a theme of -general comment throughout the city. Two series of sermons to young men -and women proved peculiarly attractive, and resulted in extensive and -lasting benefit. He took front rank among the pulpit orators of the -land. All denominations flocked to hear him, and delighted in his -company and friendship. These honors he bore with modest dignity and -consecrated with godly simplicity to the service of the Master. A little -band from Trinity determined, under his leadership, to build a handsome -and commodious church on Broad street near the Capitol Square. In 1859 -he was appointed to this new charge, and preached in a rented hall until -the church was completed. It was dedicated in March, 1861, and, with the -exception of two years, he continued in pastoral charge until the -Conference of 1866. All this time his influence widened and deepened. He -was a power in that city. When it became the capital of the Confederate -States, and was crowded with representatives from all parts of the -South, his faithful, spiritual, eloquent preaching entranced, edified, -encouraged, and impressed with a saving efficacy an untold multitude, -whose number eternity must reveal. No man in our day has accomplished -more for Methodism or for the cause of Christ in the capital of Virginia -than James A. Duncan. - -"In addition to his pastorate, he edited the _Richmond Christian -Advocate_ from the fall of 1860 to the fall of 1866. With characteristic -generosity he did this work without money and price--a free-will -offering to the church, except the two years he devoted his whole time -to the paper. The readiness and versatility of his talents were -admirably shown in this office, for, with many other claims upon his -time, he wrote not only the editorials, but much of the most popular and -enjoyable correspondence with which the _Advocate_ was enriched during -those years. Great curiosity was aroused to find out the anonymous -authors of series of letters published in the paper; but few, if any, -suspected that they came from the fertile brain of the editor. - -"Two years he was pastor of the Washington-Street Church, in Petersburg. -Such men as D'Arcy Paul loved to speak of the rich spiritual feasts on -which he fed them from the pulpit, and the no less precious influence of -his pastoral visits. In that city he suffered a severe spell of nervous -fever, his first illness since childhood. - -"This brings us to a third era of nine years in his eventful life. After -the war Randolph-Macon College re-opened and feebly struggled for life. -Dr. Duncan was among the strongest advocates of its removal from Boydton -to Ashland. The Board of Trustees resolved on this critical movement in -the summer of 1868. The Faculty resigned, and an election was held to -fill the vacant places. Dr. Duncan was unanimously chosen President. He -signified promptly a disposition to accept the responsible post, but -demanded a few days in which to carry the question in private prayer to -the God whose he was and whom he served. Repeatedly and emphatically he -declared the singleness of purpose with which he entered on this office, -and that he would not remain one day in it if it were not for the -conviction that he was thereby serving most efficiently the church of -Christ. - -"No one who knew the man doubted his sincerity and simplicity of aim. He -never sought self. He was indifferent to wealth in a degree which some -even censured as extreme. He served not ambition. The esteem and -approval of good men he must have prized, but never, so far as we know, -did he exhibit any undue concern about such things. He belonged to -Christ, and to the church for Christ's sake. He went in the courage of -faith and the spirit of consecration to the College, and devoted himself -to the duties in the chair of Moral Philosophy and in the presidency. -The halls were filled with a larger number of students than had ever -sought its advantages in its palmiest days before the war. He governed -by his personal influence, by the love and confidence with which he -inspired the young men, and diligence and good behavior were the rule -with rare exceptions. - -"The reputation of the institution for a high grade of scholarship and -thoroughness of culture was inferior to that of no other college in the -land. Young preachers, often numbering more than forty in a single -session, sat under his special lectures in theology, and were moulded by -his example and his teaching. With the authority of a prophet, with the -gentleness of a father, he preached to the students, week after week, -the word of life, and saw many of them accept with glad heart the yoke -and burden of Christ. In private they revealed to him all that was in -their hearts, and sought his sympathy and counsel. In public, whatever -the occasion on which he spoke, they hung breathless on his lips, and -received what he said as if from an angel of God. Those who have -attended the Commencements can bear witness to the outgushing of love, -the wise and noble utterances, the manly frankness and boldness, and the -tenderness, almost motherly, with which he bade those young men farewell -in unstudied words of genuine eloquence, and the beaming faces, the -streaming eyes, the thunders of applause with which they responded. Nor -were these his only labors. Often during the sessions he hurried off to -preach in city or country at the call of the churches of the Virginia -and Baltimore Conferences, or in order to raise money for the College. -The summer vacation was no rest to him, but his busiest period. -Incessantly he travelled through the two Conferences, speaking on -Christian education, and speaking at District Conferences, at protracted -and camp-meetings. He was in labors more abundant, not sparing himself, -never reluctant to help in any good work. Everywhere he was sought, -everywhere he was welcome. Thousands ascribe to him, under God, their -first impulse to serve Christ, their revival from a lukewarm and -languishing state, or their fuller consecration and seeking of a higher -spiritual life. We may safely affirm that no man of his own generation -has so powerfully impressed the religious character of an equal number -within the bounds of these two Conferences as James A. Duncan. He was -elected to the General Conferences of 1866, 1870, and 1874. That of 1870 -he did not attend, his duties at the College not allowing his absence. -He lacked only a few votes to be chosen bishop at that session, several -delegates of this body, who held him in high admiration, and thought him -in every way worthy of the honor, withholding their votes because they -believed him essential to Randolph-Macon College. From that time the -mind of the whole church turned to him as the fittest person to be -elected to the episcopacy. In 1876 he attended the General Conference of -the Methodist Episcopal Church as one of three fraternal messengers from -our General Conference, and his address on that occasion was marked by -its catholic spirit, fervent love for Christ, and grand and thrilling -eloquence. - -"In the summer of 1874, exhausted by ceaseless toil of travel and -preaching, and exposed to a malarial atmosphere at a camp-meeting, he -was seized with a fever, which took a typhoid phase, and he lay for -weeks at the point of death. For one year he was scarcely fit for any -work, and though he afterwards rallied and resumed his course of -untiring labors, the seeds of disease lurked in his system, and often -developed in severe spells of sickness; yet he worked on, cheerful, -energetic, consumed with zeal. The past summer he spoke and preached -with an ardor, power, and success equal to his happiest efforts in the -years of his vigorous health. Sunday, September the 9th, he was in -Baltimore, to preach at the re-opening of Trinity, and this he did, in -the forenoon with great power, despite intense physical pain. On his -return to Ashland it was found that his jawbone was decayed, and poison -diffused throughout his frame. Erysipelas attacked his face. His -sufferings were great, but borne with patience and sweetness. He sat up, -however, a part of each day, and seemed not to suspect that his end drew -near. Monday morning, the 24th, he fell asleep in Jesus. - -"Oh! the surprise, the shock, the grief of heart, the sense of loss, the -feeling of desolation, which that news produced. Crowds attended his -funeral at Broad-Street Church, which, by a marble tablet, acknowledges -him its founder, and Bishop Doggett pronounced his eulogy. Memorial -services were held in Richmond, Petersburg, and Baltimore. Resolutions -of highest praise were passed by Quarterly Conferences and by the -faculties of colleges and universities. The secular and religious press -honored his memory with heartfelt tributes; but all these honors fell -far short of expressing the reverence and love with which he is -cherished in thousands of hearts and thousands of homes. We yield to our -sorrow of personal bereavement, and then chide ourselves for the -selfishness when we ought to be grieving over the loss to the church. We -think with sadness and almost with despondency of the bereavement of our -College, and Conference, and Church, and tears fill our eyes, and a -sword pierces our heart, at the unbidden suggestion of the void in our -own life which the death of this dear, this noble friend and brother has -made. - -"We have said little of his private life. He was early married to Miss -Twitty, of North Carolina, who for many years proved a companion and -helpmeet worthy of such a man, and passed away in 1870. He married in -1873, Miss Wade, a daughter of a minister of the Baltimore Conference, -who ministered to him and comforted him through the last years of his -life, years of comparative weakness and pain, and now mourns, yet in -resignation and trust, his death. He leaves four children of the first -and one of the second marriage. The widow and children have the deepest -sympathies and fervent prayers of this Conference. - -"A few more words we must say about this loved brother. He was a natural -orator. Perhaps this remark should be changed, not to abate its force, -but to enlarge its application. He was a born talker, equally gifted in -conversation and in public discourse. He had every physical -advantage--grace of attitude and gesture, a voice which everybody -likened, in sweetness, richness, and compass, to the organ, and, we must -add, to the organ when struck by a master musician, for he had his voice -under perfect command, and moderated it to convey the fullest variety of -pure and worthy sentiment; a countenance on which one loved to gaze, -handsome in repose, lovely when lit up by the noble thoughts and -feelings of his great soul. He had every intellectual and moral -advantage; a ready flow of happy diction, which seemed perfectly -spontaneous, and yet exactly suited the thought; a playful humor, and, -when needed, keenness of wit and satire which added zest to his serious -speech, but detracted not from its weight; a quick insight into the -heart of a subject, judgment remarkably sound, the logical spirit -without slavery to logical forms, and an imagination which could sport -like a butterfly amid flowers, or soar like an eagle beyond the clouds; -sensibility delicate, deep, strong--acute sympathy with his fellow-man; -a response in his feelings to everything true, pure, generous, and -grand. Above all, he was full of the Holy Ghost, and could say, 'For the -love of Christ constraineth me.' His adaptation to all classes of -hearers, to all classes of circumstances, was marvellous. He could -interest and edify the child, the unlettered, the cultivated, the -scholar, with equal ease. Every variety of style came naturally to him, -from a familiar home talk, through all gradations of argument, -instruction and pathos, to the impassioned, sublime and overwhelming -appeal. The earnestness and simplicity of his soul were ever manifest; -that he preached not self, not philosophy, not human wisdom, not -excellency of speech, but Christ and him crucified, not for fame, but to -win souls. - -"In his social and pastoral qualities he no less excelled. Others have -equalled, none surpassed him in diligence and fidelity; but who can -compare in charm, in breadth and tenderness of sympathy, in aptness to -guide and comfort, in power to draw forth trust and love? Place him in -any parlor, at any table, among the rich or poor, and he would be the -centre of attraction--every eye fixed on him, every ear attend his -voice. Let him sit by the bed of any invalid, though a stranger before -that hour, and soon he would soothe and cheer, and the heart would open -to his words as though he had been a life-long friend. The young and -old, men and women, the rude and the cultivated, felt free to confide to -him their troubles and ask his sympathy and aid; yet, in the narrower -circle of long-tried friendship and of home, never did there beat a -truer, more constant, more generous heart; so unselfish, so frank, so -forbearing, so trustful, so magnanimous, never giving up a friend, -though he may have strayed far, and long, and fallen low; never slow in -responding to any call for help. - -"But we must close this sketch. He was our favorite and our ornament, we -might almost say our idol; but we glorify God in him. He has been taken -away in his prime, at the height of his usefulness, when we were leaning -on his counsel and strength, when we were rejoicing in the prospect of -many years of his company and service. But we thank God for his example, -his work, and his prayers. He rests from his labors, and his works do -follow him." - -A meeting of the Board was called, to assemble at Broad-Street Church -October 4, 1877, to make provision for the College after the loss of -President Duncan. Dr. A. W. Wilson, vice-president, announced his death, -and a committee, consisting of Dr. W. W. Bennett, Dr. Samuel Rodgers, -and Hon. Wm. Milnes, Jr., was appointed to report suitable resolutions -to the Board, and they presented the following, which was unanimously -adopted: - -"_Resolved_, That, as the Board of Trustees of Randolph-Macon College, -we have the deepest sorrow in our hearts in announcing to our church and -people the great loss we have sustained in the death of Rev. James A. -Duncan, D. D., our late President. His devoted life as a Christian -minister and his constant and arduous labors for the past nine years in -behalf of Randolph-Macon College, and the high position to which he and -his co-laborers in the Faculty have brought the institution, demand that -our people should give some expression of their appreciation of this -work, which, in its widening influence, we trust shall abide for -generations to come. And in the judgment of this Board nothing can more -adequately express our conviction of the value of his life and work for -the College and the cause of Christian education than that the church -should determine to raise a 'memorial fund' of $100,000 for the -accomplishment of an earnest and often-expressed wish of our deceased -President, the permanent endowment of the College and the enlargement of -its sphere of usefulness." - -The presidency of the Board having been made vacant by the death of -President Duncan, Rev. W. W. Bennett was elected to it. - -To fill the presidency of the College, Rev. W. W. Duncan, brother of the -late President, was elected. - -At an adjourned meeting, held in Lynchburg, Va., November 16, 1877, -Secretary Rev. Paul Whitehead presented a letter from the Rev. W. W. -Duncan, Professor in Wofford College, South Carolina, declining the -presidency, to which he had been elected in July last. This declination -and the financial embarrassment of the College elicited the hearty -interest of the Virginia Conference, then in session. A large committee -from that body was appointed to confer with the Board to concert -measures which would meet the serious condition of the affairs of the -College. The joint conference was held for several days. - -After the joint conference was concluded, on the 19th of November, the -Board proceeded to elect a President of the College. The result of the -first ballot was: For R. N. Sledd, 6 votes; for W. W. Bennett, 6 votes. -Necessary to a choice, 7. - -The second ballot resulted in the same vote. - -The third ballot, other members having come in, resulted as follows: W. -W. Bennett, 9 votes; R. N. Sledd, 5 votes. Necessary to a choice, 8 -votes. So Rev. W. W. Bennett, D. D., was declared elected. - -[Illustration: BISHOP W. W. DUNCAN. _Elected President 1877.--Declined -to accept._] - -[Illustration: REV. W. W. BENNETT, D. D., _President of the Board of -Trustees, 1877; President of the College. 1877-1886._] - -Resolutions respecting the death of William Willis, Jr., late treasurer -of the Board, who had died since the last meeting of the Board, were -adopted. - -At this meeting Rev. Thomas A. Ware resigned his place as Agent. - -The new President, when elected, was the editor of the Richmond -_Christian Advocate_, of which he had been the proprietor, wholly or in -part, for ten years. He was a leading man in the Virginia Conference, -and largely acquainted with the ministers and people of the church in -Virginia and elsewhere, having been a member of the General Conference -for a number of sessions. He was in the full vigor of manhood. His -education had been secured at the University of Virginia. Having been an -active member of the Board for years, and frequently on important -committees of the Board, and having lived in Ashland for a number of -years, he was thoroughly conversant with the affairs of the College. He -felt and appreciated the great purposes of its establishment and the -capabilities which it might be endowed with by the action of the church. -He also knew what a burden he was about to take up and carry--a burden -which had taxed the energies and heart of his predecessor; but, hopeful -and sanguine, he probably did not appreciate the full weight of the -burden which was to test his heart and energies, in turn, to their -utmost strain. It was well that he was hopeful and trustful. - -Dr. Bennett commenced his duties with the following colleagues in the -Faculty December 1, 1877: Robert Emory Blackwell, A. M., Professor of -English and Modern Languages; Harry Estill, A. M., Professor of -Mathematics; William A. Shepard, A. M., Professor of Chemistry; Charles -Morriss, M. A., Professor of Greek and Latin. - -At a meeting of the Board, held in Baltimore, March, 1878, the Faculty -was increased by the election of William Waugh Smith, A. M., to the -chair of Moral and Mental Philosophy. Some time afterward he entered -upon his duties as professor, and his connection, in some capacity, has -continued to this day. Of his connection with the College more will be -recorded further on in this narrative. - -[Illustration: GRAY CARROLL, _Sutherlin Medalist, 1878; District -Solicitor, Little Rock, Ark._] - -At this meeting it was proposed to have published a memorial volume of -the late President Duncan. That it was not done promptly, and in a -manner worthy of him, is, and always will be, a source of regret to -those who knew and loved him. This affords another instance and example -of how little has been done to let the lives and labors of Virginia's -gifted men speak after they are dead. Surely he was worthy of a fitting -biography. - -[Illustration: RICHARD B. DAVIS, A. B., 1862., _Member Board of -Trustees._] - -At the annual meeting, June, 1878, the President, in his annual report, -gave the number of students in attendance as 141, from twelve different -States. He reported a revival of religion as having occurred, with -twenty converts among the students. - -[Illustration: FRANK NOLAND, _First "Pace" Medalist, 1878; Assistant -Editor "Landmark."_] - -An effort has been made, with some success, to retire the floating debt -of the College, amounting to about $23,000, on some of which ten per -cent. interest was being paid, averaging eight per cent. The President -was hopeful of good patronage and retiring the debt. - -The following, on recommendation of the Faculty, received degrees, viz.: -Henry A. Boyd, of North Carolina, A. M.; Mansfield T. Peed, of -Virginia, A. M.; William J. Sebrell, of Virginia, A. B.; Wilbur Fisk -Tillett, of North Carolina, A. B.; M. P. Rice, B. S. - -The "Sutherlin Medal for Oratory" was won by Gray Carroll, of Virginia. - -The "Walton Greek Prize" went to Clarence Edwards, of Virginia. - -[Illustration: PROF. R. BASCOM SMITHEY, A. M.] - -The "Pace" medal for the best English essay was awarded to Frank Noland, -of Virginia, the first to win it. This medal was offered by Mr. James B. -Pace, of Richmond, Va. - -Prof. Harry Estill resigned, July 8, 1878, the chair of Mathematics -after ten years' service. He was the last of President Duncan's Faculty -to leave. He went to the Washington and Lee University, and took the -same chair at that institution, his Alma Mater. - -To the chair thus vacated Royal Bascom Smithey (A. M. 1876) was elected, -and he has filled it with great satisfaction to his pupils and the Board -to the present time (1898). - -[Illustration: CLARENCE EDWARDS, A.M., _"Pace" Medalist, 1879; -Attorney-at-Law._] - -The old chapel was consumed by fire March 12, 1879. Fortunately there -was nothing in it but the furniture, which was saved. It had a varied -history. Before the war it was a ball-room; during the war a hospital; -after the war a place for religious service for nearly eleven years. Its -walls had resounded with the eloquence of Duncan, Wightman, Guard, Ran. -Tucker, Rosser, Bennett, and others. In it many of Randolph-Macon's -brightest sons had received their diplomas; in it many had been "born -again" to a new life. Services were held afterwards in the Mathematical -lecture-room in the Pace building until the "Duncan Memorial" building, -with church and chapel, had been completed. - -[Illustration: CHARLES W. TILLET, A. B., _Sutherlin Medalist, 1879; -Member of North Carolina Senate._] - -Immediate steps were taken to erect the new building, and Rev. George W. -Nolley took an active and successful part in raising the funds for its -erection. The ladies of the church also did a good part in this work; -also the Faculty and the students. - -In June, 1879, the Finance Committee reported that about one-half the -"floating debt" had been subscribed. Nevertheless, for want of -endowment, the current expenses of the year had exceeded the income. -They therefore recommended that the President be requested to devote his -time and attention specially to the raising of funds for retiring the -debt. - -The following degrees were conferred, viz.: - -A. M. - - T. E. CRENSHAW, Virginia. - CLARENCE EDWARDS, Virginia. - WM. J. SEBRELL, Virginia. - -A. B. - - WILLIAM H. EDWARDS, Virginia. - -Clarence Edwards won the "Pace" medal. - -Charles W. Tillett won the "Sutherlin" medal. The number of students for -the session of 1878-'79 was 123. - -The session of 1879-1880 was not marked by much that is worthy of -record. - -The President of the College devoted his time largely in raising funds -to discharge the debt of the College. In his annual report, June, 1880, -he announced the completion of the new College chapel, built in place of -the old chapel. - -Although there was an increase of students, still the expenses exceeded -the income by over $3,300. - -At the commencement, June, 1880, degrees were conferred as follows, -viz.: - -A. M. - - JESSE TALBOTT LITTLETON, of Virginia. - -A. B. - - W. W. SAWYER, Virginia. - CHAS. W. TILLETT, N. Carolina. - -D. D. - - Rev. ADOLPHUS W. MANGUM, A. M., Prof. University of North Carolina -(Class 1854). - -At a called meeting of the Board, held at Danville, Va., November, 1880, -the announcement was made that the sum required to cancel the debt of -the College had been subscribed. This gratifying result was achieved by -the long and arduous labors of Dr. Bennett, President of the College. - -[Illustration: DOCTOR M. JAMES, _Of West Virginia. Sutherlin -Medalist._] - -1880-1881. - -The following received degrees at the annual commencement, June, 1881: - -A. M. - - JOSEPH C. JONES, Virginia. - JOHN B. CRENSHAW, Virginia. - BASIL W. WATERS, Maryland. - JAMES C. SHELTON, Virginia. - ROBERT W. TOMLIN, Virginia. - JAMES W. MORRIS, Virginia. - -A. B. - - JOHN F. BLACKWELL, Virginia. - JOSEPH C. TERRELL, Virginia. - D. M. JAMES, West Virginia. - WM. B. CRENSHAW, Kentucky. - E. E. HARRELL, N. Carolina. - -The following resolution was adopted by the Board, on motion of Dr. Paul -Whitehead: - -"_Resolved_, That the Rev. W. W. Bennett, D. D., President of this -College, deserves, and we hereby tender to him, the thanks of the -Trustees for the patient and indefatigable manner in which he has -performed the duty committed to him of raising, by subscription, the -amount necessary to pay the debt of the College, amid discouragements -and difficulties which have rendered the work at once thankless and -toilsome." - -[Illustration: JESSE TALBOTT LITTLETON, _Prof. Emory and Henry College; -Pace Medalist, 1880._] - -In the annual report of the President the following items are noted: The -number of students matriculated was 128. The debt of the College had -been considerably reduced by collection of subscriptions. The Finance -Committee reported that if the subscriptions were paid up the financial -condition of the College would be better than it had been at any period -of its recent history. - -[Illustration: REV. BASIL W. WATERS, A.M., _Missionary to Japan._] - -At the close of this session, after spending four years in College, -diplomas in Greek and Mathematics, and the Mathematical prize were -awarded to a young man whose subsequent career has marked him as one of -the first mathematical scholars of the age. This was David W. Taylor, of -Louisa county, Va. In September, 1881, he was second among one hundred -and fifty candidates for entrance as cadet engineer at the United States -Naval Academy. He graduated from the Naval Academy June, 1885, standing -first in his class each year; was ordered to the flagship of the -European station, under the command of (then) Captain Dewey; then sent -to the Royal Naval College at Greenwich, near London, England, taking at -that place a three-years' course in naval architecture and marine -engineering; graduated there in 1888 at the head of his class, -_receiving the highest marks ever obtained for the course by either an -English or foreign student_. He is now (1898) an assistant to Chief of -the Bureau of Construction and Repair, Washington, D. C. - -[Illustration: REV. SAMUEL RODGERS, D. D., _Vice-President of the Board -of Trustees._] - -[Illustration: JAMES W. MORRIS, A. M. _Sutherlin Medalist; Pace -Medalist, 1881; Missionary to Brazil._] - -1881-1882. - -At the close of the year 1881-'82 the following received degrees: - -A. M. - - R. E. L. HOLMES, Virginia. - EDGAR A. POTTS, Virginia. - EDMUND S. RUFFIN, Virginia. - JOSEPH T. REESE, Georgia. - -A. B. - - HUGH C. DAVIS, Virginia. - J. P. MAUZY, Virginia. - THOMAS N. POTTS, Virginia. - -D. D. - - Rev. CHARLES B. STUART (Class 1845), Texas. - - _Sutherlin Medalist_.--SAMUEL M. GARLAND, of Virginia. - _Pace Medalist_.--JOHN NEWTON MCCORMICK, of Maryland. - -The number of students, by the President's report, was 100, a decrease -of 28. - -[Illustration: DAVID W. TAYLOR, _Mathematical Prize, 1881; Naval -Constructor, U. S. Navy._] - -[Illustration: BISHOP A. W. WILSON, _President Board of Trustees._] - -The completion of the Duncan Memorial Church was announced. The credit -of this work was given to ladies of the congregation, who had worked -with great zeal and efficiency to raise the needed funds. - -At the annual meeting President W. W. Bennett tendered his resignation -of the presidency of the Board of Trustees and of the College. - -Bishop Alpheus W. Wilson was elected president of the Board, and Rev. -John D. Blackwell vice-president. - -[Illustration: HUGH C. DAVIS, A. B., 1882, _Attorney-at-Law._] - -The vacancy of the presidency of the College was not filled, but the -Board adjourned to meet in Centenary Church, Richmond, July 19, 1882, to -fill the office. Petitions were laid before the Board, sent by a number -of ministers and friends of the College, and also by a large number of -the students, asking the Board to re-elect Dr. Bennett to the presidency -of the College. - -At the adjourned meeting, held July 19, 1882, Dr. Bennett was re-elected -President, almost unanimously, and he accepted the oflice. He stated -that he had labored under a wrong impression in regard to the sentiments -of the Board when he resigned the presidency. - -[Illustration: DUNCAN MEMORIAL CHURCH.] - -At a called meeting, held in November, 1882, the resignation of Charles -Morris, Professor of Latin and French, was made known to the Board. This -resignation was accepted with expressions of the high appreciation by -the Board of the personal character and fidelity of Prof. Morris. He -accepted a professorship in the University of Georgia. - -Prof. William W. Smith was elected to have charge of Latin and Greek. - -At the Annual Conference, held in November, 1882, the annual assessment -made by the Conference for the College was increased by $500, making it -$3,500, which amount has been the assessment to this date, June, 1898. - -[Illustration: CLAUDE A. SWANSON, _Sutherlin Medalist; Member of -Congress from Virginia._] - -1882-1883. - -The degree men for the year ending June, 1883, were - -A. M. - - JOHN F. BLACKWELL, Virginia. - W. A. CRENSHAW, Virginia. - JOHN MORRIS, Georgia. - E. E. HARRELL, N. C. - LEWIS MILLER, Massachusetts. - -A. B. - - GEORGE B. DAVIS. Virginia. - JOHN D. EPES, Virginia. - THOMAS D. NEWSON, Virginia. - SYDNEY B. WRIGHT, Virginia. - JOHN NEWTON MCCORMICK, Maryland. - -D. D. - - Rev. W. S. BLACK, of the North Carolina Conference. - Rev. W. E. EDWARDS, of the Virginia Conference. - Rev. P. H. WHISNER, of the Baltimore Conference. - - _Sutherlin Medalist_.--CLAUDE A. SWANSON, Virginia. - _Pace Medalist_.--CHARLES EMORY KREGLOE, Virginia. - -[Illustration: JOHN MORRIS, A. M., _Professor of English, University of -Georgia._] - -Thomas Branch, Esq., who had served on the Board for forty years, -tendered his resignation as a trustee. This was received, with a -resolution of the high appreciation of his services as president of the -Board and trustee, and his liberality and devotion to the College. He -was succeeded by his son, John P. Branch. - -The President's report showed the attendance to be 114. In this report -the President recommended the system of co-education of males and -females for the first time. The recommendation of the President was not -adopted. - -The Board took steps to have erected new dormitories on the campus. - -[Illustration: CHARLES EMORY KREGLOE, _Pace Medalist; Professor -Alleghany Institute._] - -1883-1884. - -This year, the anniversary year of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the -United States, was to prove the turning point in the financial history -of the College. The movement towards the increase of the endowment was -not general, but it was in the right direction. The first subscription -was for $1,000, as in 1855; it was made by Mr. E. M. Tilley, of Berkley, -Va., a Northern man living in that town, not then a member of the -Methodist Church. The larger part of the funds raised was from the -Norfolk district, apart from the subscription made by members of the -Board at the annual meeting, June, 1884, which amounted to $9,000. From -this time forward the increase of the capital of the College has been -steady, and, at times, very material and gratifying. - -[Illustration: JAMES A. DUNCAN, D. D., _Sutherlin Medalist; Holston -Conference._] - -The Virginia and Baltimore Conferences had, at their last session, -directed that all funds raised this Centennial year should, unless -otherwise specially noted, go towards the endowment fund of the College. - -At the annual meeting the following received degrees: - -A. M. - - THOMAS D. NEWSON, Virginia. - -A. B. - - R. H. BENNETT, Virginia. - JAMES CANNON, Jr., Maryland. - N. H. ROBERTSON, Virginia. - THEODORE H. WHITE, Virginia. - -James A. Duncan, of Virginia, won the Sutherlin medal. James Cannon, -Jr., of Maryland, won the Pace medal. The number of matriculates for the -session of 1883-'84 was 108. - -[Illustration: JAMES CANNON, JR., _Of Maryland; Pace Medalist; President -Blackstone Institute._] - -1884-1885. - -The session of 1884-'85 opened with 111 students. The President, in his -annual report, said it was one of the most satisfactory that had -occurred during his administration. Five new dormitories had been built -to take the place of old ones. Steps were taken to build new houses for -two Professors. He reported the acceptance of the chair of Greek and the -Oriental Languages by Dr. Richard M. Smith, to which he had been elected -at the last annual meeting. - -[Illustration: DR. RICHARD M. SMITH, PH. D. (LEIPZIG), _Professor of -Greek and the Oriental Languages (1885-1896)._] - -The following received degrees, June, 1885: - -A. M. - - R. H. BENNETT, Virginia. - JAMES M. PAGE, Virginia. - HARRY LEE STUART, Texas. - -A. B. - - WM. H. BARLEY, Virginia. - EUGENE H. RAWLINGS, Virginia. - F. P. HAMMOND, Maryland. - CLAUDE A. SWANSON, Virginia. - - _Sutherlin Medalist_.--THOMAS F. SHERRILL, of North Carolina. - _Pace Medalist_.--JAMES M. PAGE, of Virginia. - -At a called meeting, held in Centenary Church, Richmond, Va., May 19, -1886, the following letter of resignation was laid before the Board: - -"Bishop A. W. Wilson, President of the Trustees of Randolph-Macon -College: - -"MY DEAR BROTHER,--The poor condition of my health through this entire -session thus far admonishes me that I cannot continue to hold the -presidency of the College. I am compelled, therefore, to hand you this, -my resignation of the office, to take effect on the 1st of September -next, which will give the Trustees a period of five months, though I am -sure they will not need so much time, in which to secure a suitable -person for my successor. - -"It is a source of great gratification to me that I shall leave the -College in good condition in every respect. - -"Yours very truly, - -"W. W. BENNETT. - -"ASHLAND, VA., _March_ 31, 1886." - -[Illustration: RICHARD HEBER BENNETT, A. M., _Of the Virginia -Conference._] - -[Illustration: THOMAS F. SHERRILL, OF N. C., _Sutherlin Medalist, -1885._] - -The resignation of Dr. Bennett was accepted, and a committee was -appointed to notify him of the action of the Board, and to express to -him the appreciation by the Board of the value of his services. - -On motion, it was-- - -"Resolved, That at the annual meeting in June next the Board will -proceed to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Dr. -Bennett." - -The President's annual report gave the attendance as 124 for the session -ending June, 1886. - -[Illustration: JAMES M. PAGE, A. M., PH. D., OF VIRGINIA, _Pace -Medalist, 1885; Professor University of Virginia._] - -On the recommendation of the Faculty, the following received degrees, -viz.: - -A. M. - - F. P. HAMMOND, Maryland. - LANGHORNE LEITCH, Virginia. - M. L. SHACKELFORD, Virginia. - SYDNEY B. WRIGHT, Virginia. - -A. B. - - THOMAS J. BARHAM, Virginia. - JAMES S. CHAPMAN, Virginia. - FRANK L. CROCKER, Virginia. - ARTHUR K. DAVIS, Virginia. - F. V. RUSSELL, Virginia. - SAMUEL D. TURNER, Virginia. - -D. D. - - Rev. WILBUR F. TILLETT, Vanderbilt University. - Rev. H. MELVILLE JACKSON, Richmond, Va. - -LL. D. - - Prof. JAMES A. HARRISON, Washington and Lee University. - - _Sutherlin Medalist_.--J. S. CHAPMAN, of Virginia. - _Pace Medalist_.--LANGHORNE LEITCH, of Virginia. - -[Illustration: JAMES S. CHAPMAN, _Sutherlin Medalist; Attorney-at-Law._] - -The Endowment and Investment Committee made the following gratifying -announcement: - -"We respectfully report that there has been raised, through the -instrumentality of Prof. W. W. Smith, Dr. R. N. Sledd, and others, -$43,000, $25,000 of which is in the hands of the local committee at -Lynchburg, and the balance in the hands of Captain Richard Irby for -collection." - -Special credit ought to be given here to the liberal citizens of -Lynchburg, who subscribed this amount of endowment, ever since kept -separate, and designated Lynchburg Endowment Fund. This has brought into -the current receipts each year about $1,500. It was the prophecy and -forecast of greater liberality in 1891. From this time the professors -and officers have always been paid their salaries promptly. The direct -and material aid thus afforded was of great benefit, but the influence -of such action on other communities and on individuals has been of far -greater value. Lynchburg, therefore, deserves, and should have, the -gratitude of every Randolph-Macon alumnus and friend. - -[Illustration: LANGHORNE LEITCH, A. M., _Pace Medalist; Missionary to -China._] - -In the election to fill the office of President the following -nominations were made: - - Rev. John D. Blackwell, D. D., by Paul Whitehead. - Rev. Robert N. Sledd, D. D., by W. E. Judkins. - Rev. Wilbur F. Tillett, by J. E. Edwards. - Rev. John A. Kern, by W. T. Chandler. - Rev. Paul Whitehead, D. D., by P. A. Peterson. - Prof. Wm. W. Smith, A. M., by Richard Irby. - -[Illustration: R. N. SLEDD, D. D., _Class of 1855; First Vice-President -of the Board._] - -On the first ballot Prof. W. W. Smith received ten votes out of twenty. -On the second ballot he received twelve, and was declared elected. - -Inasmuch as the history of the College has been so intimately linked -with the life of President Smith for so many years, it is not necessary -to say much of him just here. He was born in Fauquier county in 1848. -His father, Richard M. Smith, afterwards moved to Alexandria, where he -was associated with the celebrated Benjamin Hallowell in his school. -Afterwards he became editor of the _Alexandria Sentinel_, which was -removed to Richmond at the breaking out of hostilities, April, 1861. He -afterwards edited the _Enquirer_. At the early age of sixteen William -Waugh Smith volunteered in the Confederate service, in which he -continued to the close of the war. After the war he was associated with -his father in the publication of the _Enquirer_, which had been revived. -He attended the University of Virginia one session. When the College was -moved to Ashland, and his father became a Professor in it, he -matriculated at the College and took the degree of A. M., with John -Hannon, in 1873. After leaving College he became the assistant to his -uncle, Albert Smith, at Bethel Academy, near Warrenton, Va., which -rapidly grew into prominence as a school. Here he remained till 1882, -when he was elected Professor of Moral and Mental Science in -Randolph-Macon College. In 1885 he showed his great talent for raising -funds for the College, by securing the "Lynchburg Endowment," in -connection with Dr. R. N. Sledd and others. His energy and aptitude for -administration, in addition to the successful experience he had gained -at Bethel Academy, pointed him out as the man for the vacant position, -and subsequent events have justified the selection. - -[Illustration: PRESIDENT WM. W. SMITH, A. M., LL. D.] - -[Illustration: RICHARD IRBY, SECRETARY AND TREASURER. _Elected June, -1886._] - -[Illustration: RANDOLPH-MACON WOMAN'S COLLEGE, LYNCHBURG, VA. Opened -for Students 1893.] - -[Illustration: [Five small pictures, displayed in a quincunx. Pictures -are individually captioned, as follows: "REV. R.M. SAUNDERS, Chaplain", -"PROF. KNIGHT.", "MISS LOUISE J. SMITH.", "PROF. SCHEHLMANN.", "PROF. -ADAMS." At the bottom of the page, the quincunx is captioned, "FACULTY -RANDOLPH-MACON WOMAN'S COLLEGE, 1893-1898.]] - -[Illustration: [Five more small pictures, displayed in a quincunx. -Pictures are individually captioned, as follows: "PRESIDENT SMITH.", -"PROF. SHARP.", "DR. MARTIN.", "PROF. ARMSTRONG.", "MISS PARRISH.". At -the bottom of the page, the quincunx is captioned, "FACULTY -RANDOLPH-MACON WOMAN'S COLLEGE, 1893-1898.]] - -[Illustration: [A third set of five small pictures, displayed in a -quincunx. Pictures are individually captioned, as follows: "PROF -LANDON", "MRS. SAUNDERS.", "PROF. RIDDICK.", "PROF. PAGE.", "DR. -TERRELL." At the bottom of the page, the quincunx is captioned, "FACULTY -RANDOLPH-MACON WOMAN'S COLLEGE, 1893-1898.]] - -On motion of John P. Branch (substitute for one offered by A. G. Brown), -it was - -"_Resolved_, That Richard Irby be appointed Secretary and Treasurer, the -same to give half of his time to the business of the College." - -His duties were defined as follows: To have charge of the financial and -business concerns of the College, and also of the library, grounds, -buildings, etc. This office was accepted, and he entered upon his duties -the first day of July following. - -At the same session the Board proceeded to fill the chair of Moral and -Mental Science and Biblical Literature. Rev. John A. Kern, of the -Baltimore Conference, was elected to the chair, and he accepted the -same. - -Prof. Kern was a graduate of the University of Virginia. In 1866 he -entered the Baltimore Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, -South. He had filled many of the most important appointments of that -Conference, and was then, as now, esteemed a man of talent, and growing -year by-year in ability and acceptability. The estimate placed on him by -his friends was not too high, as his subsequent career has proven. - -The Board accepted the libraries which had been offered to it by the -Literary Societies, consisting of about four thousand volumes, and the -Librarian was directed to consolidate them with the College Library. -This was a much-needed and timely improvement, and became a nucleus for -a library which, in course of time, will be, it is hoped, a credit to -the College. - -[Illustration: REV. JOHN A. KERN, D. D. _Elected President of -Randolph-Macon College in 1897._] - -The new President was requested to continue his efforts in raising funds -for the endowment, which had so far been attended with laudable success. -This he was not slow in heeding. - -On account of failure to record the financial statement of 1886, the -exact amount of net assets of the College cannot here be given. - -The retiring President served nine years, almost identically the same -period served by his predecessor, Dr. Duncan. His administration was -also, like Dr. Duncan's, marked by great financial embarrassment, which -had a depressing influence on a sensitive temperament like his was. That -his days were shortened by the constant burden of care, like his -predecessor's, can hardly be doubted. Both of them were, in a sense, -martyrs to the cause of Christian education. - -Dr. Bennett never regained his health. He moved to his farm, in Louisa -county, and took work on the contiguous appointment at the Conference of -1886. While engaged in the work of his charge he gradually declined in -health, and died June 7, 1887. - - -REV. W. W. BENNETT, D. D. - -"WILLIAM WALLACE BENNETT, son of Eli and Mary C. Bennett, was born in -the city of Richmond, February 24, 1821. He was reared under the -fostering care and social surroundings of Methodism, and was the subject -of religious impressions from an early period. - -"In 1839, under the ministry of Rev. Gervas M. Keesee, he made a -profession of religion, and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church -in Portsmouth. Here, with the help of class-meetings and other social, -as well as the public means of grace, his religious experience had a -healthful beginning, that developed the elevated character and useful -life that our beloved brother has bequeathed to the church. Soon after -his conversion, he, and several others who were exercised about a call -to the ministry, met and conversed upon the subject, and prayed for -divine guidance, giving evidence that when he entered the itinerancy it -was no rash adventure. In the fall of 1841, he removed to Mecklenburg -county, where his brother, Rev. John R. Bennett, was in charge of the -circuit. There he pursued his studies, obtained license to preach, and -began his ministry, passing through what he conceived to be the crucial -test of his call to preach. Discouraged, as he informed the writer, by -what he conceived to be a failure in the pulpit before a large -congregation, he was tempted to give up the ministry; but falling in the -hands of an experienced and godly class-leader, who encouraged him by -his counsel and his prayers, he returned to his work with renewed -consecration, and a conviction too strong to be jostled again. - -"From the best information obtained (the records of four years of this -Conference being lost) he was admitted on trial into the Virginia -Conference in 1842, and travelled as junior preacher on Louisa and -Bedford Circuits. In 1845-'46 he was in charge of Powhatan Circuit, and -in 1847 was stationed in Charlottesville, where he availed himself of -the educational advantages of the University of Virginia, and graduated -in several of the schools in 1850. At the Conference of this year he was -stationed in Washington city, organizing the first society of the M. E. -Church, South, at our national capital. In 1851 he was elected Chaplain -of the University of Virginia, but on account of sickness resigned the -position. He soon, however, regained his accustomed health, and in -1852-'53 travelled Loudoun Circuit with W. W. Berry and John C. -Granbery, respectively, as junior preachers. In 1854-'55-'56-'57 he was -Presiding Elder of the Washington District. While on this appointment he -was married, December 20, 1855, to Virginia Lee, daughter of Edward and -Mary Kendall Lee Sangster, of Alexandria. A wise and happy union. In -1858-'59 he was appointed to Union Station, Richmond, and in 1860-'61 -was stationed at Centenary, in the same city. - -"In 1862 he was appointed Chaplain in the Confederate Army, and assigned -to the superintendency of the Tract Association. Seeing the necessity of -a more generous distribution of Bibles and religious literature among -the troops, he arranged to go abroad for a supply, and during the last -winter of the war successfully 'ran the blockade.' He had scarcely, -however, entered upon the work in London when the war ended, and he -returned to Virginia. - -"In 1865-'66 he travelled Nottoway circuit, and in November, 1866, was -appointed editor of the _Richmond Christian Advocate_. By judicious -management and editorial ability, this necessary and popular journal was -established on a promising basis. In 1874 Rev. J. J. Lafferty became his -associate, who, in 1877, by satisfactory negotiations, assumed control, -and was appointed editor of the paper. The motives influencing Dr. -Bennett in this change were characteristic of the man and the result of -thoughtful conversation. His successor well understood him, and tells -us, in his affecting notice of his death, that 'he made known to him his -uneasiness in conscience as to his position--that he was too stout in -health to be out of the regular ranks. With much emphasis, he declared -his wish to be found in the pastorate when God called him.' Before the -Conference met in Lynchburg Dr. Bennett had arranged to change his -position. It was then made to appear his duty to go to the college, and -he yielded. But there must have been a peculiar joy when the summons -came that he was in his loved employ--the shepherd of a flock. - -"In 1877 he was elected President of Randolph-Macon College. This -position he held for nine years, during, perhaps, its most critical -history; but by able, kind, and impartial administration, with the -confidence of his brethren in the ministry, the active co-operation of -his professorial associates, and the affection of the students, the -College accomplished a noble work. By his activity in visiting -throughout the Baltimore and Virginia Conferences and elsewhere, and -under his stirring appeals, the number of students compared favorably -with other institutions, and a large amount of money was raised in the -interest of the College. The sentiments of a writer from the Pacific -coast, we are sure, find echo here, that 'Virginia Methodism owes Dr. -Bennett a great debt for the work done by him at Randolph-Macon at the -crucial period of its history.' He left the College an enduring monument -of his heroic devotion, but, as many think, at the cost of his life. At -the close of the session in 1886 his health was so impaired that he -resigned the presidency of the College, and secured a retired home near -Trevilian's, in Louisa county, hoping that relief from the burdens and -cares of college work and the quiet of the country might nurse him back -to health again. But, alas! his disease baffled the best medical skill -and the loving attentions of his family and friends. He was prevailed -upon during the summer to visit the mountains, and, with some slight -improvement, he was in his place at the last Conference, believing that -he could even then attend to the work on some fields that would be open, -but naming none. The change disease had wrought in his robust frame was -a subject of mournful remark by all that knew him, and grave -apprehensions were felt that he would never recuperate. From that -Conference he was sent to Gordonsville and Orange, where he gave for a -time pastoral care and pulpit work that was surprising to his friends. -But as the summer advanced, he was compelled to yield, and after a short -confinement to his bed, his earthly labors ended. - -"Dr. Bennett, in health, will always be remembered by his acquaintances -as an incomparable specimen of physical manhood, with a face bearing the -lines of strong character. Indeed, he seemed moulded for any work or -position in Methodism. His mental endowments were of a high order. His -early advantages were such as to secure a good English education, with -some knowledge of Latin; and from our knowledge of the man, we may -safely conclude that his opportunities were well improved. A schoolmate -says of him: 'He was studious, with great grasp of intellect and -steadiness of purpose.' The writer, and others, perhaps, will remember -his modest reference to his fondness for reading while a boy, in using -'the first money he could command to subscribe for the _Richmond -Advocate_,' which he subsequently edited with so much ability. By -judicious reading and study, and by such collegiate helps as his -appointments favored, he became the peer of any. Ten years before he was -elected President of Randolph-Macon College he received from that -institution the degree of D. D., was a member of every General -Conference since 1858, and was a representative of our church at the -Ecumenical Conference in London in 1881. The opinion of the editor of -the _Richmond Christian Advocate_, no doubt, is the judgment of his -brethren, that 'he was the best-rooted man in the Conference in -theology, and saturated with church history, dogma, and doctrine.' - -"As a preacher, he occupied the front rank in pulpit power, and his -discourses were such as lived in the memory and hearts of his hearers. -'His sermons,' says Bishop Granbery, 'were stately, elaborate, and -massive, mighty discussions of great truths, with wide range of thought, -lucid and forcible argument, earnest, solemn, and often impassioned -application.' Bishop Doggett says of him: 'Bennett, at times, is the -greatest preacher I ever heard. His sermon at the late camp-meeting, on -Matthew xxiii. 37, 38, surpassed anything I ever listened to from the -pulpit. His description of the desolate house I can never forget. I -remember,' says he, 'to have heard him at Charlottesville, on the flood, -when for more than an hour the congregation seemed dazed by the power of -his eloquence.' - -"His character was differently analyzed by some of his friends, though -all accorded him unexceptionable integrity, a high order of piety, and a -noble, generous heart. His occasional serious expression and brusque -manner awakened the suspicion with some that he was wanting in sympathy, -but those who knew him best indulged no such estimate of him. With all -his firmness of conviction and stern independence, where was to be found -greater gentleness and consideration of the feelings of others? He was -emphatically the friend of the friendless, the persecuted and neglected, -and was unchanging in his friendships. He was slow to find fault, and -indulged in no depreciation of others. At any time it required a great -provocation, and something more than mere personal affront or injury, to -evoke rebuke; but when it did come, it was felt, but was more the -utterance of conscientious impulse than the ebullition of personal -resentment. - -"He was the head of a Christian household, where piety was fostered and -practised, and where Methodism was honored. He, with his devoted wife, -sought to make home attractive, and succeeded. While the proprieties of -religious training and filial respect were never relaxed, there was no -constraint on the freedom of social and religious intercourse, and no -lack of sympathy for such enjoyments as were proper, entertaining and -improving in a Christian home. He was looked up to by his family as a -practical and safe counsellor, and beyond whom there was rarely even the -desire to appeal. His brethren, I am sure, will endorse the sentiments -of his distinguished eulogist: 'His virtues were many, steadfast and -bright. The whole church will feel his loss. The Virginia Conference, as -one man, will cherish his memory with deep admiration and love.' - -"After his confinement to bed the ravages of his rare disease were very -rapid and severe. He early sank into a comatose condition, yet -responding when spoken to. It will be gratifying to his brethren, -nevertheless, to know that his end was a great spiritual triumph. On -Monday, June 6th, at an early hour, with the family and a few friends -about him, fearful that he might pass away Without again rousing from -his lethargy, his wife, under her stress of grief, urged all to united -prayer. They knelt, and his eldest son led in prayer, expressing -assurance of the blessed result to the dying husband and father, yet -craving a lucid interval and some words of affectionate counsel. In a -few moments he asked to be turned on his back, and, opening his eyes, he -exclaimed, 'I am quickened up into a higher life!' When his wife -exulted in such an answer to prayer, he said: 'My dear, I have known for -more than forty years that God answers prayer.' Then, feeling his pulse, -and turning to Dr. Wills, his physician, he said: 'I suppose this thing -is steadily progressing to the end, is it not?' 'Yes,' said the doctor, -'but you have the Everlasting Arms around you.' 'Oh, yes,' he replied, -'and have had for more than forty years, and they have never failed me. -But I have much to say, and must speak slowly, so I wanted to know how -much time--a half hour?' 'Yes,' the doctor replied, 'perhaps several -hours.' He then called his family--but we must drop the curtain on a -scene in many respects too sacred and impossible to describe. With -affectionate counsel to each, he commended them to God. When one of the -family spoke of meeting him in heaven, he replied, 'And what a happy -meeting that will be!' He then asked his physician if he had shown any -signs of nervousness. When told he had not, with a tender consideration -for his loved ones, he said: 'I did not want to excite the family -unnecessarily, but I want you all to know that there is not a cloud, not -the semblance of a shadow, dark or small, between my Lord and me. All is -bright and clear.' He joined in singing that hymn of Christian triumph -commencing, 'How happy are they,' and when the family, by reason of -their emotions, were unable to sing, he carried the tune. He then sent -messages of love to his friends and brethren. 'Give my love,' said he, -'to the professors and students of Randolph-Macon College, and may the -blessing of God be upon them and their work forever.' - -Then, with his heart going out to his brethren in the ministry, with -whom he had labored so long and so successfully, he said: 'Give my love -to the preachers--all of them. I am so weak my feelings would overcome -me. I can only give them my general blessing.' At intervals till he died -the expressions caught from his failing voice were, 'Hallelujah,' 'Glory -to God,' 'The portals on high,' 'Always the blood--saved by it,' and -almost with his expiring breath, and as if descriptive of his triumphant -passage from earth to heaven, he exclaimed, 'I am rising higher and -higher!' and at 1:15 o'clock P. M., June 7th, he passed away from his -family, a wife and six children, all one in Christ, who, though -desolated by their loss, are comforted in the blessed hope of meeting in -heaven. - -"His remains were carried to Randolph-Macon College, where solemn and -touching services were held. The next day they were conveyed to -Centenary Church, Richmond, one of his old charges, where, by request of -his family, Rev. S. S. Lambeth, assisted by Bishop Granbery and some of -the ministers of the city and vicinity, in the presence of a large -number of friends and acquaintances, held appropriate and affecting -services. His body was then carried to Hollywood cemetery and laid to -rest 'till Christ shall bid it rise.'" - -[Illustration: REV. W. G. STARR, A. M., D. D., _Member Board of -Trustees._] - -[Illustration: MAJOR C. V. WINFREE, _Member Board of Trustees._] - - - - -This writer had intended to bring the History down to June, 1898. For -reasons satisfactory to himself, but not necessary to be given here, he -has concluded to discontinue the historical narration of events which -occurred during the twelve years from June, 1886, to 1898. The Appendix -will give some of the most important data, which may be interesting to -many, and may be used by the future historian. - -He cannot close this narration of events without again expressing his -regret at the imperfections of this book, written and printed under many -interruptions and difficulties; but he trusts that the intrinsic -interest of the narrative will cause readers to overlook or forgive its -imperfections and defects. - -Hoping that some more competent writer may in due time take the crude -materials given, along with others of like interest, and do full justice -to the oldest of Methodist Colleges in America, he lays down his pen. - -[Illustration: VIEW OF CAMPUS OF RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE, 1896.] - - -APPENDIX. - -DEGREES CONFERRED. - -SESSION 1886-1887. - -DEGREE GRADUATES. - -A. M. - - Eugene H. Rawlings, Virginia. - Arthur K. Davis, Virginia. - -A. B. - - George C. Bidgood, Virginia. - Edwin W. Bowen, Maryland. - John L. Bruce, Virginia. - Thomas E. Hunt, Virginia. - James Lindsay Patton, Virginia. - Henry R. Pemberton, Virginia. - George Shipley, Maryland. - -D. D. - - Rev. Peter Archer Peterson, Virginia Conference. - -MEDALISTS. - - _Sutherlin Medalist_.--W. H. H. Joyce, Maryland. - _Pace Medalist_.--James C. Martin, Virginia. - -[Illustration: REV. JOHN L. BRUCE, _Missionary to Brazil._] -[Illustration: REV. FRANK W. CROWDER, _East New York Conference._] - -SESSION 1887-1888. - -DEGREE GRADUATES. - -A. M. - - George Shipley, Maryland. - James C. Martin, Virginia. - -A. B. - - W. Douglas Macon, Virginia. - Peyton B. Winfree, Virginia. - Paul Pettit, Virginia. - James W. Howell, Virginia. - Carlton D. Harris, Virginia. - James C. Dolley, Virginia. - - _Sutherlin Medalist_.--Frank W. Crowder, Maryland. - _Pace Medalist_.--George Shipley, Maryland. - -[Illustration: [A collage of three photographs arranged in a -triangle, captioned "DUNCAN MEMORIAL CHURCH AND CHAPEL, AND LABORATORIES, -RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE, ASHLAND"]] - -[Illustration: REV. W. H. H. JOYCE, _Baltimore Conference._] - -[Illustration: REV. JAMES LINDSAY PATTON, A. B., _Missionary Protestant -Episcopal Church to Japan._] - -[Illustration: REV. WM. McGEE, TRUSTEE. _Founder McGee Endowment Fund._] - -[Illustration: [A collage of four photographs arranged in a square, -captioned "COLLEGE BUILDINGS, RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE, ASHLAND, VA., -1897."]] - -[Illustration: JOHN P. PETTYJOHN. _Founder of Science Hall._] - -SESSION 1888-1889. - -DEGREE GRADUATES. - -A. M. - - Edwin W. Bowen, Maryland. - Thomas W. Page, Virginia. - -A. B. - - Charles D. Ragland, Virginia. - J. Gilchrist Herndon, Virginia. - -B. S. - - W. Alphonzo Murrill, Virginia. - - _Sutherlin Medalist_.--A. M. Hughlett, Virginia. - _Pace Medalist_.--Jos. H. Riddick, Jr., Virginia. - -D. D. - - Rev. A. P. Parker, Missionary to China. - -[Illustration: PROF. JOHN L. BUCHANAN, LL. D., _Elected Professor of -Latin, 1889._] - - -SESSION OF 1889-1890. - -DEGREE GRADUATES. - -A. M. - - J. Jordan Leake, Virginia. - C. Dabney Ragland, Virginia. - John S. Richardson, Virginia. - W. Carroll Vaden, Virginia. - -A. B. - - E. C. Armstrong, Maryland. - W. B. Beauchamp, Virginia. - W. Asbury Christian, Virginia. - Wellford H. Cook, Virginia. - C. C. Cunningham, Virginia. - Samuel W. Eason, Virginia. - W. Alphonzo Murrill, Virginia. - W. Levi Old, Virginia. - Marshall R. Peterson, Virginia. - Jos. H. Riddick, Jr., Virginia. - Samuel C. Starke. Virginia. - H. M. Strickler, Virginia. - Walter L. Turner, Virginia. - Geo. W. Warren, Virginia. - -D. D. - - Rev. W. E. Judkins, Virginia Conference. - Rev. B. W. Bond, Baltimore Conference. - - _Sutherlin Medalist_.--Joseph H. Riddick. Jr., Virginia. - _Murray Scholarship Medalist_.--A. R. Dudderar, Maryland. - _Pace Medalist_.--Frank G. Newbill, Virginia. - - -SESSION 1890-'91. - -A. M. - - Charles Hall Davis, Virginia, - Samuel W. Eason, Virginia. - De La Warr B. Easter, Virginia. - W. Alphonzo Murrill, Virginia. - D'Arcy Paul Parham, Virginia. - Samuel C. Starke, Virginia. - -A. B. - - Benj. W. Arnold, Jr., Virginia. - George E. Barnett, Maryland. - Benj. W, Beckham, Virginia. - Henry D. Blackwell, Virginia. - Major S. Colonna, Jr., Virginia. - Charles Hall Davis, Virginia. - Alfred R. Dudderar, Maryland. - Gustavus W. Dyer, Virginia. - Robert L. Fultz, Virginia. - John Calvin Hawk, W. Va. - Aretas M. Hughlett, Virginia. - Walter R. Old, Virginia. - George H. Ray, Jr., Virginia. - Robert T. Webb, Jr., Virginia - -LL. D. - - Prof. C. T. Winchester, of Wesleyan University, Connecticut. - -D. D. - - Rev. Walter R. Lambuth, of Japan. - Rev. James F. Twitty, Virginia Conference. - Rev. Edward M. Peterson, Virginia Conference - Rev. William E. Evans, Virginia Conference. - - _Sutherlin Medalist_.--Robert W. Patton, of Virginia - -[Illustration: CLASS OF 1890.] - -[Illustration: RANDOLPH-MACON ACADEMY, BEDFORD CITY, VA, 1890.] - -[Illustration: [Key to the illustration captioned, "CLASS OF 1890." -Names are given as follows: - - 1. M. R. Peterson - 2. W. B. Beauchamp - 3. E. C. Armstrong - 4. W. L. Turner - 5. C. C. Cunningham - 6. W. A. Murrill - 7. Hon. J. W. Daniel, Orator. - 8. W. H. Cooke - 9. J. S. Richardson - 10. W. A. Christian - 11. G. W. Warren - 12. Prof. J. B. Crenshaw - 13. Prof. R. M. Smith - 14. Prof. J. L. Buchanan - 15. Prof. R. E. Blackwell - 16. Pres. W. W. Smith - 17. Prof. W. A. Shepard - 18. Prof. R. B. Smithey - 19. Prof. J. A. Kern - 20. W. C. Vaden - 21. D. B. Easter - 22. C. D. Ragland - 23. H. M. Strickler - 24. S. W. Eason - 25. J. H. Riddick, Jr. - 26. J. J. Leake - 27. S. C. Starke]] - -[Illustration: FRANK G. NEWBILL, A.M., _Pace Medalist, 1890._] - -[Illustration: A. R. DUDDERAR, A. B.] - -[Illustration: REV. ROBERT W. PATTON, _Chaplain of 2nd Virginia Regiment -(1898)._] - -SESSION 1891-1892. - -A. M. - - George Pilcher, Virginia. - Charles L. Melton, Virginia - -A. B. - - R. H. T. Adams, Jr., Virginia. - Hall Canter, Virginia. - Wm. Holmes Davis, Virginia. - Thos. R. Freeman, Virginia. - Willie D. Keene, Virginia. - David H. Kern, W. Virginia - Bolivar Clarke Nettles, Texas - Scott Ray, Virginia. - W. R. Smithwick, N. Carolina - J. S. Zimmerman, Maryland - Harry L. Moore, Maryland. - - _Sutherlin Medalist_.--I. W. Eason, Virginia. - _Pace Medalist_.--Jos. N. Latham. - _Murray Medals_.--Scholarship, Harry Ludwell Moore, Maryland; - Proficiency, James Elliott Wamsley, Virginia. - -[Illustration: HARRY LUDWELL MOORE, A. B., PH. D., _Instructor at Johns -Hopkins University; Professor Smith College, Massachusetts._] - - -SESSION 1892-1893. - -A. M. - - C. C. Cunningham, Virginia. - Geo. W. Russell, Virginia. - Homer H. Sherman, Virginia. - Wm. J. Whitesell, Virginia. - -A. B. - - R. H. Hood, North Carolina. - James T. Myers, Maryland. - Alfred C. Ray, Virginia. - Clarence H. Rector, Virginia. - -B. S. - - Homer H. Sherman, Virginia. - -D. D. - - Rev. W. T. Young, Virginia. Conference. - - _Sutherlin Medalist_.--Joseph Deming Langley, Virginia. - _Murray Medalists_.--Scholarship, Homer H. Sherman, Virginia; - Proficiency, Thomas M. Jones, Virginia. - -[Illustration: RANDOLPH-MACON ACADEMY, FRONT ROYAL, VA., BUILT 1892.] - -[Illustration: JOS. N. LATHAM, _Pace Medalist, 1892._] - -[Illustration: JAMES E. WAMSLEY, _Prof. Kentucky Wesleyan College. -Murray Medalist._] - -[Illustration: [A collage of four photographs arranged in a square, -captioned "PRESIDENT'S HOUSE, PROFESSOR'S HOUSE, GYMNASIUM, RAIL ROAD -STATION, ASHLAND, VA."]] - -[Illustration: REV. JAMES T. MYERS, A. B., _Missionary to Japan._] - -SESSION 1893-1894. - -A. M. - - E. C. Armstrong, Maryland. - B. W. Arnold, Jr., Virginia. - *R. Ferguson, Sr., Virginia. - R. Ferguson, Jr., Virginia. - *John W. Jones, Idaho. - Frank G. Newbill, Virginia. - Andrew Sledd, Virginia. - James E. Wamsley, Virginia. - A. M. Hughlett, Virginia. - -* Under the old law existing when his A. B. was taken. - -A. B. - - W. M. Blanchard, N. Carolina. - R. W. Buchanan, Virginia. - H. M. Carter, Dist. Columbia. - Evan A. Edwards, Maryland. - W. T. A. Haynes, Virginia. - Thos. M. Jones, Virginia. - John L. Terrell, Texas. - S. H. Turner, Virginia. - Ernest Linwood Wright, Virginia. - -D. D. - -Rev. William H. Christian, Virginia Conference. - - _Sutherlin Medalist_.--Andrew Sledd, Virginia. - - _Murray Medalist_.--Scholarship, Thomas Madison Jones, Virginia; - Proficiency, George Virgil Rector, Virginia. - -[Illustration: JOS. D. LANGLEY, _Sutherlin Medalist--1893._] - -[Illustration: CLASS OF 1895.] - -[Illustration: [Key to the illustration captioned, "CLASS OF 1895." -Names are given as follows: - - 1. D. T. Merritt. - 2. A. H. Whisner. - 3. C. M. Baggarly. - 4. J. T. Porter. - 5. E. L. Woolf. - 6. R. E. Leigh. - 7. C. E. Armentrout. - 8. H. Fletcher. - 9. I. H. Blackwell. - 10. Richard Irby, Sec'y and Treas. - 11. Prof. R. M. Smith. - 12. Prof. R. E. Blackwell. - 13. Pres. W. W. Smith. - 14. Prof. J. A. Kern. - 15. Prof. R. B. Smithey. - 16. Prof. E. W. Bowen. - 17. Prof. A. C. Wightman. - 18. C. G. Evans. - 19. B. M. Beckham. - 20. H. A. Christian. - 21. J. D. Hank, Jr.]] - -SESSION 1894-1895. - -A. M. - - Benj. M. Beckham, Virginia. - Henry A. Christian, Virginia. - C. G. Evans, North Carolina. - Josiah D. Hank, Jr., Virginia. - -A. B. - - C. E. Armentrout, Virginia. - Carroll M. Baggarly, Virginia. - Irving H. Blackwell, Virginia. - Henry A. Christian, Virginia. - C. G. Evans, North Carolina. - Howard Fletcher, Virginia. - Josiah D. Hank, Jr., Virginia. - Ernest Lee Woolf, Virginia. - John B. Henry, Maryland. - Robert C. Howison, Virginia. - Richard E. Leigh, Mississippi - Daniel T. Merritt, Virginia. - Benj. F. Montgomery, Virginia. - James T. Porter, Maryland. - A. H. Whisner, West Virginia. - Ernest Lee Woolf, Virginia. - -D. D. - - Rev. John C. Kilgo, President Trinity College, North Carolina. - - _Sutherlin Medalist_.---David Spence Hill, Missouri. - _Murray Medalists_.--Proficiency, Marvin E. Smithey, Virginia; -Scholarship, Charles E. Armentrout, Virginia. - -[Illustration: THOMAS MADISON JONES, _Murray Scholarship Medalist, -1894._] - -[Illustration: DAVID SPENCE HILL, _Sutherlin Medalist, 1895._] - -[Illustration: FACULTY AND OFFICERS AND CLASS OF 1896.] - -[Illustration: [Key to the illustration captioned, "Faculty and -Officers and Class of 1896." Names are given as follows: - - 1. P. H. Drewry. - 2. H. O'B. Cooper. - 3. S. D. Boyd, Jr. - 4. J. S. Poindexter. - 5. J. Mullen. - 6. Prof. Knight. - 7. Prof. Blackwell. - 8. J. H. Robertson. - 9. P. H. Williams. - 10. F. W. Hilbert - 11. G. T. Tyler, Jr. - 12. A. S. Thompson, Ins. Ph. Cul. - 13. Prof. Bowen. - 14. Prof. Easter. - 15. Richard Irby, Sec'y and Treas. - 16. Prof. Kern. - 17. Pres. Smith. - 18. Prof. Smithey. - 19. Rev. W. E. Judkins, Chaplain. - 20. Prof. Wightman. - 21. M. E. Smithey. - 22. C. M. Kilby. - 23. C. W. Watts. - 24. S. H. Watts. - and, unnumbered, at the bottom of the list, W. S. Anderson.]] - -[Illustration: CLASS 1896-'97. [The names of the classmates are written -in staggered rows, corresponding to their places in the picture. From -left to right and top to bottom, roughly, they are: Wise, Dulin, -Blackwell, Litchfield, Scott, Dolly, Simpson, Colonna, Kilby, McCartney, -Campbell, Licklider, Blanchard, Carter, Tyler, Cooper.]] - -[Illustration: [A collage of twelve photographs, arranged in a circle, -and captioned "FACULTY AND OFFICERS, RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE, 1897.]] - - -SESSION 1895-1896. - -JUNE, 1896. - -RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE. - -A. M. - - W. S. Anderson, West Virginia. - Clinton M. Kilby, Virginia. - N. H. Robertson, Virginia. - Stephen H. Watts, Virginia. - -A. B. - - John F. Blackwell, Virginia. - Stephen D. Boyd, Jr., Virginia - Henry O'B. Cooper, Virginia. - Patrick H. Drewry, Virginia. - John C. Granbery, Jr., Virginia. - F. W. Hilbert, Maryland. - James Mullen, Virginia. - John S. Poindexter, Virginia. - John H. Robertson, Virginia. - Marvin E. Smithey, Virginia. - John A. G. Shipley. Maryland. - George T. Tyler, Jr., Virginia. - Charles W. Watts, Virginia. - P. H. Williams, North Carolina. - - _Sutherlin Medalist_.--Boyd Valentine Switzer, Virginia. - _Pace Medalist_.--Walter Sewall Anderson, West Virginia. - _Murray Medalists_.--Scholarship, Patrick H. Williams, North Carolina; -Proficiency, Frank Allen Simpson, Virginia. - - -RANDOLPH-MACON WOMAN'S COLLEGE. - -A. M. - -Emma E. Cheatham, Virginia. -E. B. Williams, North Carolina. - - -JUNE, 1897. - -RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE. - -A. M. - - W. M. Blanchard, N. Carolina. - Horace Campbell, Virginia. - Hall Canter, Maryland. - Henry O'B. Cooper, Virginia. - Fred. W. Hilbert, Maryland. - Bradford Kilby, Virginia. - Albert H. Licklider, Virginia. - G. V. Litchfield, Jr., Virginia. - James E. McCartney, Virginia. - George T. Tyler, Jr., Virginia. - -A. B. - - William H. Best, Maryland. - William Veitch Boyle, Maryland. - Karl S. Blackwell, Virginia. - William B. Colonna, Virginia. - David Hough Dolly, Virginia. - John Henry Dulin, Virginia. - Neil Courtice Scott, Virginia. - Frank A. Simpson, Virginia. - Boyd Ashby Wise, Virginia. - -D. D. - - Rev. Collins Denney, Baltimore Conference, Prof. Vanderbilt -University. - - _Sutherlin Medalist_.--William Martin Blanchard, North Carolina. - - - _Murray Medalists_.--Scholarship, Frank A. Simpson, Virginia; -Proficiency, George L. Bradford, Virginia. - - -RANDOLPH-MACON WOMAN'S COLLEGE. - -A. M. - - Sallie Adams, Virginia. - Martha A. Franklin, Virginia. - Esten Holmes Jennings, West Virginia. - -A. B. - - Celeste Alspaugh, N. Carolina. - Edith S. Blackwell, Virginia. - Martha McGavock, Virginia. - - -SESSION 1897-1898. - -Randolph-Macon College, since June, 1886, has grown into a system of -colleges (female as well as male), and fitting schools for both sexes. -At the joint commencement, held at Lynchburg, Va., June 6-9, 1898, all -these schools were represented. The Lynchburg _Daily News_ gave the -report of the commencement, as follows: - -"The big Randolph-Macon joint commencement was formally opened by a -reception tendered the visiting students, alumni, and friends of the -school at the Woman's College. An address of welcome was made by -Chancellor W. W. Smith. The night was beautiful, the skies being clear -and studded with glittering stars. An immense crowd was present, and the -profound silence that prevailed during the speech evidenced the deep -interest with which it was being received. - -"The various trains yesterday brought the students and the visiting -alumni to the city. The Union station on their arrival presented an -animated scene. The young men and young ladies seemed determined to make -of the occasion a delightful excursion, and an experience worth carrying -in their memories for many years to come. Everybody remarked on the -personnel of the students, and their quiet demeanor. They made a fine -impression, and their sojourn in the city promises to be profitable to -all interested. - -"Randolph-Macon College is represented by about ninety students; the -Front Royal Academy, by seventy; Bedford City Academy, by about eighty; -the Blackstone Female Institute,* by one hundred and thirty-five; and -the Danville Female Institute, by sixty. As there are at the -Randolph-Macon Woman's College, including the day scholars, two hundred -and twenty young ladies, the total number of students present is between -six and seven hundred. - -*Not a school of the system, but present by special invitation. - -"To adequately describe the appearance of the College with its elaborate -decorations would be a herculean task. All that artistic taste and -ingenuity of invention could suggest was abundantly in evidence. As the -street-cars moved rapidly over the hill at the base-ball park in the -direction of the College, the first glimpse of the building was -obtained. To the observer it looked like a light glimmering and glowing -in the night. As the car drew nearer it was seen that the large -structure, from one end to the other and all over the front, was alive -with varicolored Chinese and Japanese lanterns, which shed a soft and -pleasant radiance over the scene. On the big campus, hanging to the -branches of the trees and arranged in symmetrical lines on hundreds of -poles, were lanterns without end. Down to the left of the building, -where the ground slopes gently to a ravine, seats were placed in -comfortable positions. Everybody seemed to be there for the purpose of -spending a pleasant time and contributing to his neighbor's happiness. -Callers were received in the large and spacious parlor on the first -floor just to the left of the main entrance. To everyone was extended -such a warm, cordial welcome that he felt at once as if he were -perfectly at home and as if he were just where he ought to be. - -TUESDAY. - -"While the reception Monday night at the Woman's College may be said to -have opened the exercises of the Randolph-Macon joint commencement, yet -Tuesday morning the first regular programme was carried out in the -auditorium at Moorman's Warehouse, which, long before the time announced -for the first number, was crowded with a happy, well-dressed and -interested audience. - -"In the bright sunlight of the pleasant morning the scene presented in -the auditorium was indeed good to look upon. The draping of the entire -edifice was most skillfully carried out; the ceiling covered with blue -and white cloth, while the sides of the building were hidden by artistic -folds of lemon and black. - -"A well-built stage, extending the entire width of the spacious -auditorium, and decorated with potted plants and flowers, afforded -plenty of room for the speakers, visitors, and contestants for honors. -Arrangements were made to comfortably seat some two or three thousand -people, fully that many chairs being placed in regular rows, divided by -two aisles extending the length of the hall. - -"The pupils of the different schools and colleges being among the first -to arrive, the spare time was utilized for a rehearsal of college songs, -interspersed with the different college yells of the system, some of -which occasioned hearty laughter. - -[Illustration: RANDOLPH-MACON INSTITUTE, DANVILLE, VA.] - -"Upon the arrival of Chancellor Smith, the representatives of the -various schools of the system took their places upon the stage, as well -as those pupils who were to contest for the elocution and declaimer's -medals. After music by the band and prayer by Rev. Oscar Littleton, the -first number was announced, it being a contest for the declaimer's medal -of Randolph-Macon Academy, of Bedford City. Mr. J. K. Holman opened with -a humorous selection entitled 'Uncle Peter and the Trolly Car.' He was -followed by Mr. W. E. Wood, who declaimed an historical poem of the -revolutionary period, 'The Black Horse and His Rider.' Between this -contest and the next the pupils of the Bedford school, accompanied by -the band, rendered with much spirit an 'Academy' song, the words of -which were composed by Wirt Holloway, a pupil. - -"A contest for the recitation medal of the Randolph-Macon Institute, of -Danville, followed, the first being Miss Janie Howard, who had chosen a -dialect story, 'Rubaiyat of Doc Sifers.' 'The Set of Turquoise' was -delivered by Miss Sue Bethel. The young ladies of the Danville Institute -then closed their part of the programme with their favorite song, 'The -Lemon and Black,' in the course of which they were assisted by the young -men of the system. - -"J. William Kight came forward as a representative of the Academy at -Front Royal, and with a humorous description of a New England debating -society, in which he gave practical illustrations of the different -classes of village oratory. - -"Mr. J. L. Humphrey, also of the Front Royal Academy, gave a declamation -entitled 'Laska.' - -"The contest for the Woman's College medal was introduced by Miss Nellie -Underwood, whose subject was 'The Courtin' of T'Nowhead's Bell.' - -"Miss Underwood was followed by Miss Hathryn P. Acree, whose subject was -'Parnassius and the Captive.' - -"The rendition of the Woman's College song, 'Merry Girls of R. M. W. -C.,' was followed by the contest for the Woman's College Medal for best -address. The contestants were Miss Addie Taylor and Miss Sadie Jacobs. -Miss Taylor was the first speaker. Her subject was 'The Supremacy of the -Anglo-Saxon.' Miss Jacobs' subject was 'Demands of Our Civilization.' - -"The closing exercise was the contest for the Sutherlin orator's medal -of the Randolph-Macon College, Ashland. The contestants were F. Raymond -Hill, B. A. Wise, E. K. Odell, and S. M. Janney. - -"Mr. Hill opened the contest with an oration on 'The Price of Progress.' - -"Mr. Janney's subject was 'What For?' - -"'The Power of a Noble Example' was the subject of Mr. Wise's oration. - -"Mr. Odell followed in an oration entitled, 'De Oratoribus.' - -The exercises were closed with the singing of the Commencement Chorus. - -"A feature of the morning's programme, which was of a decidedly -interesting character, was the calisthenic drill, under the direction of -Miss Alice Hargrove, of a number of young ladies of the Woman's College. - -FIELD-DAY EXERCISES. - -"Tuesday afternoon was devoted to field day exercises in the Rivermont -base-ball park. A sound mind in a sound body has for a long time been a -leading maxim in the Randolph-Macon system. Each institution has its -well-equipped gymnasium, under the instruction of an efficient -instructor, and during the unseasonable days of winter every student of -the system is required to go through an hour's drill in the gymnasium -three afternoons in the week. - -The average man gets his idea of college athletics from the base-ball -and foot-ball teams, which generally tour the State annually. -Randolph-Macon recognizes the fact that base-ball and foot-ball are but -a small part of college athletics, and consequently every student is -encouraged to allot a portion of his time to the general training of his -body, and especially to athletic feats requiring more or less skill and -grace. In early spring, at each school in the system, a day known as -Field-Day is set aside for athletic exercises, for which prizes and -medals are offered as a special inducement, to ensure a large number of -contestants. - -THE CONCERT. - -"Tuesday night a concert was given at the Opera-House by the young -ladies of the Woman's College and the Danville Female Institute. Of the -character of the music of the programme the highest praise has been -spoken. In the instrumental and the chorus selections the participants -presented music of the highest perfection music that possessed a charm -and inspiration for every listener. - -WEDNESDAY. - -"About half-past nine o'clock Wednesday morning the students of the -several schools and colleges, together with the alumni, met at old St. -Paul's Church, on Church street, and there, after forming into a -procession and led by the band, marched to the auditorium. Here the -graduating class, in orthodox cap and gown, ascended the stage, where, -with the alumni, they were seated in chairs arranged in semi-circular -lines, forming altogether a pleasing and impressive picture. - -"A few minutes were spent in rehearsing college songs. In this -connection it may be well to note that the Randolph-Macon system is rich -with songs suitable for commencement season, and written principally by -those who have studied within its classic halls. After prayer by Rev. -Dr. James A. Duncan, of Knoxville, Tenn., Mr. W. S. Bell, president of -the Class of '98, introduced Miss Blanche E. Cheatham, of Martinsville, -who delivered the salutatory address. - -"The history of the Class of '98 and its twenty-nine members was told by -Mr. J. T. Porter, and as each name was called it was greeted with -applause, while the historian made a brief comment upon its owner. The -Class song of '98, composed by Mr. E. T. Adams, Jr., was next sung, -after which Miss Lily G. Egbert, of Atlee, Va., read the class poem, an -original composition entitled 'The Evolution of a Soul.' - -"Mr. J. E. McCulloch, of Roanoke, delivered the class oration. - -"The Hall song, evidently a favorite with the male students, was sung -with considerable spirit, especially the chorus, which eulogizes as 'the -very best of all' the two halls of the two rival literary societies, -those of Washington and Franklin. The president of the class next -introduced Miss Eloise Richardson, of Richmond, who read a class -prophecy, in which she drew vivid pictures of the bright futures -awaiting many of this year's class. - -"Mr. Sydenstricker, of Loudoun, read a paper entitled 'Recommendations.' -In it he indicated, with a prescient knowledge of seemingly remarkable -accuracy, the future employments and professions of the members of the -graduating classes of Randolph-Macon College, Ashland, and the Woman's -College, Lynchburg. - -"After singing 'Gaudeamus,' the last will and testament of the -graduating classes of the two institutions was read by Mr. F. C. -Campbell, of Ashland. Again was the audience treated to a series of -'hits' at the expense of certain members of the faculties, pupils, etc., -of the two schools. - -"The valedictory of Mr. F. R. Hill, of West Virginia, the next feature -of the programme, was an eloquent and interesting address, and in its -delivery made a deep impression on the large audience. Mr. Hill, unlike -the majority of college valedictorians, introduced into his composition -much originality of thought and feeling. His manner was marked by that -simplicity which always distinguishes the true orator, and which -invariably attracts and holds the closest attention of an audience. - -MR. TILLETT'S ADDRESS. - -"After singing 'The Randolph-Macon Roundelay,'the alumni address was -delivered by Hon. Charles W. Tillett, of North Carolina. This eloquent -speaker dwelt in feeling terms upon the great Randolph-Macon System. The -foundation, he declared, had been laid with enduring material, and -to-day all could unite in applauding the distinguished success of the -master hand. The occasion was one on which a little glorification was -pardonable, and every Randolph-Macon man and woman might well feel -proud of his or her alma mater, and particularly of the joint -commencement, which they all recognized as the grandest and most -successful commencement of Randolph-Macon's career. - -"The exercises were brought to a close with the singing of the song, -'Alma Mater, O.' - -THE BALL GAME. - -"An immense crowd gathered at the park in the afternoon to witness the -ball game between the Bedford and the Front Royal Academies. The boys -from Bedford had the best of the contest from start to finish, and won -out by a score of 13 to 1." - -FRANKLIN HALL. - -"At night the exercises of the 'Frank' Hall were introduced with prayer -by Rev. W. H. Atwill. The declamations were: 'The Fireman's Prayer,' by -W. W. Wood, of Bedford; 'The Innocent Drummer,' by Miss Bethel, of -Danville, and 'The Village Schoolmaster,' by J. L. Humphrey. W. J. -Gills, of the College, delivered an oration on 'True Patriotism,' and -the exercises closed with an essay by Miss Lula B. Woolridge, of the -Woman's College, on 'Triumphant Life.' The Society medals were awarded -as follows: John Kilby, of Suffolk, for declamation; F. C. Campbell, of -Ashland, for debate, and Marvin E. Smithey, of Brunswick, for -improvement in debate. - -THE ALUMNI BANQUET. - -"The annual banquet of the Alumni Association was held at the 'Carroll' -Wednesday night from 11 to 2 o'clock. After half an hour's feasting, the -remaining time was devoted to speeches of prominent members of the -Association. The following toasts were responded to: 'Randolph-Macon -College,' Dr. J. A. Kern; 'Randolph-Macon Woman's College,' Dr. N. -Knight; 'Randolph-Macon Academy' (Bedford), Principal E. Sumter Smith; -'Randolph-Macon Academy' (Front Royal), Dr. B. W. Arnold; -'Randolph-Macon Institute' (Danville), Miss Nellie Blackwell; -'Blackstone Female Institute,' Rev. James Cannon, Jr.; 'Board of -Trustees,' Dr. E. B. Prettyman; 'Randolph-Macon of 1898,' J. E. -McCulloch; 'The Alumni,' Charles W. Tillett; 'Glories of the Past,' -Captain Richard Irby; 'Randolph-Macon of the Future,' Dr. W. W. Smith." - -[Illustration: EDWARD S. BROWN, A. B.] - -The oldest alumnus present was Edward S. Brown (Class 1843), a prominent -and most estimable citizen of Lynchburg, who matriculated in 1837. - -Letters were received from the oldest alumnus now living, and one of the -members of the graduating Class of 1839, who, with Thomas H. Garnett, of -Buckingham county, Va., of same class, still survives. - -The oldest living alumnus, Dr. Theophilus S. Stewart, of Marietta, Ga., -graduated in 1836. He accompanied Dr. Olin to Europe, and took his -degree of M. D. in Paris in 1839. - -The letters of Dr. Stewart and Rev. James F. Smith, of Spartanburg, S. -C., referred in tenderest terms to the College. - -[Illustration: DR. THEOPHILUS S. STEWART, A. B., (Class, 1836.)] - -"Thursday. The opening prayer was made by Rev. Dr. Arnold, of North -Carolina, at the conclusion of which the Commencement hymn (No. 1) was -sung by the students to the air of 'America,' all standing. Bishop -Vincent, of Kansas, the speaker of the occasion, was then introduced by -the chancellor. The Bishop, who is a man of fine appearance, with a -pleasant voice, launched forth in these words: 'Notable days to the -individual, to associations, to state and to church, come into all -lives. This is an interesting day to the individual, to families, and to -the institution. It is a day of an ending and a day of a beginning. I -see a picture, as I stand in this place to-day, of closing doors and of -doors ajar, the end of complete or partial course of study and the -beginning of lessons in the great school of life. Here, with the -fragrance and flowers, under the spell of music, beneath these glorious -skies and amid these mountains of Virginia, we need not only to look -backward, but to look forward.' - -"He closed his address as follows: 'Above all things, a man wants -character; for if you presented yourself at the gate of heaven without -the quality that would make you worthy to dwell there, you would find -the beauties and glories of the home of God uncongenial to you. Live, -not that you may have your name in Washington with a big pension or -something of that kind, but in order that you may contribute to the -betterment of the environment of those about you.' - -"To the students before him he said he would recommend the whole world -and the universe as a university in which to learn and in which to -strive to ascend to the university of the most high God. - -HONORS AWARDED. - -"After a song, 'Columbia, the Pride of the Nation,' the distinguished -under-graduates were announced by printed sheets. Then followed the -awarding of prizes and medals, the Randolph-Macon Institute, of -Danville, being first, followed in regular order by the Randolph-Macon -Academy, Bedford City; Randolph-Macon Academy, Front Royal; -Randolph-Macon Woman's College, Lynchburg, and Randolph-Macon College, -Ashland. - -"Diplomas in courses were awarded by President Kern, of the Randolph- -Macon College, and Vice-President Knight, of the Randolph-Macon Woman's -College. - -THE GRADUATES. - -"Degrees were conferred on the following: - -RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE. - -A. M. - - Karl S. Blackwell, Virginia. - A. Judson Chalkley, Virginia. - David Hough Dolly, Virginia. - James C. Dolly, Kentucky. - James T. Porter, Virginia. - Raymond R. Ross, Virginia. - Frank A. Simpson, Virginia. - Marvin E. Smithey, Virginia. - Boyd Ashby Wise, Virginia. - -A. B. - - William Solon Bell, Virginia. - William G. Burch, Virginia. - F. C. Campbell, Virginia. - Merrick Clements, Maryland. - Carl Hall Davis, Virginia. - F. B. Fitzpatrick, Virginia. - Frank R. Hill, West Virginia. - Edward B. Jones, Virginia. H. - Alfred Allen Kern, Virginia. - LeRoy E. Kern, Virginia. - James E. McCulloch, Virginia. - Geo. L. Neville, Jr., Virginia. - Arthur V. Nunnally, Virginia. - Robert H. Sheppe, Virginia. - Hampden H. Smith, Virginia. - H. Sydenstricker, W. Virginia. - James T. Walker, Virginia. - -RANDOLPH-MACON WOMAN'S COLLEGE. - -A. B. - - Lily Garland Egbert, Virginia. - Eloise Richardson, Virginia. - Blanche E. Cheatham, Virginia. - Cornelia Poindexter, Virginia. - -MEDALISTS. - - Sutherlin Medal. Samuel McPherson Janney, Virginia. - Murray Medals. Proficiency Medal, Thomas Moody Campbell, Virginia; - Scholarship Medal, George Lafayette Bradford, Virginia of - Randolph-Macon College. - - Walton Greek Prize. David H. Dolly, Virginia. - Medal for Best Essay. Sadie Jacobs, Virginia of Randolph-Macon Woman's - College. - -WASHINGTON SOCIETY. - -"With the excellent programme of the annual celebration of the -Washington Literary Society the exercises of the joint commencement of -the Randolph-Macon system of educational institutions were brought to a -close. - -"Prayer was offered by Bishop Granbery, after which Edwin B. Jones, -president of the society, welcomed those present, and introduced J. W. -Kight, of Front Royal, who entertained his hearers with a short, -humorous sketch. Miss Swanson, of the Danville Institute, followed with -a dialect recitation, entitled 'Writin' Back to the Home Folks.' 'Flying -Jim's Last Leap' was the declamation given by Mr. Taylor, of the Bedford -City Academy, and the next was an oration by F. Burke Fitzpatrick, of -Randolph-Macon College. His speech was devoted to prophesying as to the -future of Virginia, basing his remarks upon the record of the past. - -"Miss Edith Cheatham's address was 'College Men and Women.' - -"The programme was brought to a close by an oration, 'A Great Work; Our -Share in It,' delivered by Frank A. Simpson, of Richmond, Va. - -"On behalf of the Washington Literary Society, Professor R. B. Smithey -presented three medals one to the best declaimer, D. R. Anderson; to the -best debater, F. R. Hill; to the best orator, S. R. Tyler. - -"Dr. E. E. Hoss, of Nashville, the speaker of the evening, was then -introduced. His subject was 'The Forces that Make Character.' He -delivered a strong and thoughtful address, which would have been more -fully appreciated at an earlier hour." - -AWARDS OF PRIZES AND MEDALS. - -[Transcribers' note: In the original book, the Walton Greek Prize -recipients for each year are listed on the left-hand side of the page, -and the Mathematical Prize recipients on the right. The note -(Discontinued) at the end of the Mathematical Prize column is faithfully -reproduced from the original text.] - -WALTON GREEK PRIZE. - - 1872. R. E. Blackwell, Va. - 1873. Robert Sharp, Va. - 1874. Wm. A. Frantz, Va. - 1875. W. H. Page, N. C. - 1876. Cyrus Thompson, N. C. - 1877. M. T. Peed, Va. - 1878. Clarence Edwards, Va. - 1879. J. B. Crenshaw, Va. - 1880. R. E. L. Holmes, Va. - 1881. D. W. Taylor, Va. - 1882. R. E. L. Holmes, Va. - 1883. James M. Page, Va. - 1884. L. Leitch, Va. - 1885. Thos. W. Page, Va. - 1886. E. H. Rawlings, Va. - 1887. J. H. Riddick, Jr., Va. - 1888. J. Jordan Leake, Va. - 1889. De La Warre Easter, Va. - 1890. C. D. Ragland, Va. - 1891. E. C. Armstrong, Md. - 1892. Andrew Sledd, Va. - 1893. J. E. Wamsley, Va. - 1894. E. P. Dahl, Va. - 1895. C. E. Armentrout, Va. - 1896. Bradford Kilby, Va. - 1897. J. W. Lillaston, Va. - 1898. David H. Dolly, Va. - -MATHEMATICAL PRIZE. - - 1874. Howard Edwards, Va. - 1875. W. F. Tillett, N. C. - 1876. M. T. Peed, Va. - 1877 M. T. Peed, Va. - 1878. J. T. Littleton, Va. - 1879. J. B. Crenshaw, Va. - 1880. R. E. L. Holmes, Va. - 1881. D. W. Taylor, Va. - 1882. James H. Moss, Va. - 1883. Richard H. Bennett, Va. - 1884. James M. Page, Va. - 1885. Wm. H. Barley, Va. - 1886. George Shipley. Va. - 1887. J. Jordan Leake, Va. - 1888. A. M. Hughlett, Va. - 1889. E. W. Bowen, Md. - 1890. Andrew Sledd, Va. - 1891. H. H. Sherman, Va. - 1892. (Discontinued.) - - - -[Transcribers' note: In the original book, the Washington Literary -Society award-winners and judges for each year are listed on the -left-hand side of the page, and the Franklin Literary Society -award-winners and judges on the right.] - -WASHINGTON LITERARY SOCIETY. - - 1874. A. H. C. Russell, La. - 1875. J. B. McCabe, Va. - 1876. T.McN. Simpson, N.C. - 1877. Gray Carroll, N. C. - 1878. Jno. W. Carroll, Va. - 1879. W. W. Sawyer, N. C. - 1880. D. M. James, W. Va. - 1881. E. S. Ruffin, Va. - - -FRANKLIN LITERARY SOCIETY. - - 1874. J. B. Powell, Ala. - 1875. W. F. Tillett, N. C. - 1876. [none listed] - 1877. W. J. Sebrell, Va. - 1878. Chas. W. Tillett, N. C. - 1879. H. A. Southall, Va. - 1880. Frank Thompson, N. C. - - -JUDGE. - -WASHINGTON LITERARY SOCIETY. - - 1882. S. M. Garland, Va. - 1883. J. H. Light, Va. - 1884. C. A. Swanson, Va. - 1885. Jas. Cannon, Jr., Md. - 1886. T. W. Page, Jr., Va. - 1887. C. L. Bane, W. Va. - 1888. C. F. Sherrill, N. C. - 1889. W. H. H. Joyce, Va. - 1890. M. R. Peterson, Va. - 1891. I. W. Eason, Va. - 1892. J. N. Latham, Va. - 1893. D. H. Kern, W. Va. - 1894. S. C. Hatcher, Va. - 1895. J. H. Hatcher, Va. - 1896. B. V. Switzer, Va. - 1897. F. R. Hill, W. Va. - 1898. S. R. Tyler, Va. - -FRANKLIN LITERARY SOCIETY. - - 1882. Harry L. Stuart, Texas. - 1883. John Morris, Ga. - 1884. W. M. Lane, Va. - 1885. Thos. F. Sherrill, N. C. - 1886. E. H. Rawlings, Va. - 1887. Sherrard R. Tabb, Va. - 1888. A. M. Hughlett, Va. - 1889. W. A. Christian, Va. - 1890. W. B. Beauchamp, Va. - 1891. H. G. Buchanan, Va. - 1892. W. Stevens, W. Va. - 1893. R. H. Hood, N. C. - 1894. Andrew Sledd, Va. - 1895. P. H. Williams, N. C. - 1896. F. W. Hilbert, Md. - 1897. W. M. Blanchard, N. C. - 1898. F. C. Campbell, Va. - - ======= -Transcribers' Notes: - -We have corrected "presi-ident" to "president", p. 30. - -We have let "Accepe hoc diploma," p. 98, stand as written (it should be -"accipe"). - -We have corrected "in o near large towns" to "in or near large towns," -p. 114. - -We have removed extraneous punctuation after "Trinity College," p. 121, -and after "Randolph-Macon College," p. 138. - -We have corrected "peferred" to "preferred," and "greal" to "great," p. -126. - -We have added a period after B. in "A. B." on p. 135. - -We have corrected "held it annual session" to "held its annual -session," p. 148. - -We have let "Bondfires were kindled," p. 153, stand as written, though -we suspect that "Bonfires" was intended. - -We have let the comma after "the bare chimneys only" stand on page 164. -The punctuation is odd, and we suspect it may be an error, but we can -think of reasons Irby might have chosen to use it. - -We have let the spelling "eak" stand on p. 166. - -We have let "Professor's" stand on p. 166. - -We have corrected "compen-pensated" to "compensated" on p. 189. - -We have corrected "FROF. W. A. FRANTZ" to "PROF. W. A. FRANTZ" in the -caption on p. 245. - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of History of Randolph-Macon College, -Virginia, by Richard Irby - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY OF RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE, VIRGINIA *** - - - - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg™ electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG™ -concept and trademark. 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Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. - -Most people start at our website which has the main PG search -facility: www.gutenberg.org. - -This website includes information about Project Gutenberg™, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/40229.zip b/40229.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 167361c..0000000 --- a/40229.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/40229.txt b/old/40229.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 858cd74..0000000 --- a/old/40229.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,10191 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of History of Randolph-Macon College, Virginia, by -Richard Irby - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: History of Randolph-Macon College, Virginia - The Oldest Incorporated Methodist College in America - -Author: Richard Irby - -Release Date: July 14, 2012 [EBook #40229] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY OF RANDOLPH-MACON *** - - - - -Produced by Meredith Dixon (R-MWC 1984), Melissa Reid, and James Dixon - - - - - -HISTORY OF RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE, VIRGINIA: -THE OLDEST INCORPORATED METHODIST COLLEGE IN AMERICA -by Richard Irby (A. B. 1844) - - -PREFACE. - -The following resolution, adopted at the last annual meeting of the -Board of Trustees, will answer as a preface to what will be given as a -history of the oldest incorporated Methodist college in America now in -existence, and can be pleaded as an excuse, if any be needed, why one -so inexperienced in authorship should make this effort to rescue from -oblivion what is left of the records and information now obtainable in -regard to this, comparatively speaking, venerable college. - -"On motion of J. J. Lafferty and W. H. Christian, - -"_Resolved_, That the thanks of the Board be tendered to Richard Irby, -Esq., for his labors in the collection of material for a connected and -authentic historical account of this college, and that he be requested -to continue and perfect this work, and that all friends of the college -be requested to give him their cordial aid and co-operation." - - - -HISTORY OF RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE - - - -EARLY EFFORTS OF METHODISTS TO FOUND SCHOOLS. - -JOHN WESLEY, the founder of Methodism, was in every sense a highly -educated man. His education began at the knee of one of the wisest and -most accomplished women that ever lived to bless the world. It was -continued at Oxford, but did not stop there; for he believed, and acted -on his belief, that a man's education should continue as long as his -intellectual energy survives. - -The great business of Wesley was to spread scriptural holiness over the -world, beginning at his own home. To accomplish this great end he -sought and utilized every practicable agency. Early in the course of the -great movement he put in motion, he established the Kingswood School, -which he aimed to make as thorough, practically, as Oxford and -Cambridge, and free from the surroundings which hindered evangelical -believers in attendance on those schools, where he and his co-workers -had encountered so much opposition and ridicule. At this school were to -be allied in holy matrimony religion and learning, which godless hands -had sought to put asunder; for he valued education and learning severed -from, and unhallowed by, religion as worse than worthless. - -Following the example of this great leader, Asbury, the "Pioneer Bishop -of America," sought at an early day to carry out the same plans. But the -difficulties he encountered were different from those Mr. Wesley met in -many respects. At the close of the Revolutionary War, he found a -continent over the broad area of which was spread a population of about -three million of people. These people had just come out of a war of -seven years, impoverished in every species of property except their -broad acres of forest land, worthless until subdued by the sturdy -husbandman. The currency of the country was well-nigh worthless and -irredeemable in gold and silver. The great and controlling idea of the -people was the restoration of wealth and material resources. This meant -and required hard and constant work, which pushed aside schools and all -other enterprises of the kind considered as of secondary importance. At -that time only about eight colleges were found in the States, and these -were slimly endowed, if endowed at all, and but poorly patronized. - -But bold, and trusting in God, Asbury began the work of establishing -schools, hardly waiting for the clearing away of the smoke of battle. At -the time he was made General Superintendent, or Bishop, (1784), there -were in the United States 14,988 members in the Methodist Episcopal -Church. These were scattered broadcast over the States bordering on the -Atlantic Ocean, from New York to Georgia. The bulk of the membership was -found in the Southern States. The Minutes for that year give New York -City sixty members and Brunswick Circuit (Virginia) four hundred and -eighty-four, and other circuits in Virginia more. - -In the year 1784 Dr. Cummings (in _Early Schools of Methodism_, New -York, 1886) thinks Bishop Asbury founded the first Methodist academy -ever established in America. It is reasonable, however, to put the date -a little later, say 1785, for his services as General Superintendent did -not begin till later, inasmuch as Mr. Wesley's letter appointing him to -the place bears date September 10, 1784. This school or academy was -located in Brunswick county, Virginia, on the road leading from -Petersburg to Boydton, at a point about midway between the two places. -He named it - -[Illustration: EBENEZER ACADEMY]* - -*The Ebenezer Academy building is still standing, but it has been -changed somewhat since it ceased to be used for school purposes. The cut -used here was made from a pencil sketch of it made by Mr. Short, who -lives near, and sent by Rev. J. Carson Watson, in whose circuit it is -located. The walls are of stone, one of which has become injured; -otherwise, the old house would be good for another century. - -For a number of years this academy was controlled by trustees appointed -by the Bishop or by the Annual Conference, and enjoyed such supervision -as the Bishop was able to give, which, with such arduous labors as -demanded his energies, was of necessity but slight and occasional. On -this account, and other accounts incident to the times, the control of -the academy was lost to the Methodists, and went into the hands of the -county authorities, which control never was regained by the Church. But -it was kept up as an academy for many years, and at it many of the most -prominent men of the county and counties adjacent were educated wholly -or partly. In this way it did a good work for the people of its day, and -was the forerunner and prophecy of another school not far away, which, -under better auspices, though not without difficulties, has lived to -bless the Church and the world in this nineteenth century. - -The first regularly incorporated Methodist college in the United States -was Cokesbury College. It was located near Baltimore, Md. It was in -operation only a few years. Augusta College, Kentucky, was the next. -That has long since ceased to exist. In the period preceding the -division of the Methodist Episcopal Church, there were thirty-one -literary institutions controlled by this Church, of which three were -exclusively for females and several, co-educational. Seventeen of these -were located in the Southern States. Of the thirty-one, only seven -colleges have survived, viz.: Randolph-Macon College, chartered February -3, 1830; Wesleyan University (Connecticut), chartered May, 1831; Emory -College (Georgia), 1837; Emory and Henry (Virginia), 1838; Wesleyan -Female College (Georgia), 1839. Dickinson College (Pennsylvania) -chartered in 1783, but did not become a Methodist college till 1833, and -was opened as a Methodist college September, 1834. Alleghany College -(Pennsylvania) was chartered in 1818, and came under the control of the -Methodist Church in 1833, and was opened as a Methodist college the same -year. - -It will thus be seen that all these male colleges which survived, were -opened under Methodist patronage, nearly simultaneously, viz.: Wesleyan -University, October, 1831; Randolph-Macon, January, 1832; Alleghany -College, November, 1833; Dickinson College, September, 1834. This point -of time thus became a marked starting-point in the history of Methodist -colleges. Since this turning-point was passed, the number of them has -increased as rapidly as the membership of the church, and can now be -counted by the hundreds, making the Methodist Church foremost in the -great work of Christian education. - -It may be noted here that all of the above-named colleges succeeded to -buildings which had been used for school purposes, more or less -complete, while those of Randolph-Macon were built wholly out of new -material. - -It is probable that the idea and purpose moving Bishop Asbury to found -church schools, had never gone entirely out of the minds of the -Methodists of Virginia, notwithstanding all the failures and disasters -which had befallen the early enterprises. They found no school in the -Conference territory of high grade where they felt safe in sending their -sons. William and Mary College was under the control of the -Episcopalians, and its location was noted for excess in worldliness and -free-living, which did not invite Methodists, whose rules forbade such -customs. The atmosphere of the college and town was unsuited to -Methodists, and they were looked upon as unfit for the society of the -so-called best people. Hampden-Sidney College, originally non-sectarian, -had come under the control of the Presbyterians, with whom, in those -days, Arminian Methodists did not think it safe to let their sons remain -too long, lest they should become Calvinists. Washington College was -then a feeble school, and remote from the eastern portion of the State, -and outside the Virginia Conference. Under these circumstances, and for -what were esteemed good reasons, the Methodists of the Virginia -Conference, then composed of the eastern and middle portions of Virginia -and North Carolina, moved in the matter of establishing a college of -high grade. - -A resolution, adopted by the General Conference of 1824, recommending -"that each Annual Conference establish a Seminary of learning under its -own regulations and patronage," had the effect to direct the attention -of the church throughout the connection to the subject of education. So -almost simultaneously the New York Conference, with the Virginia -Conference, moved towards the establishment of a college, as recommended -by the General Conference, the result of which was the founding of the -Wesleyan University at Middletown, Conn., and of Randolph-Macon College -at Boydton, Va., the two oldest Methodist colleges, originally -incorporated as such, now existing in America. - -The credit of first planning or founding Randolph-Macon College has -been awarded to Rev. Hezekiah G. Leigh and Gabriel P. Disosway. The -former was a prominent minister in the Virginia Conference, and was -justly esteemed by his contemporaries as an orator second to but few, if -any, of his time. Dr. Bennett, in _Memorials of Methodism in Virginia_, -says: "Perhaps no man ever left a deeper impression on the hearts of the -people among whom he labored. In every city where he was stationed, in -every district, in every circuit, there are thrilling recollections of -his preaching.... He was not simply an eloquent preacher, he was a wise, -skillful, practical workman in the vineyard." Dr. W. A. Smith, third -President of Randolph-Macon College, said of him: "Dr. Leigh had few -equals in the pulpit. He filled a large space in public attention, and -wielded a wide and undisputed influence among his brethren in the -ministry." He was a native of Perquimans county, N. C., born November -23, 1795, but for many years prior to his death resided on his farm near -Boydton, Va. - -Gabriel P. Disosway was a native of the city of New York, of Huguenot -ancestry, born December 6, 1799. He took his A.B. degree at Columbia -College, New York, in 1821. In early life he became a citizen of -Petersburg, Va., and married a Virginia lady. He was a pious and devoted -Methodist, and by his superior education and literary abilities exerted -a wide and salutary influence on the church circles of his town and day. -Having been a college-bred man, he may have suggested to Dr. Leigh the -founding of a college, or the latter may have sought the advice and -co-operation of Mr. Disosway, and thenceforth the two worked together as -co-laborers in this good cause. Dr. W. A. Smith inclined to the latter -view of the matter, for he says (_Funeral Discourse on Rev. H. G. -Leigh_), "Regarding all the circumstances, the prominent position held -by Dr. Leigh in originating all the preliminary measures, and his -personal activity in advancing them, we have always considered him in a -good sense the founder of Randolph-Macon College." Mr. Disosway -returned to New York in 1828, and thus the college ceased to have his -active co-operation with Dr. Leigh, which might, and doubtless would, -have been very acceptable and beneficial. He lived to an honorable old -age, giving much of his valuable time to the great interests of the -Church of his choice, and also to the great religious institutions of -his State and the country, with a number of which he was closely -identified as manager or director. He also wrote frequently for the -press, and was the author of several books, one of which particularly -was highly esteemed, viz. _The Old Churches of New York_." - -The college, many years ago, recognized the claims of these co-founders -to the gratitude and remembrance of succeeding generations by placing on -the walls of the chapel marble tablets, suitably inscribed and dedicated -to their memory. - -The enterprise of establishing a college in the Virginia Conference took -definite direction, and resulted in practical action at the session of -the Virginia Conference held at Oxford, N. C., March 2, 1825. In the -minutes is this entry: "After some discussion on the recommendation of -the General Conference (of 1824), 'That each Annual Conference establish -a Seminary of Learning, under its own regulations and patronage,' the -whole question was referred to a committee of twelve--six ministers and -six laymen--to consider and report the best method of establishing such -a Seminary with suitable constitutional principles." The following -constituted the committee ordered: John Early, Hezekiah G. Leigh, Caleb -Leach, Charles A. Cooley, William Compton and George M. Anderson, of the -Conference; and Gabriel P. Disosway, Joseph B. Littlejohn, John Nutall, -Lewis Taylor, Joseph Taylor and Jesse H. Cobb, of the laity.... "The -College bill, which was laid on the table, was taken up, and, after some -amendment, was adopted." It would appear from the constitution of the -committee, that John Early made the motion to appoint the committee, and -this was probably the case, because he was then, and for many years -afterwards, a leader in the business of the Conference, and, therefore, -the prime mover in the enterprise, had enlisted his active interest in -the matter. We shall see that this prominent position was held by him -for many years afterwards. - -This was all that was done at this Conference. At the next Conference, -held in Portsmouth, Va., February, 1826, the committee was increased by -adding George W. Charlton and James Smith, ministers, and Robert A. -Armistead, Arthur Cooper, Jesse Nicholson, local preachers, and J. C. -Pegram, Cary Jennings, laymen. On the 20th the committee made a report, -and the report Was laid on the table. On the 22nd the College bill, -which was laid on the table, was taken up, and after some amendments it -was adopted. On the 23rd the "Select Committee," recommended in the bill -adopted on the days previous, was appointed, viz.: Hezekiah G. Leigh, -George W. Charlton, James Smith, John Early, Thomas Crowder, Ethelbert -Drake, ministers, and Gabriel P. Disosway, Robert A. Armistead, William -Clarke, John C. Pegram, laymen. This committee reported at the -succeeding Conference (1827) a "Constitution" for the College, which, -after some amendments, was adopted; and it was further "_Resolved_, that -every member take a subscription paper and use his influence and best -exertions to obtain subscriptions for the benefit of the College -contemplated to be founded within the bounds of this Conference." - -At the Conference of 1828 a new committee of seven was appointed "to see -that all the preachers pay a due and diligent attention to every -regulation and matter appertaining to the establishment of the College -contemplated, and to employ an efficient agent to make collections and -obtain subscriptions for the same, and to maturely consider the -advantages of every place proposed for its site, and to report thereon -to the next Conference upon which the location of the College shall be -fixed." - - -LOCATION AND NAMING OF THE COLLEGE. - -At the Conference of 1829 the committee appointed the year previous made -a report. The Committee had met at Zion Church, in Mecklenburg county. -The citizens of Brunswick offered $20,000 in subscriptions on condition -that the College be located at Physic Springs, about four miles from -Lawrenceville, the county seat, and not very far from the old Ebenezer -Academy. The citizens of Mecklenburg offered a parcel of land near -Boydton, the county seat, at a very low price, and $10,000 in -subscriptions, with some possible advantages from the Boydton Academy. -The location was fixed at or near Boydton, probably, mainly through the -influence of Rev. Hezekiah G. Leigh, the prime mover in the College -enterprise, and Howell Taylor, a very influential Methodist of the -county, together with Hon. William O. Goode and Col. William Townes, -men of great popularity. The site selected was also very near the line -dividing the States of Virginia and North Carolina, and probably more -accessible to the people of the two States at that time than any other -eligible location, and was considered healthful, as well as the centre -of a refined community. The county of Mecklenburg was one of the largest -and wealthiest in the State, and its people and the people of the -adjoining counties of North Carolina were friendly and homogeneous. - -The report of the Committee was confirmed by the Conference, and the -Committee was authorized to apply to the General Assembly of Virginia -for a charter. This the Committee proceeded to do, and Mr. Goode, of -Mecklenburg, presented a bill to incorporate the "Trustees of Henry and -Macon College" Friday, January 15, 1830. After going through the -several readings required, and having several amendments made, on motion -of Mr. Alexander, of Mecklenburg, the title was changed, making it to -read, "An act to incorporate the 'Trustees of Randolph-Macon College.'" -The bill so amended was passed by both houses, and became a law February -3, 1830. The Act in part is as follows: - -"1. _Be it enacted by the General Assembly_, That there be, and is -hereby erected and established, at or near Boydton, in the county of -Mecklenburg, in this Commonwealth, a seminary of learning for the -instruction of youth in the various branches of science and literature, -the useful arts, agriculture, and the learned and foreign languages. - -"2. _And be it further enacted_, That the said seminary shall be known -and called by the name of Randolph-Macon College. - -"3. _And be it further enacted_, That Hezekiah Leigh, John Early, Edward -Cannon, W. A. Smith, William I. Waller, Thomas Crowder, Moses Brock, -James Boyd, William Hammett, Caleb Leach, Matthew M. Dance, Lewis -Skidmore, Augustine Claiborne, Ethelbert Drake, Henry Fitts, John -Nutall, James Wyche, John P. Harrison, Grenville Penn, Walker -Timberlake, John G. Claiborne, Howell Taylor, James Smith, Joel -Blackwell, John Y. Mason, James Garland, Richard G. Morris, John W. -Lewis, William O. Goode, and Nathaniel Alexander be, and are hereby, -constituted and appointed trustees of said college, who and their -successors shall be a body politic and corporate by the name of the -'Trustees of Randolph-Macon College,' who shall have a perpetual -succession and a common seal, and by the name aforesaid they and their -successors shall be capable in law to possess, purchase, receive and -retain to them and their successors forever, any lands, tenements, -rents, goods, chattels or interests of any kind whatsoever, which may -have been already given, or by them purchased for the use of said -College; to dispose of the same in any way whatsoever they shall adjudge -most useful to the interests and legal purposes of the institution; and -by the same name to sue and implead, be sued and impleaded, answer and -be answered, in all courts of law and equity; and under their common -seal to make and establish, from time to time, such by-laws, rules and -ordinances, not contrary to the laws and constitution of this -Commonwealth, as shall by them be thought essential to the good order -and government of the professors, masters and students of said College." - -It will appear above that thirty were constituted trustees. Of the -thirty, twelve were travelling preachers of the Virginia Annual -Conference, and eighteen were local preachers and laymen. The name of -Rev. Hezekiah G. Leigh heads the list, as, by courtesy, was proper. All -were members of the Methodist Church, except the following: Judge John -Y. Mason, John W. Lewis, William O. Goode, and Nathaniel Alexander, the -three latter prominent citizens of Mecklenburg county. Of these a number -lived to take an active part in the affairs of the college for many -years. The last to pass away was Judge Garland, of Lynchburg, who died a -few years since at a very advanced age. - -It is well known for whom Randolph-Macon College was named--John -Randolph, of Roanoke, and Nathaniel Macon, of North Carolina. How it -came about that a Christian and Methodist college should have been named -for men who were not professed Christians, and who had never, so far as -is known, shown any preference or kindly interest for the Methodist -Church, has been a question of interest and speculation. The most -probable solution of the question is that the name was determined very -much by precedent. The oldest college in the State, William and Mary, -founded primarily and specially for educating "the savages" in -Christianity, was named for the King and Queen then on the throne. -Washington College was named for Washington, the hero of the day (1782); -Hampden-Sidney for the champions of liberty and human rights (1783), all -of them Christian colleges, but named for public men, representatives of -the sentiments of the periods uppermost when they were founded. -Following the precedents set by these colleges, the names then most -prominent in Virginia and North Carolina were selected, John Randolph, -of Roanoke, and Nathaniel Macon, one living on the south side of the -Roanoke River and the other on the north side. Neither of these men was -in any way connected with the College, nor did either, so far as is -recorded, ever manifest any interest in it by making a contribution to -it or otherwise, but both were very popular in their native State, in -whose service they literally spent their lives. John Randolph has been -called an infidel by some Northern writers, but those who knew him best -represent him as far from having been such, though he lived at a time -when infidelity was far from being uncommon among public men. At one -time, at least, he was a professed believer in Christ, and never gave up -his belief, however inconsistent in his life, at times, he may have -been. - -Hon. J. K. Paulding, a distinguished author and public man, in a letter -accepting membership in one of the literary societies of the College -soon after it was built, wrote of these men: - -"Randolph-Macon combines the names of two very distinguished men, with -whom I was acquainted; with the former, long and intimately. Mr. Macon -was one of the wisest, most virtuous men I ever knew. His integrity as a -private man was only equalled by his devotion to his country and to the -great principles of liberty, of which he was a most faithful and devoted -advocate. Indeed, I may say, with perfect truth, that in the simplicity -of his habits and character, as well as in the purity of his principles, -he realized more than any man I ever knew the example of a steadfast, -stern, inflexible republican. - -"With Mr. John Randolph I was on terms of intimacy for more than twenty -years. He was a very extraordinary man, whose life and character should -be delineated by one who could analyze them thoroughly and explain their -strange apparent inconsistency. To me it always appeared that but for -the weakness of his physical constitution and the almost perpetual -sufferings it entailed upon him, he would have been one of the highest -models of a high-minded gentleman, as well as one of the wisest, most -consistent statesmen of the age. But his physical infirmities and -sufferings impaired the vigor and consistency of his mind, while they -often soured his temper, and caused those sudden caprices, which lost -him many friends, and made his greatest admirers almost afraid to -indulge in the society of one the charm of whose conversation was -otherwise irresistible. This, however, I will say of him, that whatever -may have been the infirmities of his temper, his principles were of the -most high, and, indeed, lofty character. His integrity was exemplary, -and his devotion to the great principles of liberty consistent and -profound. - -"The life and character of Mr. Macon young men may safely make the -objects of their imitation throughout, while Mr. Randolph is rather a -subject of admiration and wonder. Virginia should be proud of him as an -orator without an equal among his contemporaries and as a man who, with -all his faults, was possessed of many virtues of the very highest -order." - -Looking at the matter from our present standpoint, it seems strange that -a more suitable name was not selected more in accordance with the -special character of the object of the institution, the blending of the -highest culture of the mind with the elevation of Christian character. - -[Illustration: REV. JOHN EARLY. _First President (1832-1868) of the -Board of Trustees of Randolph-Macon College, and Bishop of the Methodist -Episcopal Church, South._] - - - -FIRST MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES. - -The first meeting of the Board of Trustees appointed under the act of -incorporation, was held at Boydtown (so it reads), Mecklenburg county, -Va., April 9, 1830. - -The following members were duly qualified and took their seats, viz.: -Rev. Hezekiah G. Leigh, Rev. John Early, Rev. William A. Smith, Rev. -William I. Waller, Rev. Moses Brock, Rev. James Boyd, Rev. Caleb Leach, -Rev. Matthew M. Dance, Rev. Lewis Skidmore (members of the Virginia -Conference), Rev. John G. Claiborne, Rev. James Smith (local ministers), -Jas. Wyche, Howell Taylor, J. W. Lewis, William O. Goode, and Nathaniel -Alexander, Esqs. Rev. John Early was elected chairman, and Rev. William -A. Smith secretary. - -A committee was appointed to draft rules for the government of the -Board, and one to obtain drafts of buildings for the College. H. G. -Leigh, J. W. Lewis, James Boyd, and L. Skidmore constituted the latter -committee. - -H. G. Leigh, who had been acting as Agent for the College in securing -subscriptions and funds for the College enterprise, under the -appointment of the Virginia Conference, was elected Agent to continue -the same work. A committee was also appointed to secure land for the -location of the College. - -This was the work of the first day. - -At the second session--the next day--Rev. H. G. Leigh, from the -Committee to Draft Rules, etc., reported the rules for the government of -the Board, which were adopted. - -Rev. W. I. Waller submitted the following resolutions, which were -adopted: - -1. That a committee be appointed to prepare an address to the public -generally, and to the ministers and members of the Methodist Episcopal -Church particularly, requesting their aid and co-operation in procuring -funds for the establishment of Randolph-Macon College. - -2. That a copy of the address be sent to each presiding elder and -preacher in charge of circuits and stations within the bounds of the -Virginia Annual Conference. - -William A. Smith, Moses Brock, H. G. Leigh, and William I. Waller were -appointed on this committee. - -It was further resolved that an additional Agent be appointed. - -John W. Lewis was elected Treasurer of the Board. - -H. G. Leigh, from the Committee to obtain drafts for the College -Building, reported three--one to cost $30,182, one $20,569, and one -$19,238. - -The first resolutions adopted in the direction of building was to -appropriate $14,000 towards the purchase of land and the erection of a -College building. - -It was also resolved "that it is expedient to establish a Preparatory -School to Randolph-Macon College as soon as the building can be prepared -for that purpose," and $1,500 was appropriated to its erection. - -A "Committee on Building" was appointed to obtain the best model for the -College building, and contract for, and superintend the construction of, -the same, and also the building for the Preparatory School. - -Rev. H. G. Leigh's salary as agent was fixed at "the usual salary of a -Methodist itinerant preacher." - -The first financial report by the agent was made as follows: - - Monies subscribed, . . . . . . . . . . . $9,135 90 - Monies collected of this, . . . . . . . . . 399 79 - of this doubtful, $380. $8,736 11 - -The offer of the trustees of Boydton Academy to sell the same was not -accepted. - -The committee authorized to purchase land for the College made report, -and the committee was empowered to purchase land from several parties at -an average of about $5.50 per acre. - -The agent reported that the subscription of Mecklenburg county was -$10,000. It was ordered that the subscription paper be deposited with -the Treasurer. - -The first Building Committee appointed was as follows: Hezekiah G. -Leigh, John W. Lewis, James Smith, Matthew M. Dance, Moses Brock, and -John Early; and here the deliberations of the first meeting of the Board -ended. - -With a subscription list of less than $20,000, including the county -subscription, a large portion of which, in those days, as in the -present, was uncollectable and worthless, this band of workers went -forward, "not knowing whither they were going," but, like Abraham, -trusting in the Lord, whose spirit had prompted the enterprise, that he -would bring about a successful issue. Could they have foreseen the -difficulties ahead, the work probably would never have been undertaken, -nor would Columbus ever have discovered a new world if he had foreseen -the difficulties which were before him. - -It is not untimely to pause and dwell on some of the actors in this -work. - -The chairman, Rev. John Early, who was afterwards Bishop of the -Methodist Episcopal Church, South, was at this time in the prime of -life. He was not a college-bred man. He probably valued college -education as highly as he did because he felt so keenly the need of it. -He was, however, in the best sense, an educated man, and a man among -men. From his early manhood his brethren and fellow-citizens manifested -their appreciation of him by calling him to the highest positions in the -church and in the state. The latter, however, were not accepted by him. -It may be safely said that no man ever lived in Virginia who was more -intimately or more widely known than John Early. No man ever knew more -men. Few ever had more seals to their ministry. Not neglecting his own -peculiar work in the church, he was always foremost in everything that -he esteemed promotive of the good of the church and the state. From the -outset he threw into the college enterprise all his great energy, and -gave it the benefit of his large practical sense, because he felt that -the church, as well as the state, was in need of such an agency. Under -the charter, as subsequently amended, he was elected President of the -Board of Trustees, and retained that position for about forty years, -rarely ever failing to attend the annual meetings, when attendance -involved days of tedious and difficult travel over rough roads. When -over eighty years of age he was found at his place in the Board. -Doubtless his latest prayers were for the success of the cause to which -he gave many of the years of his manhood's prime. Randolph-Macon College -will never let the name of John Early be forgotten. His portrait adorns -the Trustees' room, and his eyes look down every June on his successors -in the Board of Trustees, who are laboring to carry forward the work -which he and his co-laborers commenced in 1825. - -The first secretary, Rev. William Andrew Smith, was another man of -power, a self-made man, as such men are commonly called. He accepted the -"call from on high" to do great things. He was endowed with a -wonderfully fertile and active mind. When fully aroused in any cause his -heart espoused, he was a power with the people and with deliberative -bodies. Commencing active service for the College as Secretary of the -Board, he lived to become the President of the College from 1847 to -1865. When he took charge of it, the College was at the lowest condition -financially as well as in patronage, that it ever reached. Full of faith -and zeal himself, he infused new life into it and animated its friends -with fresh courage and zeal. Realizing that an endowment was absolutely -essential, in 1855 he undertook to raise $100,000 for it, and succeeded. -Of this endowment more will be said further on. - -[Illustration: REV. LEWIS SKIDMORE. _Original member of Board of -Trustees._] - -Another self-made man among the corporators present was Lewis Skidmore. -In native talent of a peculiar order, he was second to none of his -associates. He had, however, none of the ambition of some of the others. -For power of argumentation on any subject he took in hand, he was equal -to the foremost. He said once, when asked at what college he had -graduated, "I graduated at the anvil." When the hammer of his logic -struck it shaped or shivered the object it struck. As punctual as a -clock, the day before the Trustees were to meet, his rotund form would -be seen about the same hour rising over the western hill as the sun was -going down. - -Space will not allow particular reference to the other members of the -Board. All of them were men of mark in their callings. Three of -them--laymen, citizens of Mecklenburg county--were not members of the -Methodist church. - -William O. Goode was a representative man. He was a member of the -Legislature, and brought forward the College bill. He was a member of -the State Convention of 1829 and of the Congress of the United States -for several sessions. - -Nathaniel Alexander was a wealthy planter and a man of fine education, -and represented his county in the Legislature more than once. - -John W. Lewis was a lawyer of prominence, and served as Treasurer of the -College as long as he lived. - -The fact that these men were on the Board will show that sectarian -bigotry was not so strong in olden times as some have been inclined to -believe. - -Rev. John G. Claiborne served on the Board for many years faithfully and -efficiently, and outlived all of the original members. - - -At the second meeting of the Board of Trustees, held October 30, 1830 -(Rev. John Early, chairman, presiding), the Building Committee reported -the plan for the main College building, with cost of erection. William -A. Howard and Dabney Cosby were the contractors. The plan embraced a -centre brick building fifty-two feet front by fifty-four deep, with -wings east and west sixty-seven and a half feet each, making a total -front of one hundred and eighty-seven feet, all four stories high. The -contract price for the same, except painting, tin roof, casement of the -library, and seats in the chapel, to be finished in "a plain, -workman-like manner, of the best materials," to be $14,137, and it was -to be ready for occupancy by the spring of 1832. The committee also -reported the purchase of two hundred and fifty-seven acres of land from -several parties, including previous purchase, the several tracts forming -a solid body. - -Rev. H. G. Leigh, Agent, made report as to the finances, as follows: - - Monies collected to date, . . . . $ 941 59 - Subscriptions deemed good, . . . . 27,762 70 - Total,. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $28,703 29 - -Rev. William Hammett, an eloquent Irish minister, was appointed agent -for soliciting additional funds. - -Of the subscriptions made by citizens of Mecklenburg county, the name of -William Townes heads the list with $1,000, the largest subscription to -the College funds in early times. He was not a Methodist, nor a member -of any church, but he was one of the earliest and best friends of the -College. - -On the early subscription lists there were about five hundred names. -Next to the subscription of Col. Townes, there were none above $300. - - -The third meeting of the Board of Trustees was held April 15, 1831, Rev. -John Early, chairman, presiding. The following items of business -transacted are noted: - -Rev. Thomas Adams, a local minister, of Lunenburg county, was elected in -place of Rev. James Smith, who resigned his membership. - -A "Stewards' Hall" was authorized, the cost of the building of which was -not to exceed $4,000. - -The chairman of the Board was authorized to advertise that the Board -would proceed to elect at the next meeting (in October, 1831) a -President, Professors, and Masters. - -The salary of the President to be elected was fixed at $1,000 for the -first year; salaries of the Professors for the first year, $800. - - -The fourth meeting of the Board was held October 13, 1831, Rev. John -Early in the chair. - -At this meeting Rev. H. G. Leigh, Agent, reported subscriptions -amounting to $9,873, and Rev. William Hammett, $13,047, in all $22,920. - -The South Carolina Conference was formally invited to unite and -co-operate with the Board in the support of Randolph-Macon College, with -the proviso that should the Conference agree so to do, the Board would -elect six members Trustees from the bounds of that Conference. - -Rev. Martin P. Parks was appointed the Agent to communicate with said -Conference and to solicit subscriptions. - -The Building Committee reported the centre building walls up and covered -in and the wings well under way; also, the purchase of additional land. - -The committee to whom was referred the matter of nominating a President -and Professors reported, and the following elections were made: Rev. -John Emory, D. D., of New York, President and Professor of Moral -Science; Rev. Martin P. Parks, of North Carolina, Professor of -Mathematics; Landon C. Garland, of Virginia, Professor of Natural -Science; Rev. Robert Emory, of New York, Professor of Languages. - -Mr. William O. Goode, member of the Legislature, of Mecklenburg county, -was appointed to ask of the General Assembly of Virginia aid for the -College. - - -FIFTH MEETING OF THE BOARD. - -A called meeting of the Board was held April 4, 1832. At this meeting -letters were presented and read announcing the declination of Dr. John -Emory to accept the presidency of the College, and of Rev. Robert Emory -to accept the chair to which he was elected. The letters were as -follows: - -New York, _February 17, 1832_. - -"REV. AND DEAR SIR: My conviction of the importance of time to enable -you to make suitable arrangements for the opening of Randolph-Macon -College at the appointed period, induces me to avail myself of the -occasion of your assembling in Conference to communicate to you the -conclusion to which I have come, on mature reflection, in regard to the -high and honorable post to which you have kindly invited me in that -institution. - -"I trust I need not repeat here how sincerely my best wishes attend your -exertions in the cause of education, nor the pleasure I should take in -contributing any small service in my power towards your success. - -"Considering, however, the confinement which such a situation would -require of me, the studies to which it would oblige me to devote myself -in order to discharge its duties as I would wish, and the effect which -such a course would be likely to have upon my health, already needing -rather relief from the arduous duties of my present post, I am under the -necessity of declining the acceptance of your kind invitation, and beg -you for me to make this communication to the Board over which you -preside. - -"Be pleased, at the same time, to accept for yourself personally, and to -convey to the members of the Board, the assurance of the deep sense I -entertain of the obligations you have laid me under, as well as in -behalf of my son as in my own; and that you may at all times command any -service which it may be in my power to render as friends of the -important institution under your care. - -"Very respectfully, Rev. and dear sir, yours, - -"J. EMORY." - -"_To the Rev. John Early_, - -Chairman, etc.. of the Board of Trustees of Randolph-Macon College, Va." - -"New York, November 3, 1831. - -"REV. AND DEAR SIR: Yours of the 15th ultimo was duly received, and -would have elicited an earlier reply but for the absence of my father, -whom I wished to consult previously to communicating my own views of the -subject. - -"I take, however, the earliest opportunity after his return to express -through you, to the Board of Trustees, the high sense which I entertain -of the flattering honor which they have been pleased to confer upon me, -and at the same time my regret for the necessity which I am under of -declining its acceptance. - -"My anxiety to prosecute thoroughly and with an undivided attention the -study of a profession is such that neither my desire to promote the -interests of education, nor even the temptation of the honorable post -which you have offered me, and the agreeable society which I should -enjoy in Virginia, are sufficient to withdraw me from a course in which -my father has had the kindness to yield me his acquiescence. With the -best wishes for the prosperity of your institution, and a hope that you -may secure for it the services of one whose ability (though certainly -not his desire) to serve you will be far greater than mine, I remain -with great respect, - -"Yours, &c., R. EMORY. - -"_To the Rev. John Early_." - - -Prof. Landon C. Garland and Rev. Martin P. Parks accepted the chairs to -which they had been elected at the previous meeting. Their letters of -acceptance were as follows: - - -FROM LANDON C. GARLAND. - -"WASHINGTON COLLEGE, December 13, 1831. - -"DEAR SIR: Circumstances not altogether under my control have prevented -me from replying to your communication of October 15th as early as I -wished. Having given to its contents that mature deliberation which -their importance surely demanded, I feel myself prepared to give a final -decision. - -"The only ambition of my life has been to devote all my time and talents -to the promotion and welfare and happiness of our common country; and -that situation which would enable me to do this _most efficiently_ I -have ever esteemed most eligible. Contemplating in this spirit the -important and extensive field of useful labor which Randolph-Macon -College presents, I have felt it a duty incumbent upon me to obey the -call which you so politely communicated in behalf of its Trustees. And -through you I beg leave to assure them that this discharge of duty -accords with every impulse of the heart; and I do trust that by a -vigorous and united exertion with those associated with me, we shall in -some humble measure redeem the pledge, which by our acceptance we make -both to that body and to the world. - -"Yours very sincerely, - -"LANDON C. GARLAND. - -"_To the Rev. John Early_." - - -FROM M. P. PARKS. - -PETERSBURG, VA., _April 3, 1832_. - -"REV. AND DEAR SIR: I hereby acknowledge the receipt of your official -letter informing me of my election to the professorship of mathematics -in Randolph-Macon College. My answer has been delayed until the present -that I might have an opportunity of consulting the Virginia Conference, -of which I am a member, before replying definitely to your -communication. The Conference at its last session having advised me to -the acceptance of the professorship tendered, it is hereby accepted. And -in accepting it, which I cannot do but with diffidence, in view of the -important duties and high responsibilities therewith connected, I beg -that you will present to the Board of Trustees my acknowledgements for -the favorable light in which they have been pleased to view my -qualifications for the department to which I am called. - -"For the institution now growing under their auspices I cherish the -warmest regard, and so far as devotion to its interests can ensure -success, I hope not altogether to disappoint the expectations of the -Board. More, it is presumed, need not be promised; less could not be -required. Offering through you to the Board my most Christian regards, I -have the pleasure to subscribe myself, dear sir, - -"Very respectfully yours, - -"M. P. PARKS." - - -Dr. John Emory was subsequently elected Bishop of the Methodist -Episcopal Church, and was one of the most honored and beloved Bishops -that church ever had. It was soon called to mourn his sudden and -untimely death, which occurred while he was in the prime of life and in -the height of a most useful career. His name is made honorable by its -association with two colleges of the church--Emory College, Oxford, -Georgia, founded in 1837, and Emory and Henry College, Virginia, founded -1838. - -His son, Rev. Robert Emory, was subsequently president of Dickinson -College, Pennsylvania, and was most highly esteemed by the church. His -name is known and repeated to this day as the christian name of children -whose fathers were under his care and tutelage at Dickinson College. - -At this meeting the Board found the Preparatory School in operation. It -had been opened in January, 1832. The first principal, Rev. Lorenzo Lea, -A. M., was not able to take charge of it promptly because of a -previous engagement at Chapel Hill University, North Carolina. He did -commence his work, however, early in the year. His place was temporarily -supplied by Mr. Hugh A. Garland, brother of Prof. Landon C. Garland, a -graduate of Hampden-Sidney College, who afterwards was clerk of the -House of Representatives of the United States, and the author of "The -Life of John Randolph, of Roanoke." - -The Preparatory School had during the first term a patronage of -thirty-eight. The Board ordered for this School an assistant teacher. - -In order to extend the influence and patronage of the College, the Board -took steps to secure the cooperation of the Georgia Conference of the -Methodist Episcopal Church, offering a representation on the Board of -such as should be nominated to it by the Conference. - - -SIXTH MEETING OF THE BOARD, JULY 4, 1832. - -Rev. Martin P. Parks, professor-elect, requested by the Board at its -last meeting, appeared and delivered "a learned, eloquent, and patriotic -address" before the Board and the public. - -The same gentleman, who had been appointed by the Board to visit the -South Carolina Conference to invite their cooperation in the College -enterprise, made a report of his mission, and laid before the Board the -response of the Conference, which was as follows: "The committee to whom -was referred the address and resolutions of the Board of Trustees of -Randolph-Macon College, report: - -"That they have had the same under consideration, and been favored With -an interview With the esteemed agent of the Board, Brother Parks, and -from all that has been presented to them, and which they have duly -weighed and examined respecting the College, have come unanimously to -the conclusion that the Conference ought to regard it with favor, and -accordingly do recommend the following resolutions: - -"_Resolved_, That the establishment of a well-endowed college, purely -literary and scientific, in a desirable place in the Southern Atlantic -States, and under the direction and control of a Faculty and Board of -Trustees, consisting, and perpetually to consist, of members and friends -of our church, is an object of first importance, vitally interesting to -our Zion, and deserving of the best wishes and assistance of all our -friends. - -"_Resolved_, That Randolph-Macon College, of Virginia, instituted under -an ample charter, of the State of Virginia, and now shortly to be opened -under the auspices of the Virginia Conference, possesses every -reasonable prospect of soon becoming in all respects all that the -friends of literature and religion, and those of our own church, -especially, could desire, and is entitled to, and ought to receive, the -preference and patronage of this Conference. - -"_Resolved_, That we earnestly recommend the Randolph-Macon College -aforesaid to all our brethren and friends of the South Carolina -Conference, and will cordially receive an agent and second his efforts -when such an one shall be sent to solicit aid for the College. - -"_Resolved_, That we accept a share in the supervision of the College -approved by the Board of Trustees, and nominate six suitable persons of -the ministry and membership of the church indifferently within our -Conference limits to be elected into the Board of Trustees on our -behalf. - -"All of which is respectfully submitted. - -"(Signed) W. CAPERS, _Chairman_. - -"On motion, it was resolved unanimously that the above report he -adopted. - -"The Conference then proceeded to nominate the following Trustees, viz.: -Col. Thomas Williams, Major Alexander Speed, Rev. Dr. William Capers, -Rev. Wm. M. Kennedy, Rev. William M. Wightman, and Rev. William Holmes -Ellison. - -"Teste: WILLIAM M. WIGHTMAN, - -"_Secretary_. - -"DARLINGTON, S. C., _January 30, 1832_." - -The above nominees of the South Carolina Conference were elected members -of the Board. - -George W. Jeffries, of North Carolina, was elected a trustee in place of -John Nuttall, deceased. - -The Baltimore Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church was invited -to unite and co-operate with the Board on the same terms and conditions -offered the Georgia Conference. An agent was appointed to visit these -Conferences in order to secure their co-operation. John Early was -appointed to visit them. - -The Holston Conference was likewise invited to cooperate with the Board, -and Rev. William Hammett was appointed to visit that Conference. - -The Finance Committee reported the receipts and expenditures to date, as -follows: - - Receipts, . . . . . . $11,350 02 - Expenditures,. . . . . 10,516 26 - Balance on hand, . . . . $833 76 - -Appropriations for the first year (including salaries of agents of the -College, $300), $4,500. - -A steward for the Boarding Hall was elected. The price of board of -students was fixed at six dollars per month at the Steward's Hall. - -On motion of Rev. William Hammett, Rev. Stephen Olin, of Franklin -College, Georgia, was unanimously elected President of the College. - -It was ordered that the College be opened for students on October 9, -1832. - -Prof. Edward Dromgoole Sims, A. M., of LaGrange College, Alabama, was -elected Professor of Languages. - -Dr. Olin and Prof. Sims subsequently accepted the positions to which -they were elected. Their letters of acceptance were as follows: - -"_Rev. John Early_, - -"DEAR SIR: I hereby announce to you, and through you to the Trustees of -Randolph-Macon College, that I accept the presidency of that -institution, as conferred upon me in July, 1832. I design to resign my -professorship in Franklin College as early as I can, consistently with -duty and propriety, and hope to be at Randolph-Macon at least as early -as the next commencement. - -"Yours very respectfully, - -"S. OLIN. - -"ATHENS, GA., _January 9, 1833_." - - -"LAGRANGE, ALA., _August 7, 1832_. - -"DEAR SIR: Your letter communicating the result of the late election of -officers for Randolph-Macon College was received eight or ten days ago. - -"In relation to the Professorship of Languages, to which the Trustees -have done me the honor to invite me, I have to say: In a previous letter -to you on this subject entire freedom to accept or decline was reserved -by me until I could procure more satisfactory information from Brother -Paine concerning the prospects of the institution. At this time there -exists no objection in my mind, and accordingly I now make known to you, -with pleasure, my acceptance of the appointment, and desire you to -communicate the same to the Board of Trustees. - -"Please accept for yourself and them my sincere regard and best wishes. - -"With brotherly love, ED. D. SIMS. - -"REV. JOHN EARLY" - - -The acceptance of Dr. Olin completed the Faculty, when it came, several -months after the College was opened. Rev. M. P. Parks, professor-elect, -acted as president until Dr. Olin entered on his duties. The first Board -of Instruction was as follows: - -Rev. Stephen Olin, A. M., D. D. (Middlebury College, Vermont), President -and Professor of Moral Science. - -Rev. Martin P. Parks, graduate West Point Academy, Professor of -Mathematics. - -Landon C. Garland, A. M., Hampden-Sidney College, Virginia, Professor of -Natural Science. - -Rev. Edward D. Sims, A. M., Chapel Hill (N. C. University), Professor -of Languages. - -Rev. Lorenzo Lea, A. B., Chapel Hill (N. C. University), Principal of -Preparatory School. - -It will be appropriate and interesting to give sketches at this point of -the men composing this first Faculty of the oldest Methodist College now -in existence in America by date of incorporation; not simply on that -account, but because they were mostly men of great ability, and made -their mark on the times in which they lived in a way and to an extent -that few others, if any, have ever done in the South. - -Dr. Stephen Olin was a native of Vermont, as was Dr. Wilbur Fisk, who, -contemporaneously with him, was moving on a parallel line at the -Wesleyan University, in Connecticut. These names, Olin and Fisk, the -Church, and the alumni of the colleges they presided over will never let -die. Wherever the initials "S. O." and "W. F." are seen in any -catalogue, it will be readily understood that they respectively stand -for these names, and they are common now, over a half-century after the -principals ceased to live. - -President Olin was a graduate of Middlebury College, Vermont. He took -the first honor in his class. From too much confinement and over-study -his health gave way. On this account he went to South Carolina, and took -charge of an academy at Cokesbury. - -He was fortunate in casting his lot in a very religious community, whose -leading men, patrons of the academy, were pious Methodists. He had had -no acquaintance with Methodists. He was not only not a Christian, but he -had been much troubled in his religious belief, and was inclined to he -skeptical. His views were changed by reading Butler's _Analogy_ and -Paley's _Evidences_. - -It was the rule and custom at the Cokesbury Academy to open the school -with the reading of the Scriptures and prayer. This requirement he had -to carry out. One day while engaged in prayer he was powerfully -convicted, and immediately sought pardon, and found peace in believing. -Very soon afterwards he felt called to preach, and entered the ministry, -and after a few years he joined the Conference, and was appointed to a -church in Charleston, S. C. His health, however, allowed him to remain -but a short time in the itinerancy. He accepted a professorship in -Franklin College, Athens, Ga., at which institution he remained till he -left to become President of Randolph-Macon College. - -[Illustration: REV. STEPHEN OLIN, D. D., _First President of -Randolph-Macon College._] - -Rev. Solomon Lea, who was associated with Dr. Olin during his presidency -at Randolph-Macon, gives the following points in regard to him: - -"In his physique he had large frame and limbs, but was well -proportioned. He had dreamy eyes and sallow complexion, indicating deep -affliction. He never saw a well day, and yet he faithfully attended to -all his duties. I have heard it said that he thanked God for his -affliction. Like Paul he could glory in his affliction. He preached but -seldom on account of his health. I shall never forget his sermons. The -impression made by them seemed to follow me day and night for weeks and -months. His style and manner were peculiar, differing from any other man -I ever heard. His language was simple, pure English, free from -technicalities and pompous words. His manner rather labored, not from -loudness of voice, nor from gesticulation, but his profound thoughts -elaborated in his giant mind seemed to struggle for utterance. There was -no attempt at what is called eloquence. I have heard most of the great -preachers of the day, some of them yery great, but I never heard the -equal of Olin." - -Rev. Leroy M. Lee, D. D., long a member of the Virginia Conference, and -editor of the Conference paper, said of Dr. Olin: "He was the only truly -great man I have ever seen of whom I do not feel constrained to say, on -analyzing his character, - -"'Tis distance lends enchantment to the view.'" - -Rev. W. M. Lewis, D. D., of Missouri, who spent several years of college -life under him, said of him: "He was of large and majestic form, a -physical and intellectual giant, a paragon of moral and religious -excellence, a perfect model of a Christian gentleman and scholar and -pulpit orator. In my opinion the church has never had a better or -greater man." - -Rev. W. B. Rowzie, long connected with the College as Financial Agent -and also as Chaplain, said: "He was a genial companion. No one could he -in his society without feeling that he was in the company of one of the -first men of the age, and yet he was modest and unassuming, as if -unconscious of his greatness." - -Dr. John E. Edwards, who visited the College frequently in its early -history, wrote: "Dr. Olin's personal appearance impressed me as no other -man ever impressed me. The Greeks would have deified him as a god." - -W. F. Samford, LL. D., of Alabama, who graduated at Randolph-Macon -College in June, 1837, wrote: "Physically, intellectually and morally, -Stephen Olin was a giant--as veritable a one as Og, king of Bashan. He -might well rank with the 'mighty men who were of old, men of renown' -_facile princeps_ among all the great men I have ever known. The -etymology of this word, by which I have designated him, _gigas_, suggests -its appropriateness--a man of violence and terror. Without the -restraints of divine grace his passions were volcanic, his ambition -boundless. He once told me that before his conversion to Christianity he -'would have bartered a crown in heaven for a seat in Congress.' How -humble, how patient, how loving he became as a disciple of Christ! -'Great, humble man!' exclaimed Dr. Leroy Lee, of Virginia, when he met -him at the Conference in Lynchburg in 1835. Olin had disclosed his whole -heart to Lee in a rebuke which he administered to him for a display of -untempered zeal in a debate on the Conference floor--'What business have -you with any feelings in the matter? A man of God should be gentle and -easy to be entreated.'" - -It may be thought that the estimates of Dr. Olin above given were -partial, and hence not fully reliable. It is proper, therefore, to give -the opinion of Rev. Theo. L. Cuyler, D. D., one of the most -distinguished ministers of the Presbyterian Church, and one of the best -writers of the present century. He speaks of him as President of -Wesleyan University, Connecticut, about ten years after he left -Randolph-Macon: - -"In physical, mental, and spiritual stature combined, no Methodist in -the last generation towered above Dr. Stephen Olin. He was a great -writer, a great educator, and preeminently a great preacher of the -glorious gospel. During the summer of 1845, While I was a student for -the ministry, I spent some time at Middletown, Conn. Dr. Olin was then -the President of the Wesleyan University, and was at the height of his -fame and usefulness. Like all great men, he was very simple and -unassuming in his manners; with his grand, logical head was coupled a -warm, loving heart. When his emotional nature was once kindled it was -like a Pennsylvania anthracite coal-mine on fire. These qualities of -argumentative power and intense spiritual zeal combined made him a -tremendous preacher. No one doubted that Stephen Olin had the baptism of -the Holy Spirit. - -"In physical stature he was a king of men; above six feet in height, he -had a broad, gigantic frame and a lofty brow that resembled the brow of -Daniel Webster. The congregation of the principal Methodist Church in -Middletown always knew when Dr. Olin was going to preach; for the astral -lamps were moved off the pulpit to prevent their being smashed by the -sweep of his long arms. He was a vehement speaker, and threw his whole -man, from head to foot, into the tide of his impassioned oratory. In the -blending of logical power with heat of spiritual feeling and vigor of -declamation, he was unsurpassed by any American preacher of his time. -His printed discourses read well, but they lack the electricity of the -moment and the man. Thunder and lightning must be heard and seen: they -cannot be transferred to paper. As I recall Olin now (after the lapse of -five and forty years); as I see him again in the full flow of his -majestic eloquence, or when surrounded by his students in the -class-room, I do not wonder that the Middletown boys were ready to pit -him against any president or any preacher on the American soil. There -are old graduates of the University yet living who delight to think of -him and to speak of him, and to assert that - - "'Whoso had beheld him then. - Had felt an awe and admiration without dread; - And might have said, - That sure he seemed to be the king of men. - Less than the greatest that he could not be - Who carried in his port such might and majesty.' - -"In August, 1851, I paid a visit to Professor Smith, whose wife was my -kinswoman, and on my arrival I learned that the President of the -University was dangerously ill. The next morning my host startled me -with the announcement, 'Dr. Olin is dead!' He had fallen at the age of -fifty-four, when he was just in his splendid prime. There was great -mourning for him throughout the whole Methodist realm, for he was a -prince in their Israel, who held an imperial rank above any of his -contemporaries. He took a large life with him when he went home to -heaven; and valuable as were his writings, yet his imposing personality -was greater than any of his published productions." - -Rev. Martin P. Parks, Professor of Mathematics, acted as President of -the College from its opening session, in October, 1832, until Dr. Olin -took the place, March, 1834. He was a minister in North Carolina when -elected professor. He had been educated at the United States Military -Academy at West Point, New York, where mathematics was taught more -thoroughly than at other schools of that day. He was a brilliant -preacher, and on that account he was put forward frequently, like his -contemporaries, Hammett and Maffitt, to advance the enterprises of the -church. Of his administration of the College not much can be said. His -military education had much to do with making the laws exacting and -minute. Rev. Solomon Lea (quoted above) said of Professor Parks: - -"Professor Parks was a great and good man, a fine preacher, was of a -sad, morose temperament, arising, no doubt, mainly from his physical -condition, as he was a great dyspeptic, and the most nervous person I -ever met. He could not bear the crowing of a rooster or the bleating of -a calf; this, together with other considerations, had the tendency to -make him suspicious, cold, and envious, so much so that Dr. Olin -remarked to me that he had to go often once a month to Parks' house, -read a portion of the Bible, and then pray together, and part with -expressions of mutual love and kind feelings. This was often done by Dr. -Olin. Poor Brother Parks, great and good man as he was (for I never -doubted his piety), finally yielded so much to his temperament and -jealous feelings as to resign his position, withdrew from the Methodist -Church, and joined the Episcopalians." - -Professor Landon Cabell Garland, first professor of Natural Philosophy, -Chemistry and Geology, was a native of Nelson county, Va., of which his -father was the clerk. He was born March 24, 1810. At the age of nineteen -he took his degree of A. B. at Hampden-Sidney College, Virginia. -Immediately afterward he was elected to the chair of Chemistry at -Washington College, Lexington, Va., where he continued till October, -1832, when he took charge of the same chair at Randolph-Macon. Bishop -Fitzgerald, in _Eminent Methodists_, says of him: "His change from -Washington College to Randolph-Macon was characteristic of Dr. Garland. -There was more money in the one place, but more usefulness in the other. -He was a Methodist, and he felt that Methodism had a paramount claim to -his services." This was indicated clearly in his letter of acceptance of -the place. Few men ever filled chairs at two colleges at an age just -past twenty-one. This will indicate what estimate was placed on him at -so early an age, and what was proven in this case to have been fully -correct, by his long service of sixty-five years as an educator. Nothing -but a most natural and remarkable modesty prevented him from becoming as -conspicuous as he was well entitled to be, unless it was that he spent -his long life in the South, the Nazareth of the nation, out of which few -"prophets can come," if we judge by _The Cyclopedia of Biography_, which -side-tracks such men as Garland and Duncan, whose names will shine -"forever and ever" when thousands of those given in full, with -portraits, shall have been forgotten, as if they never had lived. - -If a man could be too modest and retiring Dr. Garland was such a man. -Notwithstanding this, he lived to become President of Randolph-Macon -College from 1836, after Dr. Olin left, till 1847, then Professor and -President of the University of Alabama, Professor in the University of -Mississippi, and finally Chancellor of the Vanderbilt University at -Nashville, Tenn. In all these high places he influenced for good -hundreds of young men whose praise is in all the churches and homes of -the land. When he died, in 1895, these multiplied hundreds rose up and -"called him blessed." If Virginia ever gave birth to a man who did more -real service to the manhood of the South, his name and place would be -hard to find. - -Prof. Edward Dromgoole Sims was born in Brunswick county, Va., March 24, -1805. He was the grandson of Rev. Edward Dromgoole, one of the pioneer -Methodist preachers in the State of Virginia, and one of the trustees -appointed by Bishop Asbury for Ebenezer Academy, before referred to as -the first Methodist school of its kind in the State.* He was a man of -talents and great influence, and a member of the original Virginia -Conference. One of his sons, George C. Dromgoole, was a member of -Congress for many years, and was probably the most talented and -influential member of the Virginia delegation in his day. - -* This school was established in 1796, instead of 1786, as the -Records of Brunswick County, recently found, show. - -Prof. Sims took his A. B. degree at the University of North Carolina in -1824, and his A. M. degree in 1827, and was a tutor at that University -for three years. He was a Professor at LaGrange College, Alabama, at the -time he was elected Professor at Randolph-Macon. Like Dr. Olin his -personal appearance was very marked. He was a man of great dignity and -gentlemanly manner, and a most devoted Christian. Though not endowed by -nature with the mental power of others of his associates, he -nevertheless, by industrious application, became a fine scholar and a -model professor. He was the originator of the "English Course" in -colleges, of which more will be said further on. His department embraced -the "Ancient Languages." - -The Preparatory Department was under the control of Rev. Lorenzo Lea, an -A. M. of the University of North Carolina, and a native of North -Carolina. His contemporaries spoke well of him as a man of fine -accomplishments and skill as a teacher. He also had been a tutor at his -_Alma Mater_. - -Thus equipped, Randolph-Macon College entered on its career--a career -full of unforeseen trials and difficulties. It was to a great extent a -new experiment, and the great need of the College, without which few, if -any, have ever lived beyond a sickly existence, that is, a proper -endowment, was a _desideratum_ unprovided for at this time. The funds -on hand and subscriptions did not suffice to supply the buildings -necessary and other outfit. Other colleges of the Methodist Church in -distant States had entered on the same course. They had gone down or -were soon to go down. This one now to be launched, under the good -providence and blessing of God, was to survive the chill of poverty and -the disasters of war--cast down often, but not destroyed. After over a -half-century of struggle it was to anchor in a safe haven. Hope kindly -blinded the eyes of those who launched the ship and prophesied a -prosperous voyage. Faith sowed in tears ofttimes, and after many days -gathered in the precious harvest. It was to be indeed _Alma Mater_ to -many sons, and daughters, too, and a mother of many other Methodist -colleges, blessing every State in the South, some of them surpassing in -outfit and endowment the mother. As a loving mother rejoices with and in -her daughters, so does Randolph-Macon rejoice in the colleges of the -church she has lived to see grow and flourish. - -Before proceeding further, let us look at the location and outfit of the -College at the opening day. - -The first College building erected stood on gently rising ground, one -mile west of the village of Boydton, in the centre of what had been a -race-track. On the north was an "old field," once cultivated, but now -partially covered with pine and broom-sedge, a part seamed with gulleys. -One splendid sweet-gum tree fronted the west wing. On the south there -were small oaks of second growth, just large enough to furnish partial -shade. Outside of the campus further on were thickets on both sides of -the avenue leading to the Clarksville road. The campus contained about -four acres, and was enclosed by a heavy wooden fence. The style of the -building is shown on the opposite page. - -[Illustration: RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE. _Main Building, 1832._] - -The centre building contained the chapel on the north side--a room about -fifty-two feet by thirty-two, with galleries on all sides but one. The -other parts of this building were arranged for lecture-rooms, laboratory -and halls for the literary societies. The wings of the centre building -contained each twenty-four dormitories, each large enough for two -occupants. Until the Professors' houses were built there was not a -dwelling-house nearer than Boydton. Soon after the College was built, an -avenue was opened from it to Boydton, bringing the College building and -the village in sight of each other. Clarksville, a town of some -importance in the tobacco trade, was twelve miles distant. Here was a -bank and mercantile and tobacco houses. - -The country around was such as was usual in the uplands of South-side -Virginia, fairly productive of tobacco and grain. Petersburg was the -nearest town of much size. To this town, about seventy miles away, much -of the products of the country was wagoned over a dirt road, -indifferently good in some seasons and almost impassible in others. The -people around the College were kind and hospitable, representative of -old Virginia in those days, not Methodist particularly in their -persuasion; the more wealthy inclined to the Episcopal Church. There -was an old Methodist Church in Boydton, but after the College was built -the chapel became the worshipping place for the Methodists of the -community. - -The Preparatory School, a building containing two school-rooms, stood -about a mile away from the College. The "Steward's Hall," a two-story -brick building, fronted the College building on the north, intended to -afford board for the students. In "old Virginia" style, this was several -hundred yards distant from the College building. - -The President's house stood about the same distance away. It was a plain -brick building of one story. To the south and southwest other -professors' houses were located, all with a sufficiency of land for -gardens and lawns. - -"The Hotel" was built soon after the College was opened, about a quarter -of a mile to the south, on the Clarksville road. This had about a dozen -rooms in it, and was intended mainly for the boys at the Preparatory -School and to accommodate visitors. - -It will be seen that the Building Committee had much to do before -suitable accommodations could be provided for the professors and -students. That many mistakes were made in this work, and in the location -of the buildings and other matters, was not to be wondered at. They were -the result of inexperience in the men in charge, not of any want of good -intention and effort on their part. When it is considered that all the -lumber for the buildings had to be sawed by the old-fashioned "pit-saw," -and much of the other material had to be wagoned for seventy miles, we -must not wonder that two years were consumed in bringing the buildings -to partial completion. - -As the buildings stood when completed, they were as good as those of any -other college in the State had, and possibly better. The University of -Virginia, opened in 1825, had better and more extensive ones. - -The regular exercises of the College proper commenced on the day -appointed, October 9th, 1832, Prof. M. P. Parks acting as President, in -the absence of President Olin. - -If any account of the opening-day exercises were published it has not -come down to us. The first schedule of expenses was as follows: - - Tuition fee for session of ten months, . . . . $30 00 - Board (meals only), . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 00 - Bedding and washing, . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 00 - Fuel,. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 00 - Lights,. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 00 - Deposit fee, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 00 - Total, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$120 00 - -The first meeting of the Board of Trustees after the opening was held -February 5, 1833. - -At this meeting the following communication from the Georgia Conference -Was received: - -"LAGRANGE, Ga. - -"We feel a deep interest in the success of Randolph-Macon College. We -have full confidence in its moral and literary character and prospects, -and we will recommend it to the patronage of all who may be disposed to -send their sons or wards beyond the limits of the State to be educated. - -"We will appoint four Trustees agreeable to the proposal made by Brother -Early, the Agent of the College, who visited us. Whereupon the -Conference nominated the Rev. Ignatius Few and Rev. Lovick Pierce, -members of the Conference, and Seaborn Jones and John C. Poythress, -Esquires, for that purpose. - -"_Resolved_, That the Trustees of Randolph-Macon College be invited -through their representative, the Rev. John Early, to send an agent, -whenever they may judge it most suitable, to obtain donations within the -Conference in aid of the institution; and that Brother Early be, and he -is hereby, invited to take up contributions. - -"(Signed) JNO. HOWARD, - -"_Sec'y Georgia Conference_." - -The nominees named above were elected Trustees of the College. - -Rev. I. A. Few and Rev. L. Pierce were, by resolution of the Board, -requested to act as agents for the College in the Boards of the Georgia -Conference for securing funds for the College. - -Rev. Robert G. Loving, A. B., was elected assistant teacher in the -Preparatory School. - -Rev. John Early was appointed Agent for the College in the place of Rev. -H. G. Leigh, resigned, and Rev. W. A. Smith was appointed Assistant -Agent in place of Rev. William Hammett who had signified his intention -to resign. - -The salary of President Olin was fixed at $1,500. - -The first report of the Faculty, made through its Secretary, Prof. -Garland, gave the following points of interest: - -Though the session opened under many difficulties and embarrassments, -with buildings not entirely completed, still great satisfaction was -expressed at the success attained, and at the spirit and character of -the students who attended the first term. A number of these were from -the States of North and South Carolina and Georgia. The progress made -in the College course had been marked and satisfactory. The main -drawback had been in some cases a want of preparation for the course. - -The Faculty made a strong appeal for apparatus for the Natural Science -Department and for a library. In response to this appeal, the Board made -an appropriation of $2,600 to the former and $1,000 to the latter. - -The first session closed July 4, 1833. At the close Rev. William M. -Wightman, one of the trustees from South Carolina, delivered the first -literary address before the students and the public, at the request of -the Washington Literary Society. This Society had been organized -February, 1833. As it has been one of the main features of the College, -along with its sister society, the Franklin, it will be interesting to -give the names of its officers and members from the original records: - - _President_, ROBERT T. MARSHALL, Virginia. - _Vice-President_, THOMAS ADAMS, Virginia. - _Secretary_, JOHN G. PARKS, Virginia. - _Treasurer_, ADDISON LEA, North Carolina. - _Collector_, ISAAC C. CROFT, South Carolina. - _Censor_, J. G. BANKS, Virginia. - -_Members_. - - ADAMS, R. E. G., . . . . Va. - BAIRD, CHARLES W., . . . Va. - BLACKWELL, THOMAS, . . . Va. - COLEMAN, J. J., . . . . Va. - GOODE, ROBERT S., . . . Va. - HAMLIN, JOHN F., . . . . Va. - INGRAM, ROBT. M., . . . N. C. - ISBELL, THOMAS M., . . . Va. - JONES, JAMES R., . . . . Va. - JONES, ROBERT T., . . . Va. - PRICE, NATHANIEL S., . . Va. - SOMERVILLE, R. B., . . . N. C. - SMITH, WILLIAM B., . . . Va. - TUCKER, JOHN E., . . . . Va. - WATKINS, J. W.,. . . . . Va. - WILLIAMSON, JAMES J.,. . Va. - WILLIAMS, JAMES M.,. . . Va. - WINFIELD, JOHN O., . . . Va. - WINFIELD, W. S., . . . . Va. - -Immediately after the organization the following were introduced and -made members: - - BLAIN, GEO. W.,. . . . . Va. - BURNEY, JAMES, . . . . . N. C. - CALDWELL, JOHN H., . . . N. C. - CUTLER, ROBERT E., . . . Va. - DORRELL, AUGUSTUS, . . . S. C. - DRINKARD, W. R., . . . . Va. - DU PRE, WARREN,. . . . . S. C. - GAYLE, ALEX. T., . . . . Va. - GUNN, ALLEN M.,. . . . . N. C. - JENNINGS, JONA. B.,. . . S. C. - LYNCH, MONTGOMERY, . . . Va. - OWEN, WASHINGTON A., . . Va. - PERKINS, J. Q. A., . . . N. C. - STEWART, THEO.,. . . . . Ga. - STRATTON, R. B., . . . . Va. - -To this Society was assigned the northeast room on the fourth floor of -the centre building. One of the first acts of the Society was the -formation of a library, which rapidly increased, and in ten years -numbered two thousand volumes. - -Not only did the society rapidly accumulate a library, but the hall was -fitted up with a beautiful rostrum, president's chair, etc. A full -length portrait of Washington was purchased, which to this day is the -chief ornament of the hall. - -Professor Warren Du Pre, class of 1836, one of the original members, who -was a member when this portrait was bought, wrote an account of the -inauguration of it to the author, which is worthy of preservation. - - -"MARTHA WASHINGTON COLLEGE, - -"ABINGDON, VA., _May 30 1877_. - -"MY DEAR OLD COLLEGE FRIEND: I have forgotten the name of the artist, a -rising young man in New York, who copied it from a painting belonging to -a wealthy gentleman of that city. Dr. Olin was on a visit to New York, -and we put the matter in his hands. The artist was very highly -recommended to him by good judges. His price was $600, but when -informed by Dr. Olin that it was for a college literary society, he -agreed to deduct one half. The frame, I think, cost $60, and freight -about $20, making a total of $380. - -"Dr. Olin scolded us for our extravagance, but when the portrait was -finished, moderated his wrath. The amount was raised by subscription, -altogether, among the members of the society--we numbered then over -sixty members, as well as I can recollect. I. C. Croft and myself were -on the committee, with one other, probably, J. O. Wingfield. - -"When the portrait arrived and was placed in the hall, old John -Blackwell, with his _horse-collar_ legs (as Croft called them) was -appointed to unveil it and make a speech. This he did in his peculiar -style; and I think Old George was pleased with the eulogy delivered on -him. - -"Yours truly, - -"WARREN DU PRE." - -Rev. John Early, who had been appointed to visit the Baltimore Annual -Conference of the M. E. Church, reported to the Board that the -Conference had declined to cooperate in the College enterprise, with -kind expressions of interest in it. Dickinson College had recently been -made a Methodist College, and the Conference preferred to patronize -that, it being more accessible to their people. - -The charter of the College having been amended, so that a president of -the Board could be elected by that body, Rev. John Early was elected -President. - -The following resolution was unanimously adopted by the Board: - -"The Board take great pleasure in giving a cordial expression of their -thanks to the Faculty of this institution for the very able and faithful -manner in which they have discharged the duties of their several -stations. We consider them as having acted on the great principles on -which the College was founded, and upon the continuance of which its -prosperity in the future depends; and we have full confidence in their -ability and disposition to support these principles in their future -administration, and they are therefore worthy of the same confidence -from the numerous friends and patrons of the College and the warm -affection of the young gentlemen who may be placed under their care. - -"It is the pleasure of the Board that these resolutions be read to the -students of the College." - -The second session of the College opened September 4, 1833, under -favorable circumstances. A laboratory and library had been purchased, -and the latter had been increased by donations. Bishop J. O. Andrew had -donated forty-three volumes, and Judge A. B. Longstreet thirty. - -A few days after the session opened another literary society was formed. -It was first styled the Union Literary Society, but on the 7th of -September, at the next meeting, the name was changed to Franklin. At the -organization George Stewart, of Georgia, presided, and William C. -Knight, of Virginia, acted as secretary. The following constituted its -first regular organization: - - _President_, JAMES L. BROWN, Virginia. - _Vice-President_, JOHN A. TALLEY, Virginia. - _Secretary_, GEORGE STEWART, Georgia. - _Treasurer_, THOMAS S. JACOCKS, North Carolina. - _Collector_, JOSEPH B. PANNILL, Virginia. - _Censor_, FRANCIS W. BOYD, Virginia. - -_Members_. - - BATTE, W. C.,. . . . . . Va. - BETTS, WILLIAM S., . . . Va. - BLAKE, CHARLES H., . . . Va. - BLAND, WILLIAM R., . . . Va. - BLUNT, WALTER F.,. . . . Va. - BOISSEAU, GEORGE F., . . Va. - CARROLL, JAMES . . . . . Va. - CLAIBORNE, FIELD,. . . . Va. - CLEGG, BAXTER, . . . . . N. C. - CLEMMONS, JUNIUS L., . . N. C. - DAVIS, ARTHUR, . . . . . Va. - DORTCH, ISAAC F.,. . . . N. C. - DRINKARD, WILLIAM R.,. . Va. - EVANS, AUGUSTUS C.,. . . N. C. - HICKS, BENJAMIN L.,. . . Va. - HITE, BENJAMIN W., . . . Va. - JEFFRESS, LUTHER C., . . Va. - JONES, ALBERT C.,. . . . Va. - JONES, AMOS W.,. . . . . N. C. - JONES, JOHN J.,. . . . . N. C. - JONES, JOSEPH S.,. . . . N. C. - KNIGHT, WILLIAM C.,. . . Va. - MULLEN, FRANCES N.,. . . N. C. - OLDS, LEWIS P.,. . . . . N. C. - PERKINS, NATHAN, . . . . N. C. - ROSE, GARLAND, . . . . . Va. - STEDMAN, EDWARD, . . . . N. C. - STOCKWELL, JOHN M.,. . . Va. - TILLETT, JOHN, . . . . . N. C. - WILLIAMS, SOLOMON P.,. . N. C. - -[Illustration: [Uncaptioned portrait of William C. Knight, inscribed -"Yours truly, W.C. Knight."]] - -The Franklin Hall was immediately under the Washington, on the third -story. The rivalry between these societies was from the first strong, -but regulated by conventional rules. The membership took in every -student in the College at the beginning and for many years afterwards. -There was only one from Georgia for many years a member of the -Washington Society, and no one from South Carolina was ever a member of -the Franklin. Students from the other States were divided about -equally. Robert E. Cutler, of Virginia, gave tone to the oratorical -style of the Washington, and William F. Samford, of Georgia, to the -Franklin. The difference was thought to be observable for thirty years, -until the year the societies were temporarily disbanded. - -No catalogue of students was published in the early years of the -College. The only publication made was "_The Charter and Laws of -Randolph-Macon College, with the Names of the Trustees and Faculty, and -the Course of Studies_. Richmond: Printed by Nesbitt & Walker. 1833." -This prescribed four courses in the College, viz., Languages (Latin and -Greek), Mathematics, Natural Science, and Ethics. Upon the completion of -these four courses the degree of _Bachelor of Arts_ was conferred by the -Trustees, on the recommendation of the Faculty. No A. M. degree course -was prescribed, but all A. B. men could claim A. M. degrees who could -show that they had continued their studies or pursued courses of -professional study for three years. - -Dr. Stephen Olin, president-elect, gave up his place at Franklin -College, Georgia, December, 1833, and made his preparations to take the -presidency at Randolph-Macon. Of this move he wrote Bishop I. O. Andrew: - -"Upon the whole, I trust the hand of God is in these indications, and -that our church will see and obey it. My vocation may have given a wrong -bias to my views, but I must regard the subject of education as the -highest after the living ministry; nor do I believe it possible for our -church to maintain its ground, to say nothing of its fulfilling its high -obligation to Christ and the world, without a great and immediate -reformation. I was never so convinced that we must educate our own youth -in our own schools, and there is no work to which I so desire to -consecrate myself." On his way to Virginia he visited the South Carolina -Conference at Charleston. Here he ably advocated the College and -secured a pledge from the Conference to endow a professorship, the first -we hear of endowment. The whole journey was made in his private -carriage, his wife accompanying him. To her he dictated his "Inaugural -Address," which she wrote out. Reaching the College after a long and -tedious journey, he delivered the address in the College chapel. This -address produced a profound impression on those who heard and on those -who read it. It was published in the journals of the day, and was highly -praised. Governor Tazewell said he had "never heard or read any similar -address of equal ability so well suited to such an occasion." It is well -worthy of republication in this history, but space will not permit. To -show its chief point, the following extracts are given: - -"In proportion as virtue is more valuable than knowledge, pure and -enlightened morality will be regarded by every considerate father the -highest recommendation of a literary institution. The youth is withdrawn -from the salutary restraints of parental influence and authority and -committed to other guardians at a time of life most decisive of his -prospects and destinies. The period devoted to education usually -impresses its own character upon all his future history. Vigilant -supervision, employment and seclusion from all facilities and -temptations to vice are the ordinary and essential securities which -every institution of learning is bound to provide for the sacred -interests which are committed to its charge. But safeguards and negative -provisions are not sufficient. The tendencies of our nature are -retrograde, and they call for the interposition of positive remedial -influences. The most perfect human society speedily degenerates if the -active agencies which were employed in its elevation are once withdrawn -or suspended. What, then, can be expected of inexperienced youth sent -forth from the atmosphere of domestic piety and left to the single -support of its own untested and unsettled principles in the midst of -circumstances which often prove fatal to the most practiced virtue! I -frankly confess that I see no safety but in the preaching of the cross -and in a clear and unfaltering exhibition of the doctrines and sanctions -of Christianity.... Christianity is our birthright. It is the richest -inheritance bequeathed us by our noble fathers. Are the guardians of -public education alone 'halting between two opinions'? Do they think -that, in fact and for practical purposes, the truth of Christianity is -still a debatable question? Is it still a question whether the -generations yet to rise up and occupy the wide domain of this great -empire, to be representatives of our name, our freedom, and our glory -before the nations of the earth, shall be a Christian or infidel people? -Can wise and practical men, who are engaged in rearing up a temple of -learning to form the character and destinies of their posterity, for a -moment hesitate to make 'Jesus Christ the chief corner-stone'?" - -When President Olin took charge of the College he found the system of -departments somewhat elective. This was changed on his recommendation, -to a curriculum of four classes, by the unanimous vote of the Faculty. - -At the annual meeting of the Board, June, 1834, an additional college -building was ordered to be built, a four story brick one, to contain -thirty-two dormitories, adjacent to the main building. This was to -supply rooms for the increased number of students. - -The salaries of full professors was fixed at $1,000. The following -resolution was adopted: - -"That whereas the South Carolina and Georgia Conferences have manifested -a deep interest in the permanent establishment of Randolph-Macon College -by each agreeing to raise a sum sufficient to endow a professorship, and -in consideration of which professorships they ask the privilege of -sending, perpetually, the former Conference five and the latter seven -students, to be educated free of tuition fees; and whereas we highly -appreciate the generous spirit of said Conferences, therefore we hereby -agree to receive ten from each of these Conferences free of tuition -fees." - -As further evidence of the interest felt by these Conferences, it was -noted that Rev. W. M. Wightman, of South Carolina, and Dr. Lovick Pierce -and Mr. E. Sinclair, of Georgia, attended the meeting of the Board at -this session. - -At the annual meeting held June, 1835, Professor E. D. Sims was granted -leave to visit Europe to prosecute the study of Modern Languages, and -particularly Anglo-Saxon and Gothic, preparatory to the more thorough -teaching of the English language. This, so far as we know, was the first -move made by any college in America, and marks an epoch in that -department. Prof. J. B. Henneman, in the _Sewanee Review_, in a sketch -of the teaching of English, in American colleges, gives the credit of -inaugurating the English course to Randolph-Macon College. - -A distinct and special effort was made at this meeting of the Board to -endow a professorship, and the President of the Board made a -subscription towards it of two hundred dollars. This was to be called -the Virginia Conference Scholarship. - -To fill the vacancy caused by Prof. Sims' absence in Europe, Rev. George -F. Pierce, of Georgia, was elected Professor of Languages. - -[Illustration: JOHN C. BLACKWELL, D. D., (A. B. 1835).] - -At this commencement the first degree of A. B. was conferred. The -recipient was John C. Blackwell, of Lunenburg county. He was a typical -alumnus, the leader of a great host that followed him, who lived to -bless the world by their example and teaching. Beginning his active life -after graduation as a tutor in Randolph-Macon College, he continued to -teach until he became enfeebled by age. He founded the "Hinton Hill -Academy" in his native county, and taught there for nine years. He was -then, in 1848, elected President of the "Buckingham Female Institute," a -school for girls, founded by the Virginia Annual Conference, one of the -best, as it was the first, built by the church, in the State. He was, -after this school was broken up by the war, made President of the -Petersburg Female College. This, too, was broken up by the war. After -the war he was elected Professor of Chemistry in Randolph-Macon College, -just prior to the removal of the College to Ashland. He closed a long -and useful life as President of the "Danville School for Young Ladies." -During all his active life he was a local minister of the Methodist -Episcopal church, and preached as he had opportunity. He received the -degree of Doctor of Divinity from his Alma Mater. The number of young -people brought into the church through his instruinentality have been -counted by the hundred. The first to receive a degree, he was the first -alumnus to have a son and a grandson to receive the same. He died -February 1, 1885. He was elected tutor in the College June, 1835. - -Changes had occurred during the year. Fisher A. Foster had been elected -Principal of the Preparatory School in place of Lorenzo Lea. Rev. Jno. -A. Miller and Rev. John Kerr had been elected assistant agents in place -of Rev. W. A. Smith and Rev. Thos. Crowder. The Treasurer, John W. -Lewis, had died during the year: Beverly Sydnor was elected in his -place. Bishop J. O. Andrew was elected a Trustee in place of Major -Speer, of South Carolina: Hugh A. Harland in place of J. W. Lewis, -deceased, and M. M. Dance in place of Green Penn, resigned. - -COLLEGE YEAR 1835-1836 - -This year was successful under the guidance of President Olin, who was -still in feeble health. - -[Illustration: REV. ALFRED T. MANN, A. B., D. D. _An Effective Minister -in the Georgia Conference Sixty Years Ago._] - -Prof. M. P. Parks resigned at the close of the session; Prof. Garland -was transferred from the chair of Natural Science to fill the vacancy -thus made. Robert Tolfree, of New York, took Prof. Garland's chair. Rev. -Mr. Tomlinson was elected to the chair of English Literature. - -The degree of A. B. was conferred June, 1836, on the following -graduates: John O. Winfield, Virginia; Addison Lea, North Carolina; -Robert S. Goode, Virginia; Charles W. Baird, Virginia; Alfred T. Mann, -Georgia; Thomas M. Isbell, Virginia. - -So feeble had the health of Dr. Olin becoine that he asked, in June, -1836, leave of absence to visit Europe, which was granted with great -reluctance by the Board. - -The following quotation from the _Life and Letters of President Olin_ is -given as a closing reference to his presidency. He saw the College for -the last time March, 1837: - -"The last Commencement at which Dr. Olin presided during his connection -with Randolph-Macon College was in June, 1836.... - -"The conviction grew upon him, from many unmistakable indications, that -his health must rapidly break up, unless a year or two of retirement -from intellectual labor and all kinds of mental excitement, and devoted -to foreign travel, should, under the blessing of God, restore him. The -return of cool weather in the autumn and approaching winter failed to -recruit his shattered nerves or restore his health. His course was then -at once decided on. After making several ineffectual efforts to have his -place supplied, he consented, at the earnest wish of the Board of -Trustees, to retain at least a formal connection with the College while -in Europe, leaving the future, then so uncertain, open to the -indications of Providence. To supply the vacancy in the Faculty, an -additional officer was elected, and Professor Garland was appointed -chairman of the Faculty and president _pro tempore_.... - -"The day of his departure came. His last interview with the Faculty was -very touching. He was too feeble to sit up, but, reclining on a couch, -he spent some half-hour in conversation respecting the affairs of the -College. He felt satisfied, from the lengthened experiment he had made, -that there was little or no hope of his being able to do efficient labor -in a Southern climate, even though his health might be improved somewhat -by his contemplated voyage. Although the Board of Trustees had declined -to accept his resignation, and had given him as long a furlough as the -exigencies of his health might require, yet he was persuaded that the -time of his final departure from Randolph-Macon had come. It was very -doubtful whether he should ever again see the face of any of his -colleagues. His parting words had all the tenderness and dignity of a -Christian who bowed with uncomplaining submission to the will of God--of -a philosopher who looked calmly at the future, whatever its developments -might be, whether bright or dark--of a friend who was about to carry -with him the warm attachments of a heart alive to every generous -sentiment and affectionate impulse. At the close of the interview his -brother officers, with moistened eyes, knelt around his couch, and -Professor Wightman, at his request, offered up a fervent prayer to the -throne of the heavenly mercy, that God would graciously preserve in his -holy keeping the life of their brother and friend, restore his health, -and bring him back to his native land, prepared for greater usefulness -than ever to the church and cause of Christ. - -"At the close of this affecting interview the doctor was supported to -his carriage, and left the College, never to see it again. His -presidency had been a brief but brilliant period in its fortunes. He had -manifested the highest adaptation to the responsible office which he -held there. His unrivaled judgment, his shining talents, his far-seeing -sagacity, his prudence in administration and firmness in government, his -masterly grasp of influence, wielded for the highest good of the young -men who came from far and near, attracted by the prestige of his name, -his genuine love of learning, and enthusiasm in communicating knowledge, -formed a combination of great qualities very rarely met with in men of -even the highest reputation. No student or graduate of the College who -enjoyed the benefits of a personal acquaintance with Dr. Olin will think -the foregoing estimate of his worth as a presiding officer strained or -overstated in the least particular." - -Professor Hardy, of La Grange College, Alabama, who was a student at -Randolph-Macon College during Dr. Olin's administration, has retained -the following distinct remembrances of him: - -"Dr. Olin left the College of Randolph-Macon in the spring of 1837, a -few months before the class of which I was a member took their first -degree. We waited on him in a body, and asked him to put his signature -to our diplomas, for we cherished for him a filial affection, and felt -that his name was indispensable. Many youthful hearts were sad the day -he left the College for his European tour. The students met in chapel, -adopted appropriate resolutions, and appointed two of their number to -attend him to the railroad, a distance of sixty miles. He was worn down -by disease, and we had no expectation of seeing his face again. He rode -in his carriage on a bed, and preferred to go with no one attending him -save his faithful, devoted wife. We bade him farewell, as children shake -the hand of their dying father, and we saw him no more." - -This was the marked event in the history of the College for the fifth -year, 1836-'37. - -Professor L. C. Garland was made President _pro tempore_. Rev. Mr. -Tomlinson having declined to accept the chair of English Literature, -Rev. William M. Wightman was elected to it, and accepted it. Professor -David Duncan was elected Professor of Languages in place of Rev. Geo. F. -Pierce who had declined to accept it. - -[Illustration: REV. W.M. WIGHTMAN, D. D.] - -Professor William M. Wightman was an alumnus of Charleston College, -South Carolina, and a member of the South Carolina Conference. He took -the chair of English Literature and Rhetoric which Professor E. D. Sims -was expected to fill after his return from Europe. He was a man of -decided talent and culture, and was in the prime of life, and well -fitted for the work assigned him. He remained until Professor Sims -returned from Europe, and then returned to South Carolina. He filled -other very important and prominent positions in after years, viz.: The -editor's chair of the _South Carolina Christian Advocate_, the -Presidency of Wofford College, Spartanburg, S. C., and the Southern -University, Greensboro, Ala. While at the latter he was elected, in -1866, Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in which office -he served till his death, February 15, 1882. He received the degree of -D. D. from Randolph-Macon College. - -[Illustration: PROFESSOR DAVID DUNCAN, A. M.] - -Professor David Duncan was a native of Ireland, and a graduate of -Glasgow University, Scotland. At the time of his election to the chair -of Ancient Languages he was conducting a flourishing classical school in -the city of Norfolk, Va. The whole of an extended manhood was spent in -teaching, the prime of it from 1837 to 1857. To his high scholarship was -added a singularly genuine character and gentlemanly and genial -deportment, which made him acceptable to his associates and popular with -his classes. He was brimming full always with wit and humor. He was the -father of Rev. J. A. Duncan, D. D., President of Randolph-Macon College, -1868-1877 and Bishop W. W. Duncan of the Methodist Episcopal Church, -South. He died at Wofford College, where he was Professor of Ancient -Languages, in 1881. - -The year 1836-'37 was marked by the first report of the raising of a -considerable instalment of the proposed Virginia Conference endowment of -a Professorship. Rev. Jno. Early reported eighty-seven subscribers of -two hundred dollars each, making $17,400. It was also a prosperous and -satisfactory year in College work. The report of the Faculty made to the -Trustees referred with emphasis to the good deportment and studiousness -which had characterized the student body during the closing session. -Their report also for the first time indicated the distinctions in the -graduating class, which were as follows: - - 1. JAMES W. HARDY, . . . . . . . . . . Georgia. - 2. FRANCIS N. MULLEN,. . . . . . . . . North Carolina. - 3. JUNIUS L. CLEMONS,. . . . . . . . . North Carolina. - 4. LEWIS W. CABELL,. . . . . . . . . . Virginia. - 5. ROBERT M. INGRAM, . . . . . . . . . Virginia. - 6. WARREN DU PRE,. . . . . . . . . . . South Carolina. - ADAMS, RICHARD E. G., . . . . . . . Virginia. - BEARD, CLOUGH S., . . . . . . . . . South Carolina. - BLAIN, GEORGE W., . . . . . . . . . Virginia. - CROFT, ISAAC C.,. . . . . . . . . . South Carolina - GEE, JESSE, . . . . . . . . . . . . Virginia. - HORSELEY, WILLIAM A., . . . . . . . Virginia. - MONTGOMERY, HENRY T., . . . . . . . Virginia. - SAMFORD, WILLIAM F.,. . . . . . . . Georgia. - STEWART, THEOPHILUS,. . . . . . . . Georgia. - WILLIAMSON, JAMES J., . . . . . . . Virginia. - -In all sixteen. - -The first-honor man pronounced the Valedictory Address; the second-honor -man, the Latin Salutatory; the third, the Philosophical. - -[Illustration: PROFESSOR WARREN DU PRE, A. M. _Tutor at Randolph-Macon -College; Professor at Wofford College, South Carolina; President Martha -Washington Female College, Virginia._] - -COLLEGE YEAR 1837-'38. - -This year, under the presidency of Professor Landon C. Garland, acting -president, the college made good progress. In the annual report of the -Faculty made to the Trustees June, 1838, they say: "The past year has -been one of peculiar interest and pleasure on account of the highly -respectable conduct and praiseworthy diligence of the students -generally, the number of whom has amounted to one hundred and ten in the -College, and over fifty in the Preparatory School." - -On the recommendation of the Faculty the following degrees were -conferred, viz.: - -_Bachelor of Arts_. - - 1. JOHN T. BRAME, . . . . . . . . . . . North Carolina. - 2. EDWARD H. MYERS, . . . . . . . . . . Florida. - 3. JAMES R. THOMAS, . . . . . . . . . . Georgia. - 4. EZEKIEL A. BLANCH, . . . . . . . . . Virginia. - 5. JOHN W. LEAK,. . . . . . . . . . . . North Carolina. - 6. FRANCIS A. CONNOR, . . . . . . . . . South Carolina. - BAXTER CLEGG,. . . . . . . . . . . . North Carolina. - GEORGE F. EPPES, . . . . . . . . . . South Carolina. - JAMES M. FITTS,. . . . . . . . . . . North Carolina, - CHRIS. D. HILL,. . . . . . . . . . . North Carolina. - THOS. J. KOGER,. . . . . . . . . . . South Carolina. - HENRY E. LOCKETT,. . . . . . . . . . Virginia. - JOHN A. ORGAIN,. . . . . . . . . . . Virginia. - THOS. B. RUSSELL,. . . . . . . . . . South Carolina. - JAMES R. WASHINGTON, . . . . . . . . North Carolina. - JAMES. W. WIGHTMAN,. . . . . . . . . South Carolina. - -_Master of Arts: (Honorary)_. - - REV. GEORGE F. PIERCE, . . . . . . . Georgia. - PROF. DAVID DUNCAN,. . . . . . . . . Virginia. - GABRIEL P. DISOSWAY, . . . . . . . . New York. - -_Doctor of Divinity_. - - REV. THOMAS JACKSON, . . . . . . . . England. - -Steps were taken by the Board to endow the fourth professorship in the -College. - -[Illustration: REV. JAMES R. THOMAS, LL. D., _President Emory College, -Georgia._] - -Rev. John Early, agent, reported that further efforts to endow a -professorship by the Georgia Conference would be suspended, that -Conference having resolved to establish a College in its bounds. The -amount reported as raised on said endowment was $16,000. He also -reported the amount of endowment raised in Virginia as $20,000. - -At this meeting we have reported the first intimation of financial -embarrassment in the affairs of the College. Notwithstanding this the -salaries of the full professors were raised to $1200 per year. The -acting president, Landon C. Garland, was appointed to prepare an address -on the pecuniary condition of the College, the same to be published in -the papers. - -Professor E. D. Sims having returned from Europe, Rev. William M. -Wightman, Professor of English Literature, tendered his resignation, -which was received with complimentary resolutions to him for his -efficient services. Prof. Wightman returned to his native State, South -Carolina, and to the itinerant ministry. The Faculty as reorganized for -the session of 1838-'39 was as follows, viz.: - - LANDON C. GARLAND, A. M., Professor of Mathematics, and Acting - President. - EDWARD D. SIMS, A. M., Professor of English Literature and Oriental - Language. - DAVID DUNCAN, A. M., Professor of Ancient Languages. - JAMES W. HARDY, A. B., Professor of Experimental Sciences. - EZEKIEL A. BLANCH, A. B., Tutor. - SOLOMON LEA, A. M., Principal of Preparatory School. - -This college year was marked by the first serious rupture between the -Faculty and the students. The occasion was a requirement made on the -Senior Class to attend a recitation on the "Evidences of Christianity" -on Monday morning before breakfast. The result was the leaving of a -number of students involved in the contest. - -At the close of the year, June, 1839, the annual report of the Faculty -made to the Board gave the following item: "The affairs of the College -for the session have proceeded with tolerable prosperity and quietness." -The following were recommended for the degree of A. B., June, 1839, and -the same received it: - - AMOS W. JONES, . . . . . . . . . North Carolina. - CHARLES W. BURNLEY,. . . . . . . Virginia. - JOSIAH F. ASKEW, . . . . . . . . Georgia. - THOMAS H. GARNETT, . . . . . . . Virginia. - JAMES F. SMITH,. . . . . . . . . South Carolina. - WILLIAM H. BATTE,. . . . . . . . Virginia. - -[Illustration: REV. A.W. JONES, D. D., _For fifty years President of the -Memphis Conf. Female College._] - -The resignation of President Stephen Olin, tendered in 1836, was -accepted at the meeting of the Board, all hope of his returning to the -College having been abandoned. Prof. Landon C. Garland was then elected -by unanimous vote President, and he accepted the office. Prof. David -Duncan was elected rector of the Preparatory School, and Amos W. Jones, -A. B., principal. William L. Harris was elected a tutor of the lower -classes in languages. - -[Illustration: LANDON CABELL GARLAND, LL. D.] - -On motion of Rev. John Early, the following resolution was adopted: -"That, as soon as practicable, the trustees of Randolph-Macon College -will establish a Normal School as a department in the College, in which -a good and liberal education can be obtained, and which, in its -organization, shall be especially fitted to educate students for -common-school teachers, and that the Professor of English Literature be -the rector of said school." - -This action of the Board, showing such remarkable foresight and wisdom, -ought to be emphasized. So far as the State of Virginia is concerned, it -is believed to have been the first move in the establishment of a normal -department for fitting teachers for their special work. Many years -afterward (1884) the State established such a school. The first -established in the United States was in the year 1839. This important -move was never fully and specifically carried into operation, for the -same reason which forbade other projects of the Board--that is, want of -means. - -Another important step taken at this meeting was the action in regard to -the issue of scholarships. At the previous annual meeting a resolution -was adopted providing that any person paying $600 into the treasury of -Randolph-Macon College shall be entitled to send one student free of -tuition fees so long as he shall live or have a son to educate; and any -minister who shall collect and pay into the treasury a like sum shall be -entitled to the like privilege. At the meeting in 1839 this action was -rescinded, and the following was enacted: - -On motion of John Early, - -"_Resolved_, That any person who shall pay into the hands of the -treasurer five hundred dollars, or any minister who shall collect and -pay into the hands of the treasurer five hundred dollars, shall be -entitled to a scholarship in Randolph-Macon College in perpetuity, and -all persons who have agreed to take scholarships at $600 shall be -entitled to the benefit of this resolution. - -"_Resolved_, That any person who shall secure by bond or otherwise five -hundred dollars, the principal of which shall be paid within five years, -and who shall pay the interest semi-annually, shall be entitled to a -scholarship in perpetuity, but the certificate of scholarship shall not -be issued until the principal is paid." - -This was an unfortunate move, because it never brought into the treasury -the amount it was expected to bring--not exceeding eight thousand -dollars. The evident intention that such scholarship should be -considered as an "heir-loom" in the family was in the years after the -war, never before, violated, and parties bought them on speculation, -getting money-rent for them, when such a course was never contemplated. -When they were issued, fees were $33 per session. Since the war fees -have been $75. - -My readers will pardon me for here giving some personal recollections, -inasmuch as it was in 1839 I matriculated as a student of the College. - -Mounted on my black filly, I, with several from my native county, -Nottoway, made the journey of forty miles to Boydton, where we were -guests of Col. George Rodgers, who then kept the Boydton Hotel. He was -then, and for years afterwards, a great friend and liberal benefactor to -the College. - -The next morning I saw the belfry of the College in the distance for the -first time. The same day I took up my abode in "Texas," a portion of the -western building, so-called. To a boy not quite fourteen, the -experiences of matriculation, examination for entrance, and for the -first time coming into contact with young men from distant States, can -never be forgotten. "Hazing" was then unknown, though it was not -uncommon for some of the "green ones" to have a little fun poked at -them. - -We had four classes: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior. To the -"Fresh," the "Seniors" looked very dignified, and the latter usually -felt their dignity, but generally bore it gracefully. The Seniors and -Juniors generally did most of the debating in the Society Halls, and -generally dealt most in "Calico." - -The student body at this time was composed very largely of men from -States south of Virginia, the Senior class of that year having been -wholly from South Carolina and Georgia. - -At this session Professor Landon C. Garland was inaugurated a full -President, after having acted as such since Dr. Olin left for Europe. We -looked up to him with marked reverence, though he was not quite thirty -years old. It was his dignity of character which caused us to do this. -Few men ever possessed more than he. No man ever trifled in President -Garland's lecture-room. The rules of discipline were felt rather than -seen. His familiar designation was "Old Landon." - -President Sims was much like President Garland in his official character -and conduct. He was a high man in person and every way. Thoroughly -imbued with the love of his native English, he threw his heart and mind -into his teaching. Unable to get text-books in Anglo-Saxon, he wrote the -elementary exercises on the blackboard. Some of these are remembered to -this day. We did not realize nor appreciate the fact that our classes -were the first in a course which is now magnified in all the colleges -and universities in the land. - -Professor Duncan was the genial, humor-loving Irishman. His shillalah -was ever ready for any exposed head, but he had no murderous intent, and -did not mind when the subject hit back, but rather enjoyed a repartee. -A broad smile always foretold his sally of wit, and sometimes it was so -slow coming that the victim would have time to "cut." Dear, dear "Old -Pad," as we called him, it was hard to say whether he enjoyed most his -fun with the boys or his ancient languages, with the love of which he -seemed to be fully saturated. A kinder heart never beat in human frame. - -"Old Jim" (Hardy) presided in the Laboratory on the third story. He was -a third-story man every way. Though a young man, and the first alumnus -of the College made a full professor, his manner was austere, and hence -he had but little popularity with the students. Some excuse for his so -appearing was due to the fact that he had to study hard to keep up with -the expectations of his classes. - -"Old Zeke" (Blanch) our tutor in mathematics, was a fine instructor and -bright every way. He, too, was fond of humor when out of his -lecture-room, but very strict while in it. - -Oh! for a Dickens to picture Tutor Harris. Pardon me for taking up more -room with him than is given all the rest. But such a character is not -often found, and deserves the space he takes. - -My first classical instructor was one of the tutors. He was the first -Virginia University man ever elected to fill a chair at the old College. -Deeply imbued with a love for his subjects, he looked upon the ancient -languages as having, potatoe-like, the best parts at the root. The -"particle" was his especial delight. So much absorbed was he in -discoursing on it, that he was not particular whether his pupils -listened or not. They might go to sleep or do anything, so they did not -break the thread of his lecture. It was amazing to see how many learned -authorities in the shape of books he would daily lug to the room. -Doubtless this digging at the root was very deep and thorough--too much -so for the average "fresh." Some of the most scholarly appreciated the -exercise, or pretended to do so. To the latter the tutor mainly directed -his attention. - -Not only did the tutor pursue this absorbing search indoors, but it -seemed to monopolize all his thoughts, even while going to his meals and -returning. It made him oblivious to all else for the time being. He -would, while thus absorbed in thought, kick a chip before him for a -mile, and would not recognize the best friend he might meet in the way. -All he asked then was the full "right of way." - -His abstraction or absent-mindedness was exhibited in many ways. Some -mischief-lover barred up his door one morning and thus made him tardy at -recitation hour, which gave occasion to the boys to "cut"--that is, -leave and miss recitation. He went to the President and said, "Sir! is -there any way to have a young man up, when you don't know who he is?" -The President was a great mathematician, but he could not solve that -problem. - -"Sheep-ear" collars were in fashion in those days, just the reverse of -those now or lately fashionable--I mean those with turned-down points -and rising high at the back of the neck, making one look like he had on -a mustard-plaster. The "sheep-ear" collars had points with acutest -angles, which came up to the corners of a man's mouth. When starched and -stiffened they looked as if great danger would be incurred by a sudden -turn of the head. Now just picture to yourself a sober-looking man -coming into a parlor in the morning with these "sheep-ears" pointing to -the back of the neck instead of to the front, and you will realize how -very peculiar the tutor looked one morning when he came down. This I was -eye-witness of, and if I laughed I hope no one will accuse me of want of -due respect. It could not be helped, certainly by one who has been known -to enjoy a hearty spell at times. - -The tutor was by no means a _pharisee_ in spirit, for he was one of the -"meek of the earth." But his inveterate habit made him liable to be -pronounced as pharisaic. When officiating at public prayers in the -chapel he would sometimes forget that after prayer came recitation or -lecture and then breakfast, and his prayer would seem to be -interminable. Knowing his absence of mind, one morning while thus -engaged some good-intentioned or irreverent fellow prompted him by a -hearty _amen!_ This brought the prayer to a speedy conclusion, but the -tutor was highly displeased--so much so that he sent for the most -mischievous one of the auditors, whom he naturally charged with the -offence, and said to him, "Mr. Blaze, I have sent for you, sir! to say -to you that _you shan't say amen_ to my prayers." - -The tutor was very economical--some would say, penurious. Not so. He was -generous and warm-hearted--as much so as an old bachelor could be. A -true Christian, he felt it to be his duty to save every dime he could, -that he might have the more to meet the demands of charity. This -conviction caused him to discard pins as extravagant. In his room would -be seen what Adam and Eve used when their first garments were donned, to -furnish which conveniently he kept a thorn bush hung up behind his door. -This he kept up until he was convinced that the damage thus caused to -one's collar exceeded the cost of pins. - -Candles being expensive, he thought the twilight sufficient to enable -him to make up his morning toilet. This economy, combined with his other -besetting habit, got him into a most ludicrous scrape. It happened thus: -In writing out his voluminous notes he used many quill pens, which from -time to time accumulated on his table. He took these--quite a -number--one night, just before retiring, and washed them in his bowl, -leaving the water in the bowl very much the color of the _blue_ ink he -was wont to use. The next morning in the dimness of twilight he failed -to observe this discolored fluid when he went to perform his ablutions; -when he finished he was blue--yes, very blue. Not taking time to look -into his glass, he went to the chapel and took his place on the rostrum -ready to officiate at the appointed hour, wholly unconscious of the very -remarkable visage he wore, and thus unprepared for the scene which was -to follow. - -As the boys dropped in each one would stop, and look, and wonder, and -then break out into most uproarious laughter, as perfectly -uncontrollable as a storm in its fury. There was no use to attempt to be -devout that morning. How the tutor got through with the reading and the -prayer I can't say, but I fear he was not in a very devotional mood -himself. How could he be when every one was laughing, while he could not -see what was making them laugh. He was utterly disgusted with such -rudeness and irreverence. - -But he did get through. When some one informed him of his cadaverous -appearance, he suddenly recollected the blue pens he had washed in his -bowl. Then it was his turn to laugh, and laugh he did with a vim. - -But lest I weary you, I will here conclude this reminiscence of the -olden times by saying that with all the oddities of this old tutor I -still cherish the highest respect for his character as a good and deeply -pious man. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." I -doubt not that he will be of that number in the great day when the -jewels are counted. - -[Illustration: PROF. DAVID S. DOGGETT, A. M.] - -These made the Faculty of 1839-1842. In the latter year Rev. David S. -Doggett succeeded Professor Sims in the English course. He was an -eloquent preacher, in the prime of life, a diligent student, and -dignified in his deportment. The pulpit was his place of power, and he -did not remain long away from it. He was afterwards a Bishop in the -church, after having served the church as editor of the _Methodist -Review_ for a number of years. - -So much for the professors and tutors. What of the students under them? -Taking the men who received degrees during the five years 1840-1844, it -is pleasant, though it may seem invidious, to mention a part where it is -not possible to name all. - -The first name in the roll of his class (1840), and the first in honor, -David Clopton, of Georgia, made his mark at College, and his after life -was what his college life predicted. - -He represented the Montgomery (Alabama) District in the United States -Congress prior to the war, and the same district in the Confederate -States Congress. Afterwards he served for many years as Associate -Justice of the Supreme Court of Alabama. He was also very prominent in -the church. - -James F. Dowdell, of Georgia, was a member of the United States Congress -from Alabama prior to the war, and was a local preacher of the Methodist -Episcopal Church, South. - -Tennent Lomax, of South Carolina, also moved to Alabama. He was editor, -soldier in the Mexican war, and was prominent in politics. He was killed -while leading his regiment into battle at Seven Pines, Virginia, May, -1862, just after having received a commission as brigadier-general. - -James L. Pierce was an eloquent speaker, a Doctor of Divinity, and -President of Lagrange (Georgia) Female College. - -In this connection it might be interesting to mention that Clopton's -roommate was Robert Lanier, of Macon, Ga., a member of the Sophomore -Class. He and Burwell Harrison, also of Georgia, married Virginia -ladies, whose acquaintance they formed while they were at College. -Lanier's son, Sidney, has been called the "poet laureate of the South." - -Coming to the next class (1841), George B. Jones, first-honor man, was a -fine scholar, but turned from teaching to business life. He was killed -at Petersburg in 1864, while defending his city in Kautz's attack on it. - -Thomas H. Campbell was a distinguished lawyer, served in both houses of -the General Assembly of Virginia, and was president of the Southside -Railroad Company. - -Edward Wadsworth was a prominent minister in Virginia and Alabama, a -Doctor of Divinity, and President of the Southern University, -Greensboro, Ala. - -In the class of 1842, Thomas C. Johnson, of Virginia, first-honor man, -became a prominent lawyer in St. Louis, Mo., and a member of the -Legislature of that State. After the war he served two years as -President of Randolph-Macon College (1866-'67, 1867-'68). - -William G. Connor, D. D., of South Carolina, was for many years a -prominent minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in Texas. - -Ira I. Crenshaw, of Virginia, was tutor in Randolph-Macon College -several years, and professor at the Female Institute, Buckingham, Va., -and a minister of the Virginia Conference. - -Dr. Samuel D. Saunders was professor at the Southwestern University. -Georgetown, Texas, for a number of years. - -Of the class of 1843, George W. Benagh, of Virginia, first-honor man, -was a professor at the University of Alabama, succeeding Dr. Landon C. -Garland, his old preceptor. He died young by accidental drowning. - -Edward S. Brown, of Virginia, an eminent lawyer and member of the -Virginia Legislature, is still an active, vigorous man (1897). - -William H. Lawton was a faithful itinerant in the South Carolina -Conference for nearly fifty years. - -Richard H. Powell was a prominent man in church and state for many years -in his State (Alabama). - -A number of the members of this class died in early manhood. - -Coming down to my own class (1844). This class in the Freshman year -numbered thirty-three. Of these only nine took degrees. Four others came -in after the opening year, making total graduates thirteen. - -John Lyon, of Petersburg, was the first-honor man of this class. He -entered the class in the junior year, when he was in his sixteenth year. -Before his entrance there were several candidates for the first honor. -It was not long before their hopes began to fail. He was precocious, but -his precocity was not short-lived, as it so frequently is. Mathematics, -the great rock on which so many aspiring men were wrecked, was -apparently a pastime with him. President Garland, a natural-born -mathematician, had no mercy on men not like gifted with himself. His -course was beyond the power of nine out of ten. John Lyon was the one of -ten, and was head and shoulders above all the others in the class in -this course, while not equal to others in other courses, but high in -all. His brilliancy made him in after life a successful lawyer. He died -in Washington, November, 1897, aged seventy. - -The second-honor man was William C. Doub, of North Carolina. He was an -untiring student, gifted especially in the acquisition of language. He -was a teacher all his life, having spent the most of it as professor in -Trinity College, North Carolina, and Greensboro Female College. He was -very prominent in the Methodist Church. He died in the high noon of -life. - -The third-honor man, William M. Cabell, of Virginia, was a man of -clear-cut intellect, and he had the power of concentration in a high -degree. This power was shown in his early life, and afterwards made him -distinguished and feared at the bar and in the Virginia Legislature. He -is still living (1897). - -The fourth-honor man was Holland Nimmons McTyeire. Brought by his old -preceptor, James R. Thomas, to Randolph-Macon, when otherwise he might -have gone to a state school, he entered the Sophomore Class in 1841. -College life was no pastime for him. His ambition would make it a -stepping-stone to high position--as at first desired and designed--in -the State. Like Dr. Olin, no place lower than the highest would satisfy -his ambition. To attain to this, all the power of an iron will moving -the enginery of a somewhat slow but giant mind was bent and made -subject. Had not a change come to divert him from his original -intention, he would doubtless have become as notable in the councils and -courts of the State as he became in the church. When he first came to -College he appeared indifferent in church matters, though it was known -he was a member. Whether this was the result of a lapsed religious life, -or was the result of a struggle to still the promptings of conscience, -is not known. But the call to a higher life, heard, doubtless, before, -but a while unheeded, was emphasized in one of those sweeping revivals -which Dr. Olin valued more than laws of discipline, and which he -pronounced as indispensable in college work. Worldly ambition ceased to -be the mainspring of his action, and he began to seek to "have the mind -which was in Christ." But it was no easy work to bend such a will in a -new direction. It was like turning the mighty steamship on a different -course. The passion to rule men around him, the gift of so doing (and it -is the greatest gift with which man is endowed), was constantly -asserting itself. It probably was "strong in death," but it was tempered -and sanctified to other than selfish ends by that good Spirit which -subdued a Luther, a St. Paul, and a John Knox. What Randolph-Macon did -for McTyeire in strengthening his mental powers for what he was to -become as editor and bishop and builder of a great university, in -sobering and elevating his ambition and aspirations, and fitting him for -the work he was called to do in and for the church, cannot be computed. -He has made his mark as high as any son of his alma mater, possibly -higher than any other. - -Space will not allow me to dwell upon the names of Thomas H. Rogers, of -Virginia, for a while a tutor in the College, afterwards M. D.; of -Richard S. Parham, of Virginia, a clever student and lawyer, who died in -the prime of life, in his adopted State, Tennessee; of "Judge" Fanning, -of Georgia, the frequent butt of Prof. Duncan's wit, who was said (poor -fellow) to have chewed his brains out along with his teeth; of B. F. -Simmons, a prominent young lawyer, who died prematurely, and of Willie -M. Person, a M. D., who also died young. - -John Howard has been since early youth a prominent lawyer in Richmond, -ranking very high in his profession. He was noted when at College for -his love for, and proficiency in, English literature and composition. -He is still living (1897). - -Of my most intimate friend in the class, Archibald Clark, I quote what -Bishop McTyeire wrote of him: "The most useful local preacher in -Southern Georgia, is what his presiding elder said of him." - -Among those who were students with me at the College, but left without -taking degrees, the following were the most notable: William T. Howard, -of Virginia, who became a distinguished physician and professor in the -University of Maryland; Lucius I. Gartrell, of Georgia, who became one -of the foremost lawyers of his State, and a general in the Confederate -army; Chas. E. Hooker, of South Carolina, Attorney-General of the State -of Mississippi, colonel in the Confederate army, and for many years a -member of Congress; Colonel Joel B. Leftwich, of Virginia, for a number -of years a member of the General Assembly of Virginia; Smith W. Moore, -of North Carolina, a Doctor of Divinity in the Memphis Conference, -author of several books, and poet. He was associated with Bishop -McTyeire on the Board of Trust during the early years of the Vanderbilt -University. James N. Ramsey, of Georgia, colonel in the Confederate -army; Robert Ridgway, of Virginia, the brilliant editor of the _Richmond -Whig_, and member of Congress from Virginia; Walter L. Steele, of North -Carolina, a member of Congress, and prominent in business and state, -matters; W. L. Blanton, a minister of the Virginia Conference, eloquent -and zealous, who died in early manhood; James D. Crawley, a most -estimable man, and a local minister for many years; W. K. Blake, of -North Carolina, a prominent merchant in Spartanburg, S. C., and trustee -of Wofford College; John Wesley Williams, a member of the Virginia -Conference, whose useful life was early cut short by consumption. - -Nearly all of my college-mates sleep in the dust of the earth. Many of -them were "wise, and shall shine as the brightness of the firmament," -and some "turned many to righteousness," and shall "shine as the stars, -forever and ever." - -[Illustration: GEN. TENNENT LOMAX, CLASS 1840. _Killed at Seven Pines, -Va., 1862._] - -We go back now and take up the record regularly. At the close of the -session of 1839-'40 the report of the Faculty notes the year as -successful, and makes mention of the introduction of Anglo-Saxon into -the course as the basis of the proper study of English. The Bible was -also recommended as a part of the course of study. At this meeting the -first legacy to the College, made by Rev. Robert C. Jones, of $3,000, -was reported. - -[Illustration: DAVID CLOPTON, LL. D.] - -The following degrees were conferred June, 1840: - -A. B. - - DAVID CLOPTON, of Georgia. - JAMES F. DOWDELL, of Georgia. - BURWELL K. HARRISON, of Ga. - JAMES L. PIERCE, of Georgia. - TENNENT LOMAX, of S. C. - WOODSON L. LIGON, of S. C. - -A. M. - - JOHN C. BLACKWELL, of Va. - R. E. G. ADAMS, of Virginia. - J. W. HARDY, of Georgia. - F. N. MULLEN, of N. C. - JOHN TILLET, of North Carolina. - JUNIUS L. CLEMONS, of N. C. - WARREN DU PRE, of S. C. - -[Illustration: D'ARCY PAUL] - -The "Centennial of Methodism" occurred in 1839, and was celebrated by -the church. Considerable collections were taken up during the year to -increase the endowment of the College. This year a name, _clarum et -nobile_, appeared for the first time on the records of the Board, D'Arcy -Paul, of Petersburg. In the good providence of God, he was permitted to -act as trustee for many years, and to exert a great influence in saving -the College from financial wreck. At the time of his election he was a -leading Methodist in his city, and probably the most prominent layman in -the State. As a merchant, he had been very successful, and enjoyed the -unbounded confidence of the business world. His liberality towards all -church and benevolent enterprises was such as probably had never before -been witnessed in Virginia. He was by birth a native of Ireland, but his -whole life, except his early boyhood, had been spent in Virginia, and no -son "to the manner born" was more enthusiastic in pushing forward all -interests that enured to its welfare. When he accepted the place of -trustee his heart and hand and credit were put at the service of the -College. Taking the helm of the ship as Financial and Investing Agent, -he held it for nearly thirty years, and it is not going too far to say -that to him, more than to any other man, the College owes its -continuation to the day when age and feebleness forced him to turn over -to other hands the trust he had so long and faithfully borne on his -shoulders. If it had the means, it should erect a monument to perpetuate -his memory. Happy am I here to pay this feeble tribute to his worth, and -to give the portrait, faint representation, though it be, of one who is -worthy of all the honors that could be bestowed on him. His form was so -erect that age could not bend it. His character, which beamed forth in a -face of more than usual manly beauty, was still more true to the line of -truth and righteousness. - -[Illustration: EDWARD WADSWORTH, D. D., _President of the Southern -University, Ala._] - -The report of the Faculty for the year ending June, 1840-'41, makes -favorable mention of the work of the session and of the conduct and -scholarship of the students. The financial condition of the College was -found to be such as to call for an address asking of the patronizing -Conferences needed relief. - -The degrees conferred at the close of the year were: - -A. B. - - GEORGE B. JONES, Virginia. - THOMAS B. GORDON, Georgia. - ROBERT C. GILLIAM, S. C. - WILLIAM H. DENTON, S. C. - WILLIAM H. BASS, Virginia. - MARCELLUS STANLEY, Georgia. - THOS. S. ARTHUR, S. Carolina. - THOS. H. CAMPBELL, Virginia. - THOMAS H. JONES, Virginia. - WM. W. HEREFORD, Mississippi - SAMUEL B. SCOTT, Virginia. - EDWARD WADSWORTH, N. C. - OLIVER P. WILLIAMS, S. C. - -A. M. - - CHARLES W. BAIRD, Virginia. - THEOPHILUS STEWART, Georgia. - JOHN T. BRAME, N. Carolina. - EDWARD H. MYERS, Florida. - JAMES M. FITTS, N. Carolina. - HENRY E. LOCKETT, Virginia. - JAMES R. THOMAS, Georgia. - EZEKIEL A. BLANCH, Virginia. - GEORGE W. BLAIN, Virginia. - -YEAR 1841-'42. - -At a called meeting of the Board held April, 1842, Prof. E. D. Sims -tendered his resignation. The law of Virginia at that time prohibited a -person from marrying the sister of his deceased wife. The Professor was -about to marry Miss Andrews, the sister of his former wife, daughter of -Prof. Andrews, author of Latin Grammar, and therefore was compelled to -leave the State to marry her. - -The loss of a Professor so capable and eminent as Professor Sims was -much regretted by the trustees and the friends of the College. Under the -circumstances, it could not be remedied, for there was no one to take -his place in the special English course. He had been elected to take the -chair of English in the University of Alabama, which he accepted. At -this institution he formulated a course of instruction in English based -on Anglo-Saxon, similar to the one he had taught at Randolph-Macon. Here -he proceeded with the work on the Anglo-Saxon Grammar and Dictionary. -This work he was not long permitted to prosecute. He died in 1845. Forty -years after his death the manuscripts of his Anglo-Saxon works came to -Randolph-Macon in an unexpected way. Rev. Mr. Stephan, of Missouri, -found them at a second-hand bookstore in St. Louis, and noticing the -name of Professor Sims on the title-page, he purchased the lot, -embracing other papers, and sent them to the writer. Prof. Sims labored -faithfully, but "others have entered into his labors." - -[Illustration: SAMUEL D. SANDERS, A. M., M. D., _Professor Southwestern -University, Texas._] - -Rev. Dr. Capers, of South Carolina, was elected to fill the vacancy, and -also president of the College, President Garland having tendered his -resignation. - -In the annual report in June, 1842, the Faculty say: "Our pecuniary -embarrassments are becoming serious, and unless effectually relieved, it -will be impossible to keep up the operations of the institution much -longer. The trustees cannot give this matter too much patient -reflection; and if it be practicable to sustain the institution in this -respect, we have no fears for its success in all others." - -The reorganization of the Faculty was recommended, also some -modifications in the course of study; also, the establishment of a -"School of Law." This school was established, and Edward R. Chambers, an -eminent lawyer of Boydton, elected Professor. - -The degrees conferred June, 1842, were: - -A. B. - - THOMAS C. JOHNSON, Virginia. - JOSEPH SUTTON, Virginia. - ALEX. B. PIERCE, N. Carolina. - BENJAMIN Z. HERNDON, S. C. - WILLIAM G. CONNOR, S. C. - SAMUEL D. SANDERS, S. C. - IRA I. CRENSHAW, Virginia. - THOMAS R. EPES, Virginia. - JOSEPH T. REESE, Georgia. - LUCIEN H. LOMAX, S. Carolina. - GEO. E. WYCHE, N. Carolina. - -A. M. - - ISAAC C. CROFT, S. Carolina. - WILLIAM H. BATTE, Virginia. - JOSIAH F. ASKEW, Georgia. - CHARLES F. BURNLEY, Virginia - AMOS W. JONES, N. Carolina. - JAMES W. WIGHTMAN, S. C. - JAMES R. WASHINGTON, Ga. - Rev. DAVID S. DOGGETT, Virginia (honorary). - -Rev. David S. Doggett was elected to the chair vacated by the -resignation of Professor Sims. - -1842-1843. - -This year the second decade of the College commenced. The year was -marked by great financial pressure, which was partially relieved by the -sale of some of the funds of the College. A part of the proceeds of the -sale was used to pay off a debt on building account and the rest for -current expenses. At the low rates of college fees, the current receipts -failed to meet salaries and other expenses. - -In the annual report of the Faculty mention is made of a decrease in -patronage, caused by the financial condition of the country and the -establishment of colleges in other Southern Conferences; so that it was -again necessary to ask the Board to do something to increase the income -of the College. - -This year a French course was introduced for the first time, and E. A. -Blanch was elected tutor of French. - -At the annual meeting, June, 1843, a committee was appointed, consisting -of Messrs. Chambers, Rogers, Alexander, Leigh, and Early, to recommend a -plan for the relief of the College from financial embarrassment. This -committee reported as follows: - -1. That it is absolutely necessary to raise a permanent fund of $20,000 -to sustain the institution, and if we fail in doing so, _it must and -will go down_. - -2. That the Agent be instructed to endeavor to obtain one hundred -subscribers of $500 in money or in bonds, the interest to be paid -annually at the sessions of the Virginia and North Carolina Conferences, -and the principal within a period not to exceed ten years, no -subscription to be binding until $10,000 shall have been subscribed, the -principal to be kept as a permanent fund. - -The Faculty of the College showed their spirit of liberality and -self-denial by the following communication: - -"The Faculty, with a view to contribute all in their power toward the -establishment of the College, propose to give to the Board of Trustees -the sum of five thousand dollars, the same to be paid in five years by a -relinquishment annually of $1,000 on their salaries upon the following -conditions, viz.: - -"1. That the balance of their salaries be paid promptly. - -"2. That the donation shall cease before the expiration of the five -years, unless the exigencies of the institution shall require it." - -[Illustration: GEORGE W. BENAGH, A. M., _Professor, University of -Alabama._] - -It being necessary to raise funds to pay the professors, Messrs. H. G. -Leigh, D'Arcy Paul, Dr. Archibald A. Campbell, George Rogers, and Edward -R. Chambers offered to loan the College $500 each, and Messrs. H. B. -Cowles and Landon C. Garland $250 each, on the 25th of December next; -and Rev. W. B. Rowzie, Agent of the College, offered, that if the amount -of his collections should fall under $500, to make up the deficiency in -a loan. - -[Illustration: JUDGE EDWARD R. CHAMBERS, _Professor of Law 1842-'43. -Trustee of the College. Judge Circuit Court. Member of Virginia -Convention 1851 and 1861._] - -The above record is given to show the great financial strait of the -College and to bring to mind the liberality of the members of the Board -and the Faculty. But for this liberal action the College would have -ceased its work, as so many others were forced to do. - -Some steps were taken at this meeting to establish a Medical Department -in the College. - -The following degrees were conferred, June, 1843: - -A. B. - - GEORGE W. BENAGH, Virginia. - EDWARD S. BROWN, Virginia. - HAMPDEN S. SMITH, N. C. - THOMAS E. MASSIE, Virginia. - WILLIAM H. LAWTON, S. C. - FELIX H. G. TAYLOR, Miss. - RICHARD H. POWELL, Alabama. - THOMAS W. BLAKE, N. C. - HENRY B. ELDRIDGE, Virginia. - WALLER MASSIE, Virginia. - JOHN F. RIVES, Mississippi. - NATHANIEL R. WADDILL, Va. - JOHN C. WALKER, Virginia. - -A. M. - - JAMES F. SMITH, South Carolina. - -D. D. - - Rev. ROBT. NEWTON, England. - WILLIAM WINANS, Mississippi. - LOVICK PIERCE, Georgia. - WILLIAM A. SMITH, Virginia. - - -1843-1844. - -The dark cloud resting on the prospects of the College in June, 1843, -still hung over it the succeeding year, notwithstanding the efforts made -to relieve the embarrassment. Patronage continued to decrease. The -session opened with sixty matriculates in the College and thirty in the -Preparatory School, the smallest number in the history of the College up -to this year. - -The President, in the annual report, alludes to the depression of -Faculty and patrons, neither of whom "could feel proper interest in an -institution _which might close its doors at any time_." This feeling of -despondency seemed to have pervaded also the members of the Board, for a -bare quorum were in attendance at the opening session. The president, in -his report, said: "We shall regard it as a calamity if you leave this -place without making some definite arrangement by which our future may -be relieved from all embarrassment." - -[Illustration: HOLLAND N. MCTYEIRE, A. M., D. D., _Bishop of the -Methodist Episcopal Church, South; Regent Vanderbilt University._] - -That grand layman, D'Arcy Paul, in this dark hour, came to the relief of -the College by guaranteeing the salaries of the professors to the amount -of $5,000 on certain conditions. Thus, in the good providence of God, -the life of the College was prolonged. - -[Illustration: COL. WM. TOWNES, TRUSTEE. _Elected 1844._] - -The following received degrees June, 1844: - -A. B. - - JOHN LYON, Virginia. - WILLIAM C. DOUB, N. C. - WILLIAM M. CABELL, Virginia. - HOLLAND N. MCTYEIRE, Ala. - ARCHIBALD CLARK, Virginia. - THOMAS H. RODGERS, Virginia. - JAMES G. FANNING, Georgia. - JOHN HOWARD, Virginia. - RICHARD IRBY, Virginia. - RICHARD S. PARHAM, Virginia. - WILLIE M. PERSON, N. C. - BENJAMIN F. SIMMONS, N. C. - J. L. GILLESPIE, Virginia. - -A. M. - - THOMAS B. GORDON, Georgia. - GEORGE B. JONES, Virginia. - Rev. EDWARD WADSWORTH, Va. - FRANCIS A. CONNOR, S. C. - Rev. THOS. H. JONES, Virginia. - WILLIAM H. BASS, Virginia. - HENRY F. JONES, N. C. - - -Rev. Henry B. Cowles having declined to accept the office of Agent, to -which he had been previously elected, was again elected. - -Warren DuPre resigned the tutorship, and Holland N. McTyeire was elected -to fill the place. - -It would be an omission if, in describing and relating other matters, -the description of an old-time Annual Commencement should be left out. -These occasions were notable events in the first two decades of the -College. In those days preparations were begun four weeks before the -Commencement day by releasing the Seniors from regular daily exercises -so as to give them time to prepare their orations, which each one had to -write and commit to memory and rehearse before the Professor of English, -who was authorized to make corrections in matter, style, and also in -manner of delivery. The Commencement generally was held the third -Wednesday and Thursday of June. The Sunday previous a sermon was -preached by some eminent minister appropriate to the occasion. Selecting -one occasion that the writer witnessed as a specimen, that of 1842, the -following description is faithful: The visitors, in the main, began to -fill up the boarding-houses around the College and the hotels of Boydton -on Tuesday. The Board of Trustees assembled on Tuesday at an early hour, -holding their meeting, strictly private, during the day. Friends of the -graduates from Virginia and the Carolinas were largely in attendance on -Wednesday in time for the opening of the exercises in the chapel. On -this occasion the far-famed evangelist, Rev. John Newland Maffett, had -been selected to deliver the annual oration before the literary -societies. He arrived on Tuesday by private carriage, having travelled -over seventy miles. The Alumni Society orator had also arrived. - -The exercises of Wednesday opened at 11 A. M. The band had been -discoursing musical selections for hours previous on the campus, and -continued in the gallery of the chapel, to which they and the crowd had -repaired. The chaplain invoked the blessing of God on the College and -the young men. The president introduced the alumni orator, who delivered -his address to the Society and the audience. The applause of the -auditors would have been prolonged but for their anxiety to hear the -silver-tongued orator, whose fame was as wide as the country. He was in -the prime of life. His dress was faultless; his black locks were -unruffled, as when he left the hair-dresser's shop an hour before, for -it was said he held his hat in his hand all the way from Boydton as he -rode in the carriage to the chapel. Be that as it may, every lock was in -perfect order. He was a native of the Emerald Isle, but was thoroughly -naturalized. His manner was well-nigh perfect, possibly a little too -dramatic; his voice musical, his enunciation rolling and faultless. - -What was the theme memory cannot recall. All that is remembered is his -action, voice, and the general effect on the auditors. The house was -packed; the crowd outside was as great as that inside. The oration over, -all breathed naturally again; the boys applauded, the ladies waved their -handkerchiefs and fans, and the band struck up enlivening notes, and all -said, as the morning exercises closed, "We have heard an orator to-day." - -In the afternoon the representatives of the Washington and Franklin -Societies--George Benagh and Felix Taylor of the former, and Marcellus -Stanley and Rives Waddill, of the latter--did their societies great -honor as their representatives by delivering in the chapel eloquent -orations. - -At night the Societies held their annual meetings, at which the -presidents-elect, distinguished honorary members, presided and made -addresses. In the debates following the honorary members were expected -to take part. The Society medals and honors were delivered to graduate -members. These meetings were held in the halls, and were not open to the -public. - -At night the parlors of private houses and the hotels were radiant with -the wealth of beauty gathered mainly from the Old Dominion and the old -North State. If there were ever fairer and more lovely women since the -days of Helen this deponent never saw them. - -The next day the graduating class made their last bows to a College -audience, having, according to custom, appeared three times before in -the last year of their course. It would be hard to decide which did -best, if the verdict had to be given by the fair auditors who heard -them. - -The "Latin Salutatory" came first, delivered by the second-honor man. -This was followed by the orations of others, without regard to grade. -The closing "Valedictory" was delivered by the first-honor man, who in -a manner represented the whole class. Then each graduate received his -"sheep-skin," delivered by the President, who, in Latin, said, "_Accepe -hoc diploma_," as he handed the diploma. - -The graduating class was complimented by a "party" given in their honor -by the students at the Steward's Hall, which was largely attended. This -closed the Commencement. - -So great was the interest in the Annual Commencements that parties came -for long distances, even as far as South Carolina. Some of them came in -coaches drawn by four horses with out-riders. - - -COLLEGE YEAR 1844-'45. - -The tendency in patronage this year was still downward. The number of -students was smaller than ever before. - -A movement was made to carry out the project to raise $20,000 for -endowment. The salaries of the Faculty were reduced, so that the -President only got $1,250; the professors, $1,000; Tutor, $600; -Principal of the Preparatory School, $600. This was done in the face of -the fact that the dues to the Faculty at this time amounted to $7,000. -This unfortunate condition of affairs was brought about and aggravated -by several causes. The poorly paid officers worked without hope of -remuneration. Students failed to attend because the impression was -becoming prevalent that the College would be forced to close its doors. -Besides, the farming community were receiving low prices for their -crops. In 1845 the severest drought prevailed in Virginia ever known -since 1816. - -At the Commencement, June, 1845, a case of smallpox was reported on the -morning of the first day. This threatened the total suspension of the -exercises, and many visitors did return home. The exercises were held at -Boydton, and the address of Rev. Dr. William S. Plumer, one of the -greatest men of his day, served to put all in good humor and restore -quiet. The next day the services were held in the chapel. - -[Illustration: TURNER M. JONES, A. M., D. D., _President Greensboro -Female College, N.C._] - -Degrees were conferred as follows: - -A. B. - - CHARLES B. STUART, Va. - JOHN G. BOYD, Va. - THOMAS T. BOSWELL, Va. - JAMES T. WRIGHT, Va. - WILLIAM F. BLACKWELL, Va. - JOHN W. SHELTON, N. C. - TURNER M. JONES, N. C. - -A. M. - - JOSEPH T. REESE, Ga. - GEORGE E. WYCHE, N. C. - THOMAS S. ARTHUR, S. C. - - -At the close of this year I. I. Crenshaw and H. N. McTyeire resigned -their places as Tutors. The former went to the Buckingham Female -Institute, and the latter took work as an itinerant on a circuit till -Conference. - -[Illustration: O. H. P. CORPREW, A. M., LL. D., _Professor in -Randolph-Macon College and Central College, Mo._] - -Williams T. Davis was elected Principal of the Preparatory School. - - -COLLEGE YEAR 1845-'46. - -The drought referred to continued till late in the summer. Many farmers -had to buy corn at one dollar per bushel, and in some cases had to go as -far as thirty miles to get meal. - -At the close of the year in June, at the meeting of the Board, great -financial embarrassment was reported. A bond to be secured by mortgage -on the real estate of the College for $5,000 was authorized to raise -funds to meet pressing indebtedness. - -The following received degrees June, 1846: - -A. B. - - JOHN DAVIS, Va. - OLIVER H. P. CORPREW, Va. - FRANK X. FOSTER, S. C. - EDWARD T. HARDY, Va. - SAMUEL HARDY, Va. - WM. G. de GRAFFENREIDT, Va. - OLIN M. DANTZLER, S. C. - BENJAMIN F. LOCKETT, Va. - THOMAS J. LOCKETT, Va. - THOMAS P. JERMAN, S. C. - GEORGE HOWARD, Va. - -A. M. - - JAMES F. DOWDELL, Ga. - WILLIAM F. SAMFORD, Ala. - JOHN F. RIVES, Miss. - THOMAS H. CAMPBELL, Va. - WILLIAM G. CONNER, S. C. - JOHN C. WALKER, Va. - -D. D. - - Rev. W. M. WIGHTMAN, S. C. - EDMOND W. SEHON, Ky. - -The session of the College, 1846-'47, opened very inauspiciously. In -addition to (and probably in large measure growing out of) the financial -troubles which had been thickening for years past, a want of harmony and -co-operation between the President and some of the members of the -Faculty began to be shown. This led to disorder and insubordination -among the students. To inquire into the matter at issue a meeting of the -Trustees was called in September, 1846, at which, after reciting a -history of the troubles, President Garland tendered his resignation, and -requested the immediate acceptance of the same. This was followed by the -resignation of their positions by Professors D. S. Doggett and David -Duncan, and Tutor Thomas H. Rogers. - -The resignation of the President was not accepted for prudential -reasons. That of Professor Doggett, to take effect at the close of the -session, was accepted, as was that of Tutor Rogers. Professor Duncan was -induced to withdraw his. - -The Board then adjourned to meet in the succeeding November, at the -session of the Virginia Conference, which was to meet at the College. - -At the adjourned meeting held November 13, 1846, the Board accepted the -resignation of President Garland. Rev. Wm. A. Smith, D. D., of the -Virginia Conference, was elected to fill the vacancy caused by the -resignation of President Garland. The Faculty, as re-organized, was as -follows, viz: - - REV. WM. A. SMITH (_President_), _Prof. Moral and Mental Philosophy_. - REV. CHARLES F. DEEMS, A. M., Prof. _Latin and Belles Lettres_. - EZEKIEL A. BLANCH, A. M., _Prof. Pure and Applied Mathematics_. - DAVID DUNCAN, A. M., _Prof. Greek Language and Literature_. - JAMES W. HARDY, _Prof. Experimental Science, Astronomy and Optics_. - -The severance of President Garland from the College, after a service of -fourteen years in various capacities, was a source of great sorrow to -his old pupils and friends. However deficient he may have been in some -qualifications for the presidency, which from the first he not only did -not seek, but frequently declined, he preserved all along the -unqualified respect of all as an able professor and scholar. So devoted -was he to the prosecution of his favorite study, Astronomy, that he -generally broke himself down every year by attempting to perform the -arduous work of the president and also of full professor. Added to this -he was for years Treasurer. To a sensitive nature like his, the demands -of creditors made on him when he could not meet them was a burden of -itself heavy enough for any one to bear. If the College had had an -endowment fund large enough to pay the expenses as they were incurred, -and had allowed him to retain a professorship at a fair salary, with a -president taking on his shoulders the duties which in most colleges -devolved on the president, his valuable services could probably have -been retained--certainly if the dissension had not arisen in the -administration of the College. It is proper here to state that this -dissension was only with Professor Hardy, and was not participated in by -the other members of the Faculty, and did not lead to the resignation of -several of them. - -President Garland accepted the Chair of Mathematics in the University of -Alabama, at Tuscaloosa. He never returned to his native State except on -visits. The whole of a long life was spent, first, at the University to -which he went, then at the University of Mississippi, from which he was -called to take the Chancellorship of the Vanderbilt University, at -Nashville, Tenn., which he accepted and filled for many years. Here in -connection with his old pupil, Bishop McTyeire, he did valuable work, -till age and feebleness forbade active work. Then he was made -_Chancellor emeritus_. He died suddenly, but not unprepared, at the -Vanderbilt University. - -The closing years of President Garland's administration were the darkest -in, the history of the College. Many of its friends were hopeless of its -ever rallying again. Others gathered new hope, and their faith -"staggered not" in this dark hour. All the older Methodist colleges had -gone down, or were tottering to their fall. So much the greater faith -was needed at Randolph-Macon. - -It was a fortunate circumstance that this re-organization took place at -the session of the Virginia Conference, which was held at the College, -and presided over by Bishop Capers. - -[Illustration: REV. WM. B. ROWZIE.] - -Rev. W. B. Rowzie, who for many years had been Agent, resigned the -position. A better friend the College never had. - -At the request of the Board, Rev. B. R. Duval and Rev. Nathaniel Thomas -were appointed Agents for the College. They were men of extraordinary -energy and zeal, and they at once entered on a thorough canvass of the -Conference in raising funds for the College. President Smith entered on -his duties with characteristic zeal. He was fortunately possessed of an -unconquerable will and a buoyancy of disposition, without which he would -have quailed under the discouragements under which he labored. - -"Wm. A. Smith was born in Fredericksburg, Va., November 29, 1802. His -mother was a consistent member of the Methodist Church, and in death -prayed that her son might live to preach the glorious gospel. His father -was a man of honorable character and position. Both died when he was of -a tender age. For a time the orphan boy had rough usage; but he was -afterwards adopted and raised by Mr. Russell Hill, a friend of his -father, and a worthy merchant of Petersburg. When seventeen years old, -he was converted, and joined the M. E. Church. He had received a good -English education, and had commenced the study of the classics; but -feeling that he was called of God to the ministry, and not being able to -attend college as he desired, he studied privately one year at the home -of his uncle, Mr. Porter, in Orange county, and taught school two or -three years in Madison. In 1824 he travelled the Gloucester circuit -under the Presiding Elder; in February, 1825, he was admitted on trial -into the Virginia Conference. In 1833, while Agent for Randolph-Macon -College, then in its infancy, he met with a fearful accident: the -carriage which he was driving upset and fell on him, breaking his right -thigh and dislocating his left hip, and badly laming him for life. He -was a delegate to the General Conference of the M. E. Church every -session from 1832 to 1844, and occupied a high position in that great -council as an adviser and debater. In the memorable appeal case of -Harding, and in the yet more important extrajudicial trial of Bishop -Andrew, which led to the division of the church, he won a reputation -wide as the United States, and inferior to that of no minister of any -denomination, for the highest deliberative and forensic eloquence. He -was a member of the Louisville Convention which organized the M. E. -Church, South, and of all the General Conferences of this church to the -date of his death. He commanded universal respect and confidence among -his brethren by the sincerity of his zeal, the wisdom of his counsels, -and the power of his reasoning. His impress will long remain on the -legislation and institutions of Southern Methodism. In 1846 he was -called from the regular pastorate, by the urgency of the Trustees of -Randolph-Macon College, sanctioned by the Virginia Conference, to the -Presidency of this institution. He was selected for that place because -his courage, energy and strength of intellect seemed indispensable not -only to the prosperity, but even to the saving of this noble -institution. Twenty years of his life was consecrated to this -cause--years of self-sacrifice, of unremitting toil, of courageous -battling with difficulties and victory over them; of hope where others -desponded, of faith where others doubted, of resolution where others -wavered. He was diligent in his study, diligent in his lecture-room, -diligent in his travel through Virginia and North Carolina to collect -money and to arouse interest in behalf of the College. The number of -students steadily increased, the standard of scholarship was elevated, -and through the joint efforts of Dr. Smith and the agents of the College -an endowment fund of $100,000 was raised. Then came the terrible war, -which emptied those classic halls and swept away the funds which had -been gathered with so much toil. Yet not in vain had he labored. Scores -of ministers, hundreds of pious young men, educated under his care, -moulded by his influence, are this day in their several spheres carrying -on the same grand work to which he was devoted, and have learned, from -his teachings and example, never to surrender, never to despair of -Randolph-Macon. - -"We have not spoken of Dr. Smith as a preacher and pastor. He soon rose -to eminence in the ministry, and stood with the foremost in the pulpit -and pastorate for faithfulness, ability and success. He had a deep, -distinct, happy, constant experience of the saving grace of God in -Christ Jesus. His zeal for the cause of religion was pure, steady, -consuming. He was fully consecrated to the work of the ministry. The -doctrines and polity of our church had no stronger, nobler expounder and -champion than he. His sermons were "logic on fire"--grand and solid -discussions of the leading truths of the gospel, animated with deep -emotion. Thousands were converted under his ministry; many of them -became preachers of the word in our own and other denominations; the -churches he served were ever edified and trained, not less by his -pastoral fidelity than by his luminous discourses. - -"As a man, he was of marked character. Who that ever saw him could -forget that bold, frank, noble face and forehead, which revealed at a -glance the lofty attributes of his intellect, the loftier attributes of -his heart! Cunning and deceit he knew not; to fear he was a stranger; -his convictions he was ever ready to avow and maintain. Yet, with all -his courage and indomitable energy of will, he had a tender, sympathetic -heart, and much of a child-like spirit, simple, unselfish, trustful, -easy to be entreated." * - -* Copied from Memoir in Virginia Conference Minutes. - -Rev. C. F. Deems did not accept the chair of Latin, and O. H. P. Corprew -was elected professor _pro tempore_, and filled the place. - -At a meeting of the Board held March 31, 1847, an effort was made to -establish a medical department of the College, but it never resulted in -any permanent success. - -[Illustration: BENNETT PURYEAR, A. M., LL. D., _Professor Chemistry -Randolph-Macon College; Chairman Faculty and Professor Chemistry, -Richmond College._] - -At the meeting of the Board held June, 1847, President Smith reported -that the session had been pleasant and the prospects of the College -improving. The success of the Agents in their work gave promise of -better financial conditions. A committee was appointed to reorganize the -Preparatory School system, and it was proposed to establish one or more -at salient points. - -[Illustration: WM. A. SMITH, D. D., _President of Randolph-Macon -College, 1846-1866. President Central College, Missouri._] - -Professor J.W. Hardy tendered his resignation, which was accepted. He -had been elected President of La Grange College, Alabama, where he died -after a short service. - -The following received degrees: - -A. B. - - BENNETT PURYEAR, Va. - JOHN MOODY, Va. - R. H. BEALE, Tenn. - -A. M. - - W. C. DOUB, N. C. - JOHN LYON, Va. - T. C. JOHNSON, Mo. - ARCHIBALD CLARK, Va. - THOMAS H. ROGERS, Va. - JOHN HOWARD, Va. - -D. D. - - REV. D. S. DOGGETT, Va. - REV. EDWARD WADSWORTH, Ala. - -At a meeting of the Board held at Charlottesville November 17, during -the session of the Virginia Conference, a further issue of -life-scholarships was authorized. - -The committee on Preparatory Schools reported in favor of retaining the -old school at the College under certain rules, and the establishment of -one at Ridgway, N. C., under a contract with the Trustees of the Ridgway -Academy, with William C. Doub, A. M., as Principal; also of one at -Garysburg, N. C., with C. B. Stuart, A. M., as Principal. - -At the close of the year, June, 1848, the President in the annual report -reported increased patronage, and a session marked by studiousness and -good order among the students. The number in the College and the -Preparatory School was about one hundred and forty. - -The graduates receiving degrees June, 1848, were-- - -A. B. - - JOHN C. GRANBERY, Va. - JOHN H. CLAIBORNE, Va. - JAMES R. BRANCH, Va. - JOHN S. MOORE, Va. - DALLAS SMITH, Ala. - TAZEWELL HARGROVE, N. C. - RICHARD G. MORRIS, Va. - GEORGE W. FRIEND, Va. - CHARLES E. WILLIAMS, Va. - JAMES D. BLACKWELL, Va. - -A. M. - - CHARLES B. STUART, Va. - TURNER M. JONES, N. C. - WILLIE M. PERSON, N. C. - J. W. SHELTON, N. C. - THOMAS B. RUSSELL, Ga. - JOHN G. BOYD, Va. - WILLIAMS T. DAVIS (Hon'y), Va. - BENJAMIN JENKINS (Honorary), Missionary M. E. Church, South, in China. - -[Illustration: JAMES R. BRANCH, A. M., _Colonel Artillery, C. S. A._] - -D'Arcy Paul, Investing Agent and Chairman of the Finance Committee, -reported the probable income for coming year at about $3,500, $2,000 of -which amount to come from fees and the balance endowment dividends. - -[Illustration: JOHN C. GRANBERY, A. M., D. D.] - -We pause again in this narrative to give a reminiscence of College life -as written in 1882 by a distinguished member of the class last named, -John C. Granbery, who delivered the valedictory as first-honor man. The -distinction then achieved was but a presage of his rank in the several -positions he has been called to fill--Pastor, Chaplain to the University -of Virginia, Chaplain in the Confederate army (in which service he was -severely wounded and taken prisoner), Professor in the Vanderbilt -University, Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South (elected -1882), and author of several works. At this writing he lives at Ashland, -and is the President of the Board of Trustees. - -"As the earliest of the American Methodist Colleges now extant, -Randolph-Macon may be called venerable, if not ancient. But I use the -prefix _old_ in order to distinguish the College as it was at Boydton -from the College as it is at Ashland. The features of contrast are many -and important. In the old days slavery was, as we thought, a fixed and -lasting institution; civil strife had not swept away lives and fortunes, -and the South was proud, independent, fiery and enthusiastic, chivalrous -withal, generous, genial; now we are just beginning to adjust ourselves -to the new social and political conditions which have been imposed by a -disastrous war. Then there was a single degree, Bachelor of Arts, for -which the students strove, and the course of four years was prescribed, -with its regular gradations of Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and -Seniors; now the studies are eclectic, and the matriculates may select -any one of several degrees, or study without reference to graduation. -Then the lumbering stage brought up the tri-weekly, or perhaps daily, -mail and passengers, and the word of the driver rang forth cheerily, but -no shrill whistle of steam-engine or thunder of lightning trains -disturbed the silence of the classic groves, and the attractions and -distractions of the crowded, hurrying, clamorous city were out of -reach and out of thought; now the steam-car and the steam-press are -familiar objects, the capital is less than an hour's distance, and the -stage-coach is a tradition. - -"A change has taken place in the manner and measure of collegiate -discipline. This is due not to the change of locality, but to the spirit -of the age. It has come to be a maxim that the best government is that -which governs least. We seek the minimum of restriction on liberty that -is compatible with the ends of government, viz., order, morality and -diligence. Formerly the dormitory system prevailed; students were -required to be in their rooms during certain hours of the day and night; -professors and tutors visited the buildings, seeking to surprise the -inmates, in order to ascertain whether the rule was observed; there were -many minute regulations which have since been abandoned. This continued -exercise of authority and plan of watching provoked insubordination and -evasion; the wits of the boys were set to work in order to deceive the -teachers, and to break the rules without detection, or, at least, with -impunity. The risk gave to mischief and lawlessness a relish they would -not otherwise have possessed. Unwholesome suppers were stealthily -brought to the rooms by negroes at late hours of the night; calathumps -aroused the neighborhood with most hideous music; blackboards were -greased; the bell-rope was cut, and old John had to blow his horn at -daybreak in every row of the buildings, as a call to prayers and -recitations. This provoked him greatly, and he used to say, 'If you -won't be rung up as gentlemen, I must blow you up as hogs.' How heartily -I have heard Dr. Smith laugh as he repeated the old negro's complaint at -such times, 'We have the worstest young men, and the mostest on 'em, I -ever seed!' Practical jokes, sometimes of a very disagreeable sort, were -played on professors in their nocturnal rounds of inspecting the -premises. Calves were hauled up into lecture-rooms, and other silly -tricks were perpetrated. I am glad that these follies have passed away, -that faculty and students treat each other as gentlemen and friends, and -that the public sentiment of the College would not tolerate any -rudeness, though disguised under the name of fun. It is well to appeal -to the conscience, gentlemanly propriety and honor, and generous and -kindly sentiments of young men, rather than resort to espionage and -multiplied restraints. - -"I appreciate the arguments in favor of locating institutions of -learning on the great lines of travel, and in or near large towns. It -should be easy to get to them, and get away from them. The frequent mail -and the time-destroying telegraph are now indispensable where students -are a small minority of the population, and where there is a vigilant -and effective police many disorders are prevented, and faculties and -boards of trust are saved much trouble. Low vice is cheap, and will go -to the most secluded spot in search of victims; but the city presents -many refined pleasures which may serve to draw off ingenuous youth from -haunts of sin and projects of mischief. But there are advantages on the -side of the more quiet and retired situation. It favors concentration of -interest on books, lectures, and light collegiate exercises. The whole -life at the country college becomes student life. There is no division -of mind and heart. There is nothing to tempt the earnest youth from his -proper work. The _esprit du corps_ of old Randolph-Macon was very -strong. There were hospitable and cultivated homes in the neighborhood, -and most charming maidens; those who visited them found entangling -alliances for life, if the fair sex consented. But the number of young -ladies sufficiently near to be easily visited was small, and many of the -students were not, if I must use the modern slang which was unknown in -my day, calicoists. The two literary societies were centres of -enthusiasm. A new Randolph-Macon student can hardly understand the -intensity of devotion "Washs" and "Franks" had for their societies in -those times. All students were members of the one or of the other, and -were ready to brag for it, quarrel for it, and, if need be, fight for -it. They did not all attend regularly the meetings, or take part in -discussion and other literary exercises; their lack of presence or -performance was amply atoned for by the payment of their fines, for we -were always eager to replenish the treasury. But a number studied -carefully the questions of debate, reading largely, and thus, forming a -fondness for books and habit of reflection; they prepared their -speeches, and often waxed very warm. Indeed, bitterness and strife would -sometimes arise, but they soon passed away. A frequent and effective -debater of rather waspish and contemptuous temper alluded one day to the -arguments of his opponents as flimsy cobwebs, as he quoted one after -another, and answered it, 'I brush that cobweb away,' said he. A modest, -merry-hearted man on the other side--he is now one of Lee's one-armed -heroes--responded: 'The gentleman called my arguments cobwebs, and it -may be that they are; but to-day is not the first time that I have seen -a fly caught in a spider's web, and vainly struggling to get loose.' -Colonel R., an intelligent gentleman of the community, said to me more -than once, when he had been listening to a spirited debate, 'It is not -inferior to the best debates I have heard in the Legislature of -Virginia.' Some of the most skilled debaters in church and state would -give a large share of the credit for their power in deliberative -assemblies to the inspiration and training of those old Randolph-Macon -halls. Many foolish things were spoken there, I must admit. 'I don't -know I did the thing with which I am charged,' said an excited Frank; -'but if I did, I oughtn't to be fined, for I did it with malice -aforethought.' 'With malice aforethought!' responded the censor, who was -our honored and beloved Duncan; 'who ever heard before of that being an -excuse?' 'I said it, and I repeat it, that I did it with malice -aforethought; and if the gentleman doesn't understand, I will explain -that it is a law phrase, and means I didn't go to do it!' - -"There were many traditions in my day of giants who had been at old -Randolph-Macon. They told how Dr. Olin, the first President, a man of -great head and heart, would send for an idle or offending student, place -his feet on the chair where the delinquent sat so as to hold him, a -close prisoner, and talk to him faithfully, yet tenderly, until with -burning cheeks and floods of tears the youth promised never again to -offend. It was a memorable event when the great man preached; solid -thought in vast masses was driven to the mark with resistless power. -There was a story of an eloquent and mighty sermon from Dr. Lovick -Pierce, of Georgia, from a text which astonished every listener: 'Let -him that stole steal no more; but rather let him labor, working with his -hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that -needeth.' There were glowing reports of the wonderful pathos and power -of Russell, of Georgia; how he melted the cold, stone hearts of the -Faculty, who were bent on sending him home, but they had all their -resolves converted into admiration and sympathy for the youth who -pleaded eloquently his own cause; how often he electrified his society. -It was my good fortune to see and hear him in the pulpit and on the -platform, when he visited the College as Commencement orator." - -During the session of 1847-'48, a man of more than ordinary distinction -and talent became connected as Professor with the College, Rev. Charles -Force Deems. He was a native of New Jersey, and a graduate of Dickinson -College. In very early manhood he came to North Carolina to represent -the American Bible Society in that State. He was there only a short time -before he was elected to a chair at the University of North Carolina at -Chapel Hill. When Dr. Smith was elected President in November, 1846, he -was elected Professor of Latin and Belles Lettres. He did not accept the -chair at that time. In December, 1847, he did accept another, and the -January following entered upon his duties as Professor of Chemistry. He -remained that year and then returned to North Carolina, and entered on -the regular work of an itinerant minister. It is not known why he so -soon severed his connection with the College, for which he always to his -latest day expressed an attachment, evidenced by more than one or two -acts of interest and generosity. It is probable that there was little -kindly feeling from some cause not known, or congeniality between him -and the President of the College. This doubtless was the root of the -bitter feud between him and Dr. Smith in after time, culminating in the -alienation of many friends from each other and the North Carolina -Conference from the College. - -The portraits of the two now hang near together on the wall of the -Trustees' room in the library, and it is hoped that all "bitterness and -wrath" having been laid aside they together share the blessedness of -heaven. - -COLLEGE YEAR 1848-'49. - -The report of the President and Faculty gives the following items for -the year 1848-'49: - -Students in College proper, 61; in Preparatory Schools, viz.: at the -College, 51; Ridgway, N. C., 20; Garysburg, 40; Lowell, N. C., 21; -Richlands, N. C., 20; in all, 213. - -"The schools in North Carolina from the last quarterly returns are in a -prosperous condition, and promise in reasonable time to operate as -valuable auxiliaries." - -Professor Deems resigned the chair about December, 1848. The vacancy was -filled, or arranged to be filled, by Charles B. Stuart, of the class of -1845, with the privilege extended to him to spend about a year at -Yale College, where Agricultural and Analytical Chemistry were made -specialties. This arrangement was carried out. - -At the meeting of the Board, June, 1849, a department of Agricultural -Chemistry was provided for, to be in charge of Professor Stuart. - -[Illustration: RICHARD W. LEIGH, _Major C. S. A.; killed at Murfreesboro, -Tenn._] - -The following degrees were conferred: - -A. B. - - JAMES A. DUNCAN, Va. - WILLIAM G. FOOTE, Miss. - JAMES W. JACKSON, Va. - RICHARD W. LEIGH, Va. - LEWIS MILLER, N. C. - R.S.F. PEETE, Va. - B. CRAVEN (Honorary), N. C. - -A. M. - - LUCIEN H. LOMAX, S. C. - EDWARD T. HARDY, Va. - O.H.P. CORPREW, Va. - FRANCIS X. FOSTER, S. C. - -COLLEGE YEAR 1849-'50. - -The attendance this year at the Home Schools was 134 (College, 62; -Preparatory, 72). Improvement reported in general morals and habits of -students. - -Great financial embarrassment reported, and urgent appeals for active -measures to secure needed relief. - -[Illustration: EDWIN E. PARHAM, A. M., _President of Warrenton, -Petersburg, and Hampton Female Colleges._] - -Early in the session of 1849-'50, Professor E. A. Blanch resigned the -Chair of Mathematics on account of continued bad health. Professor John -C. Wills, a distinguished graduate of the Virginia Military Institute, -was elected to fill the vacancy, and entered on his duties. He was a -local minister in the Methodist Church, and a man of fine character and -an accomplished teacher. The College was fortunate in securing such a -man. - -The Faculty now consisted of the following; Dr. Smith, President; -Professors Duncan, Stuart, Wills, Corprew (Tutor), and Williams T. Davis -at the Preparatory School near the College. - -In June, 1850, they reported the Preparatory School as having done well, -and the reception from it of twenty students for the next session, and -four from the Ridgway Preparatory School. The school at Garysburg, N. -C., had been discontinued. The schools at Lowell, N. C., and Richlands, -N. C., in successful operation and accomplishing much good. - -From the above it will be seen that the establishment of academies as -feeders to the College was a fact accomplished before the late effort in -1889. They were all in North Carolina, and the subsequent alienation -carried them away from the College with whatever patronage they were -bringing to it. - -Degrees were conferred as follows, June, 1850: - -A. B. - - EDWIN A. THOMPSON, N. C. - EDWIN E. PARHAM, Va. - EDWARD A. ADAMS, Va. - JOHN F. DANCE, Va. - WILLIAM A. BRAME, N. C. - ROBERT H. WINFIELD, Va. - BENJAMIN C. DREW, Va. - THOMAS F. FITZGERALD, Va. - -A. M. - - REV. N. F. REID (Hon'y), N. C. - BENNETT PURYEAR, Va. - -COLLEGE YEAR 1850-'51. - -Number of students reported this year: In College, 91; in Preparatory -School, 62--total, 153. - -The schools in North Carolina, except Ridgeway, prosperous. - -The year was not satisfactory in the deportment of students generally, -nor in finances. - -[Illustration: PROF. WILLIAM T. DAVIS, _Principal Preparatory School._] - -In June, 1851, the following degrees were conferred: - -A. B. - - WILLIAM H. CHRISTIAN, Va. - HUGH D. BRACEY, Va. - WILLIAM M. CRENSHAW, Va. - HENRY F. DRAKE, N. C. - ARMSTREAT E. FOWLKES, Va. - JOHN H. GUY, Va. - HEZEKIAH G. LEIGH, Jr., Va. - JOHN S. LONG, N. C. - JAMES O'HANLON, N. C. - JACOB M. PALMER, Va. - REUBEN PALMER, Va. - WILLIAM MCK. ROBBINS, N. C. - RICHARD H. WILLIAMS, Va. - HENRY W. WINGFIELD, Va. - -[Illustration: WILLIAM MCK. ROBBINS, _Member of Congress from North -Carolina._] - -A. M. - - RICHARD H. POWELL, Ala. - DAVID CLOPTON, Ala. - THOMAS J. KOGER, S. C. - JAMES F. DOWDELL, Ala. - TENNENT LOMAX, Ala. - JAMES L. PIERCE, Ga. - EDWARD WADSWORTH, Ala. - ADDISON LEA, Miss. - Rev. B. CRAVEN (Honorary), N. C. President Trinity College. - -The Finance Committee reported to the Board that the sum of $57,000 had -been raised in subscriptions, bonds, etc., towards the endowment of the -College. - -COLLEGE YEAR 1851-'52. - -A number of changes took place this year. Williams T. Davis, A. M., who -had for many years successfully conducted the Preparatory School, -retired to go to Petersburg, where he spent the balance of a useful life -in the education of young ladies. He was temporarily succeeded by W. G. -Foote, A. B., and later by James S. Kennedy, A. B., of Emory and Henry -College. - -O. H. P. Corprew, A. M., tutor, was succeeded by Rev. J. A. Dean. - -The annual report mentions better financial condition; decrease in -patronage, due in part to changes of teachers; the introduction of the -"Demerit system," which is noted as having worked satisfactorily; also -the establishment of the degree of "Bachelor of English Literature and -Science," allowing a degree without taking classical studies. - -The Preparatory School at Ridgway, N. C., was discontinued. The other -schools were reported as doing well, but no statistics as to numbers in -attendance were given. The first volume of the _Randolph-Macon -Magazine_, containing ten numbers and three hundred pages, was published -in 1851. The Editors' Table states that "the primary object of our -publication is the _enlargement of our Society libraries_." - -The following is another extract from the Editors' Table: "The time is -at hand for us to throw off our dependence upon the North, and establish -an _independent Southern_ literature." - -The old _Southern Literary Messenger_ was then published, and several -_Reviews_, more or less literary. None of permanent standing are -published now. Southern independence in government and literature seem -to have both surrendered at Appomattox. Some of these young men laid -down their lives for one, some have been too busy fighting "the wolf at -the door" to do much for the latter. While we lament their defeat, we -admire their pluck. - -The following is the title-page of Volume I.: - -[Transcribers' Note: In the printed book, the editors and agents are -listed in two parallel columns. The left-hand column is headed "_From -F.L. Society._" and the right-hand column is headed "_From W.L. -Society._"] - - -THE RANDOLPH-MACON MAGAZINE. - -PUBLISHED BY THE STUDENTS OF THE R.-M. COLLEGE. - -"_Adeo in teneris consuescere, multum est_." - -EDITORS: - - _From F. L. Society._ - ROBERT M. MALLORY. - WILLIAM Y. PEYTON. - JOHN WILLIAMS. - - _From W. L. Society._ - CHARLES H. HALL. - JOHN S. JACKSON. - THADDEUS L. H. YOUNG. - - -AGENTS: - _From F. L. Society_. - JAMES SANGSTER. - THOMAS C. THACKSTON. - - _From W. L. Society_. - LEROY M. WILSON. - EDWARD M. PETERSON. - ------------------------ - - PRINTED BY CHAS. H. WYNNE, - _150 Main Street, Richmond Va._ - ------------------------ - -The following degrees were conferred June, 1852: - -A. B. - - ROWLAND DOGGETT, Va. - ROBERT A. JACKSON, Va. - SAMUEL LANDER, N. C. - ROBERT M. MALLORY, Va. - BENJAMIN W. OGBURN, Va. - JOHN F. OGBURN, Va. - HORACE PALMER, Jr., Va. - RUFUS R. PEGUES, S. C. - HENRY H. WILLIAMS, Va. - JOHN WILLIAMS, N. C. - -A. M. - - JAMES W. JACKSON, Va. - JAMES A. DUNCAN, Va. - R.S.F. PEETE, N. C. - WILLIAM G. FOOTE, Miss. - -COLLEGE SESSION 1852-'53. - -At the annual meeting, June, 1853, the report of the President and -Faculty was duly made, but, from some cause, it was not recorded. - -[Illustration: SAMUEL LANDER, D. D., _President Williamston Female -College, South Carolina._] - -The following degrees were conferred: - -A. B. - - CHARLES H. HALL, N. C. - JOHN S. JACKSON, Va. - EMBRY MERRITT, Va. - HENRY D. MILAM, N. C. - JAMES D. PROCTOR, Va. - JAMES E. SEBRELL, Va. - RICHARD W. THURMAN, Va. - JAMES SANGSTER, Va. - -A. M. - - E. W. ADAMS, Va. - JOHN H. CLAIBORNE, Va. - RICHARD W. LEIGH, Va. - EDWIN E. PARHAM, Va. - GEORGE HOWARD, Va. - LEWIS MILLER, N. C. - ROBERT H. WINFIELD, Va. - Rev. JOHN E. EDWARDS, Va. (Honorary). - -D. D. - - Rev. HEZEKIAH G. LEIGH, North Carolina Conference. - Rev. CHARLES F. DEEMS, North Carolina Conference. - -[Illustration: REV. CHAS. H. HALL, _Of the Virginia Conference._] - - -COLLEGE YEAR 1853-'54. - -There were in attendance this year 111 students in College and 43 in the -Preparatory School. Great gratification was expressed on account of the -good order of the session. The financial condition, however, was still -very embarrassing. The scholarships sold had added something to the -endowment fund, but the number of students paying tuition fees was -reduced, and thus the current receipts were not increased. This -embarrassed the officers of the College, because, while they preferred to -remain, higher salaries elsewhere invited them away. The President -stated that he visited the Virginia Legislature and made strenuous -efforts to induce the body to pass an act which would give all -incorporated Colleges $20,000 in State bonds for every $30,000 invested -by them in State bonds. Though the project seemed to meet with great -favor, nevertheless it failed, as all efforts to get the State to aid -denominational colleges have done. - -Dr. Smith adds: "But if the hope of succeeding with this scheme be not -sufficient to justify you in making better provision for your officers, -and another should not present itself to your minds affording better -grounds of hope for success, it is respectfully submitted whether it be -not better to close your doors until such of the officers as you shall -deem proper to employ shall succeed in raising from the public an -endowment fund sufficient to meet the wants of the institution." - -The venerable Professor David Duncan resigned the Chair of Ancient -Languages, September, 1853, to take effect June, 1854. So in June, after -a continuous faithful service of twenty-one years, he bade farewell to -Randolph-Macon, and went to Wofford, the scene of his labors to the end -of a long life. - -Professor O. H. P. Corprew, A. M., was transferred from the Chair of -Natural Philosophy to fill the vacancy occasioned by Professor Duncan's -resignation. Professor Corprew had been elected to the Professorship of -Natural Philosophy in the previous December. H. G. Leigh, Jr., resigned -as Tutor of Languages, and was succeeded by T. H. L. Young, A. B. Wm. H. -Bass resigned the place of Principal of the Preparatory School, and was -succeeded by John W. Stuart. - -[Illustration: THOMAS C. ELDER, A. M., _Of the Staunton, Va. Bar._] - -John S. Moore, A. M., was elected to the Chair of Natural Philosophy, -vacated by the transfer of Professor Corprew. - -At the annual meeting in June, 1854, the following received degrees: - -A. B. - - JESSE P. BAGBY, Va. - JOHN G. S. BOYD, Va. - RICHARD BOYD, Va. - WILLIAM H. CHEEK, N. C. - THOMAS C. ELDER, Va. - GEORGE W. HAMLIN, Va. - GARLAND B. HANES, Va. - GEORGE W. MAGRUDER, N. C. - ADOLPHUS W. MANGUM, Va. - A. C. MASSENBURG, N. C. - SAMUEL MOORE, Va. - THOMAS C. THACKSTON, Va. - L. O. RIVES, Tenn. - LEROY M. WILSON, Va. - THADDEUS L. H. YOUNG, Va. - -A. M. - - WILLIAM M. CRENSHAW, Va. - BENJAMIN F. SIMMONS, N. C. - WILLIAM MCK. ROBBINS, N. C. - HEZEKIAH G. LEIGH, JR., Va. - EDWARD S. BROWN, Va. - ARMSTREAT E. FOWLKES, Va. - -B., Eng. Lit. and Science. - - ALEX. HOGG, Va. - J. KIRKPATRICK. - W. H. SHAY. - -D. D. - - REV. T. B. SARGENT, Balt. Conf. - REV. ALFRED T. MANN, Ga. Conf. - - -At a called meeting held July 26, 1854, which was well attended, a -further effort was made to secure aid from the Legislature of Virginia. - -At this session of the Board the following important action was taken: - -Rev. Robert O. Burton offered the following resolutions: - -1. That in view of still further elevating the institution and securing -its permanency we will endeavor to increase the endowment to $100,000. - -2. That whenever the amount of $100,000 shall have been secured, or the -interest on the endowment fund shall amount to $6,000, this Board will -grant to the ministers of the Virginia and North Carolina Conferences -the right to educate their sons free of tuition fees for thirty years. - -3. That one or more agents be appointed to raise the money, and that we -earnestly ask the co-operation of all the ministers of the Virginia and -North Carolina Conferences. - -4. That subscriptions of $500 may be paid by the subscribers either -during their natural life or twelve months after death, with interest -from date, to be paid annually. - -5. That Rev. H. B. Cowles be appointed agent, and that Dr. William A. -Smith be associated with him. - -[Illustration: REV. L. M. LEE, D. D., _Editor: Richmond Christian -Advocate_.] - -These resolutions were adopted, and the agents appointed were requested -to make arrangements for the prosecution of the work as soon as -practicable. It could not be done at once, as the Agent elected had to -be assigned to the work by the Conference, which did not meet till -November. So it was arranged that the work should be commenced next -spring. - -In the interval Dr. Leroy M. Lee, then editor of the _Richmond Christian -Advocate_, proceeded to write and publish from time to time a series of -articles on "Christian Education"--articles probably not surpassed in -force and pertinence by any ever written on the subject. He kept the -matter of the canvass which was to be inaugurated the coming year before -the Methodist public, and thus effectually paved the way for better -success. - -In May, 1855, the agent and president of the College began the active -field work to raise the amount to one hundred thousand dollars at -Crenshaw's Church, on the Nottoway circuit, near Blacks and Whites -station, on the the (then) Southside Railroad. At this church a -mass-meeting was held, lasting several days. There were present, in -addition to the leaders above named, Dr. Leroy M. Lee, editor, who was -much interested in the effort. - -Dr. Smith was the chief speaker, and he never appeared to better -advantage, having the sympathy and interest of the audience with him -from the start. Dr. Lee followed him. Agent Cowles struck while the iron -was hot and took the subscription, which, in addition to what was -secured in the circuit in the next few days, amounted to five thousand -dollars. This gave the enterprise a good send-off, and was received and -accepted by the church at large as an augury of final success, which -proved to be true. The agents did not relax their efforts till the limit -was reached. - -There were several circumstances which made this effort a success. The -men in charge were the right men. Dr. Smith was a great man before the -people. Few men who lived in the State ever equalled, fewer still ever -surpassed him. His colleague, while not deficient in public speaking (he -was a most excellent preacher), was gifted with good business address -and tact, well versed in reading and managing mankind in general, and -thorough in his business transactions, securing all the benefits which -were possible. Both were largely acquainted throughout the Conference. - -The times were propitious. The decade beginning 1851 was the golden era -in the material prosperity of Virginia. The spirit of improvement in -lands, building railroads, and plank roads, and other roads was at its -height. Most of the great lines throughout the State were built during -this decade--the Richmond and Danville, the Southside (Petersburg and -Lynchburg), the Virginia and Tennessee (Lynchburg to Bristol), the -Orange and Alexandria (Lynchburg and Alexandria), and the Roanoke Valley -(Clarksville and Ridgway, N. C.), and others were built or projected. -The last named brought railway communication within twelve miles of the -College, and Keysville, on the Richmond and Danville, was within -thirty-five miles of the College. Besides these improvements, a plank -road was built from Petersburg to Clarksville, which was, as long as it -lasted, a great improvement. Another plank road from Blacks and Whites, -on the Southside Railroad, was built through Lunenburg in the direction -of Boydton, but its terminus was twenty miles short of reaching it. - -The Crimean war, involving the great Powers of Europe, raised the price -of wheat to a price seldom, if ever, reached previously. It sold in -1853-'54 for $2.35 per bushel, and good prices were maintained for the -balance of the decade. Lands in the State, which had been low in price, -were increased in value one hundred per cent. and other property in -something like the same ratio. All this made people more ready to -contribute as well as more able. - - -COLLEGE YEAR 1854-'55. - -This College year was marked by no special change or event. The -President's report notes: matriculates in College during the session, -134, 72 of whom were on scholarships. - -[Illustration: DAVID R. DUNCAN, _Major C. S. A.; Senator S. C. -Legislature._] - -Professor Samuel Lander, A. M., entered upon his duties as Adjunct -Professor of Languages, and W. A. Shepard was Assistant in the -Laboratory. - -At the annual meeting, June, 1855, degrees were conferred: - -A. B. - - GEORGE E. BOOKER, Va. - JAMES B. DUGGER, Va. - WILLIAM N. CARTER, Va. - JOHN E. CHRISTIAN, Va. - THOMAS A. GATCH, Va. - JAMES C. HANES, Va. - PETER A. MOSES, Va. - ROBERT N. SLEDD, Va. - DAVID R. DUNCAN, S. C. - OLIVER G. SMITH, N. C. - -A. M. - - THOMAS E. MASSIE, Va. - SAMUEL LANDER, N. C. - ROWLAND DOGGETT, Va. - JOHN F. DANCE, Va. - JOHN F. OGBURN, Va. - ROBERT M. MALLORY, Va. - HENRY W. WINGFIELD, Va. - BENJAMIN W. OGBURN, Va. - SAM'L B. PAUL (Honorary) Va. - -COLLEGE YEAR 1855-'56. - -The celebrated trial of Deems vs. Smith took place at the Virginia -Conference held in Petersburg, November, 1855. The charges were -presented by Dr. C. F. Deems in person, and defence made by Dr. Smith. -The verdict was almost unanimous, finding Dr. Smith not guilty. - -The result of this unfortunate affair was the resignation of quite a -number of the Trustees from the North Conference, that Conference having -espoused the cause of Dr. Deems by a very large majority. - -At the meeting of the Trustees in June, 1856, Dr. Smith tendered his -resignation as President of the College. The Board refused to accept the -resignation, only two voting to receive it. - -This year the first catalogue, as printed, comes to us. Others had been -printed, but no copies preserved. - -Of the original charter members of the Board all had died or retired but -John Early, William A. Smith, Mathew M. Dance and John G. Claiborne. All -the original members of the Faculty had resigned. Students in College, -93; in Preparatory School, 36--total, 129. - -We have no mention of the several Preparatory schools in North Carolina. -Thos. A. Gatch, A. B., was Principal of the Home School. - -[Illustration: W. T. BAILEY, _Killed at Gettysburg; buried on the -field._] - -A resolution was adopted by the Board asking the Legislature to -establish a school of "military tactics" in connection with the College, -but nothing ever came of it. - -In January, 1856, a most remarkable fall of snow occurred, with a -temperature of ten degrees below zero. The snow was fifteen inches deep. - -In June, 1856, the following received degrees: - -A. B. - - W. T. BAILEY, Va. - GREEN A. JACKSON, Va. - THOMAS L. JACKSON, Va. - WILLIAM T. MERRITT, Va. - JOHN P. FULLER, N. C. - -A. M. - - JAMES E. SEBRELL, Va. - WILLIAM A. BRAME, Va. - JAMES D. PROCTOR, Va. - - -COLLEGE YEAR 1856-'57. - -The changes in the Faculty this year were the resignation of Assistant -Professor Samuel Lander, whose place was not filled, and the -substitution of Charles W. Crawley, Principal of the Preparatory School -for Thomas A. Gatch, resigned. - -In June, 1857, Professor Charles B. Stuart resigned the Chair of -Chemistry and Geology, and Professor N. T. Lupton succeeded him. -Professor O. H. P. Corprew at same time resigned the Chair of Ancient -Languages, and Professor William B. Carr succeeded him. - -The degrees conferred June, 1857, were-- - -A. B. - - GEORGE W. ARMISTEAD, Va. - WILLIAM I. COWLES, Va. - RICHARD W. JONES, Va. - JOSEPH E. LEIGH, Va. - EDWIN G. MOORE, N. C. - WILBUR F. DAVIS, N. C. - JOHN B. WILLIAMS, N. C. - WILLIAM W. PENNY, Mo. - WILLIAM A. SHEPARD, Mass. - -A. M. - - WILLIAM G. CONNOR, Tenn. - L. O. RIVES, Tenn. - GARLAND B. HANES, Va. - THAD. L. H. YOUNG, Va. - JESSE P. BAGBY, N. C. - ADOLPHUS W. MANGUM, N. C. - SAMUEL MOORE, Va. - THOMAS C. ELDER, Va. - THOMAS C. THACKSTON, Va. - WILLIAM H. CHEEK, N. C. - -Number of students during the session, 144, including those at the -Preparatory School (34). - -The worst blizzard ever known in Virginia occurred in January, 1857; -thermometer ten degrees below zero. Some suffering in the College for -want of fuel. - - -COLLEGE YEAR 1857-'58. - -This year was reasonably prosperous. Some dissatisfaction was expressed -in the president's annual report on account of salaries. - -[Illustration: RICHARD W. JONES, A. M., LL. D., _Major C. S. A.; -President Mississippi Industrial Institute; Professor Mississippi -University and Randolph-Macon College._] - -In June, 1858, Prof. Lupton resigned the chair of Chemistry and Geology, -which was subsequently supplied by the election of Prof. Bennett -Puryear, of Richmond College. - -Dr. W. A. Smith again tendered his resignation, for reasons personal to -himself. At the urgent solicitation of the students, the Alumni Society, -and the Board, he withdrew his resignation. - -[Illustration: REV. RICHARD FERGUSON, _Virginia; Adjutant Eighteenth -Va. Regiment._] - -Degrees were conferred as follows: - -A. B. - - BENJAMIN H. THACKSTON, Va. - RICHARD FERGUSON, Va. - VICTOR M. BRANDON, Va. - RICHARD B. HOLSTEAD, Va. - ROBERT S. ISBELL, Va. - ALEX. MALLORY, Va. - ROBERT MOORE, Va. - CLAUDIUS G. PHILLIPS, Va. - PITTMAN R. VENABLE, Va. - RICHARD O. WYATT, Va. - -B. L. AND S. - -WALTER M. IRBY, Virginia. - -A. M. - -GEORGE E. BOOKER, Va. -PETER A. MOSES, Ark. -THOMAS A. GATCH, Va. -ROBERT N. SLEDD, Va. -JAMES C. HANES, Va. -Prof. JOHN C. WILLS (Honorary), Randolph-Macon College. - -Students in College this session, 109; in Preparatory School, 16-total, -125. - - -THE ENDOWMENT RAISED TO $100,000. - -At a called meeting of the Board December 27, 1858, the following action -was taken: - -"The Board, being satisfied, from an examination of the bonds and -subscriptions obtained by the agent, that the endowment fund of the -College, in bonds, cash, and valid subscriptions, has been raised to and -above one hundred thousand dollars; therefore be it - -"_Resolved_, That the following notice be given through the newspapers -of the State, viz.: 'By order of the Board of Trustees of Randolph-Macon -College, at a meeting held this day, notice is hereby given to those -persons who have contributed by bonds and subscriptions to increase the -endowment of the College that the said fund has been raised to the -amount of one hundred thousand dollars in bonds, cash, and valid -subscriptions, that their obligations have become absolute, and it is -hoped that they will discharge them, in order that the money may be -invested in permanent form as soon as practicable.'" - -The herculean task of raising the largest endowment fund ever -contributed to any college in Virginia or in the South up to this date -by public subscription was thus confirmed. When it is considered that -the larger part of this amount was contributed by individuals in sums -ranging from five to one thousand dollars (the latter sum the largest -contributed by one subscriber), the immense labor and difficulties of -the undertaking may be, to some extent, estimated. But the large number -of subscribers evidenced one gratifying fact, that after the subject of -education had been ventilated in mass-meetings, the people had become -interested in Christian education, and had given practical proof of that -interest. - -[Illustration: HENRY B. COWLES, _Virginia Conference; Agent -Randolph-Macon College._] - -The friends of the College were jubilant over this great event, which -seemed to insure new life and energy to the College, the subject of so -many hopes and prayers. The three great moving and active agents in -consummating the work--President W. A. Smith, Dr. Leroy M. Lee, and -Agent Rev. Henry B. Cowles--are worthy of all honor, and their names -should be handed down to succeeding generations as the benefactors of -their State and church. - -At the commencement, June, 1859, there was a large re-union of the -Alumni of Randolph-Macon to rejoice over the endowment secured and to -consult together about the interests of the College. Prominent among -those present were Rev. President John C. Blackwell, the oldest alumnus; -Rev. Holland N. McTyeire, D. D., editor of the _Nashville Christian -Advocate_; Rev. James A. Duncan, Hon. Thomas H. Campbell, etc. A banquet -of the Society was held, which was attended by many of its members and -invited guests. The Society of Alumni adopted the following preamble and -resolutions: - -"Whereas the Bible, as the word of God, contains the highest wisdom as -well as the highest truth; and whereas it is the oldest as well as the -best of books, and bears a vital relation to literature and civilization -as well as to religion; and whereas a knowledge of its teachings and the -history of those religious opinions and institutions which have -exercised a controlling influence upon the character and destiny of -mankind is necessary to a broad, liberal and complete education; -therefore, - -"_Resolved_, 1. That the Bible, as a text-book, ought to occupy a -central place in education, as it does in morals. - -"2. That it is eminently proper for the church, in conducting education, -to give the Bible such a place and distinct recognition. - -"3. That we, the alumni of Randolph-Macon College, recommend and -respectfully urge upon the Board of Trustees the creation of a _Chair of -Biblical Literature_, whose instruction shall be accessible to all -students of the College who shall desire to include them in their course -of study, and shall be extended free of charge to any young men who are -studying with a view to the Christian ministry. - -"4. That we recommend that the Virginia Conference rand the friends and -patrons of the College everywhere take measures for speedily endowing a -_Chair of Biblical Literature_. - -(Signed) "HOLLAND N. MCTYEIRE. - -"JOHN C. BLACKWELL." - -[Illustration: REV. WILLIAM S. DAVIS, _Of the North Carolina Conference; -General of Cavalry in the C. S. A._] - -This was the most pleasant and cheering commencement occasion which had -occurred for many years. The catalogue showed the attendance to have -been: Students in College, 119; in Preparatory School, 22--total, 141. -This year the old curriculum of four years was abandoned, and the course -was made _elective_, with the following departments, viz.: - -[Illustration: THOMAS J. JARVIS, LL. D., _Ex-Governor of North Carolina; -Senator in U. S. Congress; Minister to Brazil._] - - 1. Ancient Languages, - 2. Mathematics, - 3. Chemistry and Natural Philosophy, - 4. Moral Philosophy, - 5. Modern Languages, - 6. Preparatory. - -A. B. and A. M. courses for degrees were established. - -Professor J. C. Wills resigned the Chair of Mathematics. He left much to -the regret of the Board and the Faculty to take a professorship at the -Southern University, Greensboro, Ala. Mr. Robert T. Massie was elected -to fill the vacancy. Robert S. Isbell was Principal of the Preparatory -School. - -The following degrees were conferred: - -A. B. - - WILLIAM S. DAVIS, N. C. - AURELIUS T. GILL, Va. - ADAM C. BAGBY, Va. - JOHN L. JOHNSON, Va. - HENRY B. COWLES, JR.; Va. - JOHN DAVIDSON BLACKWELL, Va. - WILLIAM H. DAVIS, Va. - JOHN T. HUMPHREYS, Va. - THOMAS J. OVERBY, N. C. - JOHN L. CHAMBERLAIN, N. C. - EDWIN S. HARDY, Va. - JOHN W. JONES, Va. - WILLIAM G. STARR, Va. - CHRISTOPHER THROWER, Ark. - LEROY S. EDWARDS, Va. - LUTHER WRIGHT, Va. - -ENGLISH AND SCIENCE. - - J. W. HEARTSFIELD, N. C. - THOMAS W. BRANCH, Va. - F. X. MILLER, N. C. - -A. M. - - DR. SAMUEL D. SANDERS, S. C. - WILLIAM T. MERRITT, Va. - GREEN A. JACKSON, Va. - ARGYLE HALEY, Va. - JOHN E. CHRISTIAN, Va. - JOHN WILLIAMS, N. C. - ALEXANDER HOGG, Texas. - -D. D. - -Prof. A. M. SHIPP, Wofford College, S. C. - - -COLLEGE YEAR 1859-'60. - -This was the first year under the new system of instruction. At the -annual meeting of the Board of Trustees, the committee on "The course of -instruction and new system of government" reported very favorably on the -results, and advised continuance of the same, with some modifications. - -The Preparatory School was abolished this year, after an unsuccessful -course generally, for about twenty-eight years. The number of students -in attendance this year was: in College, 149; in Preparatory School, -16--total, 165. - -[Illustration: B. W. ARNOLD, A. M., _Professor of Vanderbilt University; -Member of the Virginia Legislature._] - -Degrees conferred June, 1860, _under new course_: - - A. B. - - JOSEPH D. ARNOLD, Va. - WILLIAM P. HILL, Va. - THOMAS J. JARVIS, N. C. - -A. M. - - BENJ. W. ARNOLD, Va. - ANTHONY DIBRELL, Va. - GEORGE B. FINCH, Va. - P. FLETCHER FORD. Va. - WILLIAM M. JONES, Va. - JAMES H. PEAY, Va. - BENJAMIN I. SCOTT, Va. - JOHN W. TAYLOR, Va. - -A. M., under the old course. - - WILLIAM I. COWLES, Va. - RICHARD W. JONES, Va. - JOHN B. WILLIAMS, N. C. - WILBUR F. DAVIS, Va. - EDWIN G. MOORE, N. C. - GEORGE W. ARMISTEAD, Va. - WILLIAM A. SHEPARD, Va. - JOHN L. GILLESPIE, Va. - -COLLEGE YEAR 1860-'61. - -This College year reached into the first year of the civil war. The -matriculation at the opening was fairly good, but during the second term -many of the young men left to enter the military service. The -Commencement exercises were dispensed with, and the Board conferred only -a few degrees. Those receiving them were-- - -A. M. - - B. L. ARNOLD, Va. - B. J. HAWTHORNE, Va. - RICHARD B. HOLSTEAD, Va. - RICHARD O. WYATT, Va. - - -A. B. - - JOHN THOMPSON BROWN, Va. - -D. D - -REV. JOHN C. BLACKWELL, A. M., Pres. Buckingham Female Inst. - -Under the discouraging circumstances the Board determined to suspend the -exercises of the College--a very wise move, but unfortunately it was -countermanded at a subsequent meeting. - - -COLLEGE YEAR 1861-'62. - -At a called meeting of the Board held August 29, 1861, the previous -action of the Board was rescinded, and it was resolved, "That the -College be opened at the usual time under a complete system of military -government, and Rev. Major William H. Wheelwright Was elected Professor -of Military Tactics." - -At a subsequent meeting of the Board, Professor Lewis Turner was elected -to the Chair of Mathematics, vacated by the resignation of Professor -Massie, who had entered the military service; Professor W. A. Shepard -had also entered the service, but his place was not filled. - -At a meeting held in Norfolk, Va., November 22, 1861, a committee was -appointed to secure a change in the charter, authorizing the military -feature proposed for the College. - -At a meeting of the Board held January 20, 1862, J. E. Blankenship was -elected Professor in place of Major Wheelwright, who declined to accept -the position offered him. On the 20th February the military organization -was completed by the action of the Executive Committee. It was as -follows, viz.: - - REV. WM. A. SMITH, D. D., _Col. Commanding Corps Cadets_. - J. E. BLANKENSHIP, Major, _Professor Mathematics and Military - Science_. - BENNETT PURYEAR, Captain. _Professor Chemistry_. WILLIAM B. CARR, - Captain, _Professor Ancient Languages_. - G. STAUBLY, Captain, _Professor Modern Languages_. - -A long schedule of military rules was adopted--too long for their -insertion here, and much longer than their existence would have -justified. - -Those who reversed the deliberate action of the Board at the annual -meeting, carried away with the excitement of the times, thought they -were doing the best, but, as we look at it now, it appears a solemn -farce. It was also an expensive one. - -At the close of the year, June, 1862, the following received degrees: - -A. M. - - WILLIAM A. ARCHER, Va. - J. E. BUTLER, Ark. - R. A. COMPTON, Va. - WILLIAM S. WILLIAMS. Mo. - -GRADUATES OF FORMER YEARS. - - WILLIAM G. STARR, - ROBERT S. ISBELL, - JOHN D. BLACKWELL. - -A. B. - - WILLIAM E. EDWARDS. - B. L. ARNOLD, Va. - -[Illustration: WILLIAM E. EDWARDS, D. D., _A. B., 1862._] - -At the annual meeting, June, 1862, of the Trustees, the following -resolution was adopted: - -"This Board, having the utmost confidence in the ability of the -Confederate States to maintain their independence, and that it is safe -to make investment in their stocks (bonds), is of the opinion that it -would be judicious to sell out our stocks which do not pay an interest -of more than six per cent., and to invest the same in Confederate States -bonds, bearing an interest of eight per cent. And that the President of -the College be requested to confer with our Investing Agent on the -subject, and that if the investing Agent concur with the Board in the -propriety of the exchance of stocks, that he proceed to make it." - -Under the military _regime_ the session opened as usual in September, -1862. The number of students in attendance was small, as might have been -expected. - -The board of students was fixed at $25 per month, with the following -bill of fare at the Mess Hall: - -"_For breakfast_--Sugar, coffee (_or substitute_) or milk (_those using -the one will not be entitled to the other_), flour-bread, viz., loaf -bread and biscuit, and either batter-bread, waffles or muffins, butter, -cold or fried bacon, or hash. - -"_For dinner_--Boiled bacon and cabbage, or other greens, and one of the -following kinds of meats, viz., beef, mutton, shoat or fowls, with the -vegetables of the season, and corn-bread. - -"_For supper_--Sugar, coffee (_or a substitute_) or milk, as at -breakfast, flour-bread, viz., loaf-bread and biscuit, and either -batter-bread, waflles, muffins, or toast-bread and butter." - -What soldier could not fight on such fare as this! - -In October, 1862, Professor Staubly resigned, and soon afterwards went -to Petersburg, along with Professor W. B. Carr, to teach in the -Petersburg Female College. They were thus engaged till the 9th of June, -1864, when General Kautz attacked the Home Guards, under the command of -Major F. H. Archer. In this engagement Professors Carr and Staubly were -participants, and the latter was killed, along with Geo. B. Jones, a -Randolph-Macon alumnus. - -At a called meeting of the Trustees held December 18, 1862, the -President presented to the consideration of the Board the condition of -the College, with an exhibit of receipts and disbursements. - -After much deliberation, it was ordered that the operations of the -College be suspended from and after the 5th of February, 1863, to the -opening of the fall term, in September following. - -"Dr. W. A. Smith was placed in charge of the property. At a meeting of -the Trustees held July 24, 1863, the President in his report in regard -to the closing term said: - -"The College opened September, 1862, with about twenty students, which -number gradually increased to forty-four. The Conscript Act then went -into operation, and took nearly half that number. - -Then, on motion, it was ordered that the exercises of the College be -suspended until otherwise ordered. The Virginia Conference of the M. E. -Church, South, held its annual session at Broad-street Methodist Church -November, 1863. At this Conference the following resolution was adopted: - -"_Resolved_, That we recommend the Trustees of Randolph-Macon College to -remove it from its present site to some more eligible locality, and we -call their attention specially to the advantages presented by Lynchburg -as the place to which it should be transferred." - -A meeting of the Trustees was called to consider the resolution of the -Conference, and the Trustees assembled at Broad-street Church November -26, 1863. - -As there were only nine members in attendance, the Trustees adjourned to -meet in the city of Petersburg on the 20th of January, to consider the -recommendation of the Conference, and an order was made that notice of -the adjourned meeting be given in the newspapers of Richmond and -Petersburg. - -The Trustees of Randolph-Macon College met, pursuant to adjournment, at -the Washington-street M. E. Church, Petersburg, Va., on Wednesday, -January 20, 1864. There were present seventeen members. The chairman, -President Smith, presented the resolution of the Conference, given -above. - -After considerable discussion, the following was agreed upon as the -sense of the Board: - -"_Resolved unanimously_, That while the Board of Trustees of -Randolph-Macon College are not prepared to take decisive action on the -resolution of the Virginia Conference in relation to the change of -location of said College, yet this Board so far concurs in the spirit of -their resolution as to appoint five members as a committee of the Board -to take immediate steps to ascertain the comparative advantages offered -by other localities with a view to its removal; and that the committee -be requested to perform their duty with dispatch, and report to an -adjourned meeting to be held in Petersburg, Va., on Wednesday, March 9, -1864." - -The following were appointed said committee: Rev. W. A. Smith, chairman, -Rev. L. M. Lee, Rev. J. C. Blackwell, E. R. Chambers, and R. M. Smith; -and, on motion, Captain Richard Irby was added to the committee. - -The Trustees met, pursuant to adjournment, in Washington-street M. E. -Church, Petersburg, Va., March 9, 1864. - -The committee appointed at the meeting January 20 last made report, as -follows: - -"The committee to whom were referred the comparative claims of the -different localities which have been spoken of as offering the most -encouraging prospects of success beg leave to submit, that such is the -unsettled state of public opinion as to the financial condition of the -country at this time, and for some time to come, that no enlightened -judgment can be reached by your committee as to the advantages offered -by other localities compared with the present location of the College, -we beg, therefore, to be relieved from the further consideration of the -subject. - -"(Signed) WM. A. SMITH, _Chairman_." - - -The following order was adopted in regard to the report, viz.: - -"_Resolved_, That the report of the committee be referred back to the -same committee, with instructions to take into consideration all the -subjects committed to them at the meeting held in Petersburg on the 20th -January last, and report to a subsequent meeting to be held in -Petersburg at the call of the President, or when he may be requested to -call a meeting by any five members of the Board of Trustees." - -This meeting was never called. The committee never formulated any -further report. In a few weeks after the meeting was held, Petersburg -was invested by the Federal army, under General Grant. This investment -was continued until April, 1865, when General Lee's right wing was -turned, Petersburg and Richmond evacuated, and the final surrender at -Appomattox. - -The following reminiscences of the last days of the College before the -suspension are given by Rev. Dr. W. E. Edwards, who was at the College -till near the close: - -"The years 1860-1862 were among the most memorable in the history of the -College. In 1860 the College, perhaps, had attained the climax of its -_ante-bellum_ prosperity. It had met difficulties and conquered them. It -had grown and developed into commanding importance. A future of great -promise opened up before it. Dr. William A. Smith was now at the zenith -of his great popularity as a college president and as an instructor in -Moral Philosophy. The changes which from time to time he had introduced -in the management of affairs bore continually-increasing fruit in the -orderly conduct of students and in their closer application to books; -nay, more, his adaptation to the professorial duties which he had -assumed shone out conspicuously before the church and the state. He was -endowed with splendid abilities--an intellectual giant. Especially was -he a born metaphysician. He possessed a power of introspection and an -aptness for the logical arrangement of truth that fall to the lot of -but few men in life; and now, by patient toil, he elaborated and -delivered to his classes a course of original lectures upon the various -subjects in his special department, which of itself would justly -entitle him to a high rank among the instructors of the country. It is -to be regretted that these lectures were never written out _in extenso_ -and given to the public. No doubt, at certain points, they would -disclose a lack of thoroughness, due to the absence of large and general -reading; still, they would manifest a marked degree of original and -profound investigation, and would prove, what cannot be said of all that -today is taught in our colleges under the name of Moral Science, -exceedingly helpful in the proper culture and discipline of character. -In other words, the Doctor, in the plan and order of his talent, was -practical rather than speculative. - -The dark cloud of civil war, so long anticipated and dreaded, now -appeared with threatening aspect upon the horizon. The presidential -nominees were made. Intense excitement pervaded every department of -society. Still the attendance of students upon the fall session of the -College for 1860 was not much abated. Of course, the storm without was -felt in the narrower circle of college life; all the circumstances of a -regular political campaign was here faithfully enacted. Parties were -formed; electors were chosen; speeches were made; votes were cast. The -majority upon which so important a decision was made (to the best of my -memory) was five, yet, in spite of this political strife, studies were -pursued with the zest and regularity of former years. A few months -passed by. The great American people, despite the students of -Randolph-Macon College, decided who should be the President of the -country, and declared in favor of Abraham Lincoln, 'the rail-splitter of -Illinois.' The College participated more and more in the effects of the -increasing excitement. Many students from the seceded States returned to -their homes. At length the 4th of March, 1861, arrived. Mr. Lincoln was -inducted into office. Immediately he called for seventy-five thousand -men to crush the 'rebellion.' Virginia, so long standing aloof, and -hoping against hope, now compelled to make a decision, unhesitatingly -cast her fortune with that of her Southern sisters. The wildest -enthusiasm prevailed among the students. Bondfires were kindled; a great -torchlight procession was formed; the different professors were visited, -and, after the most approved style, called on for speeches. Then the -march was continued to Boydton, to the manifest delight of the citizens -of that little town; and then, at a late hour of the night, the line was -broken, and every one was left to find his way as best he could back to -his room. It is a time long to be remembered. - -"Soon students in large numbers left for their homes to prepare for war. -The country was converted into an immense camp. So great was the -depletion in the number of students, and so great was the excitement -that prevailed throughout the country, that the College authorities -deemed it inexpedient to hold the regular commencement exercises for -this year. So closed the term of 1860-'61. - -"A word at this point: In those days it was not deemed improper or -unbecoming for ministers of the gospel to have decided views upon -questions of state. There were clerical Whigs and there were clerical -Democrats, and very stoutly did they maintain the cause of their -respective parties. Of course, they never entered the political arena, -but in private and around the fireside there was often no small war -waged by these 'gentlemen of the cloth' over the great issues of the -day. Dr. William A. Smith was a Democrat of the Calhoun stamp. He -believed implicitly in the right of secession, a sacred right guaranteed -by the constitution, and was not slow to give the reason for the opinion -which he cherished. Still, in the earlier part of 1861, he did not -recognize the necessity for the exercise of this right on the part of -the South. He thought that some compromise might be effected and the -Union saved; yet when Mr. Lincoln was inaugurated, and his policy -forecast in the call for seventy thousand men to crush the rebellion, he -no longer hesitated, but claimed rights which before he was willing to -ignore; and the South had no stauncher friend or more zealous advocate -than he during all those dark days of fratricidal strife, even to the -close, when drums ceased to beat and the battle-flags were furled. - -"We start a new era. Vacation begins. The excitement in the land, if -possible, becomes more intense. There is volunteering for service, -drilling, hurrying on to the front. Everything is placed under -contribution to facilitate and render successful the mighty trial of -arms which is impending. The battle of Manassas is fought. The South is -the victor; yet the fruits are not what were desired and anticipated. -The war cloud, instead of vanishing, grows denser. The evidences of a -protracted and sanguinary conflict become manifest. The trustees of the -College, under existing circumstances, were embarrassed. They knew not -what to do; yet in the early part of July they declared against the -opening of the doors of the institution for the coming year. Later on, -however, they reversed this decision, and the College began its fall -session at the usual time. Several important changes are here to be -noticed. First, the number of students was perceptibly smaller than -usual; the whole body, perhaps, did not exceed sixty-five or seventy. A -few of these were manifestly parties desiring to shirk military service; -yet the great majority was composed of persons under the age of -conscription and of persons who were already far advanced in their -college course and looked forward to a speedy graduation. - -"Again: there was a change in the complexion or membership of the -Faculty. Professor Massie resigned to accept a call to governmental work -in Richmond, and Professor Turner was elected to fill the Chair of -Mathematics. He, however, resigned at the close of the half session, and -Professor Blankenship was chosen as his successor. Professor Shepard -resigned, and entered upon active military service in the field. No one -was appointed to fill his place, as the exigencies of the case did not -demand it. - -"Once more: the style of the College was changed from a purely literary -to a semi-military institution. A regular uniform was prescribed; drills -were daily observed, and other things of a similar character were -enjoined, all looking to the preparation of the student for the duties -that awaited him in defence of his country. - -"The Commencement exercises for this year were exceedingly interesting -and for the times very largely attended. Dr. James A. Duncan delivered -the address before the two societies. His presence among the scenes of -his boyhood was a joy to his old acquaintances, and his address was -highly appreciated for its worth and for the sake of the man who -delivered it." - -The record of the meeting held March 9, 1864, given above, closes the -official history of the College prior to the surrender. - -We give the names of the trustees following those who were named in the -charter of February, 1830, with date of their election: - - NAME. STATE. YEAR. - NATHANIEL MASON,. . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1833 - THOMAS ADAMS, . . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1833 - THOMAS WILLIAMS,. . . . . South Carolina, . . . 1833 - ALEXANDER SPEAR,. . . . . Georgia,. . . . . . . 1834 - W. H. ELLISON,. . . . . . Georgia,. . . . . . . 1834 - Rev. WILLIAM CAPERS,. . . South Carolina, . . . 1834 - Rev. W. M. KENNEDY, . . . South Carolina, . . . 1834 - Rev. W. M. WIGHTMAN,. . . South Carolina, . . . 1834 - GEORGE W. JEFFRIES, . . . North Carolina, . . . 1834 - BEV. SYDNOR,. . . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1834 - Rev. I. A. FEW, . . . . . Georgia,. . . . . . . 1834 - Rev. LOVICK PIERCE, . . . Georgia,. . . . . . . 1835 - SEABORN JONES,. . . . . . Georgia,. . . . . . . 1835 - J. C. POYTHRESS,. . . . . Georgia,. . . . . . . 1835 - Rev. JAMES McADEN,. . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1835 - Rev. ABRAM PENN,. . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1835 - WILLIS LEA, . . . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1835 - Bishop J. O. ANDREW,. . . Georgia,. . . . . . . 1835 - HUGH A. GARLAND,. . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1835 - Rev. STEPHEN OLIN,. . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1835 - HORACE PALMER,. . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1837 - Rev. JAMES JAMEISON,. . . North Carolina, . . . 1837 - Rev. B. T. BLAKE, . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1837 - M. M. MCPHERSON,. . . . . Georgia,. . . . . . . 1838 - THOMAS W. WILLIAMS, . . . South Carolina, . . . 1838 - S. K. HODGES, . . . . . . South Carolina, . . . 1838 - L. C. GARLAND,. . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1840 - D'ARCY PAUL,. . . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1840 - A. A. CAMPBELL, . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1840 - Rev. D. S. DOGGETT,.. . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1841 - Rev. A. M. FORSTER, . . . South Carolina, . . . 1841 - Rev. HENRY B. COWLES, . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1842 - GEORGE ROGERS,. . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1842 - EDWARD R. CHAMBERS, . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1842 - WILLIAM TOWNES, . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1844 - WESLEY YOUNG, . . . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1845 - Rev. R. O. BURTON,. . . . North Carolina, . . . 1845 - Rev. WILLIAM B. ROWZIE, . Virginia, . . . . . . 1845 - ELLIS MALONE, . . . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1846 - THOMAS BRANCH,. . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1846 - Rev. L. M. LEE, . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1846 - THOMAS W. HARRIS, . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1846 - RICHARD B. BAPTIST, . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1846 - CHARLES R. EATON, . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1848 - MASON L. WIGGINS, . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1848 - CHARLES S. HUTCHESON, . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1848 - WILLIAM IRBY, . . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1848 - JAMES J. DALY,. . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1848 - Rev. R. I. CARSON,. . . . North Carolina, . . . 1848 - Rev. JAMES REID,. . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1848 - G. W. S. PARHAM,. . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1848 - GEORGE WILSON,. . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1848 - GEORGE D. BASKERVILLE,. . North Carolina, . . . 1848 - Rev. ANTHONY DIBRELL, . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1849 - Rev. WILLIAM CLOSS, . . . North Carolina, . . . 1852 - Rev. THOMAS S. CAMPBELL,. North Carolina, . . . 1854 - THOMAS H. CAMPBELL, . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1854 - RICHARD IRBY, . . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1854 - CHARLES SKINNER,. . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1854 - Rev. GEORGE W. NOLLEY,. . Virginia, . . . . . . 1855 - JOHN G. BOYD, . . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1855 - Rev. LEO ROSSER,. . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1855 - Rev. J. P. MOORE, . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1855 - Rev. R. E. G. ADAMS,. . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1855 - Rev. P. W. ARCHER,... . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1855 - Rev. N. F. REID,. . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1855 - Rev. WILLIAM CARTER,. . . North Carolina, . . . 1855 - Rev. J. E. EDWARDS, . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1857 - N. MILAM, . . . . . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1857 - Rev. G. W. CARTER,. . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1858 - RICHARD M. SMITH, . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1858 - Rev. JOHN C. BLACKWELL, . Virginia, . . . . . . 1858 - THOMAS P. JERMAN, . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1858 - LEROY M. WILSON,. . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1859 - O. H. P. CORPREW, . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1859 - WILLIAM A. SMITH, . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1860 - W. T. SUTHERLIN, . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1860 - -_Secretaries of the Board._ - - Rev. WILLIAM A. SMITH, - Rev. WILLIAM M. WIGHTMAN, - Rev. JOHN G. CLAIBORNE, - Rev. EDWARD WADSWORTH, - Rev. HENRY B. COWLES, - RICHARD B. BAPTIST, - RICHARD IRBY, - WILLIAM A. SHEPARD. - -_Treasurers._ - - JOHN W. LEWIS, - ALEXANDER BOYD, - BEVERLY SYDNOR, - LANDON C. GARLAND, - DAVID DUNCAN, - CHARLES B. STUART, - Rev. WILLIAM A. SMITH. - -Agents. - - Rev. H. G. LEIGH, - Rev. WILLIAM HAMMETT, - Rev. M. P. PARKS, - Rev. JOHN EARLY, - Rev. WILLIAM A. SMITH, - Rev. THOMAS CROWDER, - Rev. JOHN A. MILLER, - Rev. JOHN KERR, - Rev. S. S. BRYANT, - Rev. R. O. BURTON, - Rev. WILLIAM B. ROWZIE, - Rev. R. I. CARSON, - Rev. BENJAMIN R. DUVAL, - Rev. N. THOMAS, - Rev. HENRY B. COWLES. - - Rev. JOHN EARLY, - Chairman Board of Trustees, 1831. - President " " 1833 to 1872. - -In the body of the history sufficient prominence has not been given to a -number of the Professors and Agents. They in many instances richly -deserved this prominence, but it seemed to be impossible to get -portraits of them. A search for some of them for years failed to secure -them. - -The good work, as agents, of Rev. B. R. Duval and Rev. N. Thomas, more -particularly the former, deserved a much more extended notice and -commendation. - - -WAR HISTORY. - -The war history of the College and its Professors and sons is and must -remain very imperfect. It is impossible for the writer to gather up the -scattered threads of this history. No approximate estimate can be given -of the number who went into military service, nor of the casualties -which befell them. That many of them were killed and wounded and many -died of sickness is well known. - -Six Randolph-Macon men were enrolled in one company, and the casualties -which befell these are here given from actual data. Whether this is a -fair sample of the rest is not known with certainty. There is no reason -why it should not be assumed as a fair average. - -In Company G, Eighteenth Virginia Regiment, Army Northern Virginia, the -following casualties occurred, viz.: - -Richard Irby, class of 1844, first lieutenant and captain, wounded twice -at Second Manassas, 1862. - -Samuel Hardy, class of 1846, first lieutenant, lost an arm and disabled -at Gaines' Mill, 1862. - -Richard Ferguson, class of 1858, first lieutenant (and adjutant of the -regiment, 1863), wounded at Gaines' Mill, Frazier's Farm, Second -Manassas, and captured inside the cemetery wall at Gettysburg; in prison -to the close of the war. - -Edward H. Muse, class of 1861, second lieutenant, wounded at Frazier's -farm, Gettysburg, and Sailor's Creek. - -Anthony Dibrell Crenshaw, class of 1858, third lieutenant, killed at -Five Forks, 1865, and buried on the field. - -Benjamin I. Scott, class of 1860, corporal, killed near Boonsboro, Md., -1862, and left on the field. - -The writer can give the history and portraits of these, because he had -the honor to command the company in which they served, and preserved -their records and portraits. - -The College premises were occupied after the close of the war for some -time by the Federal forces. The main building was used as headquarters -of the Freedman's Bureau, and the rooms filled with the "wards of the -nation." The damage done to the property was assessed at about five -thousand dollars, which is unpaid to this day, and will doubtless so -remain to the end of time. - -This closes the _ante-bellum_ record. - -[Illustration: OFFICERS COMPANY G, EIGHTEENTH VIRGINIA REGIMENT. No. 1. -Captain Richard Irby. No. 2. Lieut. Richard Ferguson. No. 3. Lieut. S. -Hardy. No. 4. Lieut. E. H. Muse. No. 5. Lieut. A. D. Crenshaw. No. 6. -Corpl. B. I. Scott.] - - - -INTERLUDE. - - -BEFORE entering upon the subsequent history of the College, this writer -would take this occasion to refer to one of many omissions, which he has -noted in revising the pages already printed, a point of special interest -and importance. This is the religious element in Randolph-Macon College. - -The College was the child of the Methodist Church, established, in large -measure, to educate young men for the ministry in accordance with the -ideas and usages of the church of that day. Religion was the first and -foremost consideration--religion as taught and emphasized by the -Methodist Church--religion allied with education. At the first opening -of the College a chaplain was appointed for it by the Conference, a man -who was as complete a model of the Methodist minister as could be found, -William B. Rowzie, a walking, living epistle of Christ, "known and read -of all men." One better than he could not have been found to inaugurate -the religious life of the College. - -Never in the history of the church in Virginia has Methodism, in its -spirit and economy, been more thoroughly exemplified than it has been at -Randolph-Macon. The morning and evening sacrifice of prayer and praise -noted every day of work. Preaching in the chapel was had twice on -Sabbath and prayer service was held on Wednesday evenings. Students were -required to attend morning and evening prayer and Sunday morning -service. Besides this, the members of the church were organized into -classes with leaders, according to Methodist usage, and class-meetings -were regularly held once a week. Thus was exhibited a complete practical -example of Methodist economy as prescribed in the _Discipline_. The -result and fruit of this work was a high state of religious life. Every -year, or oftener, this life took the form of great religious activity, -and sweeping revivals occurred, bringing well-nigh all in the College -and many outside under spiritual influence, and many converts into the -church. There were few years, if any, when some such revival did not -take place. Of many it could be said, "This and that man was born -there"; many who not only became Christians themselves, but went forth -from the College to preach the gospel throughout the Southern land. Many -here were drilled in Methodist usages, and thus prepared to become -class leaders, stewards and Sunday-school teachers and superintendents -after they left College. A large proportion of these became presidents -of colleges and principals of high schools and academies, in which they -inaugurated the same system of "religion in earnest." These schools -shared the same benign and gracious influences, and in turn became -"fountains in the desert," from whence "streams broke out," reaching -even to the ends of the earth, "making glad the city of our God," and -causing "the wilderness to bloom and blossom as the rose." - -It may be thought strange that fathers belonging to other churches and -others not religious were ever found sending their sons to a college -which was thus permeated with religious life as taught and practiced by -Methodists. But in many cases they did send them. - -This writer, whose acquaintance with the College extends over a period -of nearly sixty years, makes bold to say that he has never known a -student to change his church membership during all that time and become -a Methodist. He has known class-leaders who had been at home -Presbyterians and Episcopalians, but after leaving College they resumed -their work in their fathers' churches, none the worse for having for a -time worked in "Methodist traces." - -As to calculating the ultimate effects of all these causes and -influences in time and eternity, it were as vain to try to calculate or -measure them as it would be - - "To bind the sweet influences of the Pleiades - Or loose the bands of Orion." - - - -COLLEGE HISTORY AFTER THE WAR. - - -THE period immediately succeeding the surrender of the Confederate army -at Appomatox was one of the darkest and most discouraging that any -civilized people was ever called to face. Virginia had been for four -years the battle-ground over which great armies had marched and -counter-marched and fought. Every home had felt the torture that "tried -men's souls." Widows gathered their fatherless children around them to -share the last crust of bread together, not knowing whether even that -much could be found to-morrow. For miles along the highways over which -the armies had marched, the bare chimneys only, marked the sites where -comfortable houses had sheltered happy households. The farmer had his -land left--that could not be carried away; but few had any teams to -break the ground, and many had not the seed needed to sow the fields. -The last cow was in many cases driven away or killed. A noted Federal -general had boastfully reported to the general-in-chief that so -completely had he devastated the fairest and most fertile section of the -State that a crow could not travel over it without carrying his rations -with him. - -Richmond, the capital city, after withstanding two sieges successfully, -had been, in large part, made a bank of ashes. Petersburg, beleaguered -so long, was a scarred and battered wreck. Fredericksburg, Winchester, -Norfolk, and many other towns, were little better off. Some of the -railroads were stripped of their rails--all of them in bad plight and -almost without any equipment for business, if any business were to be -found. The labor system, which had for centuries been used to cultivate -the land and gather the crops, had been at one stroke subverted, and -virtually destroyed. None had been found for months afterward to take -its place. With the people at large it was a struggle for existence and -a fight with famine. - -One of the saddest scenes this writer ever witnessed was at Nottoway -courthouse. A few days after the surrender at Appomattoax, he was -summoned with other citizens of the county to attend a meeting called to -confer with the military officers as to the best plans to be devised to -prevent suffering among the people. Just as he entered the courthouse, -where a number of people were assembled, he saw a venerable man of more -than three-score years and ten standing before the officer, with tears -streaming down his furrowed cheeks, and heard him say: "Every scrap of -meat, every grain of corn, everything in the way of food I had, has been -taken from me. I know not where I shall get my meat or bread to-morrow." -This man had been for many years one of the foremost men in the county, -a Senator in the General Assembly of Virginia, and for many years a -Trustee of Randolph-Macon College. - -But poverty and penury were not all. The people were humiliated and -despondent. Their State, "the mother of States and statesmen," had now -the tyrant's heel upon her neck, and was styled "District" (No. 1), a -"conquered province"--her governor, first a refugee, then a prisoner. -Military satraps filled the seats of judges and magistrates. The -ignorant slave was often shown more deference than his former cultured -master. Most of the flower of the manhood of the State had died by the -sword or disease. The boys and girls of the next generation were growing -up without the means of education, and helping to eak out a living for -their widowed mothers. - -Such, in brief, was the condition of Virginia in the period succeeding -the close of the war. - -What could the Trustees of the College do under such circumstances as -now surrounded them? The endowment gathered at such an expenditure of -time and labor was in large part lost. The investments made were in -bonds and stocks of more than uncertain value, some not worth the paper -on which they were printed. The College buildings, libraries and -laboratories had all been impaired and damaged by non-use or abuse. -There was no money in hand to repair and refit them. Our own people were -too poor to furnish it. Those who had devastated the property, and added -injury to insult, could not be expected to restore what they had -destroyed. - -Nevertheless, it had been but a few months after the surrender before a -meeting of the Board was called to be held in Petersburg, August 23, -1865. - -At this meeting a quorum was lacking, and the Board adjourned to meet on -September 13 following, at the residence of Richard Irby, in Nottoway. -This adjourned meeting was held, and a quorum was present. - -One of the first matters attended to was the appointment of a committee -consisting of President W. A. Smith and four others "to estimate the -damage to the College incurred by the occupation of it by the United -States troops _after the surrender_, and in behalf of the Trustees to make -application to the proper authorities of the government for payment." - -On motion of D'Arcy Paul it was-- - -_Resolved_, That all the Professor's chairs be declared vacant. - -A provisional arrangement was made to open the College for school -purposes, but this arrangement was not carried out. - -A further plan was provided for taking care of the College property, and -the Board adjourned. - -The next meeting of the Board was held at the College July 11, 1866, -with eighteen members in attendance. The chairman of the committee -appointed at the last meeting to assess and press claim for damages to -College, reported that the committee had not been encouraged in their -efforts by the military authorities in Virginia. - -Judge E. R. Chambers was appointed to prosecute the claim. - -It may save time here to say, as has been said before, that this claim -was never recognized by the government. - -The Finance Committee made a report of the Endowment fund and -liabilities of the College: - - Bonds of the city of Petersburg and interest, . . . . . . $19,000 - Bonds of the State of Virginia, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,000 - ------- - (Classed available),. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $22,000 - - Bonds Southside Railroad Company, guaranteed - by city of Petersburg,. . . . . . .$15,800 - Stock Petersburg Railroad Company, 8,000 - ------- - $23,800 - ------- - $45,800 - ------- - Private or personal Endowment bonds, . . . . . . . . . . .$24,900 - Legacy of W. B. Jones, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .500 - ------- - $25,400 - ======= - Confederate bonds, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $37,000 - Confederate currency, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,536 - ------- - $44,536 - ======= - - Leaving out the Confederate bonds, which were worthless, the balance - of available and possible assets were $71,200 - Liabilities as far as known, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,854 - ------- - Net assets, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $62,346 - -This, under all the circumstances, might be considered a favorable -showing, and the credit of it is due to the faithful Investing Agent, -who also showed his skill and faithfulness by bringing through the war -the "Savings and Insurance Company," of which he was president, free -from wreck. - -The resolution of the Virginia Conference in regard to the removal of -the College had been allowed to sleep since the committee's report, in -March, 1864. It was again brought forward by the following resolution, -offered by Richard M. Smith, Esq.: - -"_Resolved_, That a committee of ------ be appointed to ascertain what -accommodations and on what terms and what inducements generally can be -obtained for transferring Randolph-Macon College to Petersburg, -Richmond, Lynchburg, or any other place, and also the earliest day at -which accommodations can be at command, and report to an adjourned -meeting of this Board." - -This resolution was defeated by a vote of 12 to 6. - -The following, offered by Judge E. R. Chambers, was then adopted: - -"_Resolved_, That it is inexpedient and injudicious to change the -location of the College." - -The ayes and noes on this were recorded, as follows: - -_Ayes_.--William Townes, Sr., C. S. Hutcheson, W. B. Rowzie, William -Townes, Jr., William Carter, T. P. Jerman, R. B. Baptist, N. Head. J. P. -Moore, O. H. P. Corprew, N. Alexander, E. R. Chambers, L. M. Wilson--13. - -_Noes_.--Richard Irby, D. S. Doggett, R. M. Smith, J. C. Granbery, T. S. -Campbell, J. C. Blackwell--6. - -Dr. W. A. Smith, at his own request, was excused from voting. - -It was resolved to take steps to re-open the College as soon as -practicable. - -The degree of A. M. was conferred, under the law, on the following: -Leroy S. Edwards, Thomas J. Overby, and J. Davidson Blackwell, A. B.'s -of former years. - -Dr. William A. Smith tendered his resignation as President of the -College, to take effect at once. The resignation was accepted by the -Board, and resolutions were adopted expressing the high appreciation of -him and his work, which had extended over a period of nearly twenty -years. - -The Board resolved to adjourn to meet again on the 18th of August -following to elect a president and three professors. The salaries of -these were fixed--Guaranteed, to the President, $1,000; to the -professors, $750 each, and, in addition, the tuition fees of the -students in attendance. - -At the adjourned meeting, August 15, 1866, the following elections were -made: - -RICHARD W. JONES, A. M., _Professor of Mathematics_. -O. H. P. CORPREW, A. M., _Professor of Ancient Languages_. -Rev. JOHN C. BLACKWELL, A. M., D. D., _Professor of Chemistry_. -ERNEST LA GARDE, _Professor of Modern Languages_. - -The election of a President was postponed to an adjourned meeting, and -Dr. John C. Blackwell was appointed to act as President until a -president should be elected. - -At an adjourned meeting held October 16, 1866, on the nomination of -William Townes, Sr., Col. Thomas Carter Johnson, A. M. (Class 1842), was -elected President and Professor of Moral Philosophy. - -The Board then adjourned to meet at the session of the Virginia Annual -Conference, November 22, 1866. Colonel Johnson was then a citizen of -Montgomery, Ala., practicing law. He accepted the office tendered, -but did not take the position until near the close of the year. - -At the adjourned meeting held at Norfolk, November 22, 1866, the Board, -on motion of Dr. William A. Smith, resolved to establish "The School of -Commercial Science" in the College. This was never done. - -At this meeting a representative from Ashland, Hanover county, Va., -presented a communication from owners of property in that town offering -to sell certain property in case the Board should determine to move the -College. A committee, consisting of D'Arcy Paul, R. M. Smith and D. S. -Doggett, were appointed to investigate and report in regard to the -matter. - -At the adjourned meeting in December, held at the College, -President-elect Johnson appeared before the Board and was formally -inducted into office. He was requested to visit the Baltimore Conference -of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, which had recently adhered to -the Southern Church, and endeavor to secure the patronage and -co-operation of that Conference; also, to visit Baltimore and other -cities with a view to securing financial help for the College. - -An overture was also made to the North Carolina Conference with a view -to the restoration of former relations and the securing of its -patronage. - -President Johnson subsequently reported the result of his visit to the -Baltimore Conference, and submitted the action of that body, which was -as follows: - -"BALTIMORE CONFERENCE, M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH. - -"REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON COLLEGES. - -"The Committee on Colleges submit the following report: - -"_Resolved_, 1. That the Conference accepts the proposition of the Board -of Trustees of Randolph-Macon College to give its patronage to said -institution and to participate equally with the other patronizing -Conferences in its government and privileges, and we hereby nominate -four suitable persons to be elected Trustees from this Conference to -represent our interests on said Board. - -"_Resolved_, 2. That when a Trustee shall locate, it shall be his duty -to resign. - -"_Resolved_, 3. That we will give the full weight of our influence in -extending the patronage of Randolph-Macon College." - -"(Signed) S. S. ROSZEL, _Chairman_." - -These resolutions were adopted by the Conference March, 1867. - -On the recommendation of the Baltimore Conference the following -gentlemen were elected Trustees of Randolph-Macon College, viz.: Rev. S. -S. Roszel, Rev. John Poisal, Rev. S. S. Register, and Rev. John -Landstreet. - -At the first annual meeting of the Trustees held at the College, June -25, 1867, after President Johnson had assumed control, eleven Trustees -were in attendance. - -Ex-President W. A. Smith had gone to Central College, Fayette, Missouri, -of which he had been elected President. - -The President's report stated that the attendance for the session of -1866-'67 had been in all forty-five students; a large proportion of them -were on scholarships. The net receipts from fees were necessarily very -small. - -The degree of D. D. was conferred on the following: Rev. Nelson Head, -Rev. John E. Edwards, and Rev. W. W. Bennett, of the Virginia -Conference; Rev. Samuel S. Register, Rev. S. S. Roszel, Rev. John -Poisal, and Rev. John S. Martin, of the Baltimore Conference; Bishop -Enoch M. Marvin, of the M. E. Church, South, and Rev. Smith W. Moore, of -the Tennessee Conference. - -The degree of LL. D. was conferred on Bishop George F. Pierce, M. E. -Church, South, and Hon. James F. Dowdell and William F. Samford, of -Alabama. - -The degree of A. M. was conferred on Thomas J. Jarvis, of North Carolina -(class of 1860). - - -REMOVAL OF THE COLLEGE. - -The College year, 1867-68, was not a prosperous one. The financial -condition of the country was anything but favorable to a successful -year. The dissatisfaction with the location of the College had been -increasing since 1863. At the annual meeting in 1868 it was to -culminate. The President had become convinced that something must be -done or the College would have to close its doors. Some who had opposed -removal heretofore now favored it. - -In the notice for the meeting a special request was made for a full -meeting, and the object was generally understood. The meeting commenced -its session June 24, 1868. There were present the following: Revs. James -Jamieson, H. B. Cowles, Robert O. Burton, W. B. Rowzie, L. M. Lee, T. S. -Campbell, Geo. W. Nolley, L. Rosser, J. P. Moore, Wm. Carter, John E. -Edwards, J. C. Blackwell, Nelson Head, J. C. Granbery, John Landstreet, -and Messrs. N. Alexander, D. Paul, E. R. Chambers, Wm. Townes, Sr., -Thos. Branch, R. B. Baptist, J. J. Daly, R. Irby, R. M. Smith, T. P. -Jerman, T. M. Jones, T. C. Johnson, C. S. Hutcheson, W. Townes, Jr., and -O. H. P. Corprew--thirty in all. - -President T. C. Johnson presided, and Professor Corprew was secretary. -The feeling prevailed generally that this meeting would decide the -question of removal. There was early skirmishing by the opposing sides, -and it was some time before the decisive vote was reached and taken. - -Finally, the motion of Dr. J. E. Edwards, which was as follows: - -"Resolved, That in the judgment of the Board of Trustees for the greater -prosperity of the institution, Randolph-Macon College should be removed -from its present to a more accessible and eligible location"--was -adopted by the following vote: - -_Ayes_.--Paul, Cowles, Burton, Rowzie, Branch, Lee. T. S. Campbell, -Irby, Nolley, Rosser, Edwards, R. M. Smith, Jerman, Blackwell, Head, -Granbery, Jones, Johnson, and Landstreet--19. - -_Noes_.--Alexander, Chambers, Townes, Sr., Baptist, Daly, Moore, Carter, -Townes, Jr., and Corprew--9. - -[Illustration: REV. JOHN ELLIS EDWARDS, A. M., D. D., _Virginia -Conference, M.E. Church, South._] - -On motion of D'Arcy Paul, the Board took steps to secure the authority -of the constituted authorities for the necessary change of the charter, -so as to allow the change of location. - -On motion of Dr. J. E. Edwards it was-- - -"_Resolved_, That so soon as the gentlemen (Messrs. Branch, Irby, Snyder -and Watts) who have purchased the property and premises at Ashland are -prepared to make a tender of the same to the Trustees for the use of -Randolph-Macon College, free from any encumbrance as to title, and so -soon as the legal authority is secured for the transfer of the -institution, the Trustees bind and pledge themselves to make the -transfer and removal to Ashland; and also pledge themselves further to -open the next session of the College exercises at that place; provided -the above-named conditions are complied with in time to enable the -Trustees to carry out this pledge." - -A committee, consisting of D. Paul, R. M. Smith, Drs. L. M. Lee, J. E. -Edwards and N. Head, were appointed to secure the legal authority to -remove the College to Ashland, and to secure proper title to the -property to be used for the location of the College. - -The President was authorized to employ an Agent to have the furniture, -libraries, apparatus, etc., removed to Ashland. - -Thus ended the struggle in regard to moving the College. The majority, -while taking this step, which they deemed absolutely necessary in order -to carry out the object sought in the establishment of the College, took -it with the greatest reluctance. They could not grieve so generous a -people as those living in the vicinity of the College without feelings -of the utmost regret and pain. - -The minority could not see what had been the pride of the community and -section taken away, without feelings of sorrow. Many of them had for -many years been the strongest and warmest friends of the College, and -had often manifested their friendship by generous acts and steadfast -devotion to it in adversity and prosperity. - -After transacting a few items of business, one of which was the -conferring the degree of D. D. on Rev. Robert S. Moran, of the North -Carolina Conference, the Board adjourned to meet again in Centenary -Church, Richmond, Va., July 29, 1868. - -After the adjournment of the Board the opponents to the removal of the -College sued out an injunction restraining the Board from taking the -step contemplated. - -When the adjourned meeting of the Board assembled in Centenary Church, -Richmond, July 29, 1868, this action was reported, "whereupon a motion -was adopted to appoint a committee to wait on General Stoneman, in -charge of the District." - -This committee addressed the following communication to General -Stoneman: - -"RICHMOND, VA., _July 29, 1868_. - -"_Major-Gen. Stoneman, Commanding General District No. 1_: - -"SIR,--We are instructed by the Trustees of Randolph-Macon College, now -in adjourned session in this city, to acknowledge the receipt of your -letter of the 8th instant, addressed to a previous committee of this -Board, touching the interests of the College under their management. - -"Since the communication on behalf of the Trustees, to which your letter -of the 8th instant was in reply, a contingency then contemplated has -arrived. A minority of the Trustees have sued out an injunction -restraining the Board from making the contemplated removal of the -College, the writ being returnable on the first Monday in August at -Charlotte Courthouse for hearing before Judge Marshall. We are advised -that the suit will prove very tedious as well as very expensive, and -will thus operate very disadvantageously to the interests of the College -whatever the decision. We therefore add to the former application made -to you in behalf of the Trustees, that you will issue an order -protecting us, both from obstruction and from delay, through these -appeals to the courts, until such time as the legislative authority of -the State, of which you are at present the sole representative, shall be -regularly organized and open to the application usual in such cases. - -"Very respectfully yours, - -(Signed) "J. EARLY, ETC., ETC., - -"_Committee_." - -To this communication General Stoneman submitted the following reply: - -"HEADQUARTERS FIRST MILITARY DISTRICT, - -"RICHMOND, VA., _July 29, 1868_. - -"GENTLEMEN: I am directed by the commanding General to acknowledge the -receipt of your letter of this date in relation to the subject of the -removal of Randolph-Macon College, and in reply thereto, to inform you -that authority is hereby given to the Trustees of that College to remove -that institution, with all the appurtenances and fixtures thereunto -belonging, to such place and at such time as the majority of the -Trustees may think proper, this removal to be subject to the conditions -set forth in a former letter from these headquarters, dated the 8th -instant.* - -*This letter is not found in the record. - -"I am, gentlemen, very respectfully, - -(Signed) "S. F. CHALFIN, - -"_Assistant Adjutant-General_" - -"_To Messrs. John Early, D. S. Doggett, Richard Irby, R. M. Smith, and -others, Committee of the Trustees of Randolph-Macon College._" - -The owners of the property at Ashland, who had purchased the same for -the Trustees, submitted the conditions on which they proposed to turn it -over to the Trustees, and the same were, on motion, accepted. This -property embraced all the buildings then standing on the thirteen acres, -now constituting the campus of the College at Ashland, with some other -lots adjacent. Thus the location was provided for the College with -accommodations for professors and students, and the way was cleared for -the removal of the College to it. - -At this juncture President Johnson submitted the following -communication: - -"RICHMOND, VA., _July 30, 1868_. - -"_Gentlemen of the Board of Trustees of Randolph-Macon College:_ - -"The experiment upon which you are about to enter, with my aid and -approbation, seems to me to demand that you should have the widest field -for the choice of a man to fill the position I now hold. The general -troubled condition of the country, excluding many distinguished men from -the arena of politics, in which the talent of Virginia and the South has -heretofore been employed, and also the returning to this State of many -unemployed scholars and literary men, affords you a wide field of -selection for this purpose. I feel that in your straitened condition, -having to make a new appeal for students and for friends to re-endow -your College, you are entitled to every possible advantage in your -arduous undertaking. A son of the College, I love her too well, and the -church which has founded and supported her in the past, to stand in the -way of any possible effort that may give prestige to your labors to put -her once more on the high road to prosperity. - -"With this view and the kindest wishes to every member of the Board, I -hereby resign the presidency of the College. - -"Very truly, your obedient servant, - -(Signed) "THOMAS C. JOHNSON." - -On motion of Rev. J. C. Granbery, the following resolution was -unanimously adopted: - -"_Resolved_, That in accepting the resignation of President Johnson it -is due to ourselves as well as to him that we express the high esteem -which we feel for him as a Christian gentleman and our admiration of the -great zeal and fidelity with which he has discharged the duties of his -oflice at a most critical and embarrassing juncture in the history of -the College, also our warm appreciation of the disinterested and -generous motives which have prompted him to tender his resignation." - -On motion of Dr. N. Head-- - -"_Resolved_, That in the absence of a Legislature having obtained -authority from General Stoneman to do so, the College be removed from -Mecklenburg county to Ashland, in Hanover county, Va., and that a -session of the College be opened at that place on the first day of -October next. - -"_Resolved_, That in deciding to change the site of Randolph-Macon -College this Board has been actuated only by the solemn conviction that -it was imperatively demanded by the educational interests of the church -and community at large, and that the opposition which has been offered -to this action by a minority of the Trustees is deeply deplored by their -colleagues of the Board, who here now and hereby respectfully request -that those members will withdraw that opposition, as injurious to the -interests dear alike to all, this earnest and fraternal appeal being -prompted and encouraged by the very high esteem and respect entertained -for the gentlemen to whom it is addressed by their associates of the -Board." - -On motion of Richard Irby-- - -"_Resolved_, That this Board holds itself in readiness to make such -arrangements as will secure to the county of Mecklenburg a High School -at the present site of Randolph-Macon College on terms such as may be -desired, said school to be a preparatory school to the College." - -Preparatory steps were taken to have the College furniture, libraries, -etc., removed at once to Ashland. - -The Board then proceeded to fill the place of President, vacated by the -resignation of President Johnson. - -Dr. Landon C. Garland, of the University of Mississippi, was unanimously -elected President. - -A committee of nine members was appointed, who were authorized, in -conjunction with Dr. Garland, to elect the professors of the College; -and in the event that Dr. Garland declines to accept the presidency, -then said committee shall be authorized to elect another man to be -President. - -The following were then, on nomination, elected to constitute said -committee, viz.: Bishop John Early, Bishop D. S. Doggett, Drs. N. Head, -L. M. Lee, J. E. Edwards, L. Rosser, Rev. H. B. Cowles, Rev. J. C. -Granbery, and Richard Irby. - -Professors Corprew, Jones, Blackwell, and La Garde severally submitted -their resignations. - -The duty of removing the College and preparing the buildings and -premises at Ashland, and making other necessary arrangements, was -devolved on the "Executive Committee, which consisted of Richard Irby, -Dr. N. Head, D'Arcy Paul, Thomas Branch, and Rev. T. S. Campbell. - - - -THOMAS CARTER JOHNSON. - -In Memoriam. - - -Colonel Thomas C. Johnson was born near Lynchburg, Va., on the 22nd of -March, 1820. He was converted and joined the Methodist Church in his -seventeenth year. In 1842 he graduated with the highest honors of his -class at Randolph-Macon College. In the fall of the same year he was -married to Martha R. Scott, daughter of H. B. Scott, of Nelson county, -Va., and was soon after appointed Professor of Mathematics and Natural -Sciences in the Female Collegiate Institute in Buckingham county. This -position he filled ten months, when he removed to Potosi, Washington -county, Mo., whither the parents of his wife had preceded him. Here he -accepted a position in a classical school, in the meantime assiduously -prosecuting the study of law. He was soon after admitted to the bar, and -took a position with the foremost in the ranks of the profession in his -district. The year 1849 was an eventful one. He conceived the idea of -building the Iron Mountain railroad, and suggested it to the people of -the county. He was by them nominated and elected to the General Assembly -for the purpose of securing the passage of a bill for the establishment -of that road. - -In June, 1849, the cholera raged in Potosi. He was stricken down, and, -while violently ill, his wife and infant daughter died of this disease. -The following winter he served in the Missouri Legislature, and secured -the passage of the bill for the Iron Mountain road. He was subsequently -largely concerned in developing and mapping the entire railroad system -in that State. - -In 1851 he removed to St. Louis, and was appointed land agent and -attorney for the Pacific railroad. In the year 1853 he was married, the -second time, to Pattie B. Scott, eldest daughter of Rev. Robert Scott, -deceased, of the Virginia Conference. He was elected in 1858 a member of -the Missouri State Senate from the city of St. Louis. In this body he at -once took a prominent position, and was a member of nearly every -important committee of the body. In the session of 1860-'61 he was -chairman of the Committee on Federal Relations, at that time the most -important committee of the Senate. - -He was decidedly conservative in his views, and anxious to secure the -preservation of the Union, if it could be done consistently with the -rights of the South; but when the Peace Congress proved a failure, the -Crittenden Compromise was rejected, and Virginia seceded, he became a -secessionist, and was heart and soul with the South throughout the -struggle. His position and opinions on the vexed question forced him to -leave Missouri. Without hesitation he sacrificed all for his principles, -left his family in St. Louis, and joined the forces under General -Sterling Price, on whose staff he served for two years as volunteer aid. -Being convinced that the many reverses in that department, at that -period, were due in a great measure to lack and inferiority of -transportation, he called the attention of the authorities at Richmond -to this point. He was soon after authorized to establish the Confederate -Transportation Works at Columbus, Ga. To this important interest he -directed his whole energies, and succeeded in establishing one of the -best arranged, most extensive and complete machine shops in the -Confederacy. This position he retained until the close of the War, when -he removed with his family to Montgomery, Ala., and returned to the -practice of law. While there he was elected to the Presidency of -Randolph-Macon College. On reaching Virginia and entering upon his -duties he found great difficulties in his path. But with characteristic -energy he at once addressed himself to the task of re-establishing the -College. Nearly two years of unremitted toil, under the most -discouraging circumstances, convinced him that success could never crown -his efforts at that location. He felt that to make the College a success -it must be removed to a more accessible point. Fortunately, just at this -juncture of affairs, the hotel property at Ashland was thrown upon the -market. With his quick foresight, Colonel Johnson realized the -importance of securing this eligible location. - -It was not to be expected that the removal of the College would be -accomplished without strong opposition on the part of some of its -warmest friends. But in the midst of the contest Colonel Johnson bore -himself like a Christian gentleman. He could appreciate the views of -others, while he felt that the very existence of the institution -depended on its removal to a more suitable site. We believe, indeed we -have reason to know, that he entertained for those who opposed him in -his plans no other feelings than those of friendship and Christian -affection. To his particular friends, who were often indignant at the -hard speeches uttered against him, he would reply, "Never mind, I keep -my heart right before God." Believing that he was acting for the best he -went forward like a true and earnest man in what he regarded as the path -of duty. - -Having seen the removal of the College determined upon, to relieve the -Trustees of all the embarrassment in the election of a Faculty, he -generously came forward and tendered his resignation, and soon after -started to the West, the scene of his early labors and successes. It was -while en route to St. Louis (on August 8, 1868,) that he met with the -terrible accident that in a few hours closed his noble and useful life. -The death of Colonel Johnson was a calamity to our church and to our -country. He had passed the period of life when men are seized by -ambition and borne off in pursuit of wealth or fame. He had gained both; -the former he had lost in standing for his native land and State rights; -the latter he still possessed in a more valuable form, as purified by -the power and faith of his religion. Repeatedly has he said to the -writer, "I only wish to live to do good." To the Christian education of -the young men of the South he was ardently devoted, and to this work we -know he wished to devote the energies of a manly and mature intellect. - -The spontaneous tributes to the memory of this good man will best show -how he was appreciated by those who knew him. - -In a letter now before us from Rev. Charles K. Marshall, D. D., of -Mississippi, to his bereaved family, that eminent minister says: "From -my first acquaintance to this hour my affections took to and clung -around him as one of the highest and noblest types of exalted manhood, -as a true, steadfast, appreciating friend; and as a brother in Christ -with whose inward spirit it was a joy to commune. Few men cherished so -high and sacred views of the dignity and ends of life. Usefulness was -the keynote of his being. Unselfish, wide-minded, spiritual, -transparent, pure, he was a living epistle known and read of all. His -life was hid in Christ, and the highest ambition of his soul was to live -to and for Christ." - -Rev. Dr. Deems, of New York, says: "His abilities and virtues rendered -him one of the most useful men I have ever known. Every interview I have -had with him since our acquaintance began has served to deepen my -respect for the loftiness of his character." - -Bishop McTyeire, who was a fellow-student with him at Randolph-Macon, -says: "In church and state it seemed to me he was just such an one as we -need now. With gratitude I remember his high Christian influence as a -student. Our meeting and reunion at Montgomery, twenty-five years after, -was one of the most pleasing events of my life. Who of us has not -coveted his gifts?" - -Such is the testimony, voluntarily given, by this eminent minister. - -We are enabled to give a more detailed account of this sad event from a -letter written by the proprietor of the hotel at Mattoon: - -"When Mr. Johnson came out of the saloon of the sleeping car, the -conductor told him to 'hurry up.' Thinking he would be left if he did -not make haste, Mr. J. went quickly forward through the car, and was -just in the act of stepping across to the forward car when the cars -separated, and he fell on the track, and before he could recover himself -he was struck by the rear car and fatally injured. His right leg was -crushed in two places and his back broken. As soon as possible he was -taken from under the car. His first words were, 'My friends, my name is -Thomas C. Johnson, of Boydton, Va.; take your pencil and write it down.' -A stretcher was then procured, and he was brought to my house. We did -all we could for him. Doctors were at hand from the moment he was hurt -until he died. The injured leg was amputated; and on further examination -it was found that his back was broken. He was then told that he was -fatally injured and could live but a short time, and that any directions -he had to give must be given quickly. He then gave directions as to the -disposal of his body, requesting it to be sent to his friends in -Virginia. He was emphatic in saying that his death was caused by the -mismanagement of the railroad officials. Before his death, at his -request, a notary public was sent for, and his testimony as to the cause -of his death was legally taken. He was sensible to the last moment, and -spoke with deep feeling of the overwhelming effect the tidings of his -terrible and sudden death would have upon his family. I sat by his side -and heard every word he uttered. The general opinion of the public here -is that the railroad company is responsible for Mr. Johnson's death." - -[Illustration: JUDGE W. J. KILBY, Trustee of College.] - -[Illustration: PROF. MANSFIELD T. PEED, A. M., 1877. _Prof. Emory -College, Ga._] - -Such was the end of a most useful and devoted Christian. In the midst of -strangers, mangled, and bleeding, he died. By the grace of God he was -sustained and comforted. Calmly he surrendered his life into the hands -of his Creator. How wonderful are the ways of Providence! The workmen -die, but the work goes on. Is the doctrine of premonition true? We often -incline to the belief that it is. In many cases there appears to be a -conviction that the work of life is finished, and the soul feels itself -nearing the portals of eternity. Speaking of Colonel Johnson's -experience, one who knew him well says, "I can but think that the last -six months of his life was a period of preparation for eternity. I was -deeply impressed with his growth in grace, the fervor and earnestness of -his piety, and his forbearance and patience under severe trials." - -The close of life was in happy accord with his previous religious -experience. A letter from Mattoon says: "He died in perfect peace. I -never saw a more peaceful expression than rested on his face after -death." He leaves to his family the priceless legacy of a pure and noble -Christian life. May they move on to the meeting and reunion in the house -of our Father in heaven.--W. W. BENNETT, in _Richmond Advocate_. - -The committee of nine appointed to elect professors and a president (in -case of Dr. Garland's declination to accept) met August 7, 1868. Dr. -Garland having declined to accept the presidency, the committee, all -being present, elected Rev. James A. Duncan, of the Virginia Conference, -and an alumnus of the College (class of 1849), president, at a salary of -$2,500 per annum, and use of residence. Subsequently, on the first day -of September, the committee, all being present except Bishop Doggett, in -conjunction with the President-elect, Duncan, who had accepted the -presidency, proceeded to fill the chairs of instruction. Thomas R. -Price, M. A., was elected Professor of Ancient Languages; Harry Estill, -A. M., Professor of Mathematics; Richard M. Smith, Professor of Natural -Sciences. Their salaries were fixed at $2,000 per annum with houses of -residence. - -[Illustration: PROF. THOMAS R. PRICE, M.A., LL. D., _Founder of the -School of English._] - -[Illustration: REV. JAMES A. DUNCAN, D. D., _President Randolph-Macon -College, 1868-1877._] - -Subsequently, at a meeting of the Board October 1, 1868, the chair of -Modern Languages was filled by the election of W. W. Valentine, of -Richmond. - -The sudden and lamented death of the late President Johnson was -announced to the Board, and appropriate resolutions in regard to him -were adopted. - -At a meeting of the Board, held November 20, 1868, Rev. Wm. B. Rowzie -was appointed Agent of the College in the bounds of the Virginia, and -Dr. Nelson Head Agent (till the succeeding Baltimore Conference), in the -latter Conference. - -[Illustration: PROF. HARRY ESTILL, A. M., _Professor of Mathematics, -1868-1878._] - -The College opened at Ashland, October 1, 1868. - -With great labor and many embarrassments the College furniture, -laboratories and libraries had been transferred from Boydton to Ashland, -under the special superintendence of Rev. T. S. Campbell. The buildings -on the campus had been remodeled and repaired, and were in fair -condition for occupancy, and for the work and use to which they had been -converted. They had in former years been used for a summer resort, to -which many visitors annually repaired for health and dissipation. The -largest building was the hotel, which had several buildings attached. In -the centre of the grounds was the ball-room, flanked by dressing-rooms. -This building was converted into a chapel and society halls, while the -hotel became the main dormitory building. The bowling-alley and other -buildings also became dormitories. Three buildings were fitted up for -professor's houses. The rooms on the lower floors of the hotel were made -lecture-rooms. Though the buildings were extemporised, the whole -arrangement was comparatively convenient and comfortable. What was -defective and might have been complained of was more than compensated -by the superb Faculty of instruction provided for the students in -attendance. First and foremost was the President, Rev. James A. Duncan, -D. D. Of him we will let others who were associated with him speak. His -colleagues were Professor Thomas R. Price, M. A., Professor Harry -Estill, A. M., Professor Richard M. Smith, Professor W. W. Valentine. - -[Illustration: PROF. RICHARD M. SMITH.] - -[Illustration: MAIN COLLEGE BUILDING, ASHLAND, 1868-1875.] - -Rarely has such a combination of teaching ability been found in any -college, or one which met the needs of the time more fully. - -The name of the President had drawn from his far-away Southern home one -of the most original characters the College ever had among its -matriculates, John Hannon, of Montgomery, Ala. - - -JOHN HANNON'S SKETCH OF DR. DUNCAN. - -"In the autumn of 1868 upon the train I first met Dr. James A. Duncan, -as I was going to Ashland. Full-orbed, approaching his zenith, this -pulpit star thus came into my sky. Though he has years since set behind -the grassy hills of Hollywood, the light of his great character still -lingers in the valleys and on the high places of my being. - -"It is impossible in a sketch like this to give the full spectrum of a -character so rich as that of Dr. Duncan. There were X-rays, delicate -gleamings of light from his presence, that could be felt, but do not -photograph themselves upon the plates of a biography. He was not a man -easy to forget. - -"There is a sense in which every man is a word of God, or a syllable of -the word. But in some the divine articulation is not so distinct. -Regarding humanity as a written word, such characters are what scholars -would call a 'disputed text.' Not so with James A. Duncan. Looking upon -him no man could doubt the authorship. The divine autograph was there in -capital letters. A look at him shook our faith in man as an evolution. -We felt that _that_ man was a creation. - -"Would I had a presence,' said one of our brainiest men to me. A lady of -my congregation asked a friend in a Boston dining parlor who a certain -man was, remarking that she knew he must be a distinguished person, for -she said, 'He has a presence.' The man was Phillips Brooks. - -"Dr. Duncan had a _presence_. Who will ever forget that Napoleonic -build? That physique, the very motion of which was silent music. - -[Illustration: REV. J. W. COMPTON, R. M. C. 1867-'68--1868-'69. _Removed -with College from Boydton to Ashland. Pioneer preacher Pacific Coast for -twenty-three years._] - -[Illustration: REV. W. WADSWORTH, D. D., _Author and Minister -North-Georgia Conference._] - -"Tremendous was to be the draft on this superb physique during the ten -years that followed the day I first looked on it. The College with its -endowment had gone down amid the ruins of the Confederacy. The outlook -was gloomy; but it was resolved to remove the tree to Ashland. Here the -railway system of the South would renew its roots and make it bud and -bloom again. Jefferson Davis was thought of for the presidency, but in a -happy hour Dr. Duncan was chosen to lead the forlorn hope in its -rebuilding. Without funds, without laboratory, without proper buildings, -he addressed himself to the task. Providence came to his rescue. By one -of those flashes of common sense, which not always light up church -enterprises, a Faculty pre-eminently adapted to the work had been -chosen. Professor Thomas R. Price, a name synonymous now with -scholarship, was in the chair of Ancient Languages. Harry Estill filled -the chair of Mathematics. Professor Richard M. Smith brought the ripe -wisdom and experience of his distinguished life to the chair of Natural -Sciences. W. W. Valentine held the keys of the Modern Languages. - -"It has been said that what a university needs is not so much an -endowment as a _man_. Randolph-Macon had men, and Dr. Duncan, a _man_ -among _men_. The Faculty itself was an endowment. Good material gathered -around them as students. '_Facile princeps_' among these were Wm. W. -Smith, now LL. D., and President of the Randolph-Macon System of -Colleges and Schools; Charles Carroll, now a brilliant lawyer of the -Crescent city; Rhodes, since a judge in Baltimore; J. F. Twitty, of -blessed memory, and a number of others. - -"Dr. Duncan, while not technically trained as a teacher, yet showed -himself a great teacher. What an inspiration he imparted to the band -that gathered around him! How he lit up every dreary field of text! -Blessed, yea, thrice blessed, was that school of young prophets. While -himself the finest of models, nothing was farther from his thought than -to make little 'Duncans' of every student. Bring up a boy in the way he -should go, according to his bent, this was his idea. He would never have -been guilty of putting the toga of Cicero upon Charles Spurgeon. With -him good 'pork and beans' was not to be made into bad 'quail on toast.' -'Sing your own song,' only let that song be the best possible to you. -Broad, Catholic-hearted Duncan! - -"Making a great teacher did not spoil a great preacher in Duncan's case. -On a 'star-map' of the pulpits of that day, the pulpit in the old -ball-room chapel at Ashland would shine as a star of 'the first -magnitude.' His sermons were not like Robertson's eruptions of internal -volcanic fires lifting up new heights of thought; they were not Munsey's -great, gorgeous cathedrals of polished words; neither were they Keener's -cyclones filling the air with boulders of logic, cutting a pathway -through forests of prejudice as old as our being. His eloquence was not -the glacial magnificence of Wilson's great icebergs floating in polar -seas with grassy shores; it was not Galloway's mountain torrent with -'optimism,' that music of heaven in its splash and the swiftness of -redeeming love in its rush to the low places of earth. Very different -was it from Sam Jones' wild tanglewood of tropic forest of mingled fruit -and flowers and thorns. His sermons were the expression of what Carlyle -would style a healthy nature. There was nothing wild or abnormal. They -were like landscapes in a civilized land--great, like the movement of -the seasons, like the coming of the tides--as the processes of nature -are great; great as a summer day is great. The introduction was -morning!--sunrise! not striking, not surprising. The thoughts not larks -soaring heavenward, were rather sparrows on the sward. But we could see -great stretches of thought before us. Now the morning changes into high -noon. It is the sermon proper. We are now in the midst of vast -grain-fields of ripe thought. Divisions barely visible above the heads -of the choicest of the wheat waving now in the zephyrs of pathos. Shouts -at times among the listeners, as like reapers they garner ripe sheaves -into their bosoms; orchards now growing with ripe fruit. - -"The peroration comes naturally, as evening follows noon. We hardly know -when it comes. A splendid sunset, often tears like the dewdrops in the -flowers of new resolves, now springing in the soul; solemn impressions, -like shadows, growing larger; a deep hush upon everything. The sermon -closes. It is night. But stars of hope are shining in the sky of the -soul. - -"At Haslup's Grove, in the seventies, in a great sermon, the rush to the -altar was so great that the enclosure had to be torn down. It was -pentecostal. - -"I heard him on two great occasions. In 1876, along with Dr. Landon C. -Garland and Lovick Pierce, he was fraternal delegate from our church to -our sister Methodism at the General Conference in Baltimore. After years -of estrangement the two Methodisms were meeting again. It was an -occasion. You could feel it. The great building was thronged. When the -time came for Duncan to speak he threw his soul into the 'God speed -you!' of seven hundred thousand Southern Methodists. The audience for -awhile it seemed would go wild. The day was a great triumph. - -"During that same Conference the princely 'Jeff. Magruder' organized a -great mass-meeting of the Sunday-schools of the Southern Methodist -churches in Baltimore. Bishop Vincent, Secretary of the Sunday-School -Board of the Methodist Episcopal Church, then in the prime of his -powers, General Clinton B. Fiske, and Dr. Duncan were to speak. The -speeches of Vincent and Fiske had been so superb that a gifted minister -remarked to me, 'I am sorry for Duncan.' I responded, 'I am sorry for -any man who has to follow two such speeches.' But I found that I did not -yet know him. He pulled out new organ stops in his great soul that -afternoon. His speech was a brilliant improvisation. The audience was -captured. Southern Methodists who gloried in the flesh were radiant. - -"When going to New Orleans, in 1877, I met him going to Washington City -to preach the first sermon to the President-elect, R. B. Hayes. It was -not long before wires flashed to me the startling news of his death. -Duncan, Marvin, A. T. Bledsoe, Doggett, in a single year. Heaven was -drawing heavily upon our beloved church. Duncan's old pupil, President -Smith, took up the work he and the sainted Bennett laid down. - -"The Randolph-Macon System of Schools and Colleges is a worthy monument -to the memory of our dead Duncan. May the graduates of these schools be -living stones in the living shaft, ever rising higher and higher to the -memory of Olin, Garland, Smith, and their successors, who spent their -best days for the advancement of Christian education at our alma mater." - - -The number of students matriculated the first session was 67. Under all -the embarrassments and difficulties of the situation, this number was as -great as could have been expected. The income from such a small number -was insufficient to meet the expenses, and here ensued the old trouble, -which had been such a clog in the past, that is, straitened finances. -The condition of the country was anything but favorable to any effort to -raise funds for the College. Various plans were proposed, some of which -were adopted, but none of them brought speedy relief, and the -embarrassment became very onerous and trying. By the efforts of the -Agent, Rev. W. B. Rowzie, and the securing of a loan by D'Arcy Paul, -Esq., the College was carried through the first session. - -The first annual report of the President was made June 21, 1869. The -following synopsis is given: - -Congratulates the Board on the increase of patronage; the zeal and -efficiency of the Faculty; the diligence and good order of the students; -the general healthfulness and pleasant harmony of all connected with the -institution, and the increased confidence of the public in the -permanency and success of Randolph-Macon College; expresses the -conviction that the only condition prerequisite to complete success, -under the providence of God, is a _determined_ and energetic purpose to -succeed; affirms that the demand for such an institution to secure -important interests of Methodism is imperative;.... refers to his visit -to the Baltimore and North Carolina Conferences and the cordial -reception given by these Conferences; recommends a fiscal secretary or -director, whose duty it shall be to take entire control of the financial -interests of the College, except as to matters in the hands of the -Proctor, and to do all he can by travelling and speaking for the -College. - -The following degrees were conferred, on the recommendation of the -Faculty, viz.: LL. D., on Professor Francis H. Smith, of the University -of Virginia; D. D., on Rev. James L. Pierce, of the Georgia Conference, -Rev. William G. Connor, of the Texas Conference, and Rev. John C. -Granbery, of the Virginia Conference. The commencement in June was well -attended, especially by visiting Trustees and others from the Baltimore -Conference. - -An excellent dwelling for the President had been erected by the liberal -aid of a friend in Richmond. At an adjourned meeting of the Board, held -in Richmond, Va., next November, there were several causes for -encouragement. The Agent reported subscriptions amounting to over -$13,000. Of this Samuel O. Moon, Esq., of Albemarle, gave $5,000 in -Virginia bonds; the Society of Alumni, $1,200; Major W. T. Sutherlin, of -Danville, $1,500 ($300 per annum for five years to meet current -expenses). But the most important action taken was on the suggestion of -Rev. W. H. Christian, an alumnus of the College (class of 1851.) In -response to this suggestion, the following resolutions were adopted: - -"_Resolved_, That we request the Virginia Conference to order that the -deficiency in the yearly revenues of the College (which shall be -reported by the Board to each annual session of the Conference) shall be -divided among all the districts of the Conference, and sub-divided among -all the stations and circuits by the district stewards, as in case of -the Conference collection, and shall be raised by collections in every -congregation, and embraced in the annual report of the recording steward -of every charge to the Financial Board of the Conference. - -"_Resolved_, That when the Virginia Conference shall have adopted the -plan proposed, all its ministers shall be entitled to send their sons of -proper age and acquirements to College without payment of tuition fees; -that the Baltimore Conference, by adopting the same plan, shall be -entitled to the same privilege, and that $2,500 be fixed as the amount -to be raised by each of these Conferences for the next year." - -This action has been considered, and rightly so, to have been for the -time and under the embarrassments of the surroundings the most important -and efficient ever taken by the Board. With a small assessment of about -five cents on each member of the church in the two Conferences, the -annual income was in a short time increased by the sum of $4,000, which -was equal to the dividends on an endowment of about $70,000. The -Conferences adopted the plan, and have annually raised a large -percentage of the assessment, the Virginia Conference having in 1882 -increased its assessment to $3,500. - -[Illustration: REV. W. H. CHRISTIAN, D. D., _Virginia Conference._] - -In looking back on the period since, nearly thirty years, it really -looks as if, without this action, the College could not have continued -its work. Certainly this work would have been greatly narrowed and -restricted. Great honor, therefore, should be bestowed on the name of -William H. Christian as the mover of this plan, and the friends of -Christian education in the State should render to the Conferences -grateful thanks for having, under the promptings of the good Spirit, -acted so promptly on the suggestion and carried it out for so many -years. - -[Illustration: JOHN HOWARD, A. M.] - -The year 1869 was otherwise a notable year. In the latter part of the -year the first general election for State officers and a Legislature was -held since the close of the war. With the inauguration of the Governor -elected at this election and resumption of the legislative functions -by the General Assembly, the State resumed its normal condition, and -military rule ceased to exist. - -At the meeting of this first Legislature, a committee, which had been -charged with that duty, appeared before the body and asked and obtained -the change of the charter, and the sanction to the removal of the -College from its original site to Ashland. The amended charter reads as -follows: - -"[Section] I. That the removal of the aforesaid College is hereby -ratified and confirmed, and that there be, and is hereby, established at -Ashland, in the county of Hanover, in this Commonwealth, a seminary of -learning for the instruction of youth in the various branches of science -and literature, the useful arts, agriculture, and the learned and -foreign languages." - -The suit which was instituted to enjoin the removal of the College never -came to an issue. It was ably defended on the part of the majority of -the Board by John Howard, Esq., of Richmond (class of 1844), and the -argument was printed. It is worthy of reprinting here, but space will -not permit. - -The second session of the College had a larger attendance than the first -by fifty, of which number twenty-five were ministerial students. - -About the close of the first term of the second session (1869-'70) one -of the professors was taken from the College by death--Richard M. Smith, -Professor of Natural Science. He was the oldest man of the Faculty. - -The following preamble and resolutions, drafted by Professor Price and -adopted by the Faculty, was endorsed and adopted by the Trustees at an -adjourned meeting held in Richmond, February 23, 1870: - -"Upon us as friends who loved and honored him, upon the College whose -faithful officer he was, upon the classes he taught with -self-sacrificing zeal, upon the community and the church in which his -virtues made him eminent, an overwhelming sorrow has, under God's will, -fallen in the death of our late colleague, Professor Richard M. Smith. -Even those who had not the pleasure of knowing, from intimate -association, the beauties of his private character, may from the -knowledge of his career form some conception of the vigor of his mind -and the unspotted virtue of his life. For us, who had in him the closer -and tenderer interests of a common work and an undisturbed friendship, -his sweet temper, his wise conversation and lofty unselfishness, will -ever be a source of blended sorrow and consolation; be it, therefore, - -"_Resolved_, 1. That we tender, as a body, to the widow and family of -our dearly beloved colleague, our respectful sympathy in their -bereavement. - -"2. That we request our President to publish this expression of our -heart-felt sorrow for the friend whom we have lost." - -Professor Smith had been a prominent man in his native State, first as -an educator, then as editor of the _Alexandria Sentinel_, afterwards of -the _Richmond Enquirer_. He was the first Professor to die at his post. - -[Illustration: PROF. WM. A. SHEPARD, A. M., _Class 1857; Major -Confederate States Army._] - -The Board, after paying tribute to his memory, proceeded to supply the -vacant chair. - -On the first ballot Professor William Arthur Shepard, of the Southern -Female College of Petersburg, was elected to the place. He was no -stranger to the College, having served as Professor prior to the war, -and having resigned his place to go into the service. Though a Northern -man by birth, he threw his heart and energies into the Southern cause, -and was so true and faithful that, after having been disabled for field -service by wounds, he was promoted to be Major and Assistant Commissary. - -It would be safe to say that the College never had a warmer friend or a -truer man in its service than he proved himself to be for over thirty -years. He entered at once on the duties of his chair. - -At a meeting of the Board held in Baltimore, March, 1870, at the session -of the Baltimore Conference, that Conference was requested to make an -assessment to aid the College, on the same plan as that adopted by the -Virginia Conference. This the Conference agreed to make. - -At the annual meeting, June, 1870, the President made the annual report, -which gave the attendance as 110; total earnings from fees for the -session, $5,040. A preparatory school was recommended to take charge of -students unable to take College courses; recommended employment of -assistants in the departments of Mathematics and Ancient Languages, -particularly the latter, so that Prof. Price might initiate the School -of English, as described in the Catalogue. Reference was made to the old -trouble of financial embarrassment; also, to his efforts during the last -summer's vacation to arouse interest in the College, which efforts he -proposed to continue the coming summer as far as practicable. - -[Illustration: JAMES M. BARROW, A. M., _Superintendent of Public -Schools, Columbus, Miss._] - -The Executive Committee reported that they had appointed as instructor -in the Introductory Department, as authorized, Col. Henry W. Wingfield -(A. M. Randolph-Macon College), at a salary not to exceed $800. - -The Finance Committee reported as follows: Liabilities, $26,475; assets -(outside of College buildings and lots), $31,375. On some of the bills -payable a discount of 12 per cent. had been charged. - -At this meeting Rev. W. E. Munsey, D. D., was elected Financial -Secretary. This position Dr. Munsey declined to accept. - -Dr. William W. Bennett resigned the place of Agent, and Rev. George W. -Nolley was elected in his place. - -[Illustration: CHARLES CARROLL, A. M. 1872. _Washington Hall Builder._] - -On the recommendation of the Faculty, the following degrees were -conferred: Master of Arts, on James M. Barrow, of Virginia; Doctor of -Divinity, on Rev. James W. Wightman, of Kentucky. - -Rev. David Thomas was appointed as Agent to attend to subscriptions and -collections within the bounds of the Baltimore Conference. - -Richard Irby resigned the office of Treasurer, which he had held for two -years, and William Willis, Jr., was elected in his stead. - -[Illustration: H. C. PAULETT, _One of the builders of Library Hall._] - -In the third session (1870-'71) the effort to build the Library building -for the halls and libraries of the two literary societies was -inaugurated. Up to this time the two societies had occupied the -ante-rooms attached to the chapel, which were very cramped and -inconvenient. Who was the first to suggest the building of the new -edifice is not known to this writer, but it is well known who the -parties were who did the main work in raising the funds. They were, on -the part of the Washington Society, Charles Carroll, of North Carolina, -and H. C. Paulett, of Virginia; and on the part of the Franklin Society, -William W. Smith and Jordan W. Lambert, of Virginia. - -An old alumnus offered to give to the Society which should raise the -largest amount a copy of Audubon's _Birds of America_. - -[Illustration: JORDAN W. LAMBERT, _Franklin Hall Builder._] - -This enterprise was prosecuted with great zeal and skill, and the -building devised by the young men, let to contract by them, and paid for -by them (in most part), went on to completion. It was the first brick -building ever erected on the campus, and the first ever built in the -town. More will be said of this in due time. - -At a called meeting of the Board, held in Richmond, February, 1871, the -committee appointed to make sale of the buildings and property near -Boydton reported the sale of the same to Henry G. McGonegal, of New York -city. The sum of the purchase money was $12,500. This included the claim -on the United States government, which was transferred with the property -to the purchaser. - -This sale was a great sacrifice, embracing as it did the two large -College buildings, the Steward's Hall, Hotel, and President's residence, -all brick structures, and, in addition, the old Preparatory School -building (also brick), and three other dwellings, and several hundred -acres of land. But the pecuniary obligations of the College were heavy -and pressing, and the rate of interest, even on bonds secured by real -estate, ten per cent. Under these circumstances, the sale was ratified, -and the Board parted with the old premises, built, for the most part, in -1830-'32, at a cost largely over $50,000. - -At the annual meeting in June, 1871, the President, in his report, spoke -in high terms of the studiousness and good deportment of the students. -The whole number in attendance was 142. The prospects for further -increase were encouraging. - -Prof. W. W. Valentine resigned the chair of Modern Languages, chiefly on -account of delicate health. He was a faithful officer and a nice -gentleman; he enjoyed the respect and regard of his colleagues and the -Board. - -Great embarrassment had been experienced on account of want of funds to -meet promptly the salaries of the Faculty. - -The appointment of a "fiscal executive officer, competent to execute the -plans of the Board, and also to invent schemes of his own for obtaining -funds," was strongly pressed. This recommendation was promptly adopted, -and a committee appointed to define his duties and to nominate a -suitable man for the place. - -During the session this committee made report, defining the duties of -the Financial Secretary, and placing all the business matters and -financial interests in the hands of said officer. He was also to travel -as much as practicable through the Conferences to influence patronage, -secure donations and bequests, and also to encourage the Conference -educational collections. The salary of the officer was fixed at $2,000 -per annum. - -[Illustration: REV. A. G. BROWN., D. D.] - -To fill the office the committee nominated Rev. A. G. Brown, of the -Virginia Conference. He was not a stranger to the College, having served -as chaplain there in former years. He was duly elected, and a resolution -adopted asking the Virginia Conference to assign him to this work. - -This was a fortunate appointment. The Financial Secretary, after -entering on his duties, proceeded promptly to adjust the matters of the -College, and soon got them into manageable shape. - -Prof. Thomas R. Price appeared before the Board and explained his views -in regard to the "School of English." - -On motion, it was-- - -_Resolved_, That the Faculty be, and they are hereby, authorized to -establish, if they find it possible, "a School of English and -Literature." - -This most important move was on the same general plan adopted in 1835, -and carried out for several years by Prof. E. D. Sims after his return -from Europe, where he had spent several years studying Anglo-Saxon and -other languages preparatory to this course. - -It does not seem, however, that Prof. Price was aware that such a course -had been previously established, and it was as original with him as it -was with the first mover in it. Fortunately, in this second movement it -became a permanent course, and the influence of the move has spread far -and wide. - -[Illustration: REV. W. W. ROYALL, D. D., (R. M. C., 1872-'75.) -_Missionary to China. Member Virginia Conference, M. E. Church South._] - - -LETTER OF PROF. THOMAS R. PRICE, LL. D. - -"COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY, NEW YORK. - -"_Capt. Richard Irby, Randolph-Macon College:_ - -"DEAR SIR,--The President and Trustees of Randolph-Macon College, in -1868-'70, deserve, I think, the credit of having made the boldest and -wisest move in education that has taken place in my time. Dr. Duncan, -above all, so great and wise in many directions, was, in my judgment, -the most deeply devoted and the most far-sighted friend of collegiate -education I have known. When made a member of his Faculty, in 1868, as -Professor of Greek and Latin, I had, with my large classes, to struggle -against great difficulties and grave discouragements. Amid all I had his -tender sympathy and wise and loving help. The fundamental difficulty of -all soon revealed itself to me. I was seeking, as all instructors of -Greek and Latin of that period were seeking, to give a knowledge of the -ancient languages to boys and young men that knew not enough of their -own language to receive it or apply it. It was irrational, absurd, -almost criminal, for example, to expect, a young man, whose knowledge of -English words and construction was scant and inexact, to put into -English a difficult thought of Plato or an involved period of Cicero. -Dr. Duncan, to whom I imparted my conviction, shared with me the sense -of the grave evil. Braver and more hopeful than I, he bade me not to -despair, but to cut at the root of the trouble by introducing the study -of English. His eloquence and radical good sense won the majority of the -Trustees, and the English school was founded. I had the honor, which I -prize highly, of having been made professor of English, giving up the -Latin to Dr. James A. Harrison. I had the duty laid on me, by the -Trustees, of drawing up the programme of the new course and of selecting -text-books and supplementing text-books by lectures. My plan was, -through the course of five years, to make the literary and historical -study of our great language go forward evenly balanced. I began with the -study of grammar and of easy texts in the preparatory section, and then, -year after year, thus formed in succession the four college classes up -to the Senior and graduation. I cannot give you the exact dates. The -struggle began, I think, in 1869, and it was carried on to full success -by 1873-'74. The catalogues of the College will give the work and -programme of each year. - -"To Dr. Duncan, and to the good and wise men of the Trustees, I am -profoundly grateful for having used me to carry out the bold and noble -design. It was their own work--not suggested from the outside at all, -imitating nothing that existed, springing from their clear perception of -what education meant and from their sense of duty to their church and -their people. - -"Yours very truly. THOMAS R. PRICE." - - -RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE AND THE STUDY OF ENGLISH. - -Prof. J. B. Henneman, of the University of Tennessee, writes as follows -in the _Sewanee Review_. It is gratitying that the good work done by -Randolph-Macon is so freely acknowledged: - -"It was Randolph-Macon College, rather than the State University of -Virginia, though it was the work of one of her graduates, that was to -have the distinction of creating a School of English in the South which -should send forth apostles with all the fervor of converts and -enthusiasts. Randolph-Macon College would have deserved notice for -devoting a separate chair to English Literature as early as 1836, almost -from its inception; and Edward Dromgoole Sims, a Master of Arts of the -University of North Carolina, gave a course on Historical English in the -year 1839. He was installed in that year as Professor of English, after -a stay in Europe, where he heard lectures on Anglo-Saxon. Tradition -tells how, having no text-books, he used the blackboards for his -philological work. At the end of three years he removed to the -University of Alabama in consequence of having contracted a marriage not -then allowed under the laws of Virginia. He was preparing a series of -text-books in Old English, tradition again says, when he died, in 1845. -Had he accomplished his purpose, these works would have preceded -Klipstein's in point of time. (Other occupants of the chair of English -at Randolph-Macon were William M. Wightman and David S. Doggett, both -afterwards bishops in the Methodist Church, South.) It was again at -Randolph-Macon College (though now removed from Mecklenburg to Hanover -county) that, immediately after the war, there was founded a distinct -school of English, based on historic and scientific principles, and -productive of far-reaching results. I believe that I am but paying a -worthy tribute to one whom all his pupils have found a helpful guide and -inspiring instructor in making the statement that this movement was -mainly due to the inspiration and effort of one man--Thomas R. Price. - -"The suggestion of the course of English at Randolph-Macon College -sprang from the study of the ancient languages. The feeling existed that -it was impossible to expect appreciation of idioms in a foreign language -when students knew nothing about those in their own tongue. To quote -from Professor Price's own words at the time: 'It was irrational, -absurd, almost criminal, for example, to expect a young man, whose -knowledge of English words and constructions was scant and inexact, to -put into English a difficult thought of Plato or an involved period of -Cicero.' The course pursued in consequence was entirely original in its -premises, and endeavored to meet these difficulties. Both the disease -and remedy were brought out by the conditions present; and to this, I -think, may be ascribed, in large measure, the success of the movement -and its value as a stimulus. The end set was to place, in the ordinary -college course, the study of English on an equal footing with that of -Latin or Greek, giving it the same time and attention, aiming at the -same thoroughness, and enforcing the same strictness of method. A -knowledge of the early forms of English was demanded, not as philology -pure and simple, constituting an end in itself, but as a means for -acquiring a true, appreciative knowledge of the mother tongue, and -thereby for understanding its literature and other literatures all the -more. It now seems almost incredible that it required so great an effort -at the time to take this step or that old traditions could become so -firmly crystallized. - -"Professor Price's efforts succeeded all the more easily in that they -were seconded by his presiding officer, the Rev. Dr. James A. Duncan, a -man of singular breadth and sympathy of mind, who had grouped about him, -irrespective of church and denominational ties, a band of worthy -associates. Price, as Professor of Greek and Latin, gave up the latter -to his colleague, James A. Harrison, who had charge of the modern -languages, and taking control of the English, developed it side by side -with his Greek, so as to cover a course through four continuous years. -This was the result of the work of two sessions, 1868-'70. The movement -soon spread far and wide. Other institutions, impelled by the same -needs, either imitated it outright--some of them actually going so far -as always to unite the English department with the Greek, as if there -were some subtle virtue in the connection (building possibly even wiser -than they knew)--or developed out of their own necessities similar -arrangements. - -"After the men at Randolph-Macon had been drilled in the rudiments and -given their primary inspiration, many of them were dispatched to Europe -for further training, and returned Doctors of Leipzig and fired with a -new zeal. In mere appearances, it should seem as if this Randolph-Macon -migration to Leipzig was the beginning of the attraction exerted by that -University on young Southern scholars, an attraction which has been -rivalled in recent years only by that of the neighboring Johns Hopkins. -The land lay open before these young men, and they proceeded to occupy -it. Robert Sharp returned Doctor from Leipzig, and was soon called to -Tulane; William M. Baskervill returned Doctor from Leipzig, and started -an impulse at Wofford College, South Carolina, which he broadened and -deepened after his transfer, in 1881, to Vanderbilt; Robert Emory -Blackwell returned from Leipzig and succeeded Professor Price in his -work at Randolph-Macon; Frank C. Woodward succeeded Baskervill at -Wofford in 1881, and removed to the South Carolina College in 1887; W. -A. Frantz has built up a following in Central College, Missouri; John R. -Ficklen, having followed Dr. Price to the State University, has become -associated with Sharp at Tulane. The English fever at Randolph-Macon -became epidemic. Dr. James A. Harrison accepted a call, in 1876, to -Washington and Lee as Professor of Modern Languages, and formed a new -Virginian centre for specialists. Even Price's successor in the Greek -chair at Randolph-Macon, Charles Morris, soon resigned to go to the -University of Georgia as Professor of English. Nor has the manufacture -of Randolph-Macon professors of English ever entirely ceased. Howard -Edwards, formerly of the University of Kansas; J. L. Armstrong, late of -Trinity College, North Carolina, and now of the Randolph-Macon Woman's -College; John D. Epes, of St. John's College, Maryland; John Lesslie -Hall, Ph. D. (Johns Hopkins), of William and Mary, are later accessions -to a list by no means complete. - -"It is very curious to trace these various ramifications of mutual -influences, and to see them acting and interacting, crossing and -recrossing. Three main lines may be detected. Just as the University of -Virginia, through its graduates, became the pattern for many, especially -State institutions, and Hampden-Sidney, Davidson, Central, and, -particularly, Presbyterian colleges, felt the influence of the course at -Washington and Lee; so Randolph-Macon affected, among others, Wofford, -and then Vanderbilt, which, in turn, has become a new centre of -activity. - -"The transmission of this spirit to Wofford College, and thence to -Vanderbilt University at Nashville, is peculiarly instructive. W. M. -Baskervill, trained under Price and Harrison, and in Leipzig, came to -Wofford in 1876, where he met with a sympathetic circle. The president, -Dr. James H. Carlisle, had always been interested in English work, and -was a close student of the history and meaning of words. Charles Foster -Smith was fellow-professor with Baskervill, and James H. Kirkland, first -an appreciative pupil, was afterwards colleague as Smith's successor. -All three of these young scholars ultimately took their degrees in -Leipzig, and were called to Vanderbilt University, of which Dr. Kirkland -is the newly-elected Chancellor. The English language and letters have -been steadily emphasized by the close sympathies uniting these three men -in their common work in the department of languages. Kirkland's Leipzig -dissertation was on an English subject, though he is now professor of -Latin; Smith, the professor of Greek, has been a constant contributor on -English points, and Baskervill is specifically professor in charge. -Through the standard which their fortunate circumstances allowed them to -set, a new centre of influence has been formed in Nashville. - -[Illustration: REV. JOHN HANNON, A. M., D. D., _Ukiah, California._] - -"It was this Wofford influence, if I may be personal for a space, that -had much to do with sending me to the University of Virginia to hear -Price in Greek. And I but echo the feeling of many in Professor Price's -class-room, that it was hard to know to which of the two languages his -class leaned the more, Greek or English, so intimately upon one another, -especially in the work of translating, did the two depend. At any rate, -it is singular that his pupils, stirred by the Greek, just as at -Randolph-Macon, have used this classical impulse to enter upon the -keener study of their native language and literature. I was privileged -to be in the last Greek class which Professor Price taught at the -University of Virginia; and contemporaneous with me at the University -were other pupils: Charles W. Kent, Ph. D., of Leipzig, just returned to -his _Alma Mater_ as Linden Kent Professor of English Literature; James -Douglas Bruce, of Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, and the editor of this -_Review_. Eventually Professor Price's strong predilections for English, -and the memory of the work wrought while at Randolph-Macon, led, in -1882, to his acceptance of a call to the chair of English in Columbia -College, New York, a change which, in the face of all he had -accomplished at the South, many of his old pupils were selfish enough to -regard with regret." - -On the recommendation of the Faculty, the degree of A. M. was conferred -on John Hannon, of Alabama, and William Waugh Smith, of Virginia. - -The vacant chair of Modern Languages was filled by the election of Mr. -James A. Harrison, of New Orleans. This officer proved to be a valuable -accession to the Faculty, and his success at Randolph-Macon was the -prophecy of further success at Washington and Lee University, and the -University of Virginia, where he is at this writing. - -In regard to the enterprise referred to at the last annual meeting, the -Board adopted the following resolutions: - -"Whereas suitable halls for the literary societies of this College are -imperatively necessary in the work of this institution; and whereas the -Washington and Franklin Literary Societies have taken this enterprise in -hand with commendable zeal and liberality: therefore, - -"_Resolved_, I. That we gratefully recognize the efforts of the young -gentlemen in projecting and prosecuting this enterprise. - -"II. That we consider the success which has already attended their -efforts as a gratifying evidence of the speedy completion of the work. - -"III. That we commend this enterprise and the young gentlemen engaged in -it to the liberality of all the friends of this College and the cause of -liberal education. - -"IV. That we pledge our hearty co-operation in this work in every way in -our power." - -[Illustration: PROF. J. A. HARRISON, M. A., LL. D.] - -At the close of the college year ending June, 1872, the following items -of interest were reported to the Board at the annual meeting: - -The Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad Company conveyed to -the Board of Trustees a tract of land lying on the south of the line of -said railroad, near what was called the Club House, containing about -twenty acres, "on condition that the Trustees erect on the said land -permanent college buildings within fifteen years after the date of -conveyance, and that the deed shall contain the _prohibition of the sale -of ardent spirits without the written consent of said company_." - -This was considered to have been a better location for college buildings -than the first occupied, and the project might have been carried out but -for want of means to erect the buildings. - -The Financial Agent further reported the need of additional college -buildings on account of increased attendance of students. The number in -attendance the past session was 167, being 25 more than any previous -session at Ashland. Amount of fees, $7,652.30; amount remitted to -privileged students, $6,182.50; amount received from the Virginia and -Baltimore Conferences, $2,682.33. This was a gratifying result. - - Available assets, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $58,729 65 - Assets not now available, . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24,603 67 - Total, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $83,333 32 - Liabilities, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23,216 49 - -Resolutions commending the Agent for his work were adopted, and pledging -the support of the Board to him in his work. - -The absence of the two oldest members of the Board, viz., Bishop John -Early and D'Arcy Paul, Esq., on account of age and feebleness, were -noted by suitable resolutions. - -[Illustration: LIBRARY HALL.--Built by the Washington and Franklin -Societies 1872.] - -President Duncan, in his annual report, said: "It is specially -gratifying that I can congratulate the Board on the plan of fiscal -management adopted at your last meeting. The experience of the last -twelve months has demonstrated the wisdom of your action, and the same -illustrating your good fortune in securing an officer whose efficiency -in a most laborious task merits your high commendation.... The large -number of students have been generally studious and well behaved, a -large proportion of them are Christians, and thirty-two are candidates -for the ministry. During the year the reputation of the College has -extended, and its patronage steadily increased. Both the patronizing -Conferences manifest increasing interest in the College." - -The degree of A. M., on recommendation of the Faculty, was conferred on -Charles Carroll, of North Carolina. - -Mr. Jordan W. Lambert, on behalf of the Building Committee of the -Literary Societies, reported the Hall building as completed, at a cost -of $12,954.40, on which the committee had raised $7,093.30, leaving a -balance still due, $5,861.10. - -A committee appointed to consider this report submitted the following: - -"Your committee, after a full conference with the committee of the two -Societies, submit a proposition made by them to secure from the Board of -Trustees the necessary amount to discharge the existing obligations of -the Societies, which proposition is made the basis of this report, and -is most heartily recommended to the favorable consideration of the -Board. - -"It may be proper to state, in connection with this report, that the -committee submitted in detail the accounts with the various persons from -whom they had secured material, both by donation and purchase, and also -the correspondence with various friends of education both North and -South, all of which was most gratifying to your committee, as they -exhibited on their face the evidence of great energy, system, and tact, -which not only reflects credit on themselves, but also on the Societies -represented by the committee as well as the College itself. - -"In consideration of the foregoing facts, we offer for adoption the -following resolution: - -"_Resolved_, That the proper officers of the College proceed at once to -raise $5,700, and if it be necessary, they be authorized to create a -lien upon the property referred to, to secure the payment of principal -and interest, and the Financial Secretary be instructed to pass over the -amount thus raised to the Building Committee, to be used by them in -liquidating the obligations created in the erection of the hall." - -Accompanying this report was the following paper: - -"ASHLAND, VA., _June 27, 1872_. - -"In consideration of $5,700 to be advanced by the Board of Trustees of -Randolph-Macon College, the Washington and Franklin Societies will -undertake and pledge themselves to use their best efforts to pay $1,000 -annually upon the principal until the whole amount is liquidated, -interest to be paid by the Board of Trustees. It is understood and -agreed that if the Board of Trustees should find it necessary to create -a lien upon the property to raise the amount so advanced, they will not -in any way bind the furniture of the two Societies. - -[Transcribers' Note: In the original text, the names of those belonging -to each society were bracketted, and "Committee F. L. S." and -"Committee, W. L. S." appeared on the right-hand side of the -page, beside their respective brackets.] - - _Committee F. L. S._ - - (Signed) - "J. W. LAMBERT, - "F. C. WOODWARD, - "R. E. BLACKWELL, - - _Committee W. L. S._ - - (Signed) - "CHARLES CARROLL, - "HERBERT M. HOPE, - "W. B. PAGE, - "H. C. PAULETT, - "JOHN M. BURTON," - -[Illustration: WASHINGTON HALL, Randolph-Macon College.] - -[Illustration: FRANKLIN HALL, Randolph-Macon College.] - -To show the appreciation of the work done by the Societies, the Board, -on motion of Rev. A. W. Wilson, adopted the following: - -"_Resolved_, That the President be instructed to express in the chapel, -during the public exercises of the day, the Board's appreciation of the -energy and zeal of the Literary Societies in the erection of the Library -building, and that the Secretary furnish the Societies with a copy of -the action of the Board." - -In the chapel the same day Maj. Sutherlin pledged the Board to a -subscription of $500 towards the Library Hall. - -The above record in relation to this worthy and remarkable effort--one -that has found few, if any, parallels in the history of colleges--is -given at some length to show the spirit of the young men of the period -succeeding the war, and also to stimulate a like spirit in the young men -who are now filling these halls and others after them. Such an example -seems to be needed at this time to rekindle the interest in these most -worthy Societies, which is not as great as it formerly was, and as it -should be. - -At this meeting Major William T. Sutherlin, of Danville, who had -manifested his interest in the College by agreeing to pay three hundred -dollars annually towards the current expenses of the College for five -years, submitted the following proposition: - -"_To the Board of Trustees of Randolph-Macon College_: - -"I propose to place in your hands good eight per cent. securities to the -amount of four hundred dollars ($400), the interest to be collected by -you, and invested in a suitable medal, to be presented at each annual -commencement to _the best orator_ connected with the college who shall -contend for the same, to be decided by three competent judges who have -no official connection with the College, to be selected by yourselves, -whose decision shall be final. The fund hereby donated shall be held by -you and appropriated to the above purpose in perpetuity, and to no -other. Respectfully, - -(Signed) "W. T. SUTHERLIN." - -On motion of Rev. A. W. Wilson-- - -"_Resolved_, That the proposition be accepted, and that the thanks of -the Board be returned to Major Sutherlin for the generous donation, and -that the medal be styled the _Sutherlin Prize Medal for Oratory_." - -Rev. A. G. Brown, Financial Secretary, made the following review of the -financial operations of the year: - -"1. That the current expenses of this session have been promptly and -fully paid to June 1st. - -"2. That means are in hand to meet obligations to July 1st. - -"3. That we rely principally upon the assessments and special donations -to the College for the succeeding three months. - -"4. That the assets of the College have been improved in value and in -the amount of interest they yield. - -"5. That the liabilities have been materially reduced. - -"6. That the financial interests of the College are freed from legal or -legislative embarrassments. - -"These are gratifying results. I mention them for your information and -encouragement. They are the sign of a better day. Let us consecrate -ourselves to this noble institution, and, with the blessing of God on -our duty faithfully performed, we may expect to see it what it ought to -be in the scope of its usefulness and the development of its resources, -a strictly first-class College. - -(Signed) "A. G. BROWN, - -"_Financial Secretary Randolph-Macon College_." - -This gratifying report, the best that had been submitted for years, -caused the Trustees to adjourn in a cheerful mood. - -[Illustration: G. E. M. WALTON, _Founder of the Walton Greek Library._] - -[Illustration: MAJ. W. T. SUTHERLIN, ELECTED TRUSTEE, 1860. _Founder of -the Sutherlin Prize for Oratory._] - -A called meeting of the Board was held in Richmond October 13, 1872. A -letter was presented from Prof. Thomas R. Price, which was as follows: - -"_Rev. James A. Duncan, President_: - -"DEAR SIR,--As Professor of Greek in our College, I feel great pleasure -in informing you, and through you the Board, of the noble act of -generosity by which Mr. George E. M. Walton, of Hanover county, Va., has -planned a lasting benefit to the School of Greek. - -"Mr. Walton was, as you know, the father of Mr. Andrew Minor Walton, -who, with rare learning and diligence, discharged until his death, in -September, 1871, the duties of Assistant Greek Professor in -Randolph-Macon College. In order, then, to foster in the College the -studies that his son loved so well, and at the same time to keep alive -in the College history and traditions the memory of that son, Mr. Walton -has offered to give to Randolph-Macon College the sum of one thousand -dollars to create and endow what shall be called the _Walton Greek -Library_. This donation Mr. Walton desires to see, without delay, put -into the proper legal form. His own wishes and intentions, as given to -me in conversation, are: - -"1. That the money shall, in consultation between him and the agents of -the College, be securely and permanently invested. - -"2. That ten dollars of the annual income shall be used to buy, in the -shape of a valuable Greek book, or other appropriate gift, as the -Faculty may decide, a prize that shall be called the _Walton Greek -Prize_, and bestowed on the student that, in the judgment of the -Faculty, has made during the session the best progress in Greek studies. - -"3. That the remainder of the income arising from the investment of the -fund shall be annually expended, under such regulations as the Board and -Faculty may establish, in the purchase of Greek books, including the -texts of Greek authors, Greek lexicons, Commentaries on Greek authors, -works on Greek history, Geography, Grammar, antiquities, etc., and all -direct auxiliaries to Greek study, to form a special and distinct -collection, to be called the _Walton Greek Library_. - -"4. That this Library shall be carefully guarded by the College -authorities and secure adequate protection from theft and fire. - -"There is visible in this act of Mr. Walton no less wisdom than of -generosity and tenderness. The helps to the successful carrying on of -Greek study are becoming year by year more numerous and more masterly, -but, unluckily, more costly, too. To use them is indeed necessary for -every earnest student, but to buy them is oft-times to the student -impossible. To meet this necessity is the object of Mr. Walton's gift, -while his prize will serve to stimulate and reward Greek study; in all -the classes of our school the Library will, year after year, as it -widens, open to students that are more advanced the treasures of Greek -learning. - -"Being sure that you will feel the same pleasure that I feel in this -wisely-devised increase to our means of education, I ask you to make Mr. -Walton's purpose known to the Board, and to have the proper measures -taken for the consummation of the gift. - -"With great respect, your obedient servant, - -"THOMAS R. PRICE, - -"_Professor of Greek._" - -The donation of Mr. Walton was accepted with thanks, and an order was -made to carry out his intentions as speedily as possible. - -It may be stated here that this fund was safely invested, and the annual -proceeds, from the year of its establishment, have been applied, as -directed, in annual prizes and the purchase of books, until, at this -writing, the collection has, become imposing and very valuable. The -first prize was awarded June, 1872, to R. E. Blackwell, of Virginia. - -The College year 1872-'73 was remarkable in the patronage and financial -outcome. The number of students was 234, the largest in the history of -the College up to that year. The receipts for fees amounted to $11,220; -Conference educational collections, $3,411. The excess of current -receipts over current expenses reported, for the first time in the -history of the College, went towards needed improvements of the property -and reduction of debts of other years. Available assets were reported at -$74,610; liabilities, $26,377--net assets, $48,233. This exhibit, made -by Rev. A. G. Brown, Financial Secretary, was highly gratifying to the -Board, so long accustomed to discouraging reports. - -Of the 234 students, 44 were studying with a view to the ministry, and -29 sons of ministers. - -The honorary degree of D. D., on recommendation of the Faculty, was -conferred on the following: Rev. John C. Wills, president of Central -College, Missouri; Rev. Alpheus W. Wilson, of the Baltimore Conference; -Rev. John D. Blackwell, of the Virginia Conference. - -The degree of A. M. was conferred on Franklin C. Woodward, of Virginia. - -The "Sutherlin Medal for Oratory" was awarded Franklin C. Woodward, of -Virginia. - -[Illustration: FRANKLIN C. WOODWARD, A. M., D. D., _Sutherlin Medalist, -1873; President South Carolina College._] - -The "Walton Greek Prize" was awarded to Robert Sharp, of Virginia. - -An educational convention to devise plans to increase the Endowment and -Building funds of the College was held in Richmond, April, 1874. The -following plan was adopted: - -"I. That delegates shall be appointed (by the committee under item -III.), consisting of one layman and one preacher in each district, whose -duty it shall be to present the subject to the several District -Conferences at their meetings during the summer and fall of this year, -and take up collections for this object, and that the presiding elders -be requested to arrange the exercises of their district meetings so as -to secure _one whole day_ for the interests of Randolph-Macon College. - -"II. That we earnestly solicit the co-operation of the presiding elders -in this great work, and request the appointment of meetings in the -several pastoral charges, in which this cause shall be presented and -collections taken. - -[Illustration: PROF. W. M. BASKERVILLE, PH. D., _Vanderbilt -University._] - -"III. That a committee be appointed, who shall attend these meetings, -take up collections, etc." - -(_Committee_: Rev. J. A. Duncan, D. D., Rev. A. G. Brown, and Richard -Irby, Esq.) - -It was resolved that a committee be appointed to mature a plan for the -further prosecution of this work, and report to an adjourned meeting at -Ashland in June, 1874. - -It was resolved that any contributor of $20,000 shall have the privilege -of naming a professorship in the College. - -It does not appear on the record that any direct and decided benefit -resulted from this convention, but it kept the subject before the -people, and doubtless bore good fruit in after times. - -[Illustration: JOHN T. MOORE, _Of the Virginia Conference; Sutherlin -Medalist, 1874._] - -At the annual meeting, June, 1874, it was found that, by inadvertence, -the amendment to the charter approved April 9, 1874, contained a clause -which read as follows: - -"[Section] 14. That the said Board of Trustees shall never be less than -twenty-four nor more than forty-four, one of whom shall be elected by -the Board president thereof; provided, also, that no member of the -Faculty or Board of Instruction in the College shall be a member of the -Board of Trustees." - -This vacated the office of the president of the Board, inasmuch as Dr. -Duncan was a member of the Faculty. Steps were taken to have the above -clause stricken out by the Legislature. - -[Illustration: [Portrait of Thomas Branch, inscribed "Tho. Branch", and -captioned "_Trustee 1846 President Board of Trustees 1877._"]] - -To the office thus vacated Thomas Branch, Esq., of Richmond, Va., was -elected. He was the only layman ever elected to that office. - -Mr. Branch had been a trustee for thirty years. He was one of the most -zealous and constant friends the College had. His donations to the -College had been frequent and liberal. He had been largely instrumental -in having the College moved to Ashland. Recognizing the faithful service -and devotion of Mr. Branch to the College, the Board thus unanimously -elected him president. At the same time Rev. Alpheus W. Wilson, of the -Baltimore Conference, was unanimously elected vice-president. - -[Illustration: GEORGE MERRITT NOLLEY, A. M.] - -The attendance of students for the closing year had been 235, one in -excess of the previous year's number. - -In the record of this year the regular report of the President and -Faculty is not found, though doubtless one was made. - -On the recommendation of the Faculty, the following degrees were -conferred: - -A. M.--George Merritt Nolley, of Virginia; Robert Emory Blackwell, of -Virginia. - -D. D.--Rev. C. Green Andrews, of Mississippi; Rev. William A. Harris, -President of the Wesleyan Female Institute, Staunton, Va. - -On motion of Rev. J. C. Granbery, the following was adopted: - -"Whereas, since the last annual meeting of the Board the venerated -Bishop John Early, for many years the president of the Board, has been -taken from us by death: therefore, - -"_Resolved_, That in the death of Bishop John Early the College has lost -one of its most zealous, faithful and useful friends, and the Board of -Trustees one of its most honored and efficient members." - -His term of service (1830-1874) was the longest on record. - -The School of English, under Prof. Price, had shown great progress, and -had become the most popular of all in the College, evidenced by the fact -that out of 235 students, 191 took the English course. - -The report of the Financial Secretary gave the following items: - - Assets, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $72,496 47 - Liabilities, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21,538 12 - Net balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50,958 35 - -This exhibit of the finances was particularly favorable and gratifying -when it is remembered that the country had in the past year passed -through one of the severest financial panics ever known, a panic whose -withering effects on business did not cease for many years. The College, -in common with all other enterprises requiring the use of money, felt -the effects of it, and it might be said that it felt it for nearly a -score of years. - -A called meeting of the Board was held in Richmond during the session of -the Virginia Conference, November, 1874. This meeting was held to bring -the College more particularly to the attention of the Conference with a -view of enlisting its members in a hearty effort to raise $50,000, to be -used in increasing the facilities of the College, specially in buildings -and apparatus. - -The action of the Trustees was laid before the Conference, and the -following action was taken thereon: - -"1. That we will seek to raise within the bounds of the Virginia -Conference $50,000 for the College, to be expended in the erection of -suitable buildings under the direction of the Board. - -"2. That the Joint Board of Finance apportion this amount among the -districts of the Conference. - -"3. That all the preachers be solicited to do their utmost to secure the -full amounts apportioned to their respective districts." - -At the annual meeting of the Board, held June, 1875, the announcement -was made of the death of two of its most useful and venerable members, -viz., D'Arcy Paul, of Petersburg, and Rev. Henry B. Cowles, of the -Virginia Conference. - -It would be meet and right to give the tributes paid to these Trustees, -so worthy of them, if space allowed. The first had served most -faithfully for a period of thirty-five years, and the other -thirty-three. - -The annual report of the Financial Secretary was not so satisfactory as -to current receipts, the number of students at the College having fallen -down to 215, instead of 235. There had been deficiencies in other items. -All these deficiences were caused, in the main, by the financial -condition of the country, which was so sadly affected by the panic of -1873. There were some cheering signs, however, to offset these -deficiencies. The largest donation ever made to the College up to this -time had been received the past year. This was made by Mr. James B. -Pace, of Richmond, Va., viz., $10,000 in Virginia State bonds. This was -given to build the Pace Lecture Hall, a building so much needed, and -which is now, and will be for years to come, a monument to the liberal -donor. - -[Illustration: JAMES B. PACE, _Trustee, and Founder of Pace Hall._] - -[Illustration: RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE, 1880 to 1886.] - -[Illustration: PACE HALL.] - -Another donation of $5,000 was made by the old and fast friend of the -College, Thomas Branch, president of the Board; by others, -$808.50--total, $15,808.50. - -The financial statement for this year is given in the comparative -statement furnished by the Financial Secretary in his annual report: - - Assets. Liabilities. Balance. - 1872, . . $58,729 65 $23,216 49 $35,513 16 - 1873, . . 74.611 13 26,377 14 48,233 99 - 1874, . . 72,496 47 31,538 12 50,958 35 - 1875, . . .91,660 78 20,974 36 70,686 42 - Increase, 99-1/4 per cent. - -The degree of Master of Arts was conferred on John W. Redd, of Virginia. - -Rev. A. G. Brown reported the building by him as a private enterprise of -the hotel near the southwest corner of the campus. This was a -much-needed improvement. - -Notwithstanding the increase in assets during the year, -the current receipts were not sufficient to meet current expenses. - -At this meeting Rev. John C. Granbery, who had served the Board -faithfully as secretary since 1868, resigned the position, on account of -his having accepted a professorship at the Vanderbilt University. He -also resigned his place as Trustee of the College. - -Rev. Paul Whitehead was elected to succeed him as trustee and secretary, -and he has been secretary of the Board from that meeting to the present -time (1898). - -[Illustration: JOHN B. WARDLAW, _Of Georgia; Sutherlin Medalist, 1874._] - -At a called meeting of the Board in October, 1875, President Duncan -informed the Board that the condition of his health was such that he -felt unable to do the heavy work devolved on him. An arrangement was -therefore made to lighten his duties, and he was requested to travel as -much as practicable in the interest of the College. - -[Illustration: JOHN W. REDD, A. M., 1875. _Prof. Centre College, Ky._] - -At an adjourned meeting of the Board, held November, 1875, Rev. A. G. -Brown, Financial Secretary, tendered his resignation. A portion of his -letter is here given, partly as history, and in justice to him: - -"That my labors have not been more efficient, I deeply regret, yet in -what has been accomplished I am not without cause for gratitude to God, -to whose merciful kindness I am infinitely indebted. - -[Illustration: REV. PAUL WHITEHEAD, D. D., _Secretary Board of Trustees, -1875-'98._] - -"The assets of the College have been increased in value about one -hundred per cent.; nearly fifteen thousand dollars of its debt has been -paid; valuable additions and improvements have been made to the grounds -and buildings; the State stock owned by the College has been materially -increased in value; the annual deficit on account of current expenses, -ranging from twenty-five hundred to three thousand dollars a year, has -been provided for; all claims for interest on College debts, amounting -to about eighteen hundred dollars per annum, have been promptly paid; -the salaries of the professors and employees have been paid in full to -October 1st, as well as all bills on current account. In no instance has -the credit of the College been allowed to suffer. Its business has been -systematized so as to be easily understood. The patronage of the College -has been largely increased; its interests have been faithfully -represented in the patronizing Conferences.... I have never hesitated to -use my personal means and influence in financial circles whenever -exigencies required my so doing. Meanwhile the country has passed -through a period of unprecedented financial depression. The wisest -schemes have failed; the ample fortunes of wealthy citizens and -corporations have been swept away; the active industries of the country -have been fearfully impaired, and the shrinkage in the marketable value -of property of all descriptions has scarcely been less than one-third. -This sad condition of business, without a parallel in the history of -this country, has seriously hindered all our efforts in behalf of the -College. I have done what I could. That I have not accomplished more has -not resulted from any lack of love or zeal for the College, but is -mainly referable to the mysterious adversity which has come upon us. - -"In resigning my office as Financial Secretary, I do not abate one jot -or tittle of my interest in the College. No! I love the College as I -love the church; and fidelity to the church enjoins upon me and upon all -fidelity to the interests of this institution. Be assured of my hearty -prayers and co-operation in the future as in the past. As a member of -this Board, I shall stand shoulder to shoulder with you to make -Randolph-Macon a permanent and ever-increasing blessing to church and -state." - -The following resolution, offered by Rev. Paul Whitehead, was then -adopted: - -"_Resolved_, That the resignation of Rev. A. G. Brown as Financial -Secretary be accepted, to take effect December 1, 1875, and that the -Board hereby express their appreciation of the fidelity, ability, and -integrity with which he has discharged the duties of his office." - -This resolution was not any too flattering. It may be truly said that it -is doubtful whether any man in the Conference could have brought the -College through the trying period of the panic as well as the late -Financial Secretary. - -It was "_Resolved_, That the presiding bishop be requested to appoint at -the ensuing Virginia Conference an agent for the College." - -At an adjourned meeting held at Danville, November, 1875, the Board -abolished the office of Financial Secretary. - -William Willis, Jr., of Richmond, was appointed Treasurer, and Prof. -William A. Shepard, Proctor. - -At the request of the Board, the Bishop appointed Rev. Thomas A. Ware, -agent. - -[Illustration: WALTER H. PAGE, _Of North Carolina; Sutherlin Medalist; -Editor Atlantic Monthly._] - -At the annual meeting in June, 1876, the Building Committee reported the -Pace Lecture Hall as being about half completed, with funds on hand to -meet expenses of completion. This was the second brick building erected -on the campus. - -The following received the degree of A. M.: John M. Burton, of Virginia; -Howard Edwards, of Virginia; Robert Sharp, of Virginia; R. Bascom -Smithey, of Virginia. - -The President, in his annual report, does not give the statistics as to -the number of students in attendance, but the catalogue for the year -gives it as 167. He, evidently regarding this as the last he would make, -takes the occasion to speak in the kindest and most commendatory terms -of his associates of the Faculty. He was on the most cordial terms with -them, and his kindly regard was fully reciprocated. Referring to his -resignation, which he was about to tender, he said: - -"And now I approach a matter which it gives me very great pain to -announce. Many reasons combine to make it best, however, that I take the -step now; but these reasons I do not propose to open for discussion, -because I have become satisfied and decided in my convictions. - -"I have worked earnestly, in all good conscience, before God for eight -years to promote the cause of Christian education in connection with -Randolph-Macon College; nor have I spared myself till my health demanded -it. I have done what I could. Eight years ago, in a critical moment in -the history of the College, your flattering representations of the -service you believed I might render to Christian education induced me to -sacrifice my own inclinations and to accept the presidency of -Randolph-Macon. - -"What has been done is too well known to you to make it necessary for me -to recount the familiar facts. My rejoicing in it all is the blessing -the College has been to our young men, and the fact that, by abundant -labors, I have also had a personal share in the rebuilding and -re-establishing an institution whose work is its best witness. In God's -providence these labors have, I trust, been blessed unto permanent good. - -"But in the meanwhile I have found that to repeat or continue them would -be a tax on my health and strength too great for me to bear. I am fully -satisfied that the confining duties of College life are entirely -incompatible with my future health and consequent usefulness; but I -cannot consent to be a nominal president of an institution whose funds -are not sufficient for the support of all the active officers she needs. -When invitations to more lucrative positions were extended to me I have -not entertained them for a moment, simply because I could not allow my -duty, as a minister of Christ, in relation to this work to be governed -by monetary considerations. But now, when unembarrassed by any -invitations whatever, after calm reflection on all the reasons which -favor or oppose it, after careful and prayerful meditation upon it as a -question of duty as under God's guidance, I am fully persuaded that the -moment has come when I may and ought dutifully to return to the position -I formerly occupied as a preacher in the church of God. This conviction -is too firmly and clearly fixed for me to alter it at present. - -"I hardly need to say that my devotion to the College is unchanged. My -readiness to do whatever I can to advance its welfare, I know you will -believe and appreciate. Therefore, most respectfully, with the warmest -wishes for your success personally and officially, I feel it my duty to -tender my resignation as President of Randolph-Macon College. This I -propose shall take effect at the beginning of the next session, or at -the meeting of the Virginia Conference. - -"With many prayers for the prosperity of the great cause, which I must -now serve less efficiently, but not less earnestly, and with immutable -love for Randolph-Macon, I am, most respectfully and sincerely yours, - -"JAMES A. DUNCAN." - -[Illustration: REV. JOHN D. BLACKWELL, D. D., _Vice-President Board of -Trustees, and President Elect, 1877._] - - -The resignation of President Duncan was most reluctantly accepted, with -resolutions of highest regard for him personally and commendation of his -great services to the College. It may be stated here that he continued -to act as president in the interval between the annual meeting and the -adjourned meeting, held in Richmond, July, 1876. At this meeting Rev. -John D. Blackwell, D. D., was elected President. He declined to accept -the office. At the adjourned meeting, in November, Dr. Duncan was -re-elected, and he consented to serve again, under the most pressing -solicitation of the Board and the evident urgency of the case. - -It has been said that "coming events cast their shadows before." So this -resignation of Dr. Duncan, on account of the consciousness of failing -health, was a shadow, and a very dark one it was, of the event of the -coming year, which was to cause mourning in all Southern Methodism and -in regions beyond. - -The annual meeting adjourned, in sadness and gloom, to meet again in -Richmond, July 25th. - -The financial condition was not satisfactory, and the old embarrassment -of former years was again felt. - -At the adjourned meeting, held in Richmond, Va., July 25, 1876, the -resignations of Professors Thomas R. Price and James A. Harrison were -tendered. Professor Price had been elected to the chair of Greek at the -University of Virginia, and Prof. Harrison to the chair of Latin at -Washington and Lee University. - -[Illustration: PROF. R. E. BLACKWELL, A. M.] - -Changes were made in the chairs to be filled, viz., one to be that of -English and Modern Languages, and the other that of Latin and Greek. To -fill the first Robert Emory Blackwell, A. M., was elected, and to the -other Prof. Charles Morris, M. A., of the University of Georgia. Prof. -Blackwell was in Europe at the time, taking a course at Leipzig. He took -his degree of Master of Arts in 1874. He had served as assistant in the -School of English under Prof. Price, and was recommended by him in the -highest terms. He was the first of Prof. Price's graduates, of a long -list, to be elected to a chair of English. - -Prof. Morris was, when elected, Professor of Latin and Greek at the -University of Georgia. He, also, was highly commended to the Board by -Prof. Price, who was a fellow-student with him at the University of -Virginia. A more whole-souled, ingenuous man never lived than he, and -his character was beaming from his face. Though a member of the -Episcopal church, he threw his whole soul into the religious work of the -College, and no one would have known that he was not a member of the -Methodist church. - -[Illustration: CHARLES MORRIS, M. A., _Professor of Greek and Latin, -1876-1882._] - -The scale of salaries was changed. The salary of the President was fixed -at $2,000: of professors, $1,600. Dr. T. H. Bagwell was elected College -physician, in place of Dr. H. M. Houston, resigned. - -In parting with Prof. Price, the Board expressed for him the kindest and -highest appreciation of his long and distinguished services. -Complimentary resolutions were also adopted in regard to Prof. Harrison. - -As a part of a great educational advance, the following extract is given -from Professor Price's letter of resignation: - -"You have used me to do one piece of work that was so bold, and timely, -and wise as to draw the attention of educated men throughout America to -our College, and to win for your system of education the hearty applause -of all that love the culture of our young men. - -"In establishing the chair of English you have taken a bold step and -wise innovation. You have pushed the whole system of Virginia education -distinctly forward, and you have given to your system of collegiate -education a firm basis in the needs of our people. I have felt the -sweetest joy of my life to have been permitted to help in this great -work. I have seen the School of English, from session to session, bear -richer fruits in the development of our whole student class and in the -growing power of the College over the educated opinion of the State. I -beseech you now, in parting from you, to take the chair of English under -your fostering care, not only to uphold it, but to develop and expand it -as the characteristic and special glory of the College, and to bring it -to pass that every alumnus of Randolph-Macon College shall be, to his -own benefit and to your honor, as soundly and correctly educated as man -ought to be in the knowledge and use of his mother tongue." - -At this meeting Dr. W. W. Bennett, chairman of the Building Committee, -announced to the Board the completion of the Pace Lecture building, at a -cost of about $11,000. - -At the annual meeting of the Board of Trustees, held June, 1877, the -reports made by the President and Treasurer showed great embarrassment -in financial matters, which, as a matter of course, affected the prompt -payment of salaries to the members of the Faculty. - -The patronage for the year was reported to be 132. - -[Illustration: PROF. W. A. FRANTZ, A. M., _Prof. English, Central -College, Missouri._] - -The degree of A. M. was conferred on William Abner Frantz, of Virginia. - -At the June meeting, 1877, Thomas Branch, Esq., resigned the office of -president of the Board. Resolutions of regret at his action, and -expressive of the kind regard of the Trustees towards him, were adopted. - -Dr. J. A. Duncan was elected to fill the vacancy. - -William Willis, Jr., resigned the oflice of Treasurer of the Board on -account of ill-health and defective eyesight. This was accepted with -great reluctance by the Board, and resolutions of sympathy for him in -his afflictions and thanks for his faithful service were adopted. - -Prof. W. A. Shepard was elected Treasurer _pro tempore_. - -When the Board adjourned, it closed its last meeting in connection with -the president who had inaugurated the College at Ashland, and had -presided over it for nine years. - -A few days after the opening of the session of 1877-1878 he passed away, -after a brief illness. The record of the journal made by the Secretary, -and enclosed in black lines, is as follows: - -[Transcribers' note: In the original book, the following paragraph is -also enclosed in black lines.] - -On Monday, September 24, 1877, at 4 o'clock A. M., Rev. JAMES A. DUNCAN, -D. D., President of Randolph-Macon College, died at the President's -house, Ashland, Va., after a brief illness. On Tuesday, the 25th, a -brief funeral service was conducted in the College chapel by Rev. Leroy -M. Lee, D. D.; after which the corpse was conveyed by a special train to -Richmond. Funeral service conducted at Broad-Street Church by Bishop D. -S. Doggett, D. D.; a procession formed to Hollywood, and the body of -this faithful and illustrious servant of God buried there, in the hope -of a glorious resurrection. - -"This writer was a student at Randolph-Macon when Dr. Duncan was a -little boy, not yet in his _teens_. He was then as full of fun and -mischief as a boy could be, which, with his sprightliness, made him an -uncommonly interesting boy. He was a scholar in the first Sunday-school -class he ever taught, and along with him were Dick and Gib Leigh and -Dick Manson. He was intimately associated with him in re-establishing -the College at Ashland, he beginning his presidency, with this writer as -treasurer and chairman of the Executive Committee. Then, from 1870 to -his last illness, he sat under his ministry in the old ball-room chapel, -whose walls echoed to the tones of his wondrous voice, such as -cathedrals rarely, if ever, have heard. This ought to render him -competent, in part, to write of this most gifted man. - -[Illustration: WILBUR F. TILLETT, A. B., D. D., _Sutherlin Medalist, -1877; Dean Theological Faculty, Vanderbilt University._] - -But others have written tributes so much better and worthier of the -subject that he will let them speak. The first tribute to him was given -by Prof. Thos. R. Price, LL. D., who has more than once expressed to -this writer the great remissness of the Methodist Church in not having -had prepared a memoir of one of its greatest preachers and wisest men. - -The following is Prof. Price's sketch of Dr. James A. Duncan: - -"THE GREAT PREACHER." - -"The bitterest hour for them that mourn their dead is not when the -breath rattles in the throat nor when the clod rattles on the coffin. It -comes when, after all the stir and turmoil of death and funeral are -over, the family go back to the ravaged home, and grope their ways, -blinded with tears, through the rooms that the dead man has left forever -empty. Not even the sudden jar of the final separation strikes so deep a -wound as the growing sense of loss, as the accumulating despair of -unsatisfied longing. So, in all the many regions where Dr. Duncan, the -great apostle of Virginia, was known and loved, the deepest grief was -not felt when all those thousands followed the hearse and sobbed around -the open grave under the stars at Hollywood. A deeper sorrow comes to us -now, after taking up again the task of life, when we feel, amid our -pleasures and our business, that the great advocate of God, who lived -Christ among us as sublimely as he preached him, has been withdrawn -forever from among the potencies of our time; when we remember that, in -evil days, when many bad men are seeking to break down the honesty and -to dull the moral sense of the Virginia people, we are left without the -mighty aid of that one man who knew best of all how to stir the hearts -and to guide the acts of our people to good. Yet with the calmness of -the deeper sorrow comes, too, the calmness to think out the secret of -the dead man's power over the great masses of the Southern people, for -that power was one that reached far outside of his church and of all -churches deep down into the moral life of Virginia. Thus even for us -laymen, for us that have no right to preach and no theology to teach, -the character of this wonderful man has an abiding interest. It is worth -while for us all to know what were the means by which he worked. As his -life did such immense good to so many thousands of our people, the -contemplation, and, if possible, the understanding, of that life, can -hardly fail to do good to the great communities that are now mourning -for him. - -"On the first meeting with Dr. Duncan, were it only a hurried talk at a -street-corner or a few minutes' conversation on a railway train, the -first impression that came to the stranger from his sweet eyes and -tender lips was the sense of a strange and overpowering love and -loveableness in the man. The face and voice stole their way to the heart -and mastered the affections. All the children were drawn to his -caressing hands by a charm that their little hearts could not withstand. -The negro servants in the houses that he visited could be seen to hang -upon his words and to strive to catch his smile. The belle of the -springs, on her way to the ball-room; the roughest mountaineer loafing -on the skirts of a camp-meeting; boys and old men, the ignorant and the -educated, had to yield themselves to the fascination of the fresh and -guileless love that emanated from his beaming eyes and tender, -penetrating voice. Whether he was moving with his exquisite grace, -smiling and talking, through a parlor, or standing all aglow in his -passionate eloquence beside his pulpit; whether he spoke to one man, -soul to soul, in the quiet of his study, or faced the thousands of eyes -that looked up to him from a great city church, or from the green -hillsides of a rustic amphitheatre, the power that went forth from him, -winning all hearts and softening all hardness, was the power of an -exquisitely loveable nature, giving love richly and pleading for love in -return. But as you listened to him, as you watched the play of his -mobile features, and took in the rich, sweet tones of his voice, this -first impression of the man's intense loveableness was deepened by the -impression of his marvellous intellectual power. The shrewdness of his -observation, the penetrating keenness of his intelligence, the splendid -precision of his thought and of his utterance, took instantaneous -possession of the hearer's mind. His knowledge of human character as men -moved before him, his ready insight into the tangled web of human -motives, was almost infallible. In spite of his boundless charity and -graciousness, he was a man that could not be deceived or cheated. He -took men in at a glance. The smile that curled around his lips, the -light that sparkled in his eyes, showed to the dullest, as to the -wiliest, that the secrets of their character were seen, that the very -depths of their soul lay unveiled before him. Thus, when you talked with -him, you were sure to feel that, while his love opened his heart to you, -his intellect opened yours to him. In managing men, above all, in -wielding the discipline of a college, the amazing quickness and -penetration of his intellect made him the fittest of all men to control -both character and conduct. The offender who came to hide his sin -beneath a lie, found the lie impossible, and flung himself with -passionate tears upon the love of the man that both understood and -pitied his weakness. Even in great audiences, when he spoke to thousands -of God and goodness, the veils of self-deception fell away before the -glances that he shot into the souls of men. In all the history of -Christianity no man ever pleaded for Christ before men with a mightier -control over the secrets of human hearts, with a sharper penetration -into the weakness and badness of each human soul. It was this union of -moral with intellectual force, this union of the attractive power of -love with the penetrative power of understanding, that gave to Dr. -Duncan his unrivalled and irresistible control over the heart and -intellect of the Virginia people. The world is so bad that we are apt to -confuse amiability with silliness, and to see a sign of intellectual -weakness in a good man's love and care for his fellow-men. But here, at -least, it was one man as strong as he was good, a man that joined to the -charm of a tenderly loving heart the power of a splendid genius and of -an incisive intelligence. Thus he rose on the hearts of men to be a -living power in our State and time. Thus to each man that saw much of -him, to every human being that was exposed for long to the influence of -his words and actions, the man, simple and kindly, and great in all his -deeds, shone forth as the revelation of a higher life, as the proof and -example of what Christ's teaching meant. - -"The mystery both of the moral power and of the intellectual power of -this great man lay in his astounding unselfishness; for the egoistic -habit of mind is a hindrance not only to the moral but also to the -intellectual progress of the man. A selfish regard for one's own -interests, the bad trait of regarding all things and all men as -subordinate to one's own designs, not only deadens the moral -sensibility, but it even distorts and discolors all intellectual insight -into the world. If we fail to care for other men's good by being so busy -about our own, we fail equally to penetrate into their characters and to -see the good and evil that is in them by being unable to remove from our -intellectual vision the beam of our own desires and designs. From all -these obstacles, to noble acting and to accurate thinking, Dr. Duncan -was sublimely free. He had resigned himself so fully into the hands of -God that he had ceased absolutely to care for his own advantage or to be -perplexed by the contemplation of his own aims. Thus he moved through -the annual courses of his serene and glorious activity, preaching and -teaching and helping all good causes, with a mind unperverted from great -things by any care for little ones, with a soul ready for any sacrifice, -and, what is harder still, ready to throw itself into full and -instantaneous sympathy with any soul that opened to his approach. In all -his dealings with men, as friend with his friends, as preacher with his -congregations, as teacher with his pupils, the loveliness and warmth of -his affections were equalled only by the pliability and penetration of -his intellect, by his wisdom in advising, by his discretion in helping. - -"All the ordinary temptations to self-seeking fell off powerless from -the supreme unselfishness of his nature. When the fame of his eloquence -spread over many States; when he was acknowledged as the greatest orator -of his church, and, perhaps, of his country; when the richest churches -of the greatest cities offered him vast salaries to leave the struggling -people and the impoverished college that he loved, he clung fast to -poverty, and put aside, without a struggle, the temptations of ease and -wealth. Even when temptation assailed him in craftier forms; when men -told him of the mighty congregations that New York or St. Louis or San -Francisco would pour forth to catch from him the words of life, he said -that 'he loved his own people best, and must stay to help Virginia -along.' Like his Master, he chose poverty rather than riches; like his -Master, he chose to work in a little village, among a small band of -disciples, rather than among the splendors and plaudits of cities; like -his Master, he made of life one long series of sweetly-borne -self-sacrifices. Before the spectacle of such sublime self-depression -all words of common praise are unseemly. But to them that lived with -him, who saw the great soul take up so bravely and bear so lovingly the -burthen of poverty, trouble, and suffering, the life he led was a -miracle of beauty and holiness, making the world brighter and nobler by -even the remembrance of him. - -"In his preaching, as in his life, the same blending of love with -wisdom, of childlike simplicity with manly power, was revealed. There -was no fierceness, no affectation, no struggling after oratorical -effects; but, as the powers of his mind got into motion, as the thoughts -rolled on, clear and massive, the words and sentences grew rich and -lofty, the sweet voice swelled out into organ tones, the small and -graceful figure swayed to the pulsations of his thought, and the -beautiful face glowed with all the illumination of love. There was no -theology in his sermons, no polemical divinity in his conception of -divine truth. To love God, and to love men was for him, as Christ taught -him, the sum of all righteousness. This power of love was the agency -through which he did his work in the world. As the warmth of the sun -controls all the processes of nature and commands all the movements of -the universe, so warmth of love, as the central fact of God's moral -government, was for him the source of all power, the means of subduing -all wrong, and of bringing the world back into harmony with God's laws. - -"No human life ever lived in this world of ours was attuned more fully -to a loftier harmony. As we think of all the good deeds he did, of all -the wise words he spoke, of his solemn yet tender warnings against evil, -of the love that charmed so many souls to do right, of the sublime -unselfishness that made his life a sacrifice to other men's good, we can -feel that to us, in our own State, born of our own stock, in full sight -of us all, a man has been given to live for our good, as nearly as man -may, up to the life-story of the Christ himself. - -"_University of Virginia._ T. R. PRICE." - -The following is taken from the Minutes of the Virginia Conference, and -was written by an old college mate, Dr. J. C. Granbery, now bishop: - -"James Armstrong Duncan was born in Norfolk, Va., April 14, 1830. He was -dedicated to God from his birth and trained in piety by his father, the -venerable David Duncan, who has been prominent through two generations -in the education of the youth of the Southern States, and who accepted -the chair of Ancient Languages in Randolph-Macon College while James was -a child; and by his mother, a woman of saintly character, who preceded -her son by a few years to the heavenly land. In his boyhood he was a -universal favorite, and displayed the gifts of mind and genial spirit -and grace of manner which became so conspicuous in his riper years. We -may mention his overflowing humor and gaiety, tempered with a kind and -generous nature; and a wonderful power of mimicry, which furnished -unbounded amusement to his comrades, and, indeed, to persons of mature -age, but was never used to wound in feeling or reputation. In 1847, -during one of those gracious revivals with which our church has been -signally blessed year after year, he sought and found Jesus. In one of -his latest and most effective sermons, he has described his conversion -and affirmed that the vow of consecration then made had been the -controlling principle of his ministry and the motive of those labors -which his brethren sometimes thought excessive. - -"He was licensed to preach probably the next year. The people of -Mecklenburg still speak of his first sermons, in which they saw the -prophecy of his future greatness. Having graduated in June, 1849, he was -immediately placed in charge of a society in Alexandria, which had just -organized in connection with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. From -that hour his popularity and success as a preacher and pastor began, and -they steadily waxed fuller and more lustrous until his death quenched a -star than which none shone with a purer and more brilliant radiance in -the whole firmament of Methodism. A great revival attended his labors -during the few months before the session of our Conference and the -prosperity of the church was secured. He was kept on our northern border -for nine years, in Fairfax, Leesburg, Alexandria and -Washington--everywhere beloved with enthusiasm, everywhere successful in -his ministry. Then followed nine years of faithful labor in the city of -Richmond. In 1857 he was sent to Trinity, one of our oldest and most -important stations. There had come a crisis in the history of that -church. Its prosperity was already impaired and seriously threatened by -the unfortunate location of the house of worship. The young pastor soon -had the building crowded with an eager congregation. The eloquence of -his discourses and the charm of his social manners were a theme of -general comment throughout the city. Two series of sermons to young men -and women proved peculiarly attractive, and resulted in extensive and -lasting benefit. He took front rank among the pulpit orators of the -land. All denominations flocked to hear him, and delighted in his -company and friendship. These honors he bore with modest dignity and -consecrated with godly simplicity to the service of the Master. A little -band from Trinity determined, under his leadership, to build a handsome -and commodious church on Broad street near the Capitol Square. In 1859 -he was appointed to this new charge, and preached in a rented hall until -the church was completed. It was dedicated in March, 1861, and, with the -exception of two years, he continued in pastoral charge until the -Conference of 1866. All this time his influence widened and deepened. He -was a power in that city. When it became the capital of the Confederate -States, and was crowded with representatives from all parts of the -South, his faithful, spiritual, eloquent preaching entranced, edified, -encouraged, and impressed with a saving efficacy an untold multitude, -whose number eternity must reveal. No man in our day has accomplished -more for Methodism or for the cause of Christ in the capital of Virginia -than James A. Duncan. - -"In addition to his pastorate, he edited the _Richmond Christian -Advocate_ from the fall of 1860 to the fall of 1866. With characteristic -generosity he did this work without money and price--a free-will -offering to the church, except the two years he devoted his whole time -to the paper. The readiness and versatility of his talents were -admirably shown in this office, for, with many other claims upon his -time, he wrote not only the editorials, but much of the most popular and -enjoyable correspondence with which the _Advocate_ was enriched during -those years. Great curiosity was aroused to find out the anonymous -authors of series of letters published in the paper; but few, if any, -suspected that they came from the fertile brain of the editor. - -"Two years he was pastor of the Washington-Street Church, in Petersburg. -Such men as D'Arcy Paul loved to speak of the rich spiritual feasts on -which he fed them from the pulpit, and the no less precious influence of -his pastoral visits. In that city he suffered a severe spell of nervous -fever, his first illness since childhood. - -"This brings us to a third era of nine years in his eventful life. After -the war Randolph-Macon College re-opened and feebly struggled for life. -Dr. Duncan was among the strongest advocates of its removal from Boydton -to Ashland. The Board of Trustees resolved on this critical movement in -the summer of 1868. The Faculty resigned, and an election was held to -fill the vacant places. Dr. Duncan was unanimously chosen President. He -signified promptly a disposition to accept the responsible post, but -demanded a few days in which to carry the question in private prayer to -the God whose he was and whom he served. Repeatedly and emphatically he -declared the singleness of purpose with which he entered on this office, -and that he would not remain one day in it if it were not for the -conviction that he was thereby serving most efficiently the church of -Christ. - -"No one who knew the man doubted his sincerity and simplicity of aim. He -never sought self. He was indifferent to wealth in a degree which some -even censured as extreme. He served not ambition. The esteem and -approval of good men he must have prized, but never, so far as we know, -did he exhibit any undue concern about such things. He belonged to -Christ, and to the church for Christ's sake. He went in the courage of -faith and the spirit of consecration to the College, and devoted himself -to the duties in the chair of Moral Philosophy and in the presidency. -The halls were filled with a larger number of students than had ever -sought its advantages in its palmiest days before the war. He governed -by his personal influence, by the love and confidence with which he -inspired the young men, and diligence and good behavior were the rule -with rare exceptions. - -"The reputation of the institution for a high grade of scholarship and -thoroughness of culture was inferior to that of no other college in the -land. Young preachers, often numbering more than forty in a single -session, sat under his special lectures in theology, and were moulded by -his example and his teaching. With the authority of a prophet, with the -gentleness of a father, he preached to the students, week after week, -the word of life, and saw many of them accept with glad heart the yoke -and burden of Christ. In private they revealed to him all that was in -their hearts, and sought his sympathy and counsel. In public, whatever -the occasion on which he spoke, they hung breathless on his lips, and -received what he said as if from an angel of God. Those who have -attended the Commencements can bear witness to the outgushing of love, -the wise and noble utterances, the manly frankness and boldness, and the -tenderness, almost motherly, with which he bade those young men farewell -in unstudied words of genuine eloquence, and the beaming faces, the -streaming eyes, the thunders of applause with which they responded. Nor -were these his only labors. Often during the sessions he hurried off to -preach in city or country at the call of the churches of the Virginia -and Baltimore Conferences, or in order to raise money for the College. -The summer vacation was no rest to him, but his busiest period. -Incessantly he travelled through the two Conferences, speaking on -Christian education, and speaking at District Conferences, at protracted -and camp-meetings. He was in labors more abundant, not sparing himself, -never reluctant to help in any good work. Everywhere he was sought, -everywhere he was welcome. Thousands ascribe to him, under God, their -first impulse to serve Christ, their revival from a lukewarm and -languishing state, or their fuller consecration and seeking of a higher -spiritual life. We may safely affirm that no man of his own generation -has so powerfully impressed the religious character of an equal number -within the bounds of these two Conferences as James A. Duncan. He was -elected to the General Conferences of 1866, 1870, and 1874. That of 1870 -he did not attend, his duties at the College not allowing his absence. -He lacked only a few votes to be chosen bishop at that session, several -delegates of this body, who held him in high admiration, and thought him -in every way worthy of the honor, withholding their votes because they -believed him essential to Randolph-Macon College. From that time the -mind of the whole church turned to him as the fittest person to be -elected to the episcopacy. In 1876 he attended the General Conference of -the Methodist Episcopal Church as one of three fraternal messengers from -our General Conference, and his address on that occasion was marked by -its catholic spirit, fervent love for Christ, and grand and thrilling -eloquence. - -"In the summer of 1874, exhausted by ceaseless toil of travel and -preaching, and exposed to a malarial atmosphere at a camp-meeting, he -was seized with a fever, which took a typhoid phase, and he lay for -weeks at the point of death. For one year he was scarcely fit for any -work, and though he afterwards rallied and resumed his course of -untiring labors, the seeds of disease lurked in his system, and often -developed in severe spells of sickness; yet he worked on, cheerful, -energetic, consumed with zeal. The past summer he spoke and preached -with an ardor, power, and success equal to his happiest efforts in the -years of his vigorous health. Sunday, September the 9th, he was in -Baltimore, to preach at the re-opening of Trinity, and this he did, in -the forenoon with great power, despite intense physical pain. On his -return to Ashland it was found that his jawbone was decayed, and poison -diffused throughout his frame. Erysipelas attacked his face. His -sufferings were great, but borne with patience and sweetness. He sat up, -however, a part of each day, and seemed not to suspect that his end drew -near. Monday morning, the 24th, he fell asleep in Jesus. - -"Oh! the surprise, the shock, the grief of heart, the sense of loss, the -feeling of desolation, which that news produced. Crowds attended his -funeral at Broad-Street Church, which, by a marble tablet, acknowledges -him its founder, and Bishop Doggett pronounced his eulogy. Memorial -services were held in Richmond, Petersburg, and Baltimore. Resolutions -of highest praise were passed by Quarterly Conferences and by the -faculties of colleges and universities. The secular and religious press -honored his memory with heartfelt tributes; but all these honors fell -far short of expressing the reverence and love with which he is -cherished in thousands of hearts and thousands of homes. We yield to our -sorrow of personal bereavement, and then chide ourselves for the -selfishness when we ought to be grieving over the loss to the church. We -think with sadness and almost with despondency of the bereavement of our -College, and Conference, and Church, and tears fill our eyes, and a -sword pierces our heart, at the unbidden suggestion of the void in our -own life which the death of this dear, this noble friend and brother has -made. - -"We have said little of his private life. He was early married to Miss -Twitty, of North Carolina, who for many years proved a companion and -helpmeet worthy of such a man, and passed away in 1870. He married in -1873, Miss Wade, a daughter of a minister of the Baltimore Conference, -who ministered to him and comforted him through the last years of his -life, years of comparative weakness and pain, and now mourns, yet in -resignation and trust, his death. He leaves four children of the first -and one of the second marriage. The widow and children have the deepest -sympathies and fervent prayers of this Conference. - -"A few more words we must say about this loved brother. He was a natural -orator. Perhaps this remark should be changed, not to abate its force, -but to enlarge its application. He was a born talker, equally gifted in -conversation and in public discourse. He had every physical -advantage--grace of attitude and gesture, a voice which everybody -likened, in sweetness, richness, and compass, to the organ, and, we must -add, to the organ when struck by a master musician, for he had his voice -under perfect command, and moderated it to convey the fullest variety of -pure and worthy sentiment; a countenance on which one loved to gaze, -handsome in repose, lovely when lit up by the noble thoughts and -feelings of his great soul. He had every intellectual and moral -advantage; a ready flow of happy diction, which seemed perfectly -spontaneous, and yet exactly suited the thought; a playful humor, and, -when needed, keenness of wit and satire which added zest to his serious -speech, but detracted not from its weight; a quick insight into the -heart of a subject, judgment remarkably sound, the logical spirit -without slavery to logical forms, and an imagination which could sport -like a butterfly amid flowers, or soar like an eagle beyond the clouds; -sensibility delicate, deep, strong--acute sympathy with his fellow-man; -a response in his feelings to everything true, pure, generous, and -grand. Above all, he was full of the Holy Ghost, and could say, 'For the -love of Christ constraineth me.' His adaptation to all classes of -hearers, to all classes of circumstances, was marvellous. He could -interest and edify the child, the unlettered, the cultivated, the -scholar, with equal ease. Every variety of style came naturally to him, -from a familiar home talk, through all gradations of argument, -instruction and pathos, to the impassioned, sublime and overwhelming -appeal. The earnestness and simplicity of his soul were ever manifest; -that he preached not self, not philosophy, not human wisdom, not -excellency of speech, but Christ and him crucified, not for fame, but to -win souls. - -"In his social and pastoral qualities he no less excelled. Others have -equalled, none surpassed him in diligence and fidelity; but who can -compare in charm, in breadth and tenderness of sympathy, in aptness to -guide and comfort, in power to draw forth trust and love? Place him in -any parlor, at any table, among the rich or poor, and he would be the -centre of attraction--every eye fixed on him, every ear attend his -voice. Let him sit by the bed of any invalid, though a stranger before -that hour, and soon he would soothe and cheer, and the heart would open -to his words as though he had been a life-long friend. The young and -old, men and women, the rude and the cultivated, felt free to confide to -him their troubles and ask his sympathy and aid; yet, in the narrower -circle of long-tried friendship and of home, never did there beat a -truer, more constant, more generous heart; so unselfish, so frank, so -forbearing, so trustful, so magnanimous, never giving up a friend, -though he may have strayed far, and long, and fallen low; never slow in -responding to any call for help. - -"But we must close this sketch. He was our favorite and our ornament, we -might almost say our idol; but we glorify God in him. He has been taken -away in his prime, at the height of his usefulness, when we were leaning -on his counsel and strength, when we were rejoicing in the prospect of -many years of his company and service. But we thank God for his example, -his work, and his prayers. He rests from his labors, and his works do -follow him." - -A meeting of the Board was called, to assemble at Broad-Street Church -October 4, 1877, to make provision for the College after the loss of -President Duncan. Dr. A. W. Wilson, vice-president, announced his death, -and a committee, consisting of Dr. W. W. Bennett, Dr. Samuel Rodgers, -and Hon. Wm. Milnes, Jr., was appointed to report suitable resolutions -to the Board, and they presented the following, which was unanimously -adopted: - -"_Resolved_, That, as the Board of Trustees of Randolph-Macon College, -we have the deepest sorrow in our hearts in announcing to our church and -people the great loss we have sustained in the death of Rev. James A. -Duncan, D. D., our late President. His devoted life as a Christian -minister and his constant and arduous labors for the past nine years in -behalf of Randolph-Macon College, and the high position to which he and -his co-laborers in the Faculty have brought the institution, demand that -our people should give some expression of their appreciation of this -work, which, in its widening influence, we trust shall abide for -generations to come. And in the judgment of this Board nothing can more -adequately express our conviction of the value of his life and work for -the College and the cause of Christian education than that the church -should determine to raise a 'memorial fund' of $100,000 for the -accomplishment of an earnest and often-expressed wish of our deceased -President, the permanent endowment of the College and the enlargement of -its sphere of usefulness." - -The presidency of the Board having been made vacant by the death of -President Duncan, Rev. W. W. Bennett was elected to it. - -To fill the presidency of the College, Rev. W. W. Duncan, brother of the -late President, was elected. - -At an adjourned meeting, held in Lynchburg, Va., November 16, 1877, -Secretary Rev. Paul Whitehead presented a letter from the Rev. W. W. -Duncan, Professor in Wofford College, South Carolina, declining the -presidency, to which he had been elected in July last. This declination -and the financial embarrassment of the College elicited the hearty -interest of the Virginia Conference, then in session. A large committee -from that body was appointed to confer with the Board to concert -measures which would meet the serious condition of the affairs of the -College. The joint conference was held for several days. - -After the joint conference was concluded, on the 19th of November, the -Board proceeded to elect a President of the College. The result of the -first ballot was: For R. N. Sledd, 6 votes; for W. W. Bennett, 6 votes. -Necessary to a choice, 7. - -The second ballot resulted in the same vote. - -The third ballot, other members having come in, resulted as follows: W. -W. Bennett, 9 votes; R. N. Sledd, 5 votes. Necessary to a choice, 8 -votes. So Rev. W. W. Bennett, D. D., was declared elected. - -[Illustration: BISHOP W. W. DUNCAN. _Elected President 1877.--Declined -to accept._] - -[Illustration: REV. W. W. BENNETT, D. D., _President of the Board of -Trustees, 1877; President of the College. 1877-1886._] - -Resolutions respecting the death of William Willis, Jr., late treasurer -of the Board, who had died since the last meeting of the Board, were -adopted. - -At this meeting Rev. Thomas A. Ware resigned his place as Agent. - -The new President, when elected, was the editor of the Richmond -_Christian Advocate_, of which he had been the proprietor, wholly or in -part, for ten years. He was a leading man in the Virginia Conference, -and largely acquainted with the ministers and people of the church in -Virginia and elsewhere, having been a member of the General Conference -for a number of sessions. He was in the full vigor of manhood. His -education had been secured at the University of Virginia. Having been an -active member of the Board for years, and frequently on important -committees of the Board, and having lived in Ashland for a number of -years, he was thoroughly conversant with the affairs of the College. He -felt and appreciated the great purposes of its establishment and the -capabilities which it might be endowed with by the action of the church. -He also knew what a burden he was about to take up and carry--a burden -which had taxed the energies and heart of his predecessor; but, hopeful -and sanguine, he probably did not appreciate the full weight of the -burden which was to test his heart and energies, in turn, to their -utmost strain. It was well that he was hopeful and trustful. - -Dr. Bennett commenced his duties with the following colleagues in the -Faculty December 1, 1877: Robert Emory Blackwell, A. M., Professor of -English and Modern Languages; Harry Estill, A. M., Professor of -Mathematics; William A. Shepard, A. M., Professor of Chemistry; Charles -Morriss, M. A., Professor of Greek and Latin. - -At a meeting of the Board, held in Baltimore, March, 1878, the Faculty -was increased by the election of William Waugh Smith, A. M., to the -chair of Moral and Mental Philosophy. Some time afterward he entered -upon his duties as professor, and his connection, in some capacity, has -continued to this day. Of his connection with the College more will be -recorded further on in this narrative. - -[Illustration: GRAY CARROLL, _Sutherlin Medalist, 1878; District -Solicitor, Little Rock, Ark._] - -At this meeting it was proposed to have published a memorial volume of -the late President Duncan. That it was not done promptly, and in a -manner worthy of him, is, and always will be, a source of regret to -those who knew and loved him. This affords another instance and example -of how little has been done to let the lives and labors of Virginia's -gifted men speak after they are dead. Surely he was worthy of a fitting -biography. - -[Illustration: RICHARD B. DAVIS, A. B., 1862., _Member Board of -Trustees._] - -At the annual meeting, June, 1878, the President, in his annual report, -gave the number of students in attendance as 141, from twelve different -States. He reported a revival of religion as having occurred, with -twenty converts among the students. - -[Illustration: FRANK NOLAND, _First "Pace" Medalist, 1878; Assistant -Editor "Landmark."_] - -An effort has been made, with some success, to retire the floating debt -of the College, amounting to about $23,000, on some of which ten per -cent. interest was being paid, averaging eight per cent. The President -was hopeful of good patronage and retiring the debt. - -The following, on recommendation of the Faculty, received degrees, viz.: -Henry A. Boyd, of North Carolina, A. M.; Mansfield T. Peed, of -Virginia, A. M.; William J. Sebrell, of Virginia, A. B.; Wilbur Fisk -Tillett, of North Carolina, A. B.; M. P. Rice, B. S. - -The "Sutherlin Medal for Oratory" was won by Gray Carroll, of Virginia. - -The "Walton Greek Prize" went to Clarence Edwards, of Virginia. - -[Illustration: PROF. R. BASCOM SMITHEY, A. M.] - -The "Pace" medal for the best English essay was awarded to Frank Noland, -of Virginia, the first to win it. This medal was offered by Mr. James B. -Pace, of Richmond, Va. - -Prof. Harry Estill resigned, July 8, 1878, the chair of Mathematics -after ten years' service. He was the last of President Duncan's Faculty -to leave. He went to the Washington and Lee University, and took the -same chair at that institution, his Alma Mater. - -To the chair thus vacated Royal Bascom Smithey (A. M. 1876) was elected, -and he has filled it with great satisfaction to his pupils and the Board -to the present time (1898). - -[Illustration: CLARENCE EDWARDS, A.M., _"Pace" Medalist, 1879; -Attorney-at-Law._] - -The old chapel was consumed by fire March 12, 1879. Fortunately there -was nothing in it but the furniture, which was saved. It had a varied -history. Before the war it was a ball-room; during the war a hospital; -after the war a place for religious service for nearly eleven years. Its -walls had resounded with the eloquence of Duncan, Wightman, Guard, Ran. -Tucker, Rosser, Bennett, and others. In it many of Randolph-Macon's -brightest sons had received their diplomas; in it many had been "born -again" to a new life. Services were held afterwards in the Mathematical -lecture-room in the Pace building until the "Duncan Memorial" building, -with church and chapel, had been completed. - -[Illustration: CHARLES W. TILLET, A. B., _Sutherlin Medalist, 1879; -Member of North Carolina Senate._] - -Immediate steps were taken to erect the new building, and Rev. George W. -Nolley took an active and successful part in raising the funds for its -erection. The ladies of the church also did a good part in this work; -also the Faculty and the students. - -In June, 1879, the Finance Committee reported that about one-half the -"floating debt" had been subscribed. Nevertheless, for want of -endowment, the current expenses of the year had exceeded the income. -They therefore recommended that the President be requested to devote his -time and attention specially to the raising of funds for retiring the -debt. - -The following degrees were conferred, viz.: - -A. M. - - T. E. CRENSHAW, Virginia. - CLARENCE EDWARDS, Virginia. - WM. J. SEBRELL, Virginia. - -A. B. - - WILLIAM H. EDWARDS, Virginia. - -Clarence Edwards won the "Pace" medal. - -Charles W. Tillett won the "Sutherlin" medal. The number of students for -the session of 1878-'79 was 123. - -The session of 1879-1880 was not marked by much that is worthy of -record. - -The President of the College devoted his time largely in raising funds -to discharge the debt of the College. In his annual report, June, 1880, -he announced the completion of the new College chapel, built in place of -the old chapel. - -Although there was an increase of students, still the expenses exceeded -the income by over $3,300. - -At the commencement, June, 1880, degrees were conferred as follows, -viz.: - -A. M. - - JESSE TALBOTT LITTLETON, of Virginia. - -A. B. - - W. W. SAWYER, Virginia. - CHAS. W. TILLETT, N. Carolina. - -D. D. - - Rev. ADOLPHUS W. MANGUM, A. M., Prof. University of North Carolina -(Class 1854). - -At a called meeting of the Board, held at Danville, Va., November, 1880, -the announcement was made that the sum required to cancel the debt of -the College had been subscribed. This gratifying result was achieved by -the long and arduous labors of Dr. Bennett, President of the College. - -[Illustration: DOCTOR M. JAMES, _Of West Virginia. Sutherlin -Medalist._] - -1880-1881. - -The following received degrees at the annual commencement, June, 1881: - -A. M. - - JOSEPH C. JONES, Virginia. - JOHN B. CRENSHAW, Virginia. - BASIL W. WATERS, Maryland. - JAMES C. SHELTON, Virginia. - ROBERT W. TOMLIN, Virginia. - JAMES W. MORRIS, Virginia. - -A. B. - - JOHN F. BLACKWELL, Virginia. - JOSEPH C. TERRELL, Virginia. - D. M. JAMES, West Virginia. - WM. B. CRENSHAW, Kentucky. - E. E. HARRELL, N. Carolina. - -The following resolution was adopted by the Board, on motion of Dr. Paul -Whitehead: - -"_Resolved_, That the Rev. W. W. Bennett, D. D., President of this -College, deserves, and we hereby tender to him, the thanks of the -Trustees for the patient and indefatigable manner in which he has -performed the duty committed to him of raising, by subscription, the -amount necessary to pay the debt of the College, amid discouragements -and difficulties which have rendered the work at once thankless and -toilsome." - -[Illustration: JESSE TALBOTT LITTLETON, _Prof. Emory and Henry College; -Pace Medalist, 1880._] - -In the annual report of the President the following items are noted: The -number of students matriculated was 128. The debt of the College had -been considerably reduced by collection of subscriptions. The Finance -Committee reported that if the subscriptions were paid up the financial -condition of the College would be better than it had been at any period -of its recent history. - -[Illustration: REV. BASIL W. WATERS, A.M., _Missionary to Japan._] - -At the close of this session, after spending four years in College, -diplomas in Greek and Mathematics, and the Mathematical prize were -awarded to a young man whose subsequent career has marked him as one of -the first mathematical scholars of the age. This was David W. Taylor, of -Louisa county, Va. In September, 1881, he was second among one hundred -and fifty candidates for entrance as cadet engineer at the United States -Naval Academy. He graduated from the Naval Academy June, 1885, standing -first in his class each year; was ordered to the flagship of the -European station, under the command of (then) Captain Dewey; then sent -to the Royal Naval College at Greenwich, near London, England, taking at -that place a three-years' course in naval architecture and marine -engineering; graduated there in 1888 at the head of his class, -_receiving the highest marks ever obtained for the course by either an -English or foreign student_. He is now (1898) an assistant to Chief of -the Bureau of Construction and Repair, Washington, D. C. - -[Illustration: REV. SAMUEL RODGERS, D. D., _Vice-President of the Board -of Trustees._] - -[Illustration: JAMES W. MORRIS, A. M. _Sutherlin Medalist; Pace -Medalist, 1881; Missionary to Brazil._] - -1881-1882. - -At the close of the year 1881-'82 the following received degrees: - -A. M. - - R. E. L. HOLMES, Virginia. - EDGAR A. POTTS, Virginia. - EDMUND S. RUFFIN, Virginia. - JOSEPH T. REESE, Georgia. - -A. B. - - HUGH C. DAVIS, Virginia. - J. P. MAUZY, Virginia. - THOMAS N. POTTS, Virginia. - -D. D. - - Rev. CHARLES B. STUART (Class 1845), Texas. - - _Sutherlin Medalist_.--SAMUEL M. GARLAND, of Virginia. - _Pace Medalist_.--JOHN NEWTON MCCORMICK, of Maryland. - -The number of students, by the President's report, was 100, a decrease -of 28. - -[Illustration: DAVID W. TAYLOR, _Mathematical Prize, 1881; Naval -Constructor, U. S. Navy._] - -[Illustration: BISHOP A. W. WILSON, _President Board of Trustees._] - -The completion of the Duncan Memorial Church was announced. The credit -of this work was given to ladies of the congregation, who had worked -with great zeal and efficiency to raise the needed funds. - -At the annual meeting President W. W. Bennett tendered his resignation -of the presidency of the Board of Trustees and of the College. - -Bishop Alpheus W. Wilson was elected president of the Board, and Rev. -John D. Blackwell vice-president. - -[Illustration: HUGH C. DAVIS, A. B., 1882, _Attorney-at-Law._] - -The vacancy of the presidency of the College was not filled, but the -Board adjourned to meet in Centenary Church, Richmond, July 19, 1882, to -fill the office. Petitions were laid before the Board, sent by a number -of ministers and friends of the College, and also by a large number of -the students, asking the Board to re-elect Dr. Bennett to the presidency -of the College. - -At the adjourned meeting, held July 19, 1882, Dr. Bennett was re-elected -President, almost unanimously, and he accepted the oflice. He stated -that he had labored under a wrong impression in regard to the sentiments -of the Board when he resigned the presidency. - -[Illustration: DUNCAN MEMORIAL CHURCH.] - -At a called meeting, held in November, 1882, the resignation of Charles -Morris, Professor of Latin and French, was made known to the Board. This -resignation was accepted with expressions of the high appreciation by -the Board of the personal character and fidelity of Prof. Morris. He -accepted a professorship in the University of Georgia. - -Prof. William W. Smith was elected to have charge of Latin and Greek. - -At the Annual Conference, held in November, 1882, the annual assessment -made by the Conference for the College was increased by $500, making it -$3,500, which amount has been the assessment to this date, June, 1898. - -[Illustration: CLAUDE A. SWANSON, _Sutherlin Medalist; Member of -Congress from Virginia._] - -1882-1883. - -The degree men for the year ending June, 1883, were - -A. M. - - JOHN F. BLACKWELL, Virginia. - W. A. CRENSHAW, Virginia. - JOHN MORRIS, Georgia. - E. E. HARRELL, N. C. - LEWIS MILLER, Massachusetts. - -A. B. - - GEORGE B. DAVIS. Virginia. - JOHN D. EPES, Virginia. - THOMAS D. NEWSON, Virginia. - SYDNEY B. WRIGHT, Virginia. - JOHN NEWTON MCCORMICK, Maryland. - -D. D. - - Rev. W. S. BLACK, of the North Carolina Conference. - Rev. W. E. EDWARDS, of the Virginia Conference. - Rev. P. H. WHISNER, of the Baltimore Conference. - - _Sutherlin Medalist_.--CLAUDE A. SWANSON, Virginia. - _Pace Medalist_.--CHARLES EMORY KREGLOE, Virginia. - -[Illustration: JOHN MORRIS, A. M., _Professor of English, University of -Georgia._] - -Thomas Branch, Esq., who had served on the Board for forty years, -tendered his resignation as a trustee. This was received, with a -resolution of the high appreciation of his services as president of the -Board and trustee, and his liberality and devotion to the College. He -was succeeded by his son, John P. Branch. - -The President's report showed the attendance to be 114. In this report -the President recommended the system of co-education of males and -females for the first time. The recommendation of the President was not -adopted. - -The Board took steps to have erected new dormitories on the campus. - -[Illustration: CHARLES EMORY KREGLOE, _Pace Medalist; Professor -Alleghany Institute._] - -1883-1884. - -This year, the anniversary year of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the -United States, was to prove the turning point in the financial history -of the College. The movement towards the increase of the endowment was -not general, but it was in the right direction. The first subscription -was for $1,000, as in 1855; it was made by Mr. E. M. Tilley, of Berkley, -Va., a Northern man living in that town, not then a member of the -Methodist Church. The larger part of the funds raised was from the -Norfolk district, apart from the subscription made by members of the -Board at the annual meeting, June, 1884, which amounted to $9,000. From -this time forward the increase of the capital of the College has been -steady, and, at times, very material and gratifying. - -[Illustration: JAMES A. DUNCAN, D. D., _Sutherlin Medalist; Holston -Conference._] - -The Virginia and Baltimore Conferences had, at their last session, -directed that all funds raised this Centennial year should, unless -otherwise specially noted, go towards the endowment fund of the College. - -At the annual meeting the following received degrees: - -A. M. - - THOMAS D. NEWSON, Virginia. - -A. B. - - R. H. BENNETT, Virginia. - JAMES CANNON, Jr., Maryland. - N. H. ROBERTSON, Virginia. - THEODORE H. WHITE, Virginia. - -James A. Duncan, of Virginia, won the Sutherlin medal. James Cannon, -Jr., of Maryland, won the Pace medal. The number of matriculates for the -session of 1883-'84 was 108. - -[Illustration: JAMES CANNON, JR., _Of Maryland; Pace Medalist; President -Blackstone Institute._] - -1884-1885. - -The session of 1884-'85 opened with 111 students. The President, in his -annual report, said it was one of the most satisfactory that had -occurred during his administration. Five new dormitories had been built -to take the place of old ones. Steps were taken to build new houses for -two Professors. He reported the acceptance of the chair of Greek and the -Oriental Languages by Dr. Richard M. Smith, to which he had been elected -at the last annual meeting. - -[Illustration: DR. RICHARD M. SMITH, PH. D. (LEIPZIG), _Professor of -Greek and the Oriental Languages (1885-1896)._] - -The following received degrees, June, 1885: - -A. M. - - R. H. BENNETT, Virginia. - JAMES M. PAGE, Virginia. - HARRY LEE STUART, Texas. - -A. B. - - WM. H. BARLEY, Virginia. - EUGENE H. RAWLINGS, Virginia. - F. P. HAMMOND, Maryland. - CLAUDE A. SWANSON, Virginia. - - _Sutherlin Medalist_.--THOMAS F. SHERRILL, of North Carolina. - _Pace Medalist_.--JAMES M. PAGE, of Virginia. - -At a called meeting, held in Centenary Church, Richmond, Va., May 19, -1886, the following letter of resignation was laid before the Board: - -"Bishop A. W. Wilson, President of the Trustees of Randolph-Macon -College: - -"MY DEAR BROTHER,--The poor condition of my health through this entire -session thus far admonishes me that I cannot continue to hold the -presidency of the College. I am compelled, therefore, to hand you this, -my resignation of the office, to take effect on the 1st of September -next, which will give the Trustees a period of five months, though I am -sure they will not need so much time, in which to secure a suitable -person for my successor. - -"It is a source of great gratification to me that I shall leave the -College in good condition in every respect. - -"Yours very truly, - -"W. W. BENNETT. - -"ASHLAND, VA., _March_ 31, 1886." - -[Illustration: RICHARD HEBER BENNETT, A. M., _Of the Virginia -Conference._] - -[Illustration: THOMAS F. SHERRILL, OF N. C., _Sutherlin Medalist, -1885._] - -The resignation of Dr. Bennett was accepted, and a committee was -appointed to notify him of the action of the Board, and to express to -him the appreciation by the Board of the value of his services. - -On motion, it was-- - -"Resolved, That at the annual meeting in June next the Board will -proceed to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Dr. -Bennett." - -The President's annual report gave the attendance as 124 for the session -ending June, 1886. - -[Illustration: JAMES M. PAGE, A. M., PH. D., OF VIRGINIA, _Pace -Medalist, 1885; Professor University of Virginia._] - -On the recommendation of the Faculty, the following received degrees, -viz.: - -A. M. - - F. P. HAMMOND, Maryland. - LANGHORNE LEITCH, Virginia. - M. L. SHACKELFORD, Virginia. - SYDNEY B. WRIGHT, Virginia. - -A. B. - - THOMAS J. BARHAM, Virginia. - JAMES S. CHAPMAN, Virginia. - FRANK L. CROCKER, Virginia. - ARTHUR K. DAVIS, Virginia. - F. V. RUSSELL, Virginia. - SAMUEL D. TURNER, Virginia. - -D. D. - - Rev. WILBUR F. TILLETT, Vanderbilt University. - Rev. H. MELVILLE JACKSON, Richmond, Va. - -LL. D. - - Prof. JAMES A. HARRISON, Washington and Lee University. - - _Sutherlin Medalist_.--J. S. CHAPMAN, of Virginia. - _Pace Medalist_.--LANGHORNE LEITCH, of Virginia. - -[Illustration: JAMES S. CHAPMAN, _Sutherlin Medalist; Attorney-at-Law._] - -The Endowment and Investment Committee made the following gratifying -announcement: - -"We respectfully report that there has been raised, through the -instrumentality of Prof. W. W. Smith, Dr. R. N. Sledd, and others, -$43,000, $25,000 of which is in the hands of the local committee at -Lynchburg, and the balance in the hands of Captain Richard Irby for -collection." - -Special credit ought to be given here to the liberal citizens of -Lynchburg, who subscribed this amount of endowment, ever since kept -separate, and designated Lynchburg Endowment Fund. This has brought into -the current receipts each year about $1,500. It was the prophecy and -forecast of greater liberality in 1891. From this time the professors -and officers have always been paid their salaries promptly. The direct -and material aid thus afforded was of great benefit, but the influence -of such action on other communities and on individuals has been of far -greater value. Lynchburg, therefore, deserves, and should have, the -gratitude of every Randolph-Macon alumnus and friend. - -[Illustration: LANGHORNE LEITCH, A. M., _Pace Medalist; Missionary to -China._] - -In the election to fill the office of President the following -nominations were made: - - Rev. John D. Blackwell, D. D., by Paul Whitehead. - Rev. Robert N. Sledd, D. D., by W. E. Judkins. - Rev. Wilbur F. Tillett, by J. E. Edwards. - Rev. John A. Kern, by W. T. Chandler. - Rev. Paul Whitehead, D. D., by P. A. Peterson. - Prof. Wm. W. Smith, A. M., by Richard Irby. - -[Illustration: R. N. SLEDD, D. D., _Class of 1855; First Vice-President -of the Board._] - -On the first ballot Prof. W. W. Smith received ten votes out of twenty. -On the second ballot he received twelve, and was declared elected. - -Inasmuch as the history of the College has been so intimately linked -with the life of President Smith for so many years, it is not necessary -to say much of him just here. He was born in Fauquier county in 1848. -His father, Richard M. Smith, afterwards moved to Alexandria, where he -was associated with the celebrated Benjamin Hallowell in his school. -Afterwards he became editor of the _Alexandria Sentinel_, which was -removed to Richmond at the breaking out of hostilities, April, 1861. He -afterwards edited the _Enquirer_. At the early age of sixteen William -Waugh Smith volunteered in the Confederate service, in which he -continued to the close of the war. After the war he was associated with -his father in the publication of the _Enquirer_, which had been revived. -He attended the University of Virginia one session. When the College was -moved to Ashland, and his father became a Professor in it, he -matriculated at the College and took the degree of A. M., with John -Hannon, in 1873. After leaving College he became the assistant to his -uncle, Albert Smith, at Bethel Academy, near Warrenton, Va., which -rapidly grew into prominence as a school. Here he remained till 1882, -when he was elected Professor of Moral and Mental Science in -Randolph-Macon College. In 1885 he showed his great talent for raising -funds for the College, by securing the "Lynchburg Endowment," in -connection with Dr. R. N. Sledd and others. His energy and aptitude for -administration, in addition to the successful experience he had gained -at Bethel Academy, pointed him out as the man for the vacant position, -and subsequent events have justified the selection. - -[Illustration: PRESIDENT WM. W. SMITH, A. M., LL. D.] - -[Illustration: RICHARD IRBY, SECRETARY AND TREASURER. _Elected June, -1886._] - -[Illustration: RANDOLPH-MACON WOMAN'S COLLEGE, LYNCHBURG, VA. Opened -for Students 1893.] - -[Illustration: [Five small pictures, displayed in a quincunx. Pictures -are individually captioned, as follows: "REV. R.M. SAUNDERS, Chaplain", -"PROF. KNIGHT.", "MISS LOUISE J. SMITH.", "PROF. SCHEHLMANN.", "PROF. -ADAMS." At the bottom of the page, the quincunx is captioned, "FACULTY -RANDOLPH-MACON WOMAN'S COLLEGE, 1893-1898.]] - -[Illustration: [Five more small pictures, displayed in a quincunx. -Pictures are individually captioned, as follows: "PRESIDENT SMITH.", -"PROF. SHARP.", "DR. MARTIN.", "PROF. ARMSTRONG.", "MISS PARRISH.". At -the bottom of the page, the quincunx is captioned, "FACULTY -RANDOLPH-MACON WOMAN'S COLLEGE, 1893-1898.]] - -[Illustration: [A third set of five small pictures, displayed in a -quincunx. Pictures are individually captioned, as follows: "PROF -LANDON", "MRS. SAUNDERS.", "PROF. RIDDICK.", "PROF. PAGE.", "DR. -TERRELL." At the bottom of the page, the quincunx is captioned, "FACULTY -RANDOLPH-MACON WOMAN'S COLLEGE, 1893-1898.]] - -On motion of John P. Branch (substitute for one offered by A. G. Brown), -it was - -"_Resolved_, That Richard Irby be appointed Secretary and Treasurer, the -same to give half of his time to the business of the College." - -His duties were defined as follows: To have charge of the financial and -business concerns of the College, and also of the library, grounds, -buildings, etc. This office was accepted, and he entered upon his duties -the first day of July following. - -At the same session the Board proceeded to fill the chair of Moral and -Mental Science and Biblical Literature. Rev. John A. Kern, of the -Baltimore Conference, was elected to the chair, and he accepted the -same. - -Prof. Kern was a graduate of the University of Virginia. In 1866 he -entered the Baltimore Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, -South. He had filled many of the most important appointments of that -Conference, and was then, as now, esteemed a man of talent, and growing -year by-year in ability and acceptability. The estimate placed on him by -his friends was not too high, as his subsequent career has proven. - -The Board accepted the libraries which had been offered to it by the -Literary Societies, consisting of about four thousand volumes, and the -Librarian was directed to consolidate them with the College Library. -This was a much-needed and timely improvement, and became a nucleus for -a library which, in course of time, will be, it is hoped, a credit to -the College. - -[Illustration: REV. JOHN A. KERN, D. D. _Elected President of -Randolph-Macon College in 1897._] - -The new President was requested to continue his efforts in raising funds -for the endowment, which had so far been attended with laudable success. -This he was not slow in heeding. - -On account of failure to record the financial statement of 1886, the -exact amount of net assets of the College cannot here be given. - -The retiring President served nine years, almost identically the same -period served by his predecessor, Dr. Duncan. His administration was -also, like Dr. Duncan's, marked by great financial embarrassment, which -had a depressing influence on a sensitive temperament like his was. That -his days were shortened by the constant burden of care, like his -predecessor's, can hardly be doubted. Both of them were, in a sense, -martyrs to the cause of Christian education. - -Dr. Bennett never regained his health. He moved to his farm, in Louisa -county, and took work on the contiguous appointment at the Conference of -1886. While engaged in the work of his charge he gradually declined in -health, and died June 7, 1887. - - -REV. W. W. BENNETT, D. D. - -"WILLIAM WALLACE BENNETT, son of Eli and Mary C. Bennett, was born in -the city of Richmond, February 24, 1821. He was reared under the -fostering care and social surroundings of Methodism, and was the subject -of religious impressions from an early period. - -"In 1839, under the ministry of Rev. Gervas M. Keesee, he made a -profession of religion, and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church -in Portsmouth. Here, with the help of class-meetings and other social, -as well as the public means of grace, his religious experience had a -healthful beginning, that developed the elevated character and useful -life that our beloved brother has bequeathed to the church. Soon after -his conversion, he, and several others who were exercised about a call -to the ministry, met and conversed upon the subject, and prayed for -divine guidance, giving evidence that when he entered the itinerancy it -was no rash adventure. In the fall of 1841, he removed to Mecklenburg -county, where his brother, Rev. John R. Bennett, was in charge of the -circuit. There he pursued his studies, obtained license to preach, and -began his ministry, passing through what he conceived to be the crucial -test of his call to preach. Discouraged, as he informed the writer, by -what he conceived to be a failure in the pulpit before a large -congregation, he was tempted to give up the ministry; but falling in the -hands of an experienced and godly class-leader, who encouraged him by -his counsel and his prayers, he returned to his work with renewed -consecration, and a conviction too strong to be jostled again. - -"From the best information obtained (the records of four years of this -Conference being lost) he was admitted on trial into the Virginia -Conference in 1842, and travelled as junior preacher on Louisa and -Bedford Circuits. In 1845-'46 he was in charge of Powhatan Circuit, and -in 1847 was stationed in Charlottesville, where he availed himself of -the educational advantages of the University of Virginia, and graduated -in several of the schools in 1850. At the Conference of this year he was -stationed in Washington city, organizing the first society of the M. E. -Church, South, at our national capital. In 1851 he was elected Chaplain -of the University of Virginia, but on account of sickness resigned the -position. He soon, however, regained his accustomed health, and in -1852-'53 travelled Loudoun Circuit with W. W. Berry and John C. -Granbery, respectively, as junior preachers. In 1854-'55-'56-'57 he was -Presiding Elder of the Washington District. While on this appointment he -was married, December 20, 1855, to Virginia Lee, daughter of Edward and -Mary Kendall Lee Sangster, of Alexandria. A wise and happy union. In -1858-'59 he was appointed to Union Station, Richmond, and in 1860-'61 -was stationed at Centenary, in the same city. - -"In 1862 he was appointed Chaplain in the Confederate Army, and assigned -to the superintendency of the Tract Association. Seeing the necessity of -a more generous distribution of Bibles and religious literature among -the troops, he arranged to go abroad for a supply, and during the last -winter of the war successfully 'ran the blockade.' He had scarcely, -however, entered upon the work in London when the war ended, and he -returned to Virginia. - -"In 1865-'66 he travelled Nottoway circuit, and in November, 1866, was -appointed editor of the _Richmond Christian Advocate_. By judicious -management and editorial ability, this necessary and popular journal was -established on a promising basis. In 1874 Rev. J. J. Lafferty became his -associate, who, in 1877, by satisfactory negotiations, assumed control, -and was appointed editor of the paper. The motives influencing Dr. -Bennett in this change were characteristic of the man and the result of -thoughtful conversation. His successor well understood him, and tells -us, in his affecting notice of his death, that 'he made known to him his -uneasiness in conscience as to his position--that he was too stout in -health to be out of the regular ranks. With much emphasis, he declared -his wish to be found in the pastorate when God called him.' Before the -Conference met in Lynchburg Dr. Bennett had arranged to change his -position. It was then made to appear his duty to go to the college, and -he yielded. But there must have been a peculiar joy when the summons -came that he was in his loved employ--the shepherd of a flock. - -"In 1877 he was elected President of Randolph-Macon College. This -position he held for nine years, during, perhaps, its most critical -history; but by able, kind, and impartial administration, with the -confidence of his brethren in the ministry, the active co-operation of -his professorial associates, and the affection of the students, the -College accomplished a noble work. By his activity in visiting -throughout the Baltimore and Virginia Conferences and elsewhere, and -under his stirring appeals, the number of students compared favorably -with other institutions, and a large amount of money was raised in the -interest of the College. The sentiments of a writer from the Pacific -coast, we are sure, find echo here, that 'Virginia Methodism owes Dr. -Bennett a great debt for the work done by him at Randolph-Macon at the -crucial period of its history.' He left the College an enduring monument -of his heroic devotion, but, as many think, at the cost of his life. At -the close of the session in 1886 his health was so impaired that he -resigned the presidency of the College, and secured a retired home near -Trevilian's, in Louisa county, hoping that relief from the burdens and -cares of college work and the quiet of the country might nurse him back -to health again. But, alas! his disease baffled the best medical skill -and the loving attentions of his family and friends. He was prevailed -upon during the summer to visit the mountains, and, with some slight -improvement, he was in his place at the last Conference, believing that -he could even then attend to the work on some fields that would be open, -but naming none. The change disease had wrought in his robust frame was -a subject of mournful remark by all that knew him, and grave -apprehensions were felt that he would never recuperate. From that -Conference he was sent to Gordonsville and Orange, where he gave for a -time pastoral care and pulpit work that was surprising to his friends. -But as the summer advanced, he was compelled to yield, and after a short -confinement to his bed, his earthly labors ended. - -"Dr. Bennett, in health, will always be remembered by his acquaintances -as an incomparable specimen of physical manhood, with a face bearing the -lines of strong character. Indeed, he seemed moulded for any work or -position in Methodism. His mental endowments were of a high order. His -early advantages were such as to secure a good English education, with -some knowledge of Latin; and from our knowledge of the man, we may -safely conclude that his opportunities were well improved. A schoolmate -says of him: 'He was studious, with great grasp of intellect and -steadiness of purpose.' The writer, and others, perhaps, will remember -his modest reference to his fondness for reading while a boy, in using -'the first money he could command to subscribe for the _Richmond -Advocate_,' which he subsequently edited with so much ability. By -judicious reading and study, and by such collegiate helps as his -appointments favored, he became the peer of any. Ten years before he was -elected President of Randolph-Macon College he received from that -institution the degree of D. D., was a member of every General -Conference since 1858, and was a representative of our church at the -Ecumenical Conference in London in 1881. The opinion of the editor of -the _Richmond Christian Advocate_, no doubt, is the judgment of his -brethren, that 'he was the best-rooted man in the Conference in -theology, and saturated with church history, dogma, and doctrine.' - -"As a preacher, he occupied the front rank in pulpit power, and his -discourses were such as lived in the memory and hearts of his hearers. -'His sermons,' says Bishop Granbery, 'were stately, elaborate, and -massive, mighty discussions of great truths, with wide range of thought, -lucid and forcible argument, earnest, solemn, and often impassioned -application.' Bishop Doggett says of him: 'Bennett, at times, is the -greatest preacher I ever heard. His sermon at the late camp-meeting, on -Matthew xxiii. 37, 38, surpassed anything I ever listened to from the -pulpit. His description of the desolate house I can never forget. I -remember,' says he, 'to have heard him at Charlottesville, on the flood, -when for more than an hour the congregation seemed dazed by the power of -his eloquence.' - -"His character was differently analyzed by some of his friends, though -all accorded him unexceptionable integrity, a high order of piety, and a -noble, generous heart. His occasional serious expression and brusque -manner awakened the suspicion with some that he was wanting in sympathy, -but those who knew him best indulged no such estimate of him. With all -his firmness of conviction and stern independence, where was to be found -greater gentleness and consideration of the feelings of others? He was -emphatically the friend of the friendless, the persecuted and neglected, -and was unchanging in his friendships. He was slow to find fault, and -indulged in no depreciation of others. At any time it required a great -provocation, and something more than mere personal affront or injury, to -evoke rebuke; but when it did come, it was felt, but was more the -utterance of conscientious impulse than the ebullition of personal -resentment. - -"He was the head of a Christian household, where piety was fostered and -practised, and where Methodism was honored. He, with his devoted wife, -sought to make home attractive, and succeeded. While the proprieties of -religious training and filial respect were never relaxed, there was no -constraint on the freedom of social and religious intercourse, and no -lack of sympathy for such enjoyments as were proper, entertaining and -improving in a Christian home. He was looked up to by his family as a -practical and safe counsellor, and beyond whom there was rarely even the -desire to appeal. His brethren, I am sure, will endorse the sentiments -of his distinguished eulogist: 'His virtues were many, steadfast and -bright. The whole church will feel his loss. The Virginia Conference, as -one man, will cherish his memory with deep admiration and love.' - -"After his confinement to bed the ravages of his rare disease were very -rapid and severe. He early sank into a comatose condition, yet -responding when spoken to. It will be gratifying to his brethren, -nevertheless, to know that his end was a great spiritual triumph. On -Monday, June 6th, at an early hour, with the family and a few friends -about him, fearful that he might pass away Without again rousing from -his lethargy, his wife, under her stress of grief, urged all to united -prayer. They knelt, and his eldest son led in prayer, expressing -assurance of the blessed result to the dying husband and father, yet -craving a lucid interval and some words of affectionate counsel. In a -few moments he asked to be turned on his back, and, opening his eyes, he -exclaimed, 'I am quickened up into a higher life!' When his wife -exulted in such an answer to prayer, he said: 'My dear, I have known for -more than forty years that God answers prayer.' Then, feeling his pulse, -and turning to Dr. Wills, his physician, he said: 'I suppose this thing -is steadily progressing to the end, is it not?' 'Yes,' said the doctor, -'but you have the Everlasting Arms around you.' 'Oh, yes,' he replied, -'and have had for more than forty years, and they have never failed me. -But I have much to say, and must speak slowly, so I wanted to know how -much time--a half hour?' 'Yes,' the doctor replied, 'perhaps several -hours.' He then called his family--but we must drop the curtain on a -scene in many respects too sacred and impossible to describe. With -affectionate counsel to each, he commended them to God. When one of the -family spoke of meeting him in heaven, he replied, 'And what a happy -meeting that will be!' He then asked his physician if he had shown any -signs of nervousness. When told he had not, with a tender consideration -for his loved ones, he said: 'I did not want to excite the family -unnecessarily, but I want you all to know that there is not a cloud, not -the semblance of a shadow, dark or small, between my Lord and me. All is -bright and clear.' He joined in singing that hymn of Christian triumph -commencing, 'How happy are they,' and when the family, by reason of -their emotions, were unable to sing, he carried the tune. He then sent -messages of love to his friends and brethren. 'Give my love,' said he, -'to the professors and students of Randolph-Macon College, and may the -blessing of God be upon them and their work forever.' - -Then, with his heart going out to his brethren in the ministry, with -whom he had labored so long and so successfully, he said: 'Give my love -to the preachers--all of them. I am so weak my feelings would overcome -me. I can only give them my general blessing.' At intervals till he died -the expressions caught from his failing voice were, 'Hallelujah,' 'Glory -to God,' 'The portals on high,' 'Always the blood--saved by it,' and -almost with his expiring breath, and as if descriptive of his triumphant -passage from earth to heaven, he exclaimed, 'I am rising higher and -higher!' and at 1:15 o'clock P. M., June 7th, he passed away from his -family, a wife and six children, all one in Christ, who, though -desolated by their loss, are comforted in the blessed hope of meeting in -heaven. - -"His remains were carried to Randolph-Macon College, where solemn and -touching services were held. The next day they were conveyed to -Centenary Church, Richmond, one of his old charges, where, by request of -his family, Rev. S. S. Lambeth, assisted by Bishop Granbery and some of -the ministers of the city and vicinity, in the presence of a large -number of friends and acquaintances, held appropriate and affecting -services. His body was then carried to Hollywood cemetery and laid to -rest 'till Christ shall bid it rise.'" - -[Illustration: REV. W. G. STARR, A. M., D. D., _Member Board of -Trustees._] - -[Illustration: MAJOR C. V. WINFREE, _Member Board of Trustees._] - - - - -This writer had intended to bring the History down to June, 1898. For -reasons satisfactory to himself, but not necessary to be given here, he -has concluded to discontinue the historical narration of events which -occurred during the twelve years from June, 1886, to 1898. The Appendix -will give some of the most important data, which may be interesting to -many, and may be used by the future historian. - -He cannot close this narration of events without again expressing his -regret at the imperfections of this book, written and printed under many -interruptions and difficulties; but he trusts that the intrinsic -interest of the narrative will cause readers to overlook or forgive its -imperfections and defects. - -Hoping that some more competent writer may in due time take the crude -materials given, along with others of like interest, and do full justice -to the oldest of Methodist Colleges in America, he lays down his pen. - -[Illustration: VIEW OF CAMPUS OF RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE, 1896.] - - -APPENDIX. - -DEGREES CONFERRED. - -SESSION 1886-1887. - -DEGREE GRADUATES. - -A. M. - - Eugene H. Rawlings, Virginia. - Arthur K. Davis, Virginia. - -A. B. - - George C. Bidgood, Virginia. - Edwin W. Bowen, Maryland. - John L. Bruce, Virginia. - Thomas E. Hunt, Virginia. - James Lindsay Patton, Virginia. - Henry R. Pemberton, Virginia. - George Shipley, Maryland. - -D. D. - - Rev. Peter Archer Peterson, Virginia Conference. - -MEDALISTS. - - _Sutherlin Medalist_.--W. H. H. Joyce, Maryland. - _Pace Medalist_.--James C. Martin, Virginia. - -[Illustration: REV. JOHN L. BRUCE, _Missionary to Brazil._] -[Illustration: REV. FRANK W. CROWDER, _East New York Conference._] - -SESSION 1887-1888. - -DEGREE GRADUATES. - -A. M. - - George Shipley, Maryland. - James C. Martin, Virginia. - -A. B. - - W. Douglas Macon, Virginia. - Peyton B. Winfree, Virginia. - Paul Pettit, Virginia. - James W. Howell, Virginia. - Carlton D. Harris, Virginia. - James C. Dolley, Virginia. - - _Sutherlin Medalist_.--Frank W. Crowder, Maryland. - _Pace Medalist_.--George Shipley, Maryland. - -[Illustration: [A collage of three photographs arranged in a -triangle, captioned "DUNCAN MEMORIAL CHURCH AND CHAPEL, AND LABORATORIES, -RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE, ASHLAND"]] - -[Illustration: REV. W. H. H. JOYCE, _Baltimore Conference._] - -[Illustration: REV. JAMES LINDSAY PATTON, A. B., _Missionary Protestant -Episcopal Church to Japan._] - -[Illustration: REV. WM. McGEE, TRUSTEE. _Founder McGee Endowment Fund._] - -[Illustration: [A collage of four photographs arranged in a square, -captioned "COLLEGE BUILDINGS, RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE, ASHLAND, VA., -1897."]] - -[Illustration: JOHN P. PETTYJOHN. _Founder of Science Hall._] - -SESSION 1888-1889. - -DEGREE GRADUATES. - -A. M. - - Edwin W. Bowen, Maryland. - Thomas W. Page, Virginia. - -A. B. - - Charles D. Ragland, Virginia. - J. Gilchrist Herndon, Virginia. - -B. S. - - W. Alphonzo Murrill, Virginia. - - _Sutherlin Medalist_.--A. M. Hughlett, Virginia. - _Pace Medalist_.--Jos. H. Riddick, Jr., Virginia. - -D. D. - - Rev. A. P. Parker, Missionary to China. - -[Illustration: PROF. JOHN L. BUCHANAN, LL. D., _Elected Professor of -Latin, 1889._] - - -SESSION OF 1889-1890. - -DEGREE GRADUATES. - -A. M. - - J. Jordan Leake, Virginia. - C. Dabney Ragland, Virginia. - John S. Richardson, Virginia. - W. Carroll Vaden, Virginia. - -A. B. - - E. C. Armstrong, Maryland. - W. B. Beauchamp, Virginia. - W. Asbury Christian, Virginia. - Wellford H. Cook, Virginia. - C. C. Cunningham, Virginia. - Samuel W. Eason, Virginia. - W. Alphonzo Murrill, Virginia. - W. Levi Old, Virginia. - Marshall R. Peterson, Virginia. - Jos. H. Riddick, Jr., Virginia. - Samuel C. Starke. Virginia. - H. M. Strickler, Virginia. - Walter L. Turner, Virginia. - Geo. W. Warren, Virginia. - -D. D. - - Rev. W. E. Judkins, Virginia Conference. - Rev. B. W. Bond, Baltimore Conference. - - _Sutherlin Medalist_.--Joseph H. Riddick. Jr., Virginia. - _Murray Scholarship Medalist_.--A. R. Dudderar, Maryland. - _Pace Medalist_.--Frank G. Newbill, Virginia. - - -SESSION 1890-'91. - -A. M. - - Charles Hall Davis, Virginia, - Samuel W. Eason, Virginia. - De La Warr B. Easter, Virginia. - W. Alphonzo Murrill, Virginia. - D'Arcy Paul Parham, Virginia. - Samuel C. Starke, Virginia. - -A. B. - - Benj. W. Arnold, Jr., Virginia. - George E. Barnett, Maryland. - Benj. W, Beckham, Virginia. - Henry D. Blackwell, Virginia. - Major S. Colonna, Jr., Virginia. - Charles Hall Davis, Virginia. - Alfred R. Dudderar, Maryland. - Gustavus W. Dyer, Virginia. - Robert L. Fultz, Virginia. - John Calvin Hawk, W. Va. - Aretas M. Hughlett, Virginia. - Walter R. Old, Virginia. - George H. Ray, Jr., Virginia. - Robert T. Webb, Jr., Virginia - -LL. D. - - Prof. C. T. Winchester, of Wesleyan University, Connecticut. - -D. D. - - Rev. Walter R. Lambuth, of Japan. - Rev. James F. Twitty, Virginia Conference. - Rev. Edward M. Peterson, Virginia Conference - Rev. William E. Evans, Virginia Conference. - - _Sutherlin Medalist_.--Robert W. Patton, of Virginia - -[Illustration: CLASS OF 1890.] - -[Illustration: RANDOLPH-MACON ACADEMY, BEDFORD CITY, VA, 1890.] - -[Illustration: [Key to the illustration captioned, "CLASS OF 1890." -Names are given as follows: - - 1. M. R. Peterson - 2. W. B. Beauchamp - 3. E. C. Armstrong - 4. W. L. Turner - 5. C. C. Cunningham - 6. W. A. Murrill - 7. Hon. J. W. Daniel, Orator. - 8. W. H. Cooke - 9. J. S. Richardson - 10. W. A. Christian - 11. G. W. Warren - 12. Prof. J. B. Crenshaw - 13. Prof. R. M. Smith - 14. Prof. J. L. Buchanan - 15. Prof. R. E. Blackwell - 16. Pres. W. W. Smith - 17. Prof. W. A. Shepard - 18. Prof. R. B. Smithey - 19. Prof. J. A. Kern - 20. W. C. Vaden - 21. D. B. Easter - 22. C. D. Ragland - 23. H. M. Strickler - 24. S. W. Eason - 25. J. H. Riddick, Jr. - 26. J. J. Leake - 27. S. C. Starke]] - -[Illustration: FRANK G. NEWBILL, A.M., _Pace Medalist, 1890._] - -[Illustration: A. R. DUDDERAR, A. B.] - -[Illustration: REV. ROBERT W. PATTON, _Chaplain of 2nd Virginia Regiment -(1898)._] - -SESSION 1891-1892. - -A. M. - - George Pilcher, Virginia. - Charles L. Melton, Virginia - -A. B. - - R. H. T. Adams, Jr., Virginia. - Hall Canter, Virginia. - Wm. Holmes Davis, Virginia. - Thos. R. Freeman, Virginia. - Willie D. Keene, Virginia. - David H. Kern, W. Virginia - Bolivar Clarke Nettles, Texas - Scott Ray, Virginia. - W. R. Smithwick, N. Carolina - J. S. Zimmerman, Maryland - Harry L. Moore, Maryland. - - _Sutherlin Medalist_.--I. W. Eason, Virginia. - _Pace Medalist_.--Jos. N. Latham. - _Murray Medals_.--Scholarship, Harry Ludwell Moore, Maryland; - Proficiency, James Elliott Wamsley, Virginia. - -[Illustration: HARRY LUDWELL MOORE, A. B., PH. D., _Instructor at Johns -Hopkins University; Professor Smith College, Massachusetts._] - - -SESSION 1892-1893. - -A. M. - - C. C. Cunningham, Virginia. - Geo. W. Russell, Virginia. - Homer H. Sherman, Virginia. - Wm. J. Whitesell, Virginia. - -A. B. - - R. H. Hood, North Carolina. - James T. Myers, Maryland. - Alfred C. Ray, Virginia. - Clarence H. Rector, Virginia. - -B. S. - - Homer H. Sherman, Virginia. - -D. D. - - Rev. W. T. Young, Virginia. Conference. - - _Sutherlin Medalist_.--Joseph Deming Langley, Virginia. - _Murray Medalists_.--Scholarship, Homer H. Sherman, Virginia; - Proficiency, Thomas M. Jones, Virginia. - -[Illustration: RANDOLPH-MACON ACADEMY, FRONT ROYAL, VA., BUILT 1892.] - -[Illustration: JOS. N. LATHAM, _Pace Medalist, 1892._] - -[Illustration: JAMES E. WAMSLEY, _Prof. Kentucky Wesleyan College. -Murray Medalist._] - -[Illustration: [A collage of four photographs arranged in a square, -captioned "PRESIDENT'S HOUSE, PROFESSOR'S HOUSE, GYMNASIUM, RAIL ROAD -STATION, ASHLAND, VA."]] - -[Illustration: REV. JAMES T. MYERS, A. B., _Missionary to Japan._] - -SESSION 1893-1894. - -A. M. - - E. C. Armstrong, Maryland. - B. W. Arnold, Jr., Virginia. - *R. Ferguson, Sr., Virginia. - R. Ferguson, Jr., Virginia. - *John W. Jones, Idaho. - Frank G. Newbill, Virginia. - Andrew Sledd, Virginia. - James E. Wamsley, Virginia. - A. M. Hughlett, Virginia. - -* Under the old law existing when his A. B. was taken. - -A. B. - - W. M. Blanchard, N. Carolina. - R. W. Buchanan, Virginia. - H. M. Carter, Dist. Columbia. - Evan A. Edwards, Maryland. - W. T. A. Haynes, Virginia. - Thos. M. Jones, Virginia. - John L. Terrell, Texas. - S. H. Turner, Virginia. - Ernest Linwood Wright, Virginia. - -D. D. - -Rev. William H. Christian, Virginia Conference. - - _Sutherlin Medalist_.--Andrew Sledd, Virginia. - - _Murray Medalist_.--Scholarship, Thomas Madison Jones, Virginia; - Proficiency, George Virgil Rector, Virginia. - -[Illustration: JOS. D. LANGLEY, _Sutherlin Medalist--1893._] - -[Illustration: CLASS OF 1895.] - -[Illustration: [Key to the illustration captioned, "CLASS OF 1895." -Names are given as follows: - - 1. D. T. Merritt. - 2. A. H. Whisner. - 3. C. M. Baggarly. - 4. J. T. Porter. - 5. E. L. Woolf. - 6. R. E. Leigh. - 7. C. E. Armentrout. - 8. H. Fletcher. - 9. I. H. Blackwell. - 10. Richard Irby, Sec'y and Treas. - 11. Prof. R. M. Smith. - 12. Prof. R. E. Blackwell. - 13. Pres. W. W. Smith. - 14. Prof. J. A. Kern. - 15. Prof. R. B. Smithey. - 16. Prof. E. W. Bowen. - 17. Prof. A. C. Wightman. - 18. C. G. Evans. - 19. B. M. Beckham. - 20. H. A. Christian. - 21. J. D. Hank, Jr.]] - -SESSION 1894-1895. - -A. M. - - Benj. M. Beckham, Virginia. - Henry A. Christian, Virginia. - C. G. Evans, North Carolina. - Josiah D. Hank, Jr., Virginia. - -A. B. - - C. E. Armentrout, Virginia. - Carroll M. Baggarly, Virginia. - Irving H. Blackwell, Virginia. - Henry A. Christian, Virginia. - C. G. Evans, North Carolina. - Howard Fletcher, Virginia. - Josiah D. Hank, Jr., Virginia. - Ernest Lee Woolf, Virginia. - John B. Henry, Maryland. - Robert C. Howison, Virginia. - Richard E. Leigh, Mississippi - Daniel T. Merritt, Virginia. - Benj. F. Montgomery, Virginia. - James T. Porter, Maryland. - A. H. Whisner, West Virginia. - Ernest Lee Woolf, Virginia. - -D. D. - - Rev. John C. Kilgo, President Trinity College, North Carolina. - - _Sutherlin Medalist_.---David Spence Hill, Missouri. - _Murray Medalists_.--Proficiency, Marvin E. Smithey, Virginia; -Scholarship, Charles E. Armentrout, Virginia. - -[Illustration: THOMAS MADISON JONES, _Murray Scholarship Medalist, -1894._] - -[Illustration: DAVID SPENCE HILL, _Sutherlin Medalist, 1895._] - -[Illustration: FACULTY AND OFFICERS AND CLASS OF 1896.] - -[Illustration: [Key to the illustration captioned, "Faculty and -Officers and Class of 1896." Names are given as follows: - - 1. P. H. Drewry. - 2. H. O'B. Cooper. - 3. S. D. Boyd, Jr. - 4. J. S. Poindexter. - 5. J. Mullen. - 6. Prof. Knight. - 7. Prof. Blackwell. - 8. J. H. Robertson. - 9. P. H. Williams. - 10. F. W. Hilbert - 11. G. T. Tyler, Jr. - 12. A. S. Thompson, Ins. Ph. Cul. - 13. Prof. Bowen. - 14. Prof. Easter. - 15. Richard Irby, Sec'y and Treas. - 16. Prof. Kern. - 17. Pres. Smith. - 18. Prof. Smithey. - 19. Rev. W. E. Judkins, Chaplain. - 20. Prof. Wightman. - 21. M. E. Smithey. - 22. C. M. Kilby. - 23. C. W. Watts. - 24. S. H. Watts. - and, unnumbered, at the bottom of the list, W. S. Anderson.]] - -[Illustration: CLASS 1896-'97. [The names of the classmates are written -in staggered rows, corresponding to their places in the picture. From -left to right and top to bottom, roughly, they are: Wise, Dulin, -Blackwell, Litchfield, Scott, Dolly, Simpson, Colonna, Kilby, McCartney, -Campbell, Licklider, Blanchard, Carter, Tyler, Cooper.]] - -[Illustration: [A collage of twelve photographs, arranged in a circle, -and captioned "FACULTY AND OFFICERS, RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE, 1897.]] - - -SESSION 1895-1896. - -JUNE, 1896. - -RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE. - -A. M. - - W. S. Anderson, West Virginia. - Clinton M. Kilby, Virginia. - N. H. Robertson, Virginia. - Stephen H. Watts, Virginia. - -A. B. - - John F. Blackwell, Virginia. - Stephen D. Boyd, Jr., Virginia - Henry O'B. Cooper, Virginia. - Patrick H. Drewry, Virginia. - John C. Granbery, Jr., Virginia. - F. W. Hilbert, Maryland. - James Mullen, Virginia. - John S. Poindexter, Virginia. - John H. Robertson, Virginia. - Marvin E. Smithey, Virginia. - John A. G. Shipley. Maryland. - George T. Tyler, Jr., Virginia. - Charles W. Watts, Virginia. - P. H. Williams, North Carolina. - - _Sutherlin Medalist_.--Boyd Valentine Switzer, Virginia. - _Pace Medalist_.--Walter Sewall Anderson, West Virginia. - _Murray Medalists_.--Scholarship, Patrick H. Williams, North Carolina; -Proficiency, Frank Allen Simpson, Virginia. - - -RANDOLPH-MACON WOMAN'S COLLEGE. - -A. M. - -Emma E. Cheatham, Virginia. -E. B. Williams, North Carolina. - - -JUNE, 1897. - -RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE. - -A. M. - - W. M. Blanchard, N. Carolina. - Horace Campbell, Virginia. - Hall Canter, Maryland. - Henry O'B. Cooper, Virginia. - Fred. W. Hilbert, Maryland. - Bradford Kilby, Virginia. - Albert H. Licklider, Virginia. - G. V. Litchfield, Jr., Virginia. - James E. McCartney, Virginia. - George T. Tyler, Jr., Virginia. - -A. B. - - William H. Best, Maryland. - William Veitch Boyle, Maryland. - Karl S. Blackwell, Virginia. - William B. Colonna, Virginia. - David Hough Dolly, Virginia. - John Henry Dulin, Virginia. - Neil Courtice Scott, Virginia. - Frank A. Simpson, Virginia. - Boyd Ashby Wise, Virginia. - -D. D. - - Rev. Collins Denney, Baltimore Conference, Prof. Vanderbilt -University. - - _Sutherlin Medalist_.--William Martin Blanchard, North Carolina. - - - _Murray Medalists_.--Scholarship, Frank A. Simpson, Virginia; -Proficiency, George L. Bradford, Virginia. - - -RANDOLPH-MACON WOMAN'S COLLEGE. - -A. M. - - Sallie Adams, Virginia. - Martha A. Franklin, Virginia. - Esten Holmes Jennings, West Virginia. - -A. B. - - Celeste Alspaugh, N. Carolina. - Edith S. Blackwell, Virginia. - Martha McGavock, Virginia. - - -SESSION 1897-1898. - -Randolph-Macon College, since June, 1886, has grown into a system of -colleges (female as well as male), and fitting schools for both sexes. -At the joint commencement, held at Lynchburg, Va., June 6-9, 1898, all -these schools were represented. The Lynchburg _Daily News_ gave the -report of the commencement, as follows: - -"The big Randolph-Macon joint commencement was formally opened by a -reception tendered the visiting students, alumni, and friends of the -school at the Woman's College. An address of welcome was made by -Chancellor W. W. Smith. The night was beautiful, the skies being clear -and studded with glittering stars. An immense crowd was present, and the -profound silence that prevailed during the speech evidenced the deep -interest with which it was being received. - -"The various trains yesterday brought the students and the visiting -alumni to the city. The Union station on their arrival presented an -animated scene. The young men and young ladies seemed determined to make -of the occasion a delightful excursion, and an experience worth carrying -in their memories for many years to come. Everybody remarked on the -personnel of the students, and their quiet demeanor. They made a fine -impression, and their sojourn in the city promises to be profitable to -all interested. - -"Randolph-Macon College is represented by about ninety students; the -Front Royal Academy, by seventy; Bedford City Academy, by about eighty; -the Blackstone Female Institute,* by one hundred and thirty-five; and -the Danville Female Institute, by sixty. As there are at the -Randolph-Macon Woman's College, including the day scholars, two hundred -and twenty young ladies, the total number of students present is between -six and seven hundred. - -*Not a school of the system, but present by special invitation. - -"To adequately describe the appearance of the College with its elaborate -decorations would be a herculean task. All that artistic taste and -ingenuity of invention could suggest was abundantly in evidence. As the -street-cars moved rapidly over the hill at the base-ball park in the -direction of the College, the first glimpse of the building was -obtained. To the observer it looked like a light glimmering and glowing -in the night. As the car drew nearer it was seen that the large -structure, from one end to the other and all over the front, was alive -with varicolored Chinese and Japanese lanterns, which shed a soft and -pleasant radiance over the scene. On the big campus, hanging to the -branches of the trees and arranged in symmetrical lines on hundreds of -poles, were lanterns without end. Down to the left of the building, -where the ground slopes gently to a ravine, seats were placed in -comfortable positions. Everybody seemed to be there for the purpose of -spending a pleasant time and contributing to his neighbor's happiness. -Callers were received in the large and spacious parlor on the first -floor just to the left of the main entrance. To everyone was extended -such a warm, cordial welcome that he felt at once as if he were -perfectly at home and as if he were just where he ought to be. - -TUESDAY. - -"While the reception Monday night at the Woman's College may be said to -have opened the exercises of the Randolph-Macon joint commencement, yet -Tuesday morning the first regular programme was carried out in the -auditorium at Moorman's Warehouse, which, long before the time announced -for the first number, was crowded with a happy, well-dressed and -interested audience. - -"In the bright sunlight of the pleasant morning the scene presented in -the auditorium was indeed good to look upon. The draping of the entire -edifice was most skillfully carried out; the ceiling covered with blue -and white cloth, while the sides of the building were hidden by artistic -folds of lemon and black. - -"A well-built stage, extending the entire width of the spacious -auditorium, and decorated with potted plants and flowers, afforded -plenty of room for the speakers, visitors, and contestants for honors. -Arrangements were made to comfortably seat some two or three thousand -people, fully that many chairs being placed in regular rows, divided by -two aisles extending the length of the hall. - -"The pupils of the different schools and colleges being among the first -to arrive, the spare time was utilized for a rehearsal of college songs, -interspersed with the different college yells of the system, some of -which occasioned hearty laughter. - -[Illustration: RANDOLPH-MACON INSTITUTE, DANVILLE, VA.] - -"Upon the arrival of Chancellor Smith, the representatives of the -various schools of the system took their places upon the stage, as well -as those pupils who were to contest for the elocution and declaimer's -medals. After music by the band and prayer by Rev. Oscar Littleton, the -first number was announced, it being a contest for the declaimer's medal -of Randolph-Macon Academy, of Bedford City. Mr. J. K. Holman opened with -a humorous selection entitled 'Uncle Peter and the Trolly Car.' He was -followed by Mr. W. E. Wood, who declaimed an historical poem of the -revolutionary period, 'The Black Horse and His Rider.' Between this -contest and the next the pupils of the Bedford school, accompanied by -the band, rendered with much spirit an 'Academy' song, the words of -which were composed by Wirt Holloway, a pupil. - -"A contest for the recitation medal of the Randolph-Macon Institute, of -Danville, followed, the first being Miss Janie Howard, who had chosen a -dialect story, 'Rubaiyat of Doc Sifers.' 'The Set of Turquoise' was -delivered by Miss Sue Bethel. The young ladies of the Danville Institute -then closed their part of the programme with their favorite song, 'The -Lemon and Black,' in the course of which they were assisted by the young -men of the system. - -"J. William Kight came forward as a representative of the Academy at -Front Royal, and with a humorous description of a New England debating -society, in which he gave practical illustrations of the different -classes of village oratory. - -"Mr. J. L. Humphrey, also of the Front Royal Academy, gave a declamation -entitled 'Laska.' - -"The contest for the Woman's College medal was introduced by Miss Nellie -Underwood, whose subject was 'The Courtin' of T'Nowhead's Bell.' - -"Miss Underwood was followed by Miss Hathryn P. Acree, whose subject was -'Parnassius and the Captive.' - -"The rendition of the Woman's College song, 'Merry Girls of R. M. W. -C.,' was followed by the contest for the Woman's College Medal for best -address. The contestants were Miss Addie Taylor and Miss Sadie Jacobs. -Miss Taylor was the first speaker. Her subject was 'The Supremacy of the -Anglo-Saxon.' Miss Jacobs' subject was 'Demands of Our Civilization.' - -"The closing exercise was the contest for the Sutherlin orator's medal -of the Randolph-Macon College, Ashland. The contestants were F. Raymond -Hill, B. A. Wise, E. K. Odell, and S. M. Janney. - -"Mr. Hill opened the contest with an oration on 'The Price of Progress.' - -"Mr. Janney's subject was 'What For?' - -"'The Power of a Noble Example' was the subject of Mr. Wise's oration. - -"Mr. Odell followed in an oration entitled, 'De Oratoribus.' - -The exercises were closed with the singing of the Commencement Chorus. - -"A feature of the morning's programme, which was of a decidedly -interesting character, was the calisthenic drill, under the direction of -Miss Alice Hargrove, of a number of young ladies of the Woman's College. - -FIELD-DAY EXERCISES. - -"Tuesday afternoon was devoted to field day exercises in the Rivermont -base-ball park. A sound mind in a sound body has for a long time been a -leading maxim in the Randolph-Macon system. Each institution has its -well-equipped gymnasium, under the instruction of an efficient -instructor, and during the unseasonable days of winter every student of -the system is required to go through an hour's drill in the gymnasium -three afternoons in the week. - -The average man gets his idea of college athletics from the base-ball -and foot-ball teams, which generally tour the State annually. -Randolph-Macon recognizes the fact that base-ball and foot-ball are but -a small part of college athletics, and consequently every student is -encouraged to allot a portion of his time to the general training of his -body, and especially to athletic feats requiring more or less skill and -grace. In early spring, at each school in the system, a day known as -Field-Day is set aside for athletic exercises, for which prizes and -medals are offered as a special inducement, to ensure a large number of -contestants. - -THE CONCERT. - -"Tuesday night a concert was given at the Opera-House by the young -ladies of the Woman's College and the Danville Female Institute. Of the -character of the music of the programme the highest praise has been -spoken. In the instrumental and the chorus selections the participants -presented music of the highest perfection music that possessed a charm -and inspiration for every listener. - -WEDNESDAY. - -"About half-past nine o'clock Wednesday morning the students of the -several schools and colleges, together with the alumni, met at old St. -Paul's Church, on Church street, and there, after forming into a -procession and led by the band, marched to the auditorium. Here the -graduating class, in orthodox cap and gown, ascended the stage, where, -with the alumni, they were seated in chairs arranged in semi-circular -lines, forming altogether a pleasing and impressive picture. - -"A few minutes were spent in rehearsing college songs. In this -connection it may be well to note that the Randolph-Macon system is rich -with songs suitable for commencement season, and written principally by -those who have studied within its classic halls. After prayer by Rev. -Dr. James A. Duncan, of Knoxville, Tenn., Mr. W. S. Bell, president of -the Class of '98, introduced Miss Blanche E. Cheatham, of Martinsville, -who delivered the salutatory address. - -"The history of the Class of '98 and its twenty-nine members was told by -Mr. J. T. Porter, and as each name was called it was greeted with -applause, while the historian made a brief comment upon its owner. The -Class song of '98, composed by Mr. E. T. Adams, Jr., was next sung, -after which Miss Lily G. Egbert, of Atlee, Va., read the class poem, an -original composition entitled 'The Evolution of a Soul.' - -"Mr. J. E. McCulloch, of Roanoke, delivered the class oration. - -"The Hall song, evidently a favorite with the male students, was sung -with considerable spirit, especially the chorus, which eulogizes as 'the -very best of all' the two halls of the two rival literary societies, -those of Washington and Franklin. The president of the class next -introduced Miss Eloise Richardson, of Richmond, who read a class -prophecy, in which she drew vivid pictures of the bright futures -awaiting many of this year's class. - -"Mr. Sydenstricker, of Loudoun, read a paper entitled 'Recommendations.' -In it he indicated, with a prescient knowledge of seemingly remarkable -accuracy, the future employments and professions of the members of the -graduating classes of Randolph-Macon College, Ashland, and the Woman's -College, Lynchburg. - -"After singing 'Gaudeamus,' the last will and testament of the -graduating classes of the two institutions was read by Mr. F. C. -Campbell, of Ashland. Again was the audience treated to a series of -'hits' at the expense of certain members of the faculties, pupils, etc., -of the two schools. - -"The valedictory of Mr. F. R. Hill, of West Virginia, the next feature -of the programme, was an eloquent and interesting address, and in its -delivery made a deep impression on the large audience. Mr. Hill, unlike -the majority of college valedictorians, introduced into his composition -much originality of thought and feeling. His manner was marked by that -simplicity which always distinguishes the true orator, and which -invariably attracts and holds the closest attention of an audience. - -MR. TILLETT'S ADDRESS. - -"After singing 'The Randolph-Macon Roundelay,'the alumni address was -delivered by Hon. Charles W. Tillett, of North Carolina. This eloquent -speaker dwelt in feeling terms upon the great Randolph-Macon System. The -foundation, he declared, had been laid with enduring material, and -to-day all could unite in applauding the distinguished success of the -master hand. The occasion was one on which a little glorification was -pardonable, and every Randolph-Macon man and woman might well feel -proud of his or her alma mater, and particularly of the joint -commencement, which they all recognized as the grandest and most -successful commencement of Randolph-Macon's career. - -"The exercises were brought to a close with the singing of the song, -'Alma Mater, O.' - -THE BALL GAME. - -"An immense crowd gathered at the park in the afternoon to witness the -ball game between the Bedford and the Front Royal Academies. The boys -from Bedford had the best of the contest from start to finish, and won -out by a score of 13 to 1." - -FRANKLIN HALL. - -"At night the exercises of the 'Frank' Hall were introduced with prayer -by Rev. W. H. Atwill. The declamations were: 'The Fireman's Prayer,' by -W. W. Wood, of Bedford; 'The Innocent Drummer,' by Miss Bethel, of -Danville, and 'The Village Schoolmaster,' by J. L. Humphrey. W. J. -Gills, of the College, delivered an oration on 'True Patriotism,' and -the exercises closed with an essay by Miss Lula B. Woolridge, of the -Woman's College, on 'Triumphant Life.' The Society medals were awarded -as follows: John Kilby, of Suffolk, for declamation; F. C. Campbell, of -Ashland, for debate, and Marvin E. Smithey, of Brunswick, for -improvement in debate. - -THE ALUMNI BANQUET. - -"The annual banquet of the Alumni Association was held at the 'Carroll' -Wednesday night from 11 to 2 o'clock. After half an hour's feasting, the -remaining time was devoted to speeches of prominent members of the -Association. The following toasts were responded to: 'Randolph-Macon -College,' Dr. J. A. Kern; 'Randolph-Macon Woman's College,' Dr. N. -Knight; 'Randolph-Macon Academy' (Bedford), Principal E. Sumter Smith; -'Randolph-Macon Academy' (Front Royal), Dr. B. W. Arnold; -'Randolph-Macon Institute' (Danville), Miss Nellie Blackwell; -'Blackstone Female Institute,' Rev. James Cannon, Jr.; 'Board of -Trustees,' Dr. E. B. Prettyman; 'Randolph-Macon of 1898,' J. E. -McCulloch; 'The Alumni,' Charles W. Tillett; 'Glories of the Past,' -Captain Richard Irby; 'Randolph-Macon of the Future,' Dr. W. W. Smith." - -[Illustration: EDWARD S. BROWN, A. B.] - -The oldest alumnus present was Edward S. Brown (Class 1843), a prominent -and most estimable citizen of Lynchburg, who matriculated in 1837. - -Letters were received from the oldest alumnus now living, and one of the -members of the graduating Class of 1839, who, with Thomas H. Garnett, of -Buckingham county, Va., of same class, still survives. - -The oldest living alumnus, Dr. Theophilus S. Stewart, of Marietta, Ga., -graduated in 1836. He accompanied Dr. Olin to Europe, and took his -degree of M. D. in Paris in 1839. - -The letters of Dr. Stewart and Rev. James F. Smith, of Spartanburg, S. -C., referred in tenderest terms to the College. - -[Illustration: DR. THEOPHILUS S. STEWART, A. B., (Class, 1836.)] - -"Thursday. The opening prayer was made by Rev. Dr. Arnold, of North -Carolina, at the conclusion of which the Commencement hymn (No. 1) was -sung by the students to the air of 'America,' all standing. Bishop -Vincent, of Kansas, the speaker of the occasion, was then introduced by -the chancellor. The Bishop, who is a man of fine appearance, with a -pleasant voice, launched forth in these words: 'Notable days to the -individual, to associations, to state and to church, come into all -lives. This is an interesting day to the individual, to families, and to -the institution. It is a day of an ending and a day of a beginning. I -see a picture, as I stand in this place to-day, of closing doors and of -doors ajar, the end of complete or partial course of study and the -beginning of lessons in the great school of life. Here, with the -fragrance and flowers, under the spell of music, beneath these glorious -skies and amid these mountains of Virginia, we need not only to look -backward, but to look forward.' - -"He closed his address as follows: 'Above all things, a man wants -character; for if you presented yourself at the gate of heaven without -the quality that would make you worthy to dwell there, you would find -the beauties and glories of the home of God uncongenial to you. Live, -not that you may have your name in Washington with a big pension or -something of that kind, but in order that you may contribute to the -betterment of the environment of those about you.' - -"To the students before him he said he would recommend the whole world -and the universe as a university in which to learn and in which to -strive to ascend to the university of the most high God. - -HONORS AWARDED. - -"After a song, 'Columbia, the Pride of the Nation,' the distinguished -under-graduates were announced by printed sheets. Then followed the -awarding of prizes and medals, the Randolph-Macon Institute, of -Danville, being first, followed in regular order by the Randolph-Macon -Academy, Bedford City; Randolph-Macon Academy, Front Royal; -Randolph-Macon Woman's College, Lynchburg, and Randolph-Macon College, -Ashland. - -"Diplomas in courses were awarded by President Kern, of the Randolph- -Macon College, and Vice-President Knight, of the Randolph-Macon Woman's -College. - -THE GRADUATES. - -"Degrees were conferred on the following: - -RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE. - -A. M. - - Karl S. Blackwell, Virginia. - A. Judson Chalkley, Virginia. - David Hough Dolly, Virginia. - James C. Dolly, Kentucky. - James T. Porter, Virginia. - Raymond R. Ross, Virginia. - Frank A. Simpson, Virginia. - Marvin E. Smithey, Virginia. - Boyd Ashby Wise, Virginia. - -A. B. - - William Solon Bell, Virginia. - William G. Burch, Virginia. - F. C. Campbell, Virginia. - Merrick Clements, Maryland. - Carl Hall Davis, Virginia. - F. B. Fitzpatrick, Virginia. - Frank R. Hill, West Virginia. - Edward B. Jones, Virginia. H. - Alfred Allen Kern, Virginia. - LeRoy E. Kern, Virginia. - James E. McCulloch, Virginia. - Geo. L. Neville, Jr., Virginia. - Arthur V. Nunnally, Virginia. - Robert H. Sheppe, Virginia. - Hampden H. Smith, Virginia. - H. Sydenstricker, W. Virginia. - James T. Walker, Virginia. - -RANDOLPH-MACON WOMAN'S COLLEGE. - -A. B. - - Lily Garland Egbert, Virginia. - Eloise Richardson, Virginia. - Blanche E. Cheatham, Virginia. - Cornelia Poindexter, Virginia. - -MEDALISTS. - - Sutherlin Medal. Samuel McPherson Janney, Virginia. - Murray Medals. Proficiency Medal, Thomas Moody Campbell, Virginia; - Scholarship Medal, George Lafayette Bradford, Virginia of - Randolph-Macon College. - - Walton Greek Prize. David H. Dolly, Virginia. - Medal for Best Essay. Sadie Jacobs, Virginia of Randolph-Macon Woman's - College. - -WASHINGTON SOCIETY. - -"With the excellent programme of the annual celebration of the -Washington Literary Society the exercises of the joint commencement of -the Randolph-Macon system of educational institutions were brought to a -close. - -"Prayer was offered by Bishop Granbery, after which Edwin B. Jones, -president of the society, welcomed those present, and introduced J. W. -Kight, of Front Royal, who entertained his hearers with a short, -humorous sketch. Miss Swanson, of the Danville Institute, followed with -a dialect recitation, entitled 'Writin' Back to the Home Folks.' 'Flying -Jim's Last Leap' was the declamation given by Mr. Taylor, of the Bedford -City Academy, and the next was an oration by F. Burke Fitzpatrick, of -Randolph-Macon College. His speech was devoted to prophesying as to the -future of Virginia, basing his remarks upon the record of the past. - -"Miss Edith Cheatham's address was 'College Men and Women.' - -"The programme was brought to a close by an oration, 'A Great Work; Our -Share in It,' delivered by Frank A. Simpson, of Richmond, Va. - -"On behalf of the Washington Literary Society, Professor R. B. Smithey -presented three medals one to the best declaimer, D. R. Anderson; to the -best debater, F. R. Hill; to the best orator, S. R. Tyler. - -"Dr. E. E. Hoss, of Nashville, the speaker of the evening, was then -introduced. His subject was 'The Forces that Make Character.' He -delivered a strong and thoughtful address, which would have been more -fully appreciated at an earlier hour." - -AWARDS OF PRIZES AND MEDALS. - -[Transcribers' note: In the original book, the Walton Greek Prize -recipients for each year are listed on the left-hand side of the page, -and the Mathematical Prize recipients on the right. The note -(Discontinued) at the end of the Mathematical Prize column is faithfully -reproduced from the original text.] - -WALTON GREEK PRIZE. - - 1872. R. E. Blackwell, Va. - 1873. Robert Sharp, Va. - 1874. Wm. A. Frantz, Va. - 1875. W. H. Page, N. C. - 1876. Cyrus Thompson, N. C. - 1877. M. T. Peed, Va. - 1878. Clarence Edwards, Va. - 1879. J. B. Crenshaw, Va. - 1880. R. E. L. Holmes, Va. - 1881. D. W. Taylor, Va. - 1882. R. E. L. Holmes, Va. - 1883. James M. Page, Va. - 1884. L. Leitch, Va. - 1885. Thos. W. Page, Va. - 1886. E. H. Rawlings, Va. - 1887. J. H. Riddick, Jr., Va. - 1888. J. Jordan Leake, Va. - 1889. De La Warre Easter, Va. - 1890. C. D. Ragland, Va. - 1891. E. C. Armstrong, Md. - 1892. Andrew Sledd, Va. - 1893. J. E. Wamsley, Va. - 1894. E. P. Dahl, Va. - 1895. C. E. Armentrout, Va. - 1896. Bradford Kilby, Va. - 1897. J. W. Lillaston, Va. - 1898. David H. Dolly, Va. - -MATHEMATICAL PRIZE. - - 1874. Howard Edwards, Va. - 1875. W. F. Tillett, N. C. - 1876. M. T. Peed, Va. - 1877 M. T. Peed, Va. - 1878. J. T. Littleton, Va. - 1879. J. B. Crenshaw, Va. - 1880. R. E. L. Holmes, Va. - 1881. D. W. Taylor, Va. - 1882. James H. Moss, Va. - 1883. Richard H. Bennett, Va. - 1884. James M. Page, Va. - 1885. Wm. H. Barley, Va. - 1886. George Shipley. Va. - 1887. J. Jordan Leake, Va. - 1888. A. M. Hughlett, Va. - 1889. E. W. Bowen, Md. - 1890. Andrew Sledd, Va. - 1891. H. H. Sherman, Va. - 1892. (Discontinued.) - - - -[Transcribers' note: In the original book, the Washington Literary -Society award-winners and judges for each year are listed on the -left-hand side of the page, and the Franklin Literary Society -award-winners and judges on the right.] - -WASHINGTON LITERARY SOCIETY. - - 1874. A. H. C. Russell, La. - 1875. J. B. McCabe, Va. - 1876. T.McN. Simpson, N.C. - 1877. Gray Carroll, N. C. - 1878. Jno. W. Carroll, Va. - 1879. W. W. Sawyer, N. C. - 1880. D. M. James, W. Va. - 1881. E. S. Ruffin, Va. - - -FRANKLIN LITERARY SOCIETY. - - 1874. J. B. Powell, Ala. - 1875. W. F. Tillett, N. C. - 1876. [none listed] - 1877. W. J. Sebrell, Va. - 1878. Chas. W. Tillett, N. C. - 1879. H. A. Southall, Va. - 1880. Frank Thompson, N. C. - - -JUDGE. - -WASHINGTON LITERARY SOCIETY. - - 1882. S. M. Garland, Va. - 1883. J. H. Light, Va. - 1884. C. A. Swanson, Va. - 1885. Jas. Cannon, Jr., Md. - 1886. T. W. Page, Jr., Va. - 1887. C. L. Bane, W. Va. - 1888. C. F. Sherrill, N. C. - 1889. W. H. H. Joyce, Va. - 1890. M. R. Peterson, Va. - 1891. I. W. Eason, Va. - 1892. J. N. Latham, Va. - 1893. D. H. Kern, W. Va. - 1894. S. C. Hatcher, Va. - 1895. J. H. Hatcher, Va. - 1896. B. V. Switzer, Va. - 1897. F. R. Hill, W. Va. - 1898. S. R. Tyler, Va. - -FRANKLIN LITERARY SOCIETY. - - 1882. Harry L. Stuart, Texas. - 1883. John Morris, Ga. - 1884. W. M. Lane, Va. - 1885. Thos. F. Sherrill, N. C. - 1886. E. H. Rawlings, Va. - 1887. Sherrard R. Tabb, Va. - 1888. A. M. Hughlett, Va. - 1889. W. A. Christian, Va. - 1890. W. B. Beauchamp, Va. - 1891. H. G. Buchanan, Va. - 1892. W. Stevens, W. Va. - 1893. R. H. Hood, N. C. - 1894. Andrew Sledd, Va. - 1895. P. H. Williams, N. C. - 1896. F. W. Hilbert, Md. - 1897. W. M. Blanchard, N. C. - 1898. F. C. Campbell, Va. - - ======= -Transcribers' Notes: - -We have corrected "presi-ident" to "president", p. 30. - -We have let "Accepe hoc diploma," p. 98, stand as written (it should be -"accipe"). - -We have corrected "in o near large towns" to "in or near large towns," -p. 114. - -We have removed extraneous punctuation after "Trinity College," p. 121, -and after "Randolph-Macon College," p. 138. - -We have corrected "peferred" to "preferred," and "greal" to "great," p. -126. - -We have added a period after B. in "A. B." on p. 135. - -We have corrected "held it annual session" to "held its annual -session," p. 148. - -We have let "Bondfires were kindled," p. 153, stand as written, though -we suspect that "Bonfires" was intended. - -We have let the comma after "the bare chimneys only" stand on page 164. -The punctuation is odd, and we suspect it may be an error, but we can -think of reasons Irby might have chosen to use it. - -We have let the spelling "eak" stand on p. 166. - -We have let "Professor's" stand on p. 166. - -We have corrected "compen-pensated" to "compensated" on p. 189. - -We have corrected "FROF. W. A. FRANTZ" to "PROF. W. A. FRANTZ" in the -caption on p. 245. - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of History of Randolph-Macon College, -Virginia, by Richard Irby - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY OF RANDOLPH-MACON *** - -***** This file should be named 40229.txt or 40229.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/0/2/2/40229/ - -Produced by Meredith Dixon (R-MWC 1984), Melissa Reid, and James Dixon - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm -concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared -with anyone. For forty years, he produced and distributed Project -Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. -unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily -keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: - - www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - diff --git a/old/old-2024-09-21/40229.txt b/old/old-2024-09-21/40229.txt deleted file mode 100644 index f505bf6..0000000 --- a/old/old-2024-09-21/40229.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,10184 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of History of Randolph-Macon College, Virginia - -This ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online -at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, -you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located -before using this eBook. - -Title: History of Randolph-Macon College, Virginia - -Author: Richard Irby - -Release date: July 14, 2012 [eBook #40229] - Most recently updated: July 21, 2023 - -Language: English - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY OF RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE, VIRGINIA *** - - - - -Produced by Meredith Dixon (R-MWC 1984), Melissa Reid, and James Dixon - - - - - -HISTORY OF RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE, VIRGINIA: -THE OLDEST INCORPORATED METHODIST COLLEGE IN AMERICA -by Richard Irby (A. B. 1844) - - -PREFACE. - -The following resolution, adopted at the last annual meeting of the -Board of Trustees, will answer as a preface to what will be given as a -history of the oldest incorporated Methodist college in America now in -existence, and can be pleaded as an excuse, if any be needed, why one -so inexperienced in authorship should make this effort to rescue from -oblivion what is left of the records and information now obtainable in -regard to this, comparatively speaking, venerable college. - -"On motion of J. J. Lafferty and W. H. Christian, - -"_Resolved_, That the thanks of the Board be tendered to Richard Irby, -Esq., for his labors in the collection of material for a connected and -authentic historical account of this college, and that he be requested -to continue and perfect this work, and that all friends of the college -be requested to give him their cordial aid and co-operation." - - - -HISTORY OF RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE - - - -EARLY EFFORTS OF METHODISTS TO FOUND SCHOOLS. - -JOHN WESLEY, the founder of Methodism, was in every sense a highly -educated man. His education began at the knee of one of the wisest and -most accomplished women that ever lived to bless the world. It was -continued at Oxford, but did not stop there; for he believed, and acted -on his belief, that a man's education should continue as long as his -intellectual energy survives. - -The great business of Wesley was to spread scriptural holiness over the -world, beginning at his own home. To accomplish this great end he -sought and utilized every practicable agency. Early in the course of the -great movement he put in motion, he established the Kingswood School, -which he aimed to make as thorough, practically, as Oxford and -Cambridge, and free from the surroundings which hindered evangelical -believers in attendance on those schools, where he and his co-workers -had encountered so much opposition and ridicule. At this school were to -be allied in holy matrimony religion and learning, which godless hands -had sought to put asunder; for he valued education and learning severed -from, and unhallowed by, religion as worse than worthless. - -Following the example of this great leader, Asbury, the "Pioneer Bishop -of America," sought at an early day to carry out the same plans. But the -difficulties he encountered were different from those Mr. Wesley met in -many respects. At the close of the Revolutionary War, he found a -continent over the broad area of which was spread a population of about -three million of people. These people had just come out of a war of -seven years, impoverished in every species of property except their -broad acres of forest land, worthless until subdued by the sturdy -husbandman. The currency of the country was well-nigh worthless and -irredeemable in gold and silver. The great and controlling idea of the -people was the restoration of wealth and material resources. This meant -and required hard and constant work, which pushed aside schools and all -other enterprises of the kind considered as of secondary importance. At -that time only about eight colleges were found in the States, and these -were slimly endowed, if endowed at all, and but poorly patronized. - -But bold, and trusting in God, Asbury began the work of establishing -schools, hardly waiting for the clearing away of the smoke of battle. At -the time he was made General Superintendent, or Bishop, (1784), there -were in the United States 14,988 members in the Methodist Episcopal -Church. These were scattered broadcast over the States bordering on the -Atlantic Ocean, from New York to Georgia. The bulk of the membership was -found in the Southern States. The Minutes for that year give New York -City sixty members and Brunswick Circuit (Virginia) four hundred and -eighty-four, and other circuits in Virginia more. - -In the year 1784 Dr. Cummings (in _Early Schools of Methodism_, New -York, 1886) thinks Bishop Asbury founded the first Methodist academy -ever established in America. It is reasonable, however, to put the date -a little later, say 1785, for his services as General Superintendent did -not begin till later, inasmuch as Mr. Wesley's letter appointing him to -the place bears date September 10, 1784. This school or academy was -located in Brunswick county, Virginia, on the road leading from -Petersburg to Boydton, at a point about midway between the two places. -He named it - -[Illustration: EBENEZER ACADEMY]* - -*The Ebenezer Academy building is still standing, but it has been -changed somewhat since it ceased to be used for school purposes. The cut -used here was made from a pencil sketch of it made by Mr. Short, who -lives near, and sent by Rev. J. Carson Watson, in whose circuit it is -located. The walls are of stone, one of which has become injured; -otherwise, the old house would be good for another century. - -For a number of years this academy was controlled by trustees appointed -by the Bishop or by the Annual Conference, and enjoyed such supervision -as the Bishop was able to give, which, with such arduous labors as -demanded his energies, was of necessity but slight and occasional. On -this account, and other accounts incident to the times, the control of -the academy was lost to the Methodists, and went into the hands of the -county authorities, which control never was regained by the Church. But -it was kept up as an academy for many years, and at it many of the most -prominent men of the county and counties adjacent were educated wholly -or partly. In this way it did a good work for the people of its day, and -was the forerunner and prophecy of another school not far away, which, -under better auspices, though not without difficulties, has lived to -bless the Church and the world in this nineteenth century. - -The first regularly incorporated Methodist college in the United States -was Cokesbury College. It was located near Baltimore, Md. It was in -operation only a few years. Augusta College, Kentucky, was the next. -That has long since ceased to exist. In the period preceding the -division of the Methodist Episcopal Church, there were thirty-one -literary institutions controlled by this Church, of which three were -exclusively for females and several, co-educational. Seventeen of these -were located in the Southern States. Of the thirty-one, only seven -colleges have survived, viz.: Randolph-Macon College, chartered February -3, 1830; Wesleyan University (Connecticut), chartered May, 1831; Emory -College (Georgia), 1837; Emory and Henry (Virginia), 1838; Wesleyan -Female College (Georgia), 1839. Dickinson College (Pennsylvania) -chartered in 1783, but did not become a Methodist college till 1833, and -was opened as a Methodist college September, 1834. Alleghany College -(Pennsylvania) was chartered in 1818, and came under the control of the -Methodist Church in 1833, and was opened as a Methodist college the same -year. - -It will thus be seen that all these male colleges which survived, were -opened under Methodist patronage, nearly simultaneously, viz.: Wesleyan -University, October, 1831; Randolph-Macon, January, 1832; Alleghany -College, November, 1833; Dickinson College, September, 1834. This point -of time thus became a marked starting-point in the history of Methodist -colleges. Since this turning-point was passed, the number of them has -increased as rapidly as the membership of the church, and can now be -counted by the hundreds, making the Methodist Church foremost in the -great work of Christian education. - -It may be noted here that all of the above-named colleges succeeded to -buildings which had been used for school purposes, more or less -complete, while those of Randolph-Macon were built wholly out of new -material. - -It is probable that the idea and purpose moving Bishop Asbury to found -church schools, had never gone entirely out of the minds of the -Methodists of Virginia, notwithstanding all the failures and disasters -which had befallen the early enterprises. They found no school in the -Conference territory of high grade where they felt safe in sending their -sons. William and Mary College was under the control of the -Episcopalians, and its location was noted for excess in worldliness and -free-living, which did not invite Methodists, whose rules forbade such -customs. The atmosphere of the college and town was unsuited to -Methodists, and they were looked upon as unfit for the society of the -so-called best people. Hampden-Sidney College, originally non-sectarian, -had come under the control of the Presbyterians, with whom, in those -days, Arminian Methodists did not think it safe to let their sons remain -too long, lest they should become Calvinists. Washington College was -then a feeble school, and remote from the eastern portion of the State, -and outside the Virginia Conference. Under these circumstances, and for -what were esteemed good reasons, the Methodists of the Virginia -Conference, then composed of the eastern and middle portions of Virginia -and North Carolina, moved in the matter of establishing a college of -high grade. - -A resolution, adopted by the General Conference of 1824, recommending -"that each Annual Conference establish a Seminary of learning under its -own regulations and patronage," had the effect to direct the attention -of the church throughout the connection to the subject of education. So -almost simultaneously the New York Conference, with the Virginia -Conference, moved towards the establishment of a college, as recommended -by the General Conference, the result of which was the founding of the -Wesleyan University at Middletown, Conn., and of Randolph-Macon College -at Boydton, Va., the two oldest Methodist colleges, originally -incorporated as such, now existing in America. - -The credit of first planning or founding Randolph-Macon College has -been awarded to Rev. Hezekiah G. Leigh and Gabriel P. Disosway. The -former was a prominent minister in the Virginia Conference, and was -justly esteemed by his contemporaries as an orator second to but few, if -any, of his time. Dr. Bennett, in _Memorials of Methodism in Virginia_, -says: "Perhaps no man ever left a deeper impression on the hearts of the -people among whom he labored. In every city where he was stationed, in -every district, in every circuit, there are thrilling recollections of -his preaching.... He was not simply an eloquent preacher, he was a wise, -skillful, practical workman in the vineyard." Dr. W. A. Smith, third -President of Randolph-Macon College, said of him: "Dr. Leigh had few -equals in the pulpit. He filled a large space in public attention, and -wielded a wide and undisputed influence among his brethren in the -ministry." He was a native of Perquimans county, N. C., born November -23, 1795, but for many years prior to his death resided on his farm near -Boydton, Va. - -Gabriel P. Disosway was a native of the city of New York, of Huguenot -ancestry, born December 6, 1799. He took his A.B. degree at Columbia -College, New York, in 1821. In early life he became a citizen of -Petersburg, Va., and married a Virginia lady. He was a pious and devoted -Methodist, and by his superior education and literary abilities exerted -a wide and salutary influence on the church circles of his town and day. -Having been a college-bred man, he may have suggested to Dr. Leigh the -founding of a college, or the latter may have sought the advice and -co-operation of Mr. Disosway, and thenceforth the two worked together as -co-laborers in this good cause. Dr. W. A. Smith inclined to the latter -view of the matter, for he says (_Funeral Discourse on Rev. H. G. -Leigh_), "Regarding all the circumstances, the prominent position held -by Dr. Leigh in originating all the preliminary measures, and his -personal activity in advancing them, we have always considered him in a -good sense the founder of Randolph-Macon College." Mr. Disosway -returned to New York in 1828, and thus the college ceased to have his -active co-operation with Dr. Leigh, which might, and doubtless would, -have been very acceptable and beneficial. He lived to an honorable old -age, giving much of his valuable time to the great interests of the -Church of his choice, and also to the great religious institutions of -his State and the country, with a number of which he was closely -identified as manager or director. He also wrote frequently for the -press, and was the author of several books, one of which particularly -was highly esteemed, viz. _The Old Churches of New York_." - -The college, many years ago, recognized the claims of these co-founders -to the gratitude and remembrance of succeeding generations by placing on -the walls of the chapel marble tablets, suitably inscribed and dedicated -to their memory. - -The enterprise of establishing a college in the Virginia Conference took -definite direction, and resulted in practical action at the session of -the Virginia Conference held at Oxford, N. C., March 2, 1825. In the -minutes is this entry: "After some discussion on the recommendation of -the General Conference (of 1824), 'That each Annual Conference establish -a Seminary of Learning, under its own regulations and patronage,' the -whole question was referred to a committee of twelve--six ministers and -six laymen--to consider and report the best method of establishing such -a Seminary with suitable constitutional principles." The following -constituted the committee ordered: John Early, Hezekiah G. Leigh, Caleb -Leach, Charles A. Cooley, William Compton and George M. Anderson, of the -Conference; and Gabriel P. Disosway, Joseph B. Littlejohn, John Nutall, -Lewis Taylor, Joseph Taylor and Jesse H. Cobb, of the laity.... "The -College bill, which was laid on the table, was taken up, and, after some -amendment, was adopted." It would appear from the constitution of the -committee, that John Early made the motion to appoint the committee, and -this was probably the case, because he was then, and for many years -afterwards, a leader in the business of the Conference, and, therefore, -the prime mover in the enterprise, had enlisted his active interest in -the matter. We shall see that this prominent position was held by him -for many years afterwards. - -This was all that was done at this Conference. At the next Conference, -held in Portsmouth, Va., February, 1826, the committee was increased by -adding George W. Charlton and James Smith, ministers, and Robert A. -Armistead, Arthur Cooper, Jesse Nicholson, local preachers, and J. C. -Pegram, Cary Jennings, laymen. On the 20th the committee made a report, -and the report Was laid on the table. On the 22nd the College bill, -which was laid on the table, was taken up, and after some amendments it -was adopted. On the 23rd the "Select Committee," recommended in the bill -adopted on the days previous, was appointed, viz.: Hezekiah G. Leigh, -George W. Charlton, James Smith, John Early, Thomas Crowder, Ethelbert -Drake, ministers, and Gabriel P. Disosway, Robert A. Armistead, William -Clarke, John C. Pegram, laymen. This committee reported at the -succeeding Conference (1827) a "Constitution" for the College, which, -after some amendments, was adopted; and it was further "_Resolved_, that -every member take a subscription paper and use his influence and best -exertions to obtain subscriptions for the benefit of the College -contemplated to be founded within the bounds of this Conference." - -At the Conference of 1828 a new committee of seven was appointed "to see -that all the preachers pay a due and diligent attention to every -regulation and matter appertaining to the establishment of the College -contemplated, and to employ an efficient agent to make collections and -obtain subscriptions for the same, and to maturely consider the -advantages of every place proposed for its site, and to report thereon -to the next Conference upon which the location of the College shall be -fixed." - - -LOCATION AND NAMING OF THE COLLEGE. - -At the Conference of 1829 the committee appointed the year previous made -a report. The Committee had met at Zion Church, in Mecklenburg county. -The citizens of Brunswick offered $20,000 in subscriptions on condition -that the College be located at Physic Springs, about four miles from -Lawrenceville, the county seat, and not very far from the old Ebenezer -Academy. The citizens of Mecklenburg offered a parcel of land near -Boydton, the county seat, at a very low price, and $10,000 in -subscriptions, with some possible advantages from the Boydton Academy. -The location was fixed at or near Boydton, probably, mainly through the -influence of Rev. Hezekiah G. Leigh, the prime mover in the College -enterprise, and Howell Taylor, a very influential Methodist of the -county, together with Hon. William O. Goode and Col. William Townes, -men of great popularity. The site selected was also very near the line -dividing the States of Virginia and North Carolina, and probably more -accessible to the people of the two States at that time than any other -eligible location, and was considered healthful, as well as the centre -of a refined community. The county of Mecklenburg was one of the largest -and wealthiest in the State, and its people and the people of the -adjoining counties of North Carolina were friendly and homogeneous. - -The report of the Committee was confirmed by the Conference, and the -Committee was authorized to apply to the General Assembly of Virginia -for a charter. This the Committee proceeded to do, and Mr. Goode, of -Mecklenburg, presented a bill to incorporate the "Trustees of Henry and -Macon College" Friday, January 15, 1830. After going through the -several readings required, and having several amendments made, on motion -of Mr. Alexander, of Mecklenburg, the title was changed, making it to -read, "An act to incorporate the 'Trustees of Randolph-Macon College.'" -The bill so amended was passed by both houses, and became a law February -3, 1830. The Act in part is as follows: - -"1. _Be it enacted by the General Assembly_, That there be, and is -hereby erected and established, at or near Boydton, in the county of -Mecklenburg, in this Commonwealth, a seminary of learning for the -instruction of youth in the various branches of science and literature, -the useful arts, agriculture, and the learned and foreign languages. - -"2. _And be it further enacted_, That the said seminary shall be known -and called by the name of Randolph-Macon College. - -"3. _And be it further enacted_, That Hezekiah Leigh, John Early, Edward -Cannon, W. A. Smith, William I. Waller, Thomas Crowder, Moses Brock, -James Boyd, William Hammett, Caleb Leach, Matthew M. Dance, Lewis -Skidmore, Augustine Claiborne, Ethelbert Drake, Henry Fitts, John -Nutall, James Wyche, John P. Harrison, Grenville Penn, Walker -Timberlake, John G. Claiborne, Howell Taylor, James Smith, Joel -Blackwell, John Y. Mason, James Garland, Richard G. Morris, John W. -Lewis, William O. Goode, and Nathaniel Alexander be, and are hereby, -constituted and appointed trustees of said college, who and their -successors shall be a body politic and corporate by the name of the -'Trustees of Randolph-Macon College,' who shall have a perpetual -succession and a common seal, and by the name aforesaid they and their -successors shall be capable in law to possess, purchase, receive and -retain to them and their successors forever, any lands, tenements, -rents, goods, chattels or interests of any kind whatsoever, which may -have been already given, or by them purchased for the use of said -College; to dispose of the same in any way whatsoever they shall adjudge -most useful to the interests and legal purposes of the institution; and -by the same name to sue and implead, be sued and impleaded, answer and -be answered, in all courts of law and equity; and under their common -seal to make and establish, from time to time, such by-laws, rules and -ordinances, not contrary to the laws and constitution of this -Commonwealth, as shall by them be thought essential to the good order -and government of the professors, masters and students of said College." - -It will appear above that thirty were constituted trustees. Of the -thirty, twelve were travelling preachers of the Virginia Annual -Conference, and eighteen were local preachers and laymen. The name of -Rev. Hezekiah G. Leigh heads the list, as, by courtesy, was proper. All -were members of the Methodist Church, except the following: Judge John -Y. Mason, John W. Lewis, William O. Goode, and Nathaniel Alexander, the -three latter prominent citizens of Mecklenburg county. Of these a number -lived to take an active part in the affairs of the college for many -years. The last to pass away was Judge Garland, of Lynchburg, who died a -few years since at a very advanced age. - -It is well known for whom Randolph-Macon College was named--John -Randolph, of Roanoke, and Nathaniel Macon, of North Carolina. How it -came about that a Christian and Methodist college should have been named -for men who were not professed Christians, and who had never, so far as -is known, shown any preference or kindly interest for the Methodist -Church, has been a question of interest and speculation. The most -probable solution of the question is that the name was determined very -much by precedent. The oldest college in the State, William and Mary, -founded primarily and specially for educating "the savages" in -Christianity, was named for the King and Queen then on the throne. -Washington College was named for Washington, the hero of the day (1782); -Hampden-Sidney for the champions of liberty and human rights (1783), all -of them Christian colleges, but named for public men, representatives of -the sentiments of the periods uppermost when they were founded. -Following the precedents set by these colleges, the names then most -prominent in Virginia and North Carolina were selected, John Randolph, -of Roanoke, and Nathaniel Macon, one living on the south side of the -Roanoke River and the other on the north side. Neither of these men was -in any way connected with the College, nor did either, so far as is -recorded, ever manifest any interest in it by making a contribution to -it or otherwise, but both were very popular in their native State, in -whose service they literally spent their lives. John Randolph has been -called an infidel by some Northern writers, but those who knew him best -represent him as far from having been such, though he lived at a time -when infidelity was far from being uncommon among public men. At one -time, at least, he was a professed believer in Christ, and never gave up -his belief, however inconsistent in his life, at times, he may have -been. - -Hon. J. K. Paulding, a distinguished author and public man, in a letter -accepting membership in one of the literary societies of the College -soon after it was built, wrote of these men: - -"Randolph-Macon combines the names of two very distinguished men, with -whom I was acquainted; with the former, long and intimately. Mr. Macon -was one of the wisest, most virtuous men I ever knew. His integrity as a -private man was only equalled by his devotion to his country and to the -great principles of liberty, of which he was a most faithful and devoted -advocate. Indeed, I may say, with perfect truth, that in the simplicity -of his habits and character, as well as in the purity of his principles, -he realized more than any man I ever knew the example of a steadfast, -stern, inflexible republican. - -"With Mr. John Randolph I was on terms of intimacy for more than twenty -years. He was a very extraordinary man, whose life and character should -be delineated by one who could analyze them thoroughly and explain their -strange apparent inconsistency. To me it always appeared that but for -the weakness of his physical constitution and the almost perpetual -sufferings it entailed upon him, he would have been one of the highest -models of a high-minded gentleman, as well as one of the wisest, most -consistent statesmen of the age. But his physical infirmities and -sufferings impaired the vigor and consistency of his mind, while they -often soured his temper, and caused those sudden caprices, which lost -him many friends, and made his greatest admirers almost afraid to -indulge in the society of one the charm of whose conversation was -otherwise irresistible. This, however, I will say of him, that whatever -may have been the infirmities of his temper, his principles were of the -most high, and, indeed, lofty character. His integrity was exemplary, -and his devotion to the great principles of liberty consistent and -profound. - -"The life and character of Mr. Macon young men may safely make the -objects of their imitation throughout, while Mr. Randolph is rather a -subject of admiration and wonder. Virginia should be proud of him as an -orator without an equal among his contemporaries and as a man who, with -all his faults, was possessed of many virtues of the very highest -order." - -Looking at the matter from our present standpoint, it seems strange that -a more suitable name was not selected more in accordance with the -special character of the object of the institution, the blending of the -highest culture of the mind with the elevation of Christian character. - -[Illustration: REV. JOHN EARLY. _First President (1832-1868) of the -Board of Trustees of Randolph-Macon College, and Bishop of the Methodist -Episcopal Church, South._] - - - -FIRST MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES. - -The first meeting of the Board of Trustees appointed under the act of -incorporation, was held at Boydtown (so it reads), Mecklenburg county, -Va., April 9, 1830. - -The following members were duly qualified and took their seats, viz.: -Rev. Hezekiah G. Leigh, Rev. John Early, Rev. William A. Smith, Rev. -William I. Waller, Rev. Moses Brock, Rev. James Boyd, Rev. Caleb Leach, -Rev. Matthew M. Dance, Rev. Lewis Skidmore (members of the Virginia -Conference), Rev. John G. Claiborne, Rev. James Smith (local ministers), -Jas. Wyche, Howell Taylor, J. W. Lewis, William O. Goode, and Nathaniel -Alexander, Esqs. Rev. John Early was elected chairman, and Rev. William -A. Smith secretary. - -A committee was appointed to draft rules for the government of the -Board, and one to obtain drafts of buildings for the College. H. G. -Leigh, J. W. Lewis, James Boyd, and L. Skidmore constituted the latter -committee. - -H. G. Leigh, who had been acting as Agent for the College in securing -subscriptions and funds for the College enterprise, under the -appointment of the Virginia Conference, was elected Agent to continue -the same work. A committee was also appointed to secure land for the -location of the College. - -This was the work of the first day. - -At the second session--the next day--Rev. H. G. Leigh, from the -Committee to Draft Rules, etc., reported the rules for the government of -the Board, which were adopted. - -Rev. W. I. Waller submitted the following resolutions, which were -adopted: - -1. That a committee be appointed to prepare an address to the public -generally, and to the ministers and members of the Methodist Episcopal -Church particularly, requesting their aid and co-operation in procuring -funds for the establishment of Randolph-Macon College. - -2. That a copy of the address be sent to each presiding elder and -preacher in charge of circuits and stations within the bounds of the -Virginia Annual Conference. - -William A. Smith, Moses Brock, H. G. Leigh, and William I. Waller were -appointed on this committee. - -It was further resolved that an additional Agent be appointed. - -John W. Lewis was elected Treasurer of the Board. - -H. G. Leigh, from the Committee to obtain drafts for the College -Building, reported three--one to cost $30,182, one $20,569, and one -$19,238. - -The first resolutions adopted in the direction of building was to -appropriate $14,000 towards the purchase of land and the erection of a -College building. - -It was also resolved "that it is expedient to establish a Preparatory -School to Randolph-Macon College as soon as the building can be prepared -for that purpose," and $1,500 was appropriated to its erection. - -A "Committee on Building" was appointed to obtain the best model for the -College building, and contract for, and superintend the construction of, -the same, and also the building for the Preparatory School. - -Rev. H. G. Leigh's salary as agent was fixed at "the usual salary of a -Methodist itinerant preacher." - -The first financial report by the agent was made as follows: - - Monies subscribed, . . . . . . . . . . . $9,135 90 - Monies collected of this, . . . . . . . . . 399 79 - of this doubtful, $380. $8,736 11 - -The offer of the trustees of Boydton Academy to sell the same was not -accepted. - -The committee authorized to purchase land for the College made report, -and the committee was empowered to purchase land from several parties at -an average of about $5.50 per acre. - -The agent reported that the subscription of Mecklenburg county was -$10,000. It was ordered that the subscription paper be deposited with -the Treasurer. - -The first Building Committee appointed was as follows: Hezekiah G. -Leigh, John W. Lewis, James Smith, Matthew M. Dance, Moses Brock, and -John Early; and here the deliberations of the first meeting of the Board -ended. - -With a subscription list of less than $20,000, including the county -subscription, a large portion of which, in those days, as in the -present, was uncollectable and worthless, this band of workers went -forward, "not knowing whither they were going," but, like Abraham, -trusting in the Lord, whose spirit had prompted the enterprise, that he -would bring about a successful issue. Could they have foreseen the -difficulties ahead, the work probably would never have been undertaken, -nor would Columbus ever have discovered a new world if he had foreseen -the difficulties which were before him. - -It is not untimely to pause and dwell on some of the actors in this -work. - -The chairman, Rev. John Early, who was afterwards Bishop of the -Methodist Episcopal Church, South, was at this time in the prime of -life. He was not a college-bred man. He probably valued college -education as highly as he did because he felt so keenly the need of it. -He was, however, in the best sense, an educated man, and a man among -men. From his early manhood his brethren and fellow-citizens manifested -their appreciation of him by calling him to the highest positions in the -church and in the state. The latter, however, were not accepted by him. -It may be safely said that no man ever lived in Virginia who was more -intimately or more widely known than John Early. No man ever knew more -men. Few ever had more seals to their ministry. Not neglecting his own -peculiar work in the church, he was always foremost in everything that -he esteemed promotive of the good of the church and the state. From the -outset he threw into the college enterprise all his great energy, and -gave it the benefit of his large practical sense, because he felt that -the church, as well as the state, was in need of such an agency. Under -the charter, as subsequently amended, he was elected President of the -Board of Trustees, and retained that position for about forty years, -rarely ever failing to attend the annual meetings, when attendance -involved days of tedious and difficult travel over rough roads. When -over eighty years of age he was found at his place in the Board. -Doubtless his latest prayers were for the success of the cause to which -he gave many of the years of his manhood's prime. Randolph-Macon College -will never let the name of John Early be forgotten. His portrait adorns -the Trustees' room, and his eyes look down every June on his successors -in the Board of Trustees, who are laboring to carry forward the work -which he and his co-laborers commenced in 1825. - -The first secretary, Rev. William Andrew Smith, was another man of -power, a self-made man, as such men are commonly called. He accepted the -"call from on high" to do great things. He was endowed with a -wonderfully fertile and active mind. When fully aroused in any cause his -heart espoused, he was a power with the people and with deliberative -bodies. Commencing active service for the College as Secretary of the -Board, he lived to become the President of the College from 1847 to -1865. When he took charge of it, the College was at the lowest condition -financially as well as in patronage, that it ever reached. Full of faith -and zeal himself, he infused new life into it and animated its friends -with fresh courage and zeal. Realizing that an endowment was absolutely -essential, in 1855 he undertook to raise $100,000 for it, and succeeded. -Of this endowment more will be said further on. - -[Illustration: REV. LEWIS SKIDMORE. _Original member of Board of -Trustees._] - -Another self-made man among the corporators present was Lewis Skidmore. -In native talent of a peculiar order, he was second to none of his -associates. He had, however, none of the ambition of some of the others. -For power of argumentation on any subject he took in hand, he was equal -to the foremost. He said once, when asked at what college he had -graduated, "I graduated at the anvil." When the hammer of his logic -struck it shaped or shivered the object it struck. As punctual as a -clock, the day before the Trustees were to meet, his rotund form would -be seen about the same hour rising over the western hill as the sun was -going down. - -Space will not allow particular reference to the other members of the -Board. All of them were men of mark in their callings. Three of -them--laymen, citizens of Mecklenburg county--were not members of the -Methodist church. - -William O. Goode was a representative man. He was a member of the -Legislature, and brought forward the College bill. He was a member of -the State Convention of 1829 and of the Congress of the United States -for several sessions. - -Nathaniel Alexander was a wealthy planter and a man of fine education, -and represented his county in the Legislature more than once. - -John W. Lewis was a lawyer of prominence, and served as Treasurer of the -College as long as he lived. - -The fact that these men were on the Board will show that sectarian -bigotry was not so strong in olden times as some have been inclined to -believe. - -Rev. John G. Claiborne served on the Board for many years faithfully and -efficiently, and outlived all of the original members. - - -At the second meeting of the Board of Trustees, held October 30, 1830 -(Rev. John Early, chairman, presiding), the Building Committee reported -the plan for the main College building, with cost of erection. William -A. Howard and Dabney Cosby were the contractors. The plan embraced a -centre brick building fifty-two feet front by fifty-four deep, with -wings east and west sixty-seven and a half feet each, making a total -front of one hundred and eighty-seven feet, all four stories high. The -contract price for the same, except painting, tin roof, casement of the -library, and seats in the chapel, to be finished in "a plain, -workman-like manner, of the best materials," to be $14,137, and it was -to be ready for occupancy by the spring of 1832. The committee also -reported the purchase of two hundred and fifty-seven acres of land from -several parties, including previous purchase, the several tracts forming -a solid body. - -Rev. H. G. Leigh, Agent, made report as to the finances, as follows: - - Monies collected to date, . . . . $ 941 59 - Subscriptions deemed good, . . . . 27,762 70 - Total,. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $28,703 29 - -Rev. William Hammett, an eloquent Irish minister, was appointed agent -for soliciting additional funds. - -Of the subscriptions made by citizens of Mecklenburg county, the name of -William Townes heads the list with $1,000, the largest subscription to -the College funds in early times. He was not a Methodist, nor a member -of any church, but he was one of the earliest and best friends of the -College. - -On the early subscription lists there were about five hundred names. -Next to the subscription of Col. Townes, there were none above $300. - - -The third meeting of the Board of Trustees was held April 15, 1831, Rev. -John Early, chairman, presiding. The following items of business -transacted are noted: - -Rev. Thomas Adams, a local minister, of Lunenburg county, was elected in -place of Rev. James Smith, who resigned his membership. - -A "Stewards' Hall" was authorized, the cost of the building of which was -not to exceed $4,000. - -The chairman of the Board was authorized to advertise that the Board -would proceed to elect at the next meeting (in October, 1831) a -President, Professors, and Masters. - -The salary of the President to be elected was fixed at $1,000 for the -first year; salaries of the Professors for the first year, $800. - - -The fourth meeting of the Board was held October 13, 1831, Rev. John -Early in the chair. - -At this meeting Rev. H. G. Leigh, Agent, reported subscriptions -amounting to $9,873, and Rev. William Hammett, $13,047, in all $22,920. - -The South Carolina Conference was formally invited to unite and -co-operate with the Board in the support of Randolph-Macon College, with -the proviso that should the Conference agree so to do, the Board would -elect six members Trustees from the bounds of that Conference. - -Rev. Martin P. Parks was appointed the Agent to communicate with said -Conference and to solicit subscriptions. - -The Building Committee reported the centre building walls up and covered -in and the wings well under way; also, the purchase of additional land. - -The committee to whom was referred the matter of nominating a President -and Professors reported, and the following elections were made: Rev. -John Emory, D. D., of New York, President and Professor of Moral -Science; Rev. Martin P. Parks, of North Carolina, Professor of -Mathematics; Landon C. Garland, of Virginia, Professor of Natural -Science; Rev. Robert Emory, of New York, Professor of Languages. - -Mr. William O. Goode, member of the Legislature, of Mecklenburg county, -was appointed to ask of the General Assembly of Virginia aid for the -College. - - -FIFTH MEETING OF THE BOARD. - -A called meeting of the Board was held April 4, 1832. At this meeting -letters were presented and read announcing the declination of Dr. John -Emory to accept the presidency of the College, and of Rev. Robert Emory -to accept the chair to which he was elected. The letters were as -follows: - -New York, _February 17, 1832_. - -"REV. AND DEAR SIR: My conviction of the importance of time to enable -you to make suitable arrangements for the opening of Randolph-Macon -College at the appointed period, induces me to avail myself of the -occasion of your assembling in Conference to communicate to you the -conclusion to which I have come, on mature reflection, in regard to the -high and honorable post to which you have kindly invited me in that -institution. - -"I trust I need not repeat here how sincerely my best wishes attend your -exertions in the cause of education, nor the pleasure I should take in -contributing any small service in my power towards your success. - -"Considering, however, the confinement which such a situation would -require of me, the studies to which it would oblige me to devote myself -in order to discharge its duties as I would wish, and the effect which -such a course would be likely to have upon my health, already needing -rather relief from the arduous duties of my present post, I am under the -necessity of declining the acceptance of your kind invitation, and beg -you for me to make this communication to the Board over which you -preside. - -"Be pleased, at the same time, to accept for yourself personally, and to -convey to the members of the Board, the assurance of the deep sense I -entertain of the obligations you have laid me under, as well as in -behalf of my son as in my own; and that you may at all times command any -service which it may be in my power to render as friends of the -important institution under your care. - -"Very respectfully, Rev. and dear sir, yours, - -"J. EMORY." - -"_To the Rev. John Early_, - -Chairman, etc.. of the Board of Trustees of Randolph-Macon College, Va." - -"New York, November 3, 1831. - -"REV. AND DEAR SIR: Yours of the 15th ultimo was duly received, and -would have elicited an earlier reply but for the absence of my father, -whom I wished to consult previously to communicating my own views of the -subject. - -"I take, however, the earliest opportunity after his return to express -through you, to the Board of Trustees, the high sense which I entertain -of the flattering honor which they have been pleased to confer upon me, -and at the same time my regret for the necessity which I am under of -declining its acceptance. - -"My anxiety to prosecute thoroughly and with an undivided attention the -study of a profession is such that neither my desire to promote the -interests of education, nor even the temptation of the honorable post -which you have offered me, and the agreeable society which I should -enjoy in Virginia, are sufficient to withdraw me from a course in which -my father has had the kindness to yield me his acquiescence. With the -best wishes for the prosperity of your institution, and a hope that you -may secure for it the services of one whose ability (though certainly -not his desire) to serve you will be far greater than mine, I remain -with great respect, - -"Yours, &c., R. EMORY. - -"_To the Rev. John Early_." - - -Prof. Landon C. Garland and Rev. Martin P. Parks accepted the chairs to -which they had been elected at the previous meeting. Their letters of -acceptance were as follows: - - -FROM LANDON C. GARLAND. - -"WASHINGTON COLLEGE, December 13, 1831. - -"DEAR SIR: Circumstances not altogether under my control have prevented -me from replying to your communication of October 15th as early as I -wished. Having given to its contents that mature deliberation which -their importance surely demanded, I feel myself prepared to give a final -decision. - -"The only ambition of my life has been to devote all my time and talents -to the promotion and welfare and happiness of our common country; and -that situation which would enable me to do this _most efficiently_ I -have ever esteemed most eligible. Contemplating in this spirit the -important and extensive field of useful labor which Randolph-Macon -College presents, I have felt it a duty incumbent upon me to obey the -call which you so politely communicated in behalf of its Trustees. And -through you I beg leave to assure them that this discharge of duty -accords with every impulse of the heart; and I do trust that by a -vigorous and united exertion with those associated with me, we shall in -some humble measure redeem the pledge, which by our acceptance we make -both to that body and to the world. - -"Yours very sincerely, - -"LANDON C. GARLAND. - -"_To the Rev. John Early_." - - -FROM M. P. PARKS. - -PETERSBURG, VA., _April 3, 1832_. - -"REV. AND DEAR SIR: I hereby acknowledge the receipt of your official -letter informing me of my election to the professorship of mathematics -in Randolph-Macon College. My answer has been delayed until the present -that I might have an opportunity of consulting the Virginia Conference, -of which I am a member, before replying definitely to your -communication. The Conference at its last session having advised me to -the acceptance of the professorship tendered, it is hereby accepted. And -in accepting it, which I cannot do but with diffidence, in view of the -important duties and high responsibilities therewith connected, I beg -that you will present to the Board of Trustees my acknowledgements for -the favorable light in which they have been pleased to view my -qualifications for the department to which I am called. - -"For the institution now growing under their auspices I cherish the -warmest regard, and so far as devotion to its interests can ensure -success, I hope not altogether to disappoint the expectations of the -Board. More, it is presumed, need not be promised; less could not be -required. Offering through you to the Board my most Christian regards, I -have the pleasure to subscribe myself, dear sir, - -"Very respectfully yours, - -"M. P. PARKS." - - -Dr. John Emory was subsequently elected Bishop of the Methodist -Episcopal Church, and was one of the most honored and beloved Bishops -that church ever had. It was soon called to mourn his sudden and -untimely death, which occurred while he was in the prime of life and in -the height of a most useful career. His name is made honorable by its -association with two colleges of the church--Emory College, Oxford, -Georgia, founded in 1837, and Emory and Henry College, Virginia, founded -1838. - -His son, Rev. Robert Emory, was subsequently president of Dickinson -College, Pennsylvania, and was most highly esteemed by the church. His -name is known and repeated to this day as the christian name of children -whose fathers were under his care and tutelage at Dickinson College. - -At this meeting the Board found the Preparatory School in operation. It -had been opened in January, 1832. The first principal, Rev. Lorenzo Lea, -A. M., was not able to take charge of it promptly because of a -previous engagement at Chapel Hill University, North Carolina. He did -commence his work, however, early in the year. His place was temporarily -supplied by Mr. Hugh A. Garland, brother of Prof. Landon C. Garland, a -graduate of Hampden-Sidney College, who afterwards was clerk of the -House of Representatives of the United States, and the author of "The -Life of John Randolph, of Roanoke." - -The Preparatory School had during the first term a patronage of -thirty-eight. The Board ordered for this School an assistant teacher. - -In order to extend the influence and patronage of the College, the Board -took steps to secure the cooperation of the Georgia Conference of the -Methodist Episcopal Church, offering a representation on the Board of -such as should be nominated to it by the Conference. - - -SIXTH MEETING OF THE BOARD, JULY 4, 1832. - -Rev. Martin P. Parks, professor-elect, requested by the Board at its -last meeting, appeared and delivered "a learned, eloquent, and patriotic -address" before the Board and the public. - -The same gentleman, who had been appointed by the Board to visit the -South Carolina Conference to invite their cooperation in the College -enterprise, made a report of his mission, and laid before the Board the -response of the Conference, which was as follows: "The committee to whom -was referred the address and resolutions of the Board of Trustees of -Randolph-Macon College, report: - -"That they have had the same under consideration, and been favored With -an interview With the esteemed agent of the Board, Brother Parks, and -from all that has been presented to them, and which they have duly -weighed and examined respecting the College, have come unanimously to -the conclusion that the Conference ought to regard it with favor, and -accordingly do recommend the following resolutions: - -"_Resolved_, That the establishment of a well-endowed college, purely -literary and scientific, in a desirable place in the Southern Atlantic -States, and under the direction and control of a Faculty and Board of -Trustees, consisting, and perpetually to consist, of members and friends -of our church, is an object of first importance, vitally interesting to -our Zion, and deserving of the best wishes and assistance of all our -friends. - -"_Resolved_, That Randolph-Macon College, of Virginia, instituted under -an ample charter, of the State of Virginia, and now shortly to be opened -under the auspices of the Virginia Conference, possesses every -reasonable prospect of soon becoming in all respects all that the -friends of literature and religion, and those of our own church, -especially, could desire, and is entitled to, and ought to receive, the -preference and patronage of this Conference. - -"_Resolved_, That we earnestly recommend the Randolph-Macon College -aforesaid to all our brethren and friends of the South Carolina -Conference, and will cordially receive an agent and second his efforts -when such an one shall be sent to solicit aid for the College. - -"_Resolved_, That we accept a share in the supervision of the College -approved by the Board of Trustees, and nominate six suitable persons of -the ministry and membership of the church indifferently within our -Conference limits to be elected into the Board of Trustees on our -behalf. - -"All of which is respectfully submitted. - -"(Signed) W. CAPERS, _Chairman_. - -"On motion, it was resolved unanimously that the above report he -adopted. - -"The Conference then proceeded to nominate the following Trustees, viz.: -Col. Thomas Williams, Major Alexander Speed, Rev. Dr. William Capers, -Rev. Wm. M. Kennedy, Rev. William M. Wightman, and Rev. William Holmes -Ellison. - -"Teste: WILLIAM M. WIGHTMAN, - -"_Secretary_. - -"DARLINGTON, S. C., _January 30, 1832_." - -The above nominees of the South Carolina Conference were elected members -of the Board. - -George W. Jeffries, of North Carolina, was elected a trustee in place of -John Nuttall, deceased. - -The Baltimore Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church was invited -to unite and co-operate with the Board on the same terms and conditions -offered the Georgia Conference. An agent was appointed to visit these -Conferences in order to secure their co-operation. John Early was -appointed to visit them. - -The Holston Conference was likewise invited to cooperate with the Board, -and Rev. William Hammett was appointed to visit that Conference. - -The Finance Committee reported the receipts and expenditures to date, as -follows: - - Receipts, . . . . . . $11,350 02 - Expenditures,. . . . . 10,516 26 - Balance on hand, . . . . $833 76 - -Appropriations for the first year (including salaries of agents of the -College, $300), $4,500. - -A steward for the Boarding Hall was elected. The price of board of -students was fixed at six dollars per month at the Steward's Hall. - -On motion of Rev. William Hammett, Rev. Stephen Olin, of Franklin -College, Georgia, was unanimously elected President of the College. - -It was ordered that the College be opened for students on October 9, -1832. - -Prof. Edward Dromgoole Sims, A. M., of LaGrange College, Alabama, was -elected Professor of Languages. - -Dr. Olin and Prof. Sims subsequently accepted the positions to which -they were elected. Their letters of acceptance were as follows: - -"_Rev. John Early_, - -"DEAR SIR: I hereby announce to you, and through you to the Trustees of -Randolph-Macon College, that I accept the presidency of that -institution, as conferred upon me in July, 1832. I design to resign my -professorship in Franklin College as early as I can, consistently with -duty and propriety, and hope to be at Randolph-Macon at least as early -as the next commencement. - -"Yours very respectfully, - -"S. OLIN. - -"ATHENS, GA., _January 9, 1833_." - - -"LAGRANGE, ALA., _August 7, 1832_. - -"DEAR SIR: Your letter communicating the result of the late election of -officers for Randolph-Macon College was received eight or ten days ago. - -"In relation to the Professorship of Languages, to which the Trustees -have done me the honor to invite me, I have to say: In a previous letter -to you on this subject entire freedom to accept or decline was reserved -by me until I could procure more satisfactory information from Brother -Paine concerning the prospects of the institution. At this time there -exists no objection in my mind, and accordingly I now make known to you, -with pleasure, my acceptance of the appointment, and desire you to -communicate the same to the Board of Trustees. - -"Please accept for yourself and them my sincere regard and best wishes. - -"With brotherly love, ED. D. SIMS. - -"REV. JOHN EARLY" - - -The acceptance of Dr. Olin completed the Faculty, when it came, several -months after the College was opened. Rev. M. P. Parks, professor-elect, -acted as president until Dr. Olin entered on his duties. The first Board -of Instruction was as follows: - -Rev. Stephen Olin, A. M., D. D. (Middlebury College, Vermont), President -and Professor of Moral Science. - -Rev. Martin P. Parks, graduate West Point Academy, Professor of -Mathematics. - -Landon C. Garland, A. M., Hampden-Sidney College, Virginia, Professor of -Natural Science. - -Rev. Edward D. Sims, A. M., Chapel Hill (N. C. University), Professor -of Languages. - -Rev. Lorenzo Lea, A. B., Chapel Hill (N. C. University), Principal of -Preparatory School. - -It will be appropriate and interesting to give sketches at this point of -the men composing this first Faculty of the oldest Methodist College now -in existence in America by date of incorporation; not simply on that -account, but because they were mostly men of great ability, and made -their mark on the times in which they lived in a way and to an extent -that few others, if any, have ever done in the South. - -Dr. Stephen Olin was a native of Vermont, as was Dr. Wilbur Fisk, who, -contemporaneously with him, was moving on a parallel line at the -Wesleyan University, in Connecticut. These names, Olin and Fisk, the -Church, and the alumni of the colleges they presided over will never let -die. Wherever the initials "S. O." and "W. F." are seen in any -catalogue, it will be readily understood that they respectively stand -for these names, and they are common now, over a half-century after the -principals ceased to live. - -President Olin was a graduate of Middlebury College, Vermont. He took -the first honor in his class. From too much confinement and over-study -his health gave way. On this account he went to South Carolina, and took -charge of an academy at Cokesbury. - -He was fortunate in casting his lot in a very religious community, whose -leading men, patrons of the academy, were pious Methodists. He had had -no acquaintance with Methodists. He was not only not a Christian, but he -had been much troubled in his religious belief, and was inclined to he -skeptical. His views were changed by reading Butler's _Analogy_ and -Paley's _Evidences_. - -It was the rule and custom at the Cokesbury Academy to open the school -with the reading of the Scriptures and prayer. This requirement he had -to carry out. One day while engaged in prayer he was powerfully -convicted, and immediately sought pardon, and found peace in believing. -Very soon afterwards he felt called to preach, and entered the ministry, -and after a few years he joined the Conference, and was appointed to a -church in Charleston, S. C. His health, however, allowed him to remain -but a short time in the itinerancy. He accepted a professorship in -Franklin College, Athens, Ga., at which institution he remained till he -left to become President of Randolph-Macon College. - -[Illustration: REV. STEPHEN OLIN, D. D., _First President of -Randolph-Macon College._] - -Rev. Solomon Lea, who was associated with Dr. Olin during his presidency -at Randolph-Macon, gives the following points in regard to him: - -"In his physique he had large frame and limbs, but was well -proportioned. He had dreamy eyes and sallow complexion, indicating deep -affliction. He never saw a well day, and yet he faithfully attended to -all his duties. I have heard it said that he thanked God for his -affliction. Like Paul he could glory in his affliction. He preached but -seldom on account of his health. I shall never forget his sermons. The -impression made by them seemed to follow me day and night for weeks and -months. His style and manner were peculiar, differing from any other man -I ever heard. His language was simple, pure English, free from -technicalities and pompous words. His manner rather labored, not from -loudness of voice, nor from gesticulation, but his profound thoughts -elaborated in his giant mind seemed to struggle for utterance. There was -no attempt at what is called eloquence. I have heard most of the great -preachers of the day, some of them yery great, but I never heard the -equal of Olin." - -Rev. Leroy M. Lee, D. D., long a member of the Virginia Conference, and -editor of the Conference paper, said of Dr. Olin: "He was the only truly -great man I have ever seen of whom I do not feel constrained to say, on -analyzing his character, - -"'Tis distance lends enchantment to the view.'" - -Rev. W. M. Lewis, D. D., of Missouri, who spent several years of college -life under him, said of him: "He was of large and majestic form, a -physical and intellectual giant, a paragon of moral and religious -excellence, a perfect model of a Christian gentleman and scholar and -pulpit orator. In my opinion the church has never had a better or -greater man." - -Rev. W. B. Rowzie, long connected with the College as Financial Agent -and also as Chaplain, said: "He was a genial companion. No one could he -in his society without feeling that he was in the company of one of the -first men of the age, and yet he was modest and unassuming, as if -unconscious of his greatness." - -Dr. John E. Edwards, who visited the College frequently in its early -history, wrote: "Dr. Olin's personal appearance impressed me as no other -man ever impressed me. The Greeks would have deified him as a god." - -W. F. Samford, LL. D., of Alabama, who graduated at Randolph-Macon -College in June, 1837, wrote: "Physically, intellectually and morally, -Stephen Olin was a giant--as veritable a one as Og, king of Bashan. He -might well rank with the 'mighty men who were of old, men of renown' -_facile princeps_ among all the great men I have ever known. The -etymology of this word, by which I have designated him, _gigas_, suggests -its appropriateness--a man of violence and terror. Without the -restraints of divine grace his passions were volcanic, his ambition -boundless. He once told me that before his conversion to Christianity he -'would have bartered a crown in heaven for a seat in Congress.' How -humble, how patient, how loving he became as a disciple of Christ! -'Great, humble man!' exclaimed Dr. Leroy Lee, of Virginia, when he met -him at the Conference in Lynchburg in 1835. Olin had disclosed his whole -heart to Lee in a rebuke which he administered to him for a display of -untempered zeal in a debate on the Conference floor--'What business have -you with any feelings in the matter? A man of God should be gentle and -easy to be entreated.'" - -It may be thought that the estimates of Dr. Olin above given were -partial, and hence not fully reliable. It is proper, therefore, to give -the opinion of Rev. Theo. L. Cuyler, D. D., one of the most -distinguished ministers of the Presbyterian Church, and one of the best -writers of the present century. He speaks of him as President of -Wesleyan University, Connecticut, about ten years after he left -Randolph-Macon: - -"In physical, mental, and spiritual stature combined, no Methodist in -the last generation towered above Dr. Stephen Olin. He was a great -writer, a great educator, and preeminently a great preacher of the -glorious gospel. During the summer of 1845, While I was a student for -the ministry, I spent some time at Middletown, Conn. Dr. Olin was then -the President of the Wesleyan University, and was at the height of his -fame and usefulness. Like all great men, he was very simple and -unassuming in his manners; with his grand, logical head was coupled a -warm, loving heart. When his emotional nature was once kindled it was -like a Pennsylvania anthracite coal-mine on fire. These qualities of -argumentative power and intense spiritual zeal combined made him a -tremendous preacher. No one doubted that Stephen Olin had the baptism of -the Holy Spirit. - -"In physical stature he was a king of men; above six feet in height, he -had a broad, gigantic frame and a lofty brow that resembled the brow of -Daniel Webster. The congregation of the principal Methodist Church in -Middletown always knew when Dr. Olin was going to preach; for the astral -lamps were moved off the pulpit to prevent their being smashed by the -sweep of his long arms. He was a vehement speaker, and threw his whole -man, from head to foot, into the tide of his impassioned oratory. In the -blending of logical power with heat of spiritual feeling and vigor of -declamation, he was unsurpassed by any American preacher of his time. -His printed discourses read well, but they lack the electricity of the -moment and the man. Thunder and lightning must be heard and seen: they -cannot be transferred to paper. As I recall Olin now (after the lapse of -five and forty years); as I see him again in the full flow of his -majestic eloquence, or when surrounded by his students in the -class-room, I do not wonder that the Middletown boys were ready to pit -him against any president or any preacher on the American soil. There -are old graduates of the University yet living who delight to think of -him and to speak of him, and to assert that - - "'Whoso had beheld him then. - Had felt an awe and admiration without dread; - And might have said, - That sure he seemed to be the king of men. - Less than the greatest that he could not be - Who carried in his port such might and majesty.' - -"In August, 1851, I paid a visit to Professor Smith, whose wife was my -kinswoman, and on my arrival I learned that the President of the -University was dangerously ill. The next morning my host startled me -with the announcement, 'Dr. Olin is dead!' He had fallen at the age of -fifty-four, when he was just in his splendid prime. There was great -mourning for him throughout the whole Methodist realm, for he was a -prince in their Israel, who held an imperial rank above any of his -contemporaries. He took a large life with him when he went home to -heaven; and valuable as were his writings, yet his imposing personality -was greater than any of his published productions." - -Rev. Martin P. Parks, Professor of Mathematics, acted as President of -the College from its opening session, in October, 1832, until Dr. Olin -took the place, March, 1834. He was a minister in North Carolina when -elected professor. He had been educated at the United States Military -Academy at West Point, New York, where mathematics was taught more -thoroughly than at other schools of that day. He was a brilliant -preacher, and on that account he was put forward frequently, like his -contemporaries, Hammett and Maffitt, to advance the enterprises of the -church. Of his administration of the College not much can be said. His -military education had much to do with making the laws exacting and -minute. Rev. Solomon Lea (quoted above) said of Professor Parks: - -"Professor Parks was a great and good man, a fine preacher, was of a -sad, morose temperament, arising, no doubt, mainly from his physical -condition, as he was a great dyspeptic, and the most nervous person I -ever met. He could not bear the crowing of a rooster or the bleating of -a calf; this, together with other considerations, had the tendency to -make him suspicious, cold, and envious, so much so that Dr. Olin -remarked to me that he had to go often once a month to Parks' house, -read a portion of the Bible, and then pray together, and part with -expressions of mutual love and kind feelings. This was often done by Dr. -Olin. Poor Brother Parks, great and good man as he was (for I never -doubted his piety), finally yielded so much to his temperament and -jealous feelings as to resign his position, withdrew from the Methodist -Church, and joined the Episcopalians." - -Professor Landon Cabell Garland, first professor of Natural Philosophy, -Chemistry and Geology, was a native of Nelson county, Va., of which his -father was the clerk. He was born March 24, 1810. At the age of nineteen -he took his degree of A. B. at Hampden-Sidney College, Virginia. -Immediately afterward he was elected to the chair of Chemistry at -Washington College, Lexington, Va., where he continued till October, -1832, when he took charge of the same chair at Randolph-Macon. Bishop -Fitzgerald, in _Eminent Methodists_, says of him: "His change from -Washington College to Randolph-Macon was characteristic of Dr. Garland. -There was more money in the one place, but more usefulness in the other. -He was a Methodist, and he felt that Methodism had a paramount claim to -his services." This was indicated clearly in his letter of acceptance of -the place. Few men ever filled chairs at two colleges at an age just -past twenty-one. This will indicate what estimate was placed on him at -so early an age, and what was proven in this case to have been fully -correct, by his long service of sixty-five years as an educator. Nothing -but a most natural and remarkable modesty prevented him from becoming as -conspicuous as he was well entitled to be, unless it was that he spent -his long life in the South, the Nazareth of the nation, out of which few -"prophets can come," if we judge by _The Cyclopedia of Biography_, which -side-tracks such men as Garland and Duncan, whose names will shine -"forever and ever" when thousands of those given in full, with -portraits, shall have been forgotten, as if they never had lived. - -If a man could be too modest and retiring Dr. Garland was such a man. -Notwithstanding this, he lived to become President of Randolph-Macon -College from 1836, after Dr. Olin left, till 1847, then Professor and -President of the University of Alabama, Professor in the University of -Mississippi, and finally Chancellor of the Vanderbilt University at -Nashville, Tenn. In all these high places he influenced for good -hundreds of young men whose praise is in all the churches and homes of -the land. When he died, in 1895, these multiplied hundreds rose up and -"called him blessed." If Virginia ever gave birth to a man who did more -real service to the manhood of the South, his name and place would be -hard to find. - -Prof. Edward Dromgoole Sims was born in Brunswick county, Va., March 24, -1805. He was the grandson of Rev. Edward Dromgoole, one of the pioneer -Methodist preachers in the State of Virginia, and one of the trustees -appointed by Bishop Asbury for Ebenezer Academy, before referred to as -the first Methodist school of its kind in the State.* He was a man of -talents and great influence, and a member of the original Virginia -Conference. One of his sons, George C. Dromgoole, was a member of -Congress for many years, and was probably the most talented and -influential member of the Virginia delegation in his day. - -* This school was established in 1796, instead of 1786, as the -Records of Brunswick County, recently found, show. - -Prof. Sims took his A. B. degree at the University of North Carolina in -1824, and his A. M. degree in 1827, and was a tutor at that University -for three years. He was a Professor at LaGrange College, Alabama, at the -time he was elected Professor at Randolph-Macon. Like Dr. Olin his -personal appearance was very marked. He was a man of great dignity and -gentlemanly manner, and a most devoted Christian. Though not endowed by -nature with the mental power of others of his associates, he -nevertheless, by industrious application, became a fine scholar and a -model professor. He was the originator of the "English Course" in -colleges, of which more will be said further on. His department embraced -the "Ancient Languages." - -The Preparatory Department was under the control of Rev. Lorenzo Lea, an -A. M. of the University of North Carolina, and a native of North -Carolina. His contemporaries spoke well of him as a man of fine -accomplishments and skill as a teacher. He also had been a tutor at his -_Alma Mater_. - -Thus equipped, Randolph-Macon College entered on its career--a career -full of unforeseen trials and difficulties. It was to a great extent a -new experiment, and the great need of the College, without which few, if -any, have ever lived beyond a sickly existence, that is, a proper -endowment, was a _desideratum_ unprovided for at this time. The funds -on hand and subscriptions did not suffice to supply the buildings -necessary and other outfit. Other colleges of the Methodist Church in -distant States had entered on the same course. They had gone down or -were soon to go down. This one now to be launched, under the good -providence and blessing of God, was to survive the chill of poverty and -the disasters of war--cast down often, but not destroyed. After over a -half-century of struggle it was to anchor in a safe haven. Hope kindly -blinded the eyes of those who launched the ship and prophesied a -prosperous voyage. Faith sowed in tears ofttimes, and after many days -gathered in the precious harvest. It was to be indeed _Alma Mater_ to -many sons, and daughters, too, and a mother of many other Methodist -colleges, blessing every State in the South, some of them surpassing in -outfit and endowment the mother. As a loving mother rejoices with and in -her daughters, so does Randolph-Macon rejoice in the colleges of the -church she has lived to see grow and flourish. - -Before proceeding further, let us look at the location and outfit of the -College at the opening day. - -The first College building erected stood on gently rising ground, one -mile west of the village of Boydton, in the centre of what had been a -race-track. On the north was an "old field," once cultivated, but now -partially covered with pine and broom-sedge, a part seamed with gulleys. -One splendid sweet-gum tree fronted the west wing. On the south there -were small oaks of second growth, just large enough to furnish partial -shade. Outside of the campus further on were thickets on both sides of -the avenue leading to the Clarksville road. The campus contained about -four acres, and was enclosed by a heavy wooden fence. The style of the -building is shown on the opposite page. - -[Illustration: RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE. _Main Building, 1832._] - -The centre building contained the chapel on the north side--a room about -fifty-two feet by thirty-two, with galleries on all sides but one. The -other parts of this building were arranged for lecture-rooms, laboratory -and halls for the literary societies. The wings of the centre building -contained each twenty-four dormitories, each large enough for two -occupants. Until the Professors' houses were built there was not a -dwelling-house nearer than Boydton. Soon after the College was built, an -avenue was opened from it to Boydton, bringing the College building and -the village in sight of each other. Clarksville, a town of some -importance in the tobacco trade, was twelve miles distant. Here was a -bank and mercantile and tobacco houses. - -The country around was such as was usual in the uplands of South-side -Virginia, fairly productive of tobacco and grain. Petersburg was the -nearest town of much size. To this town, about seventy miles away, much -of the products of the country was wagoned over a dirt road, -indifferently good in some seasons and almost impassible in others. The -people around the College were kind and hospitable, representative of -old Virginia in those days, not Methodist particularly in their -persuasion; the more wealthy inclined to the Episcopal Church. There -was an old Methodist Church in Boydton, but after the College was built -the chapel became the worshipping place for the Methodists of the -community. - -The Preparatory School, a building containing two school-rooms, stood -about a mile away from the College. The "Steward's Hall," a two-story -brick building, fronted the College building on the north, intended to -afford board for the students. In "old Virginia" style, this was several -hundred yards distant from the College building. - -The President's house stood about the same distance away. It was a plain -brick building of one story. To the south and southwest other -professors' houses were located, all with a sufficiency of land for -gardens and lawns. - -"The Hotel" was built soon after the College was opened, about a quarter -of a mile to the south, on the Clarksville road. This had about a dozen -rooms in it, and was intended mainly for the boys at the Preparatory -School and to accommodate visitors. - -It will be seen that the Building Committee had much to do before -suitable accommodations could be provided for the professors and -students. That many mistakes were made in this work, and in the location -of the buildings and other matters, was not to be wondered at. They were -the result of inexperience in the men in charge, not of any want of good -intention and effort on their part. When it is considered that all the -lumber for the buildings had to be sawed by the old-fashioned "pit-saw," -and much of the other material had to be wagoned for seventy miles, we -must not wonder that two years were consumed in bringing the buildings -to partial completion. - -As the buildings stood when completed, they were as good as those of any -other college in the State had, and possibly better. The University of -Virginia, opened in 1825, had better and more extensive ones. - -The regular exercises of the College proper commenced on the day -appointed, October 9th, 1832, Prof. M. P. Parks acting as President, in -the absence of President Olin. - -If any account of the opening-day exercises were published it has not -come down to us. The first schedule of expenses was as follows: - - Tuition fee for session of ten months, . . . . $30 00 - Board (meals only), . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 00 - Bedding and washing, . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 00 - Fuel,. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 00 - Lights,. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 00 - Deposit fee, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 00 - Total, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$120 00 - -The first meeting of the Board of Trustees after the opening was held -February 5, 1833. - -At this meeting the following communication from the Georgia Conference -Was received: - -"LAGRANGE, Ga. - -"We feel a deep interest in the success of Randolph-Macon College. We -have full confidence in its moral and literary character and prospects, -and we will recommend it to the patronage of all who may be disposed to -send their sons or wards beyond the limits of the State to be educated. - -"We will appoint four Trustees agreeable to the proposal made by Brother -Early, the Agent of the College, who visited us. Whereupon the -Conference nominated the Rev. Ignatius Few and Rev. Lovick Pierce, -members of the Conference, and Seaborn Jones and John C. Poythress, -Esquires, for that purpose. - -"_Resolved_, That the Trustees of Randolph-Macon College be invited -through their representative, the Rev. John Early, to send an agent, -whenever they may judge it most suitable, to obtain donations within the -Conference in aid of the institution; and that Brother Early be, and he -is hereby, invited to take up contributions. - -"(Signed) JNO. HOWARD, - -"_Sec'y Georgia Conference_." - -The nominees named above were elected Trustees of the College. - -Rev. I. A. Few and Rev. L. Pierce were, by resolution of the Board, -requested to act as agents for the College in the Boards of the Georgia -Conference for securing funds for the College. - -Rev. Robert G. Loving, A. B., was elected assistant teacher in the -Preparatory School. - -Rev. John Early was appointed Agent for the College in the place of Rev. -H. G. Leigh, resigned, and Rev. W. A. Smith was appointed Assistant -Agent in place of Rev. William Hammett who had signified his intention -to resign. - -The salary of President Olin was fixed at $1,500. - -The first report of the Faculty, made through its Secretary, Prof. -Garland, gave the following points of interest: - -Though the session opened under many difficulties and embarrassments, -with buildings not entirely completed, still great satisfaction was -expressed at the success attained, and at the spirit and character of -the students who attended the first term. A number of these were from -the States of North and South Carolina and Georgia. The progress made -in the College course had been marked and satisfactory. The main -drawback had been in some cases a want of preparation for the course. - -The Faculty made a strong appeal for apparatus for the Natural Science -Department and for a library. In response to this appeal, the Board made -an appropriation of $2,600 to the former and $1,000 to the latter. - -The first session closed July 4, 1833. At the close Rev. William M. -Wightman, one of the trustees from South Carolina, delivered the first -literary address before the students and the public, at the request of -the Washington Literary Society. This Society had been organized -February, 1833. As it has been one of the main features of the College, -along with its sister society, the Franklin, it will be interesting to -give the names of its officers and members from the original records: - - _President_, ROBERT T. MARSHALL, Virginia. - _Vice-President_, THOMAS ADAMS, Virginia. - _Secretary_, JOHN G. PARKS, Virginia. - _Treasurer_, ADDISON LEA, North Carolina. - _Collector_, ISAAC C. CROFT, South Carolina. - _Censor_, J. G. BANKS, Virginia. - -_Members_. - - ADAMS, R. E. G., . . . . Va. - BAIRD, CHARLES W., . . . Va. - BLACKWELL, THOMAS, . . . Va. - COLEMAN, J. J., . . . . Va. - GOODE, ROBERT S., . . . Va. - HAMLIN, JOHN F., . . . . Va. - INGRAM, ROBT. M., . . . N. C. - ISBELL, THOMAS M., . . . Va. - JONES, JAMES R., . . . . Va. - JONES, ROBERT T., . . . Va. - PRICE, NATHANIEL S., . . Va. - SOMERVILLE, R. B., . . . N. C. - SMITH, WILLIAM B., . . . Va. - TUCKER, JOHN E., . . . . Va. - WATKINS, J. W.,. . . . . Va. - WILLIAMSON, JAMES J.,. . Va. - WILLIAMS, JAMES M.,. . . Va. - WINFIELD, JOHN O., . . . Va. - WINFIELD, W. S., . . . . Va. - -Immediately after the organization the following were introduced and -made members: - - BLAIN, GEO. W.,. . . . . Va. - BURNEY, JAMES, . . . . . N. C. - CALDWELL, JOHN H., . . . N. C. - CUTLER, ROBERT E., . . . Va. - DORRELL, AUGUSTUS, . . . S. C. - DRINKARD, W. R., . . . . Va. - DU PRE, WARREN,. . . . . S. C. - GAYLE, ALEX. T., . . . . Va. - GUNN, ALLEN M.,. . . . . N. C. - JENNINGS, JONA. B.,. . . S. C. - LYNCH, MONTGOMERY, . . . Va. - OWEN, WASHINGTON A., . . Va. - PERKINS, J. Q. A., . . . N. C. - STEWART, THEO.,. . . . . Ga. - STRATTON, R. B., . . . . Va. - -To this Society was assigned the northeast room on the fourth floor of -the centre building. One of the first acts of the Society was the -formation of a library, which rapidly increased, and in ten years -numbered two thousand volumes. - -Not only did the society rapidly accumulate a library, but the hall was -fitted up with a beautiful rostrum, president's chair, etc. A full -length portrait of Washington was purchased, which to this day is the -chief ornament of the hall. - -Professor Warren Du Pre, class of 1836, one of the original members, who -was a member when this portrait was bought, wrote an account of the -inauguration of it to the author, which is worthy of preservation. - - -"MARTHA WASHINGTON COLLEGE, - -"ABINGDON, VA., _May 30 1877_. - -"MY DEAR OLD COLLEGE FRIEND: I have forgotten the name of the artist, a -rising young man in New York, who copied it from a painting belonging to -a wealthy gentleman of that city. Dr. Olin was on a visit to New York, -and we put the matter in his hands. The artist was very highly -recommended to him by good judges. His price was $600, but when -informed by Dr. Olin that it was for a college literary society, he -agreed to deduct one half. The frame, I think, cost $60, and freight -about $20, making a total of $380. - -"Dr. Olin scolded us for our extravagance, but when the portrait was -finished, moderated his wrath. The amount was raised by subscription, -altogether, among the members of the society--we numbered then over -sixty members, as well as I can recollect. I. C. Croft and myself were -on the committee, with one other, probably, J. O. Wingfield. - -"When the portrait arrived and was placed in the hall, old John -Blackwell, with his _horse-collar_ legs (as Croft called them) was -appointed to unveil it and make a speech. This he did in his peculiar -style; and I think Old George was pleased with the eulogy delivered on -him. - -"Yours truly, - -"WARREN DU PRE." - -Rev. John Early, who had been appointed to visit the Baltimore Annual -Conference of the M. E. Church, reported to the Board that the -Conference had declined to cooperate in the College enterprise, with -kind expressions of interest in it. Dickinson College had recently been -made a Methodist College, and the Conference preferred to patronize -that, it being more accessible to their people. - -The charter of the College having been amended, so that a president of -the Board could be elected by that body, Rev. John Early was elected -President. - -The following resolution was unanimously adopted by the Board: - -"The Board take great pleasure in giving a cordial expression of their -thanks to the Faculty of this institution for the very able and faithful -manner in which they have discharged the duties of their several -stations. We consider them as having acted on the great principles on -which the College was founded, and upon the continuance of which its -prosperity in the future depends; and we have full confidence in their -ability and disposition to support these principles in their future -administration, and they are therefore worthy of the same confidence -from the numerous friends and patrons of the College and the warm -affection of the young gentlemen who may be placed under their care. - -"It is the pleasure of the Board that these resolutions be read to the -students of the College." - -The second session of the College opened September 4, 1833, under -favorable circumstances. A laboratory and library had been purchased, -and the latter had been increased by donations. Bishop J. O. Andrew had -donated forty-three volumes, and Judge A. B. Longstreet thirty. - -A few days after the session opened another literary society was formed. -It was first styled the Union Literary Society, but on the 7th of -September, at the next meeting, the name was changed to Franklin. At the -organization George Stewart, of Georgia, presided, and William C. -Knight, of Virginia, acted as secretary. The following constituted its -first regular organization: - - _President_, JAMES L. BROWN, Virginia. - _Vice-President_, JOHN A. TALLEY, Virginia. - _Secretary_, GEORGE STEWART, Georgia. - _Treasurer_, THOMAS S. JACOCKS, North Carolina. - _Collector_, JOSEPH B. PANNILL, Virginia. - _Censor_, FRANCIS W. BOYD, Virginia. - -_Members_. - - BATTE, W. C.,. . . . . . Va. - BETTS, WILLIAM S., . . . Va. - BLAKE, CHARLES H., . . . Va. - BLAND, WILLIAM R., . . . Va. - BLUNT, WALTER F.,. . . . Va. - BOISSEAU, GEORGE F., . . Va. - CARROLL, JAMES . . . . . Va. - CLAIBORNE, FIELD,. . . . Va. - CLEGG, BAXTER, . . . . . N. C. - CLEMMONS, JUNIUS L., . . N. C. - DAVIS, ARTHUR, . . . . . Va. - DORTCH, ISAAC F.,. . . . N. C. - DRINKARD, WILLIAM R.,. . Va. - EVANS, AUGUSTUS C.,. . . N. C. - HICKS, BENJAMIN L.,. . . Va. - HITE, BENJAMIN W., . . . Va. - JEFFRESS, LUTHER C., . . Va. - JONES, ALBERT C.,. . . . Va. - JONES, AMOS W.,. . . . . N. C. - JONES, JOHN J.,. . . . . N. C. - JONES, JOSEPH S.,. . . . N. C. - KNIGHT, WILLIAM C.,. . . Va. - MULLEN, FRANCES N.,. . . N. C. - OLDS, LEWIS P.,. . . . . N. C. - PERKINS, NATHAN, . . . . N. C. - ROSE, GARLAND, . . . . . Va. - STEDMAN, EDWARD, . . . . N. C. - STOCKWELL, JOHN M.,. . . Va. - TILLETT, JOHN, . . . . . N. C. - WILLIAMS, SOLOMON P.,. . N. C. - -[Illustration: [Uncaptioned portrait of William C. Knight, inscribed -"Yours truly, W.C. Knight."]] - -The Franklin Hall was immediately under the Washington, on the third -story. The rivalry between these societies was from the first strong, -but regulated by conventional rules. The membership took in every -student in the College at the beginning and for many years afterwards. -There was only one from Georgia for many years a member of the -Washington Society, and no one from South Carolina was ever a member of -the Franklin. Students from the other States were divided about -equally. Robert E. Cutler, of Virginia, gave tone to the oratorical -style of the Washington, and William F. Samford, of Georgia, to the -Franklin. The difference was thought to be observable for thirty years, -until the year the societies were temporarily disbanded. - -No catalogue of students was published in the early years of the -College. The only publication made was "_The Charter and Laws of -Randolph-Macon College, with the Names of the Trustees and Faculty, and -the Course of Studies_. Richmond: Printed by Nesbitt & Walker. 1833." -This prescribed four courses in the College, viz., Languages (Latin and -Greek), Mathematics, Natural Science, and Ethics. Upon the completion of -these four courses the degree of _Bachelor of Arts_ was conferred by the -Trustees, on the recommendation of the Faculty. No A. M. degree course -was prescribed, but all A. B. men could claim A. M. degrees who could -show that they had continued their studies or pursued courses of -professional study for three years. - -Dr. Stephen Olin, president-elect, gave up his place at Franklin -College, Georgia, December, 1833, and made his preparations to take the -presidency at Randolph-Macon. Of this move he wrote Bishop I. O. Andrew: - -"Upon the whole, I trust the hand of God is in these indications, and -that our church will see and obey it. My vocation may have given a wrong -bias to my views, but I must regard the subject of education as the -highest after the living ministry; nor do I believe it possible for our -church to maintain its ground, to say nothing of its fulfilling its high -obligation to Christ and the world, without a great and immediate -reformation. I was never so convinced that we must educate our own youth -in our own schools, and there is no work to which I so desire to -consecrate myself." On his way to Virginia he visited the South Carolina -Conference at Charleston. Here he ably advocated the College and -secured a pledge from the Conference to endow a professorship, the first -we hear of endowment. The whole journey was made in his private -carriage, his wife accompanying him. To her he dictated his "Inaugural -Address," which she wrote out. Reaching the College after a long and -tedious journey, he delivered the address in the College chapel. This -address produced a profound impression on those who heard and on those -who read it. It was published in the journals of the day, and was highly -praised. Governor Tazewell said he had "never heard or read any similar -address of equal ability so well suited to such an occasion." It is well -worthy of republication in this history, but space will not permit. To -show its chief point, the following extracts are given: - -"In proportion as virtue is more valuable than knowledge, pure and -enlightened morality will be regarded by every considerate father the -highest recommendation of a literary institution. The youth is withdrawn -from the salutary restraints of parental influence and authority and -committed to other guardians at a time of life most decisive of his -prospects and destinies. The period devoted to education usually -impresses its own character upon all his future history. Vigilant -supervision, employment and seclusion from all facilities and -temptations to vice are the ordinary and essential securities which -every institution of learning is bound to provide for the sacred -interests which are committed to its charge. But safeguards and negative -provisions are not sufficient. The tendencies of our nature are -retrograde, and they call for the interposition of positive remedial -influences. The most perfect human society speedily degenerates if the -active agencies which were employed in its elevation are once withdrawn -or suspended. What, then, can be expected of inexperienced youth sent -forth from the atmosphere of domestic piety and left to the single -support of its own untested and unsettled principles in the midst of -circumstances which often prove fatal to the most practiced virtue! I -frankly confess that I see no safety but in the preaching of the cross -and in a clear and unfaltering exhibition of the doctrines and sanctions -of Christianity.... Christianity is our birthright. It is the richest -inheritance bequeathed us by our noble fathers. Are the guardians of -public education alone 'halting between two opinions'? Do they think -that, in fact and for practical purposes, the truth of Christianity is -still a debatable question? Is it still a question whether the -generations yet to rise up and occupy the wide domain of this great -empire, to be representatives of our name, our freedom, and our glory -before the nations of the earth, shall be a Christian or infidel people? -Can wise and practical men, who are engaged in rearing up a temple of -learning to form the character and destinies of their posterity, for a -moment hesitate to make 'Jesus Christ the chief corner-stone'?" - -When President Olin took charge of the College he found the system of -departments somewhat elective. This was changed on his recommendation, -to a curriculum of four classes, by the unanimous vote of the Faculty. - -At the annual meeting of the Board, June, 1834, an additional college -building was ordered to be built, a four story brick one, to contain -thirty-two dormitories, adjacent to the main building. This was to -supply rooms for the increased number of students. - -The salaries of full professors was fixed at $1,000. The following -resolution was adopted: - -"That whereas the South Carolina and Georgia Conferences have manifested -a deep interest in the permanent establishment of Randolph-Macon College -by each agreeing to raise a sum sufficient to endow a professorship, and -in consideration of which professorships they ask the privilege of -sending, perpetually, the former Conference five and the latter seven -students, to be educated free of tuition fees; and whereas we highly -appreciate the generous spirit of said Conferences, therefore we hereby -agree to receive ten from each of these Conferences free of tuition -fees." - -As further evidence of the interest felt by these Conferences, it was -noted that Rev. W. M. Wightman, of South Carolina, and Dr. Lovick Pierce -and Mr. E. Sinclair, of Georgia, attended the meeting of the Board at -this session. - -At the annual meeting held June, 1835, Professor E. D. Sims was granted -leave to visit Europe to prosecute the study of Modern Languages, and -particularly Anglo-Saxon and Gothic, preparatory to the more thorough -teaching of the English language. This, so far as we know, was the first -move made by any college in America, and marks an epoch in that -department. Prof. J. B. Henneman, in the _Sewanee Review_, in a sketch -of the teaching of English, in American colleges, gives the credit of -inaugurating the English course to Randolph-Macon College. - -A distinct and special effort was made at this meeting of the Board to -endow a professorship, and the President of the Board made a -subscription towards it of two hundred dollars. This was to be called -the Virginia Conference Scholarship. - -To fill the vacancy caused by Prof. Sims' absence in Europe, Rev. George -F. Pierce, of Georgia, was elected Professor of Languages. - -[Illustration: JOHN C. BLACKWELL, D. D., (A. B. 1835).] - -At this commencement the first degree of A. B. was conferred. The -recipient was John C. Blackwell, of Lunenburg county. He was a typical -alumnus, the leader of a great host that followed him, who lived to -bless the world by their example and teaching. Beginning his active life -after graduation as a tutor in Randolph-Macon College, he continued to -teach until he became enfeebled by age. He founded the "Hinton Hill -Academy" in his native county, and taught there for nine years. He was -then, in 1848, elected President of the "Buckingham Female Institute," a -school for girls, founded by the Virginia Annual Conference, one of the -best, as it was the first, built by the church, in the State. He was, -after this school was broken up by the war, made President of the -Petersburg Female College. This, too, was broken up by the war. After -the war he was elected Professor of Chemistry in Randolph-Macon College, -just prior to the removal of the College to Ashland. He closed a long -and useful life as President of the "Danville School for Young Ladies." -During all his active life he was a local minister of the Methodist -Episcopal church, and preached as he had opportunity. He received the -degree of Doctor of Divinity from his Alma Mater. The number of young -people brought into the church through his instruinentality have been -counted by the hundred. The first to receive a degree, he was the first -alumnus to have a son and a grandson to receive the same. He died -February 1, 1885. He was elected tutor in the College June, 1835. - -Changes had occurred during the year. Fisher A. Foster had been elected -Principal of the Preparatory School in place of Lorenzo Lea. Rev. Jno. -A. Miller and Rev. John Kerr had been elected assistant agents in place -of Rev. W. A. Smith and Rev. Thos. Crowder. The Treasurer, John W. -Lewis, had died during the year: Beverly Sydnor was elected in his -place. Bishop J. O. Andrew was elected a Trustee in place of Major -Speer, of South Carolina: Hugh A. Harland in place of J. W. Lewis, -deceased, and M. M. Dance in place of Green Penn, resigned. - -COLLEGE YEAR 1835-1836 - -This year was successful under the guidance of President Olin, who was -still in feeble health. - -[Illustration: REV. ALFRED T. MANN, A. B., D. D. _An Effective Minister -in the Georgia Conference Sixty Years Ago._] - -Prof. M. P. Parks resigned at the close of the session; Prof. Garland -was transferred from the chair of Natural Science to fill the vacancy -thus made. Robert Tolfree, of New York, took Prof. Garland's chair. Rev. -Mr. Tomlinson was elected to the chair of English Literature. - -The degree of A. B. was conferred June, 1836, on the following -graduates: John O. Winfield, Virginia; Addison Lea, North Carolina; -Robert S. Goode, Virginia; Charles W. Baird, Virginia; Alfred T. Mann, -Georgia; Thomas M. Isbell, Virginia. - -So feeble had the health of Dr. Olin become that he asked, in June, -1836, leave of absence to visit Europe, which was granted with great -reluctance by the Board. - -The following quotation from the _Life and Letters of President Olin_ is -given as a closing reference to his presidency. He saw the College for -the last time March, 1837: - -"The last Commencement at which Dr. Olin presided during his connection -with Randolph-Macon College was in June, 1836.... - -"The conviction grew upon him, from many unmistakable indications, that -his health must rapidly break up, unless a year or two of retirement -from intellectual labor and all kinds of mental excitement, and devoted -to foreign travel, should, under the blessing of God, restore him. The -return of cool weather in the autumn and approaching winter failed to -recruit his shattered nerves or restore his health. His course was then -at once decided on. After making several ineffectual efforts to have his -place supplied, he consented, at the earnest wish of the Board of -Trustees, to retain at least a formal connection with the College while -in Europe, leaving the future, then so uncertain, open to the -indications of Providence. To supply the vacancy in the Faculty, an -additional officer was elected, and Professor Garland was appointed -chairman of the Faculty and president _pro tempore_.... - -"The day of his departure came. His last interview with the Faculty was -very touching. He was too feeble to sit up, but, reclining on a couch, -he spent some half-hour in conversation respecting the affairs of the -College. He felt satisfied, from the lengthened experiment he had made, -that there was little or no hope of his being able to do efficient labor -in a Southern climate, even though his health might be improved somewhat -by his contemplated voyage. Although the Board of Trustees had declined -to accept his resignation, and had given him as long a furlough as the -exigencies of his health might require, yet he was persuaded that the -time of his final departure from Randolph-Macon had come. It was very -doubtful whether he should ever again see the face of any of his -colleagues. His parting words had all the tenderness and dignity of a -Christian who bowed with uncomplaining submission to the will of God--of -a philosopher who looked calmly at the future, whatever its developments -might be, whether bright or dark--of a friend who was about to carry -with him the warm attachments of a heart alive to every generous -sentiment and affectionate impulse. At the close of the interview his -brother officers, with moistened eyes, knelt around his couch, and -Professor Wightman, at his request, offered up a fervent prayer to the -throne of the heavenly mercy, that God would graciously preserve in his -holy keeping the life of their brother and friend, restore his health, -and bring him back to his native land, prepared for greater usefulness -than ever to the church and cause of Christ. - -"At the close of this affecting interview the doctor was supported to -his carriage, and left the College, never to see it again. His -presidency had been a brief but brilliant period in its fortunes. He had -manifested the highest adaptation to the responsible office which he -held there. His unrivaled judgment, his shining talents, his far-seeing -sagacity, his prudence in administration and firmness in government, his -masterly grasp of influence, wielded for the highest good of the young -men who came from far and near, attracted by the prestige of his name, -his genuine love of learning, and enthusiasm in communicating knowledge, -formed a combination of great qualities very rarely met with in men of -even the highest reputation. No student or graduate of the College who -enjoyed the benefits of a personal acquaintance with Dr. Olin will think -the foregoing estimate of his worth as a presiding officer strained or -overstated in the least particular." - -Professor Hardy, of La Grange College, Alabama, who was a student at -Randolph-Macon College during Dr. Olin's administration, has retained -the following distinct remembrances of him: - -"Dr. Olin left the College of Randolph-Macon in the spring of 1837, a -few months before the class of which I was a member took their first -degree. We waited on him in a body, and asked him to put his signature -to our diplomas, for we cherished for him a filial affection, and felt -that his name was indispensable. Many youthful hearts were sad the day -he left the College for his European tour. The students met in chapel, -adopted appropriate resolutions, and appointed two of their number to -attend him to the railroad, a distance of sixty miles. He was worn down -by disease, and we had no expectation of seeing his face again. He rode -in his carriage on a bed, and preferred to go with no one attending him -save his faithful, devoted wife. We bade him farewell, as children shake -the hand of their dying father, and we saw him no more." - -This was the marked event in the history of the College for the fifth -year, 1836-'37. - -Professor L. C. Garland was made President _pro tempore_. Rev. Mr. -Tomlinson having declined to accept the chair of English Literature, -Rev. William M. Wightman was elected to it, and accepted it. Professor -David Duncan was elected Professor of Languages in place of Rev. Geo. F. -Pierce who had declined to accept it. - -[Illustration: REV. W.M. WIGHTMAN, D. D.] - -Professor William M. Wightman was an alumnus of Charleston College, -South Carolina, and a member of the South Carolina Conference. He took -the chair of English Literature and Rhetoric which Professor E. D. Sims -was expected to fill after his return from Europe. He was a man of -decided talent and culture, and was in the prime of life, and well -fitted for the work assigned him. He remained until Professor Sims -returned from Europe, and then returned to South Carolina. He filled -other very important and prominent positions in after years, viz.: The -editor's chair of the _South Carolina Christian Advocate_, the -Presidency of Wofford College, Spartanburg, S. C., and the Southern -University, Greensboro, Ala. While at the latter he was elected, in -1866, Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in which office -he served till his death, February 15, 1882. He received the degree of -D. D. from Randolph-Macon College. - -[Illustration: PROFESSOR DAVID DUNCAN, A. M.] - -Professor David Duncan was a native of Ireland, and a graduate of -Glasgow University, Scotland. At the time of his election to the chair -of Ancient Languages he was conducting a flourishing classical school in -the city of Norfolk, Va. The whole of an extended manhood was spent in -teaching, the prime of it from 1837 to 1857. To his high scholarship was -added a singularly genuine character and gentlemanly and genial -deportment, which made him acceptable to his associates and popular with -his classes. He was brimming full always with wit and humor. He was the -father of Rev. J. A. Duncan, D. D., President of Randolph-Macon College, -1868-1877 and Bishop W. W. Duncan of the Methodist Episcopal Church, -South. He died at Wofford College, where he was Professor of Ancient -Languages, in 1881. - -The year 1836-'37 was marked by the first report of the raising of a -considerable instalment of the proposed Virginia Conference endowment of -a Professorship. Rev. Jno. Early reported eighty-seven subscribers of -two hundred dollars each, making $17,400. It was also a prosperous and -satisfactory year in College work. The report of the Faculty made to the -Trustees referred with emphasis to the good deportment and studiousness -which had characterized the student body during the closing session. -Their report also for the first time indicated the distinctions in the -graduating class, which were as follows: - - 1. JAMES W. HARDY, . . . . . . . . . . Georgia. - 2. FRANCIS N. MULLEN,. . . . . . . . . North Carolina. - 3. JUNIUS L. CLEMONS,. . . . . . . . . North Carolina. - 4. LEWIS W. CABELL,. . . . . . . . . . Virginia. - 5. ROBERT M. INGRAM, . . . . . . . . . Virginia. - 6. WARREN DU PRE,. . . . . . . . . . . South Carolina. - ADAMS, RICHARD E. G., . . . . . . . Virginia. - BEARD, CLOUGH S., . . . . . . . . . South Carolina. - BLAIN, GEORGE W., . . . . . . . . . Virginia. - CROFT, ISAAC C.,. . . . . . . . . . South Carolina - GEE, JESSE, . . . . . . . . . . . . Virginia. - HORSELEY, WILLIAM A., . . . . . . . Virginia. - MONTGOMERY, HENRY T., . . . . . . . Virginia. - SAMFORD, WILLIAM F.,. . . . . . . . Georgia. - STEWART, THEOPHILUS,. . . . . . . . Georgia. - WILLIAMSON, JAMES J., . . . . . . . Virginia. - -In all sixteen. - -The first-honor man pronounced the Valedictory Address; the second-honor -man, the Latin Salutatory; the third, the Philosophical. - -[Illustration: PROFESSOR WARREN DU PRE, A. M. _Tutor at Randolph-Macon -College; Professor at Wofford College, South Carolina; President Martha -Washington Female College, Virginia._] - -COLLEGE YEAR 1837-'38. - -This year, under the presidency of Professor Landon C. Garland, acting -president, the college made good progress. In the annual report of the -Faculty made to the Trustees June, 1838, they say: "The past year has -been one of peculiar interest and pleasure on account of the highly -respectable conduct and praiseworthy diligence of the students -generally, the number of whom has amounted to one hundred and ten in the -College, and over fifty in the Preparatory School." - -On the recommendation of the Faculty the following degrees were -conferred, viz.: - -_Bachelor of Arts_. - - 1. JOHN T. BRAME, . . . . . . . . . . . North Carolina. - 2. EDWARD H. MYERS, . . . . . . . . . . Florida. - 3. JAMES R. THOMAS, . . . . . . . . . . Georgia. - 4. EZEKIEL A. BLANCH, . . . . . . . . . Virginia. - 5. JOHN W. LEAK,. . . . . . . . . . . . North Carolina. - 6. FRANCIS A. CONNOR, . . . . . . . . . South Carolina. - BAXTER CLEGG,. . . . . . . . . . . . North Carolina. - GEORGE F. EPPES, . . . . . . . . . . South Carolina. - JAMES M. FITTS,. . . . . . . . . . . North Carolina, - CHRIS. D. HILL,. . . . . . . . . . . North Carolina. - THOS. J. KOGER,. . . . . . . . . . . South Carolina. - HENRY E. LOCKETT,. . . . . . . . . . Virginia. - JOHN A. ORGAIN,. . . . . . . . . . . Virginia. - THOS. B. RUSSELL,. . . . . . . . . . South Carolina. - JAMES R. WASHINGTON, . . . . . . . . North Carolina. - JAMES. W. WIGHTMAN,. . . . . . . . . South Carolina. - -_Master of Arts: (Honorary)_. - - REV. GEORGE F. PIERCE, . . . . . . . Georgia. - PROF. DAVID DUNCAN,. . . . . . . . . Virginia. - GABRIEL P. DISOSWAY, . . . . . . . . New York. - -_Doctor of Divinity_. - - REV. THOMAS JACKSON, . . . . . . . . England. - -Steps were taken by the Board to endow the fourth professorship in the -College. - -[Illustration: REV. JAMES R. THOMAS, LL. D., _President Emory College, -Georgia._] - -Rev. John Early, agent, reported that further efforts to endow a -professorship by the Georgia Conference would be suspended, that -Conference having resolved to establish a College in its bounds. The -amount reported as raised on said endowment was $16,000. He also -reported the amount of endowment raised in Virginia as $20,000. - -At this meeting we have reported the first intimation of financial -embarrassment in the affairs of the College. Notwithstanding this the -salaries of the full professors were raised to $1200 per year. The -acting president, Landon C. Garland, was appointed to prepare an address -on the pecuniary condition of the College, the same to be published in -the papers. - -Professor E. D. Sims having returned from Europe, Rev. William M. -Wightman, Professor of English Literature, tendered his resignation, -which was received with complimentary resolutions to him for his -efficient services. Prof. Wightman returned to his native State, South -Carolina, and to the itinerant ministry. The Faculty as reorganized for -the session of 1838-'39 was as follows, viz.: - - LANDON C. GARLAND, A. M., Professor of Mathematics, and Acting - President. - EDWARD D. SIMS, A. M., Professor of English Literature and Oriental - Language. - DAVID DUNCAN, A. M., Professor of Ancient Languages. - JAMES W. HARDY, A. B., Professor of Experimental Sciences. - EZEKIEL A. BLANCH, A. B., Tutor. - SOLOMON LEA, A. M., Principal of Preparatory School. - -This college year was marked by the first serious rupture between the -Faculty and the students. The occasion was a requirement made on the -Senior Class to attend a recitation on the "Evidences of Christianity" -on Monday morning before breakfast. The result was the leaving of a -number of students involved in the contest. - -At the close of the year, June, 1839, the annual report of the Faculty -made to the Board gave the following item: "The affairs of the College -for the session have proceeded with tolerable prosperity and quietness." -The following were recommended for the degree of A. B., June, 1839, and -the same received it: - - AMOS W. JONES, . . . . . . . . . North Carolina. - CHARLES W. BURNLEY,. . . . . . . Virginia. - JOSIAH F. ASKEW, . . . . . . . . Georgia. - THOMAS H. GARNETT, . . . . . . . Virginia. - JAMES F. SMITH,. . . . . . . . . South Carolina. - WILLIAM H. BATTE,. . . . . . . . Virginia. - -[Illustration: REV. A.W. JONES, D. D., _For fifty years President of the -Memphis Conf. Female College._] - -The resignation of President Stephen Olin, tendered in 1836, was -accepted at the meeting of the Board, all hope of his returning to the -College having been abandoned. Prof. Landon C. Garland was then elected -by unanimous vote President, and he accepted the office. Prof. David -Duncan was elected rector of the Preparatory School, and Amos W. Jones, -A. B., principal. William L. Harris was elected a tutor of the lower -classes in languages. - -[Illustration: LANDON CABELL GARLAND, LL. D.] - -On motion of Rev. John Early, the following resolution was adopted: -"That, as soon as practicable, the trustees of Randolph-Macon College -will establish a Normal School as a department in the College, in which -a good and liberal education can be obtained, and which, in its -organization, shall be especially fitted to educate students for -common-school teachers, and that the Professor of English Literature be -the rector of said school." - -This action of the Board, showing such remarkable foresight and wisdom, -ought to be emphasized. So far as the State of Virginia is concerned, it -is believed to have been the first move in the establishment of a normal -department for fitting teachers for their special work. Many years -afterward (1884) the State established such a school. The first -established in the United States was in the year 1839. This important -move was never fully and specifically carried into operation, for the -same reason which forbade other projects of the Board--that is, want of -means. - -Another important step taken at this meeting was the action in regard to -the issue of scholarships. At the previous annual meeting a resolution -was adopted providing that any person paying $600 into the treasury of -Randolph-Macon College shall be entitled to send one student free of -tuition fees so long as he shall live or have a son to educate; and any -minister who shall collect and pay into the treasury a like sum shall be -entitled to the like privilege. At the meeting in 1839 this action was -rescinded, and the following was enacted: - -On motion of John Early, - -"_Resolved_, That any person who shall pay into the hands of the -treasurer five hundred dollars, or any minister who shall collect and -pay into the hands of the treasurer five hundred dollars, shall be -entitled to a scholarship in Randolph-Macon College in perpetuity, and -all persons who have agreed to take scholarships at $600 shall be -entitled to the benefit of this resolution. - -"_Resolved_, That any person who shall secure by bond or otherwise five -hundred dollars, the principal of which shall be paid within five years, -and who shall pay the interest semi-annually, shall be entitled to a -scholarship in perpetuity, but the certificate of scholarship shall not -be issued until the principal is paid." - -This was an unfortunate move, because it never brought into the treasury -the amount it was expected to bring--not exceeding eight thousand -dollars. The evident intention that such scholarship should be -considered as an "heir-loom" in the family was in the years after the -war, never before, violated, and parties bought them on speculation, -getting money-rent for them, when such a course was never contemplated. -When they were issued, fees were $33 per session. Since the war fees -have been $75. - -My readers will pardon me for here giving some personal recollections, -inasmuch as it was in 1839 I matriculated as a student of the College. - -Mounted on my black filly, I, with several from my native county, -Nottoway, made the journey of forty miles to Boydton, where we were -guests of Col. George Rodgers, who then kept the Boydton Hotel. He was -then, and for years afterwards, a great friend and liberal benefactor to -the College. - -The next morning I saw the belfry of the College in the distance for the -first time. The same day I took up my abode in "Texas," a portion of the -western building, so-called. To a boy not quite fourteen, the -experiences of matriculation, examination for entrance, and for the -first time coming into contact with young men from distant States, can -never be forgotten. "Hazing" was then unknown, though it was not -uncommon for some of the "green ones" to have a little fun poked at -them. - -We had four classes: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior. To the -"Fresh," the "Seniors" looked very dignified, and the latter usually -felt their dignity, but generally bore it gracefully. The Seniors and -Juniors generally did most of the debating in the Society Halls, and -generally dealt most in "Calico." - -The student body at this time was composed very largely of men from -States south of Virginia, the Senior class of that year having been -wholly from South Carolina and Georgia. - -At this session Professor Landon C. Garland was inaugurated a full -President, after having acted as such since Dr. Olin left for Europe. We -looked up to him with marked reverence, though he was not quite thirty -years old. It was his dignity of character which caused us to do this. -Few men ever possessed more than he. No man ever trifled in President -Garland's lecture-room. The rules of discipline were felt rather than -seen. His familiar designation was "Old Landon." - -President Sims was much like President Garland in his official character -and conduct. He was a high man in person and every way. Thoroughly -imbued with the love of his native English, he threw his heart and mind -into his teaching. Unable to get text-books in Anglo-Saxon, he wrote the -elementary exercises on the blackboard. Some of these are remembered to -this day. We did not realize nor appreciate the fact that our classes -were the first in a course which is now magnified in all the colleges -and universities in the land. - -Professor Duncan was the genial, humor-loving Irishman. His shillalah -was ever ready for any exposed head, but he had no murderous intent, and -did not mind when the subject hit back, but rather enjoyed a repartee. -A broad smile always foretold his sally of wit, and sometimes it was so -slow coming that the victim would have time to "cut." Dear, dear "Old -Pad," as we called him, it was hard to say whether he enjoyed most his -fun with the boys or his ancient languages, with the love of which he -seemed to be fully saturated. A kinder heart never beat in human frame. - -"Old Jim" (Hardy) presided in the Laboratory on the third story. He was -a third-story man every way. Though a young man, and the first alumnus -of the College made a full professor, his manner was austere, and hence -he had but little popularity with the students. Some excuse for his so -appearing was due to the fact that he had to study hard to keep up with -the expectations of his classes. - -"Old Zeke" (Blanch) our tutor in mathematics, was a fine instructor and -bright every way. He, too, was fond of humor when out of his -lecture-room, but very strict while in it. - -Oh! for a Dickens to picture Tutor Harris. Pardon me for taking up more -room with him than is given all the rest. But such a character is not -often found, and deserves the space he takes. - -My first classical instructor was one of the tutors. He was the first -Virginia University man ever elected to fill a chair at the old College. -Deeply imbued with a love for his subjects, he looked upon the ancient -languages as having, potatoe-like, the best parts at the root. The -"particle" was his especial delight. So much absorbed was he in -discoursing on it, that he was not particular whether his pupils -listened or not. They might go to sleep or do anything, so they did not -break the thread of his lecture. It was amazing to see how many learned -authorities in the shape of books he would daily lug to the room. -Doubtless this digging at the root was very deep and thorough--too much -so for the average "fresh." Some of the most scholarly appreciated the -exercise, or pretended to do so. To the latter the tutor mainly directed -his attention. - -Not only did the tutor pursue this absorbing search indoors, but it -seemed to monopolize all his thoughts, even while going to his meals and -returning. It made him oblivious to all else for the time being. He -would, while thus absorbed in thought, kick a chip before him for a -mile, and would not recognize the best friend he might meet in the way. -All he asked then was the full "right of way." - -His abstraction or absent-mindedness was exhibited in many ways. Some -mischief-lover barred up his door one morning and thus made him tardy at -recitation hour, which gave occasion to the boys to "cut"--that is, -leave and miss recitation. He went to the President and said, "Sir! is -there any way to have a young man up, when you don't know who he is?" -The President was a great mathematician, but he could not solve that -problem. - -"Sheep-ear" collars were in fashion in those days, just the reverse of -those now or lately fashionable--I mean those with turned-down points -and rising high at the back of the neck, making one look like he had on -a mustard-plaster. The "sheep-ear" collars had points with acutest -angles, which came up to the corners of a man's mouth. When starched and -stiffened they looked as if great danger would be incurred by a sudden -turn of the head. Now just picture to yourself a sober-looking man -coming into a parlor in the morning with these "sheep-ears" pointing to -the back of the neck instead of to the front, and you will realize how -very peculiar the tutor looked one morning when he came down. This I was -eye-witness of, and if I laughed I hope no one will accuse me of want of -due respect. It could not be helped, certainly by one who has been known -to enjoy a hearty spell at times. - -The tutor was by no means a _pharisee_ in spirit, for he was one of the -"meek of the earth." But his inveterate habit made him liable to be -pronounced as pharisaic. When officiating at public prayers in the -chapel he would sometimes forget that after prayer came recitation or -lecture and then breakfast, and his prayer would seem to be -interminable. Knowing his absence of mind, one morning while thus -engaged some good-intentioned or irreverent fellow prompted him by a -hearty _amen!_ This brought the prayer to a speedy conclusion, but the -tutor was highly displeased--so much so that he sent for the most -mischievous one of the auditors, whom he naturally charged with the -offence, and said to him, "Mr. Blaze, I have sent for you, sir! to say -to you that _you shan't say amen_ to my prayers." - -The tutor was very economical--some would say, penurious. Not so. He was -generous and warm-hearted--as much so as an old bachelor could be. A -true Christian, he felt it to be his duty to save every dime he could, -that he might have the more to meet the demands of charity. This -conviction caused him to discard pins as extravagant. In his room would -be seen what Adam and Eve used when their first garments were donned, to -furnish which conveniently he kept a thorn bush hung up behind his door. -This he kept up until he was convinced that the damage thus caused to -one's collar exceeded the cost of pins. - -Candles being expensive, he thought the twilight sufficient to enable -him to make up his morning toilet. This economy, combined with his other -besetting habit, got him into a most ludicrous scrape. It happened thus: -In writing out his voluminous notes he used many quill pens, which from -time to time accumulated on his table. He took these--quite a -number--one night, just before retiring, and washed them in his bowl, -leaving the water in the bowl very much the color of the _blue_ ink he -was wont to use. The next morning in the dimness of twilight he failed -to observe this discolored fluid when he went to perform his ablutions; -when he finished he was blue--yes, very blue. Not taking time to look -into his glass, he went to the chapel and took his place on the rostrum -ready to officiate at the appointed hour, wholly unconscious of the very -remarkable visage he wore, and thus unprepared for the scene which was -to follow. - -As the boys dropped in each one would stop, and look, and wonder, and -then break out into most uproarious laughter, as perfectly -uncontrollable as a storm in its fury. There was no use to attempt to be -devout that morning. How the tutor got through with the reading and the -prayer I can't say, but I fear he was not in a very devotional mood -himself. How could he be when every one was laughing, while he could not -see what was making them laugh. He was utterly disgusted with such -rudeness and irreverence. - -But he did get through. When some one informed him of his cadaverous -appearance, he suddenly recollected the blue pens he had washed in his -bowl. Then it was his turn to laugh, and laugh he did with a vim. - -But lest I weary you, I will here conclude this reminiscence of the -olden times by saying that with all the oddities of this old tutor I -still cherish the highest respect for his character as a good and deeply -pious man. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." I -doubt not that he will be of that number in the great day when the -jewels are counted. - -[Illustration: PROF. DAVID S. DOGGETT, A. M.] - -These made the Faculty of 1839-1842. In the latter year Rev. David S. -Doggett succeeded Professor Sims in the English course. He was an -eloquent preacher, in the prime of life, a diligent student, and -dignified in his deportment. The pulpit was his place of power, and he -did not remain long away from it. He was afterwards a Bishop in the -church, after having served the church as editor of the _Methodist -Review_ for a number of years. - -So much for the professors and tutors. What of the students under them? -Taking the men who received degrees during the five years 1840-1844, it -is pleasant, though it may seem invidious, to mention a part where it is -not possible to name all. - -The first name in the roll of his class (1840), and the first in honor, -David Clopton, of Georgia, made his mark at College, and his after life -was what his college life predicted. - -He represented the Montgomery (Alabama) District in the United States -Congress prior to the war, and the same district in the Confederate -States Congress. Afterwards he served for many years as Associate -Justice of the Supreme Court of Alabama. He was also very prominent in -the church. - -James F. Dowdell, of Georgia, was a member of the United States Congress -from Alabama prior to the war, and was a local preacher of the Methodist -Episcopal Church, South. - -Tennent Lomax, of South Carolina, also moved to Alabama. He was editor, -soldier in the Mexican war, and was prominent in politics. He was killed -while leading his regiment into battle at Seven Pines, Virginia, May, -1862, just after having received a commission as brigadier-general. - -James L. Pierce was an eloquent speaker, a Doctor of Divinity, and -President of Lagrange (Georgia) Female College. - -In this connection it might be interesting to mention that Clopton's -roommate was Robert Lanier, of Macon, Ga., a member of the Sophomore -Class. He and Burwell Harrison, also of Georgia, married Virginia -ladies, whose acquaintance they formed while they were at College. -Lanier's son, Sidney, has been called the "poet laureate of the South." - -Coming to the next class (1841), George B. Jones, first-honor man, was a -fine scholar, but turned from teaching to business life. He was killed -at Petersburg in 1864, while defending his city in Kautz's attack on it. - -Thomas H. Campbell was a distinguished lawyer, served in both houses of -the General Assembly of Virginia, and was president of the Southside -Railroad Company. - -Edward Wadsworth was a prominent minister in Virginia and Alabama, a -Doctor of Divinity, and President of the Southern University, -Greensboro, Ala. - -In the class of 1842, Thomas C. Johnson, of Virginia, first-honor man, -became a prominent lawyer in St. Louis, Mo., and a member of the -Legislature of that State. After the war he served two years as -President of Randolph-Macon College (1866-'67, 1867-'68). - -William G. Connor, D. D., of South Carolina, was for many years a -prominent minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in Texas. - -Ira I. Crenshaw, of Virginia, was tutor in Randolph-Macon College -several years, and professor at the Female Institute, Buckingham, Va., -and a minister of the Virginia Conference. - -Dr. Samuel D. Saunders was professor at the Southwestern University. -Georgetown, Texas, for a number of years. - -Of the class of 1843, George W. Benagh, of Virginia, first-honor man, -was a professor at the University of Alabama, succeeding Dr. Landon C. -Garland, his old preceptor. He died young by accidental drowning. - -Edward S. Brown, of Virginia, an eminent lawyer and member of the -Virginia Legislature, is still an active, vigorous man (1897). - -William H. Lawton was a faithful itinerant in the South Carolina -Conference for nearly fifty years. - -Richard H. Powell was a prominent man in church and state for many years -in his State (Alabama). - -A number of the members of this class died in early manhood. - -Coming down to my own class (1844). This class in the Freshman year -numbered thirty-three. Of these only nine took degrees. Four others came -in after the opening year, making total graduates thirteen. - -John Lyon, of Petersburg, was the first-honor man of this class. He -entered the class in the junior year, when he was in his sixteenth year. -Before his entrance there were several candidates for the first honor. -It was not long before their hopes began to fail. He was precocious, but -his precocity was not short-lived, as it so frequently is. Mathematics, -the great rock on which so many aspiring men were wrecked, was -apparently a pastime with him. President Garland, a natural-born -mathematician, had no mercy on men not like gifted with himself. His -course was beyond the power of nine out of ten. John Lyon was the one of -ten, and was head and shoulders above all the others in the class in -this course, while not equal to others in other courses, but high in -all. His brilliancy made him in after life a successful lawyer. He died -in Washington, November, 1897, aged seventy. - -The second-honor man was William C. Doub, of North Carolina. He was an -untiring student, gifted especially in the acquisition of language. He -was a teacher all his life, having spent the most of it as professor in -Trinity College, North Carolina, and Greensboro Female College. He was -very prominent in the Methodist Church. He died in the high noon of -life. - -The third-honor man, William M. Cabell, of Virginia, was a man of -clear-cut intellect, and he had the power of concentration in a high -degree. This power was shown in his early life, and afterwards made him -distinguished and feared at the bar and in the Virginia Legislature. He -is still living (1897). - -The fourth-honor man was Holland Nimmons McTyeire. Brought by his old -preceptor, James R. Thomas, to Randolph-Macon, when otherwise he might -have gone to a state school, he entered the Sophomore Class in 1841. -College life was no pastime for him. His ambition would make it a -stepping-stone to high position--as at first desired and designed--in -the State. Like Dr. Olin, no place lower than the highest would satisfy -his ambition. To attain to this, all the power of an iron will moving -the enginery of a somewhat slow but giant mind was bent and made -subject. Had not a change come to divert him from his original -intention, he would doubtless have become as notable in the councils and -courts of the State as he became in the church. When he first came to -College he appeared indifferent in church matters, though it was known -he was a member. Whether this was the result of a lapsed religious life, -or was the result of a struggle to still the promptings of conscience, -is not known. But the call to a higher life, heard, doubtless, before, -but a while unheeded, was emphasized in one of those sweeping revivals -which Dr. Olin valued more than laws of discipline, and which he -pronounced as indispensable in college work. Worldly ambition ceased to -be the mainspring of his action, and he began to seek to "have the mind -which was in Christ." But it was no easy work to bend such a will in a -new direction. It was like turning the mighty steamship on a different -course. The passion to rule men around him, the gift of so doing (and it -is the greatest gift with which man is endowed), was constantly -asserting itself. It probably was "strong in death," but it was tempered -and sanctified to other than selfish ends by that good Spirit which -subdued a Luther, a St. Paul, and a John Knox. What Randolph-Macon did -for McTyeire in strengthening his mental powers for what he was to -become as editor and bishop and builder of a great university, in -sobering and elevating his ambition and aspirations, and fitting him for -the work he was called to do in and for the church, cannot be computed. -He has made his mark as high as any son of his alma mater, possibly -higher than any other. - -Space will not allow me to dwell upon the names of Thomas H. Rogers, of -Virginia, for a while a tutor in the College, afterwards M. D.; of -Richard S. Parham, of Virginia, a clever student and lawyer, who died in -the prime of life, in his adopted State, Tennessee; of "Judge" Fanning, -of Georgia, the frequent butt of Prof. Duncan's wit, who was said (poor -fellow) to have chewed his brains out along with his teeth; of B. F. -Simmons, a prominent young lawyer, who died prematurely, and of Willie -M. Person, a M. D., who also died young. - -John Howard has been since early youth a prominent lawyer in Richmond, -ranking very high in his profession. He was noted when at College for -his love for, and proficiency in, English literature and composition. -He is still living (1897). - -Of my most intimate friend in the class, Archibald Clark, I quote what -Bishop McTyeire wrote of him: "The most useful local preacher in -Southern Georgia, is what his presiding elder said of him." - -Among those who were students with me at the College, but left without -taking degrees, the following were the most notable: William T. Howard, -of Virginia, who became a distinguished physician and professor in the -University of Maryland; Lucius I. Gartrell, of Georgia, who became one -of the foremost lawyers of his State, and a general in the Confederate -army; Chas. E. Hooker, of South Carolina, Attorney-General of the State -of Mississippi, colonel in the Confederate army, and for many years a -member of Congress; Colonel Joel B. Leftwich, of Virginia, for a number -of years a member of the General Assembly of Virginia; Smith W. Moore, -of North Carolina, a Doctor of Divinity in the Memphis Conference, -author of several books, and poet. He was associated with Bishop -McTyeire on the Board of Trust during the early years of the Vanderbilt -University. James N. Ramsey, of Georgia, colonel in the Confederate -army; Robert Ridgway, of Virginia, the brilliant editor of the _Richmond -Whig_, and member of Congress from Virginia; Walter L. Steele, of North -Carolina, a member of Congress, and prominent in business and state, -matters; W. L. Blanton, a minister of the Virginia Conference, eloquent -and zealous, who died in early manhood; James D. Crawley, a most -estimable man, and a local minister for many years; W. K. Blake, of -North Carolina, a prominent merchant in Spartanburg, S. C., and trustee -of Wofford College; John Wesley Williams, a member of the Virginia -Conference, whose useful life was early cut short by consumption. - -Nearly all of my college-mates sleep in the dust of the earth. Many of -them were "wise, and shall shine as the brightness of the firmament," -and some "turned many to righteousness," and shall "shine as the stars, -forever and ever." - -[Illustration: GEN. TENNENT LOMAX, CLASS 1840. _Killed at Seven Pines, -Va., 1862._] - -We go back now and take up the record regularly. At the close of the -session of 1839-'40 the report of the Faculty notes the year as -successful, and makes mention of the introduction of Anglo-Saxon into -the course as the basis of the proper study of English. The Bible was -also recommended as a part of the course of study. At this meeting the -first legacy to the College, made by Rev. Robert C. Jones, of $3,000, -was reported. - -[Illustration: DAVID CLOPTON, LL. D.] - -The following degrees were conferred June, 1840: - -A. B. - - DAVID CLOPTON, of Georgia. - JAMES F. DOWDELL, of Georgia. - BURWELL K. HARRISON, of Ga. - JAMES L. PIERCE, of Georgia. - TENNENT LOMAX, of S. C. - WOODSON L. LIGON, of S. C. - -A. M. - - JOHN C. BLACKWELL, of Va. - R. E. G. ADAMS, of Virginia. - J. W. HARDY, of Georgia. - F. N. MULLEN, of N. C. - JOHN TILLET, of North Carolina. - JUNIUS L. CLEMONS, of N. C. - WARREN DU PRE, of S. C. - -[Illustration: D'ARCY PAUL] - -The "Centennial of Methodism" occurred in 1839, and was celebrated by -the church. Considerable collections were taken up during the year to -increase the endowment of the College. This year a name, _clarum et -nobile_, appeared for the first time on the records of the Board, D'Arcy -Paul, of Petersburg. In the good providence of God, he was permitted to -act as trustee for many years, and to exert a great influence in saving -the College from financial wreck. At the time of his election he was a -leading Methodist in his city, and probably the most prominent layman in -the State. As a merchant, he had been very successful, and enjoyed the -unbounded confidence of the business world. His liberality towards all -church and benevolent enterprises was such as probably had never before -been witnessed in Virginia. He was by birth a native of Ireland, but his -whole life, except his early boyhood, had been spent in Virginia, and no -son "to the manner born" was more enthusiastic in pushing forward all -interests that enured to its welfare. When he accepted the place of -trustee his heart and hand and credit were put at the service of the -College. Taking the helm of the ship as Financial and Investing Agent, -he held it for nearly thirty years, and it is not going too far to say -that to him, more than to any other man, the College owes its -continuation to the day when age and feebleness forced him to turn over -to other hands the trust he had so long and faithfully borne on his -shoulders. If it had the means, it should erect a monument to perpetuate -his memory. Happy am I here to pay this feeble tribute to his worth, and -to give the portrait, faint representation, though it be, of one who is -worthy of all the honors that could be bestowed on him. His form was so -erect that age could not bend it. His character, which beamed forth in a -face of more than usual manly beauty, was still more true to the line of -truth and righteousness. - -[Illustration: EDWARD WADSWORTH, D. D., _President of the Southern -University, Ala._] - -The report of the Faculty for the year ending June, 1840-'41, makes -favorable mention of the work of the session and of the conduct and -scholarship of the students. The financial condition of the College was -found to be such as to call for an address asking of the patronizing -Conferences needed relief. - -The degrees conferred at the close of the year were: - -A. B. - - GEORGE B. JONES, Virginia. - THOMAS B. GORDON, Georgia. - ROBERT C. GILLIAM, S. C. - WILLIAM H. DENTON, S. C. - WILLIAM H. BASS, Virginia. - MARCELLUS STANLEY, Georgia. - THOS. S. ARTHUR, S. Carolina. - THOS. H. CAMPBELL, Virginia. - THOMAS H. JONES, Virginia. - WM. W. HEREFORD, Mississippi - SAMUEL B. SCOTT, Virginia. - EDWARD WADSWORTH, N. C. - OLIVER P. WILLIAMS, S. C. - -A. M. - - CHARLES W. BAIRD, Virginia. - THEOPHILUS STEWART, Georgia. - JOHN T. BRAME, N. Carolina. - EDWARD H. MYERS, Florida. - JAMES M. FITTS, N. Carolina. - HENRY E. LOCKETT, Virginia. - JAMES R. THOMAS, Georgia. - EZEKIEL A. BLANCH, Virginia. - GEORGE W. BLAIN, Virginia. - -YEAR 1841-'42. - -At a called meeting of the Board held April, 1842, Prof. E. D. Sims -tendered his resignation. The law of Virginia at that time prohibited a -person from marrying the sister of his deceased wife. The Professor was -about to marry Miss Andrews, the sister of his former wife, daughter of -Prof. Andrews, author of Latin Grammar, and therefore was compelled to -leave the State to marry her. - -The loss of a Professor so capable and eminent as Professor Sims was -much regretted by the trustees and the friends of the College. Under the -circumstances, it could not be remedied, for there was no one to take -his place in the special English course. He had been elected to take the -chair of English in the University of Alabama, which he accepted. At -this institution he formulated a course of instruction in English based -on Anglo-Saxon, similar to the one he had taught at Randolph-Macon. Here -he proceeded with the work on the Anglo-Saxon Grammar and Dictionary. -This work he was not long permitted to prosecute. He died in 1845. Forty -years after his death the manuscripts of his Anglo-Saxon works came to -Randolph-Macon in an unexpected way. Rev. Mr. Stephan, of Missouri, -found them at a second-hand bookstore in St. Louis, and noticing the -name of Professor Sims on the title-page, he purchased the lot, -embracing other papers, and sent them to the writer. Prof. Sims labored -faithfully, but "others have entered into his labors." - -[Illustration: SAMUEL D. SANDERS, A. M., M. D., _Professor Southwestern -University, Texas._] - -Rev. Dr. Capers, of South Carolina, was elected to fill the vacancy, and -also president of the College, President Garland having tendered his -resignation. - -In the annual report in June, 1842, the Faculty say: "Our pecuniary -embarrassments are becoming serious, and unless effectually relieved, it -will be impossible to keep up the operations of the institution much -longer. The trustees cannot give this matter too much patient -reflection; and if it be practicable to sustain the institution in this -respect, we have no fears for its success in all others." - -The reorganization of the Faculty was recommended, also some -modifications in the course of study; also, the establishment of a -"School of Law." This school was established, and Edward R. Chambers, an -eminent lawyer of Boydton, elected Professor. - -The degrees conferred June, 1842, were: - -A. B. - - THOMAS C. JOHNSON, Virginia. - JOSEPH SUTTON, Virginia. - ALEX. B. PIERCE, N. Carolina. - BENJAMIN Z. HERNDON, S. C. - WILLIAM G. CONNOR, S. C. - SAMUEL D. SANDERS, S. C. - IRA I. CRENSHAW, Virginia. - THOMAS R. EPES, Virginia. - JOSEPH T. REESE, Georgia. - LUCIEN H. LOMAX, S. Carolina. - GEO. E. WYCHE, N. Carolina. - -A. M. - - ISAAC C. CROFT, S. Carolina. - WILLIAM H. BATTE, Virginia. - JOSIAH F. ASKEW, Georgia. - CHARLES F. BURNLEY, Virginia - AMOS W. JONES, N. Carolina. - JAMES W. WIGHTMAN, S. C. - JAMES R. WASHINGTON, Ga. - Rev. DAVID S. DOGGETT, Virginia (honorary). - -Rev. David S. Doggett was elected to the chair vacated by the -resignation of Professor Sims. - -1842-1843. - -This year the second decade of the College commenced. The year was -marked by great financial pressure, which was partially relieved by the -sale of some of the funds of the College. A part of the proceeds of the -sale was used to pay off a debt on building account and the rest for -current expenses. At the low rates of college fees, the current receipts -failed to meet salaries and other expenses. - -In the annual report of the Faculty mention is made of a decrease in -patronage, caused by the financial condition of the country and the -establishment of colleges in other Southern Conferences; so that it was -again necessary to ask the Board to do something to increase the income -of the College. - -This year a French course was introduced for the first time, and E. A. -Blanch was elected tutor of French. - -At the annual meeting, June, 1843, a committee was appointed, consisting -of Messrs. Chambers, Rogers, Alexander, Leigh, and Early, to recommend a -plan for the relief of the College from financial embarrassment. This -committee reported as follows: - -1. That it is absolutely necessary to raise a permanent fund of $20,000 -to sustain the institution, and if we fail in doing so, _it must and -will go down_. - -2. That the Agent be instructed to endeavor to obtain one hundred -subscribers of $500 in money or in bonds, the interest to be paid -annually at the sessions of the Virginia and North Carolina Conferences, -and the principal within a period not to exceed ten years, no -subscription to be binding until $10,000 shall have been subscribed, the -principal to be kept as a permanent fund. - -The Faculty of the College showed their spirit of liberality and -self-denial by the following communication: - -"The Faculty, with a view to contribute all in their power toward the -establishment of the College, propose to give to the Board of Trustees -the sum of five thousand dollars, the same to be paid in five years by a -relinquishment annually of $1,000 on their salaries upon the following -conditions, viz.: - -"1. That the balance of their salaries be paid promptly. - -"2. That the donation shall cease before the expiration of the five -years, unless the exigencies of the institution shall require it." - -[Illustration: GEORGE W. BENAGH, A. M., _Professor, University of -Alabama._] - -It being necessary to raise funds to pay the professors, Messrs. H. G. -Leigh, D'Arcy Paul, Dr. Archibald A. Campbell, George Rogers, and Edward -R. Chambers offered to loan the College $500 each, and Messrs. H. B. -Cowles and Landon C. Garland $250 each, on the 25th of December next; -and Rev. W. B. Rowzie, Agent of the College, offered, that if the amount -of his collections should fall under $500, to make up the deficiency in -a loan. - -[Illustration: JUDGE EDWARD R. CHAMBERS, _Professor of Law 1842-'43. -Trustee of the College. Judge Circuit Court. Member of Virginia -Convention 1851 and 1861._] - -The above record is given to show the great financial strait of the -College and to bring to mind the liberality of the members of the Board -and the Faculty. But for this liberal action the College would have -ceased its work, as so many others were forced to do. - -Some steps were taken at this meeting to establish a Medical Department -in the College. - -The following degrees were conferred, June, 1843: - -A. B. - - GEORGE W. BENAGH, Virginia. - EDWARD S. BROWN, Virginia. - HAMPDEN S. SMITH, N. C. - THOMAS E. MASSIE, Virginia. - WILLIAM H. LAWTON, S. C. - FELIX H. G. TAYLOR, Miss. - RICHARD H. POWELL, Alabama. - THOMAS W. BLAKE, N. C. - HENRY B. ELDRIDGE, Virginia. - WALLER MASSIE, Virginia. - JOHN F. RIVES, Mississippi. - NATHANIEL R. WADDILL, Va. - JOHN C. WALKER, Virginia. - -A. M. - - JAMES F. SMITH, South Carolina. - -D. D. - - Rev. ROBT. NEWTON, England. - WILLIAM WINANS, Mississippi. - LOVICK PIERCE, Georgia. - WILLIAM A. SMITH, Virginia. - - -1843-1844. - -The dark cloud resting on the prospects of the College in June, 1843, -still hung over it the succeeding year, notwithstanding the efforts made -to relieve the embarrassment. Patronage continued to decrease. The -session opened with sixty matriculates in the College and thirty in the -Preparatory School, the smallest number in the history of the College up -to this year. - -The President, in the annual report, alludes to the depression of -Faculty and patrons, neither of whom "could feel proper interest in an -institution _which might close its doors at any time_." This feeling of -despondency seemed to have pervaded also the members of the Board, for a -bare quorum were in attendance at the opening session. The president, in -his report, said: "We shall regard it as a calamity if you leave this -place without making some definite arrangement by which our future may -be relieved from all embarrassment." - -[Illustration: HOLLAND N. MCTYEIRE, A. M., D. D., _Bishop of the -Methodist Episcopal Church, South; Regent Vanderbilt University._] - -That grand layman, D'Arcy Paul, in this dark hour, came to the relief of -the College by guaranteeing the salaries of the professors to the amount -of $5,000 on certain conditions. Thus, in the good providence of God, -the life of the College was prolonged. - -[Illustration: COL. WM. TOWNES, TRUSTEE. _Elected 1844._] - -The following received degrees June, 1844: - -A. B. - - JOHN LYON, Virginia. - WILLIAM C. DOUB, N. C. - WILLIAM M. CABELL, Virginia. - HOLLAND N. MCTYEIRE, Ala. - ARCHIBALD CLARK, Virginia. - THOMAS H. RODGERS, Virginia. - JAMES G. FANNING, Georgia. - JOHN HOWARD, Virginia. - RICHARD IRBY, Virginia. - RICHARD S. PARHAM, Virginia. - WILLIE M. PERSON, N. C. - BENJAMIN F. SIMMONS, N. C. - J. L. GILLESPIE, Virginia. - -A. M. - - THOMAS B. GORDON, Georgia. - GEORGE B. JONES, Virginia. - Rev. EDWARD WADSWORTH, Va. - FRANCIS A. CONNOR, S. C. - Rev. THOS. H. JONES, Virginia. - WILLIAM H. BASS, Virginia. - HENRY F. JONES, N. C. - - -Rev. Henry B. Cowles having declined to accept the office of Agent, to -which he had been previously elected, was again elected. - -Warren DuPre resigned the tutorship, and Holland N. McTyeire was elected -to fill the place. - -It would be an omission if, in describing and relating other matters, -the description of an old-time Annual Commencement should be left out. -These occasions were notable events in the first two decades of the -College. In those days preparations were begun four weeks before the -Commencement day by releasing the Seniors from regular daily exercises -so as to give them time to prepare their orations, which each one had to -write and commit to memory and rehearse before the Professor of English, -who was authorized to make corrections in matter, style, and also in -manner of delivery. The Commencement generally was held the third -Wednesday and Thursday of June. The Sunday previous a sermon was -preached by some eminent minister appropriate to the occasion. Selecting -one occasion that the writer witnessed as a specimen, that of 1842, the -following description is faithful: The visitors, in the main, began to -fill up the boarding-houses around the College and the hotels of Boydton -on Tuesday. The Board of Trustees assembled on Tuesday at an early hour, -holding their meeting, strictly private, during the day. Friends of the -graduates from Virginia and the Carolinas were largely in attendance on -Wednesday in time for the opening of the exercises in the chapel. On -this occasion the far-famed evangelist, Rev. John Newland Maffett, had -been selected to deliver the annual oration before the literary -societies. He arrived on Tuesday by private carriage, having travelled -over seventy miles. The Alumni Society orator had also arrived. - -The exercises of Wednesday opened at 11 A. M. The band had been -discoursing musical selections for hours previous on the campus, and -continued in the gallery of the chapel, to which they and the crowd had -repaired. The chaplain invoked the blessing of God on the College and -the young men. The president introduced the alumni orator, who delivered -his address to the Society and the audience. The applause of the -auditors would have been prolonged but for their anxiety to hear the -silver-tongued orator, whose fame was as wide as the country. He was in -the prime of life. His dress was faultless; his black locks were -unruffled, as when he left the hair-dresser's shop an hour before, for -it was said he held his hat in his hand all the way from Boydton as he -rode in the carriage to the chapel. Be that as it may, every lock was in -perfect order. He was a native of the Emerald Isle, but was thoroughly -naturalized. His manner was well-nigh perfect, possibly a little too -dramatic; his voice musical, his enunciation rolling and faultless. - -What was the theme memory cannot recall. All that is remembered is his -action, voice, and the general effect on the auditors. The house was -packed; the crowd outside was as great as that inside. The oration over, -all breathed naturally again; the boys applauded, the ladies waved their -handkerchiefs and fans, and the band struck up enlivening notes, and all -said, as the morning exercises closed, "We have heard an orator to-day." - -In the afternoon the representatives of the Washington and Franklin -Societies--George Benagh and Felix Taylor of the former, and Marcellus -Stanley and Rives Waddill, of the latter--did their societies great -honor as their representatives by delivering in the chapel eloquent -orations. - -At night the Societies held their annual meetings, at which the -presidents-elect, distinguished honorary members, presided and made -addresses. In the debates following the honorary members were expected -to take part. The Society medals and honors were delivered to graduate -members. These meetings were held in the halls, and were not open to the -public. - -At night the parlors of private houses and the hotels were radiant with -the wealth of beauty gathered mainly from the Old Dominion and the old -North State. If there were ever fairer and more lovely women since the -days of Helen this deponent never saw them. - -The next day the graduating class made their last bows to a College -audience, having, according to custom, appeared three times before in -the last year of their course. It would be hard to decide which did -best, if the verdict had to be given by the fair auditors who heard -them. - -The "Latin Salutatory" came first, delivered by the second-honor man. -This was followed by the orations of others, without regard to grade. -The closing "Valedictory" was delivered by the first-honor man, who in -a manner represented the whole class. Then each graduate received his -"sheep-skin," delivered by the President, who, in Latin, said, "_Accepe -hoc diploma_," as he handed the diploma. - -The graduating class was complimented by a "party" given in their honor -by the students at the Steward's Hall, which was largely attended. This -closed the Commencement. - -So great was the interest in the Annual Commencements that parties came -for long distances, even as far as South Carolina. Some of them came in -coaches drawn by four horses with out-riders. - - -COLLEGE YEAR 1844-'45. - -The tendency in patronage this year was still downward. The number of -students was smaller than ever before. - -A movement was made to carry out the project to raise $20,000 for -endowment. The salaries of the Faculty were reduced, so that the -President only got $1,250; the professors, $1,000; Tutor, $600; -Principal of the Preparatory School, $600. This was done in the face of -the fact that the dues to the Faculty at this time amounted to $7,000. -This unfortunate condition of affairs was brought about and aggravated -by several causes. The poorly paid officers worked without hope of -remuneration. Students failed to attend because the impression was -becoming prevalent that the College would be forced to close its doors. -Besides, the farming community were receiving low prices for their -crops. In 1845 the severest drought prevailed in Virginia ever known -since 1816. - -At the Commencement, June, 1845, a case of smallpox was reported on the -morning of the first day. This threatened the total suspension of the -exercises, and many visitors did return home. The exercises were held at -Boydton, and the address of Rev. Dr. William S. Plumer, one of the -greatest men of his day, served to put all in good humor and restore -quiet. The next day the services were held in the chapel. - -[Illustration: TURNER M. JONES, A. M., D. D., _President Greensboro -Female College, N.C._] - -Degrees were conferred as follows: - -A. B. - - CHARLES B. STUART, Va. - JOHN G. BOYD, Va. - THOMAS T. BOSWELL, Va. - JAMES T. WRIGHT, Va. - WILLIAM F. BLACKWELL, Va. - JOHN W. SHELTON, N. C. - TURNER M. JONES, N. C. - -A. M. - - JOSEPH T. REESE, Ga. - GEORGE E. WYCHE, N. C. - THOMAS S. ARTHUR, S. C. - - -At the close of this year I. I. Crenshaw and H. N. McTyeire resigned -their places as Tutors. The former went to the Buckingham Female -Institute, and the latter took work as an itinerant on a circuit till -Conference. - -[Illustration: O. H. P. CORPREW, A. M., LL. D., _Professor in -Randolph-Macon College and Central College, Mo._] - -Williams T. Davis was elected Principal of the Preparatory School. - - -COLLEGE YEAR 1845-'46. - -The drought referred to continued till late in the summer. Many farmers -had to buy corn at one dollar per bushel, and in some cases had to go as -far as thirty miles to get meal. - -At the close of the year in June, at the meeting of the Board, great -financial embarrassment was reported. A bond to be secured by mortgage -on the real estate of the College for $5,000 was authorized to raise -funds to meet pressing indebtedness. - -The following received degrees June, 1846: - -A. B. - - JOHN DAVIS, Va. - OLIVER H. P. CORPREW, Va. - FRANK X. FOSTER, S. C. - EDWARD T. HARDY, Va. - SAMUEL HARDY, Va. - WM. G. de GRAFFENREIDT, Va. - OLIN M. DANTZLER, S. C. - BENJAMIN F. LOCKETT, Va. - THOMAS J. LOCKETT, Va. - THOMAS P. JERMAN, S. C. - GEORGE HOWARD, Va. - -A. M. - - JAMES F. DOWDELL, Ga. - WILLIAM F. SAMFORD, Ala. - JOHN F. RIVES, Miss. - THOMAS H. CAMPBELL, Va. - WILLIAM G. CONNER, S. C. - JOHN C. WALKER, Va. - -D. D. - - Rev. W. M. WIGHTMAN, S. C. - EDMOND W. SEHON, Ky. - -The session of the College, 1846-'47, opened very inauspiciously. In -addition to (and probably in large measure growing out of) the financial -troubles which had been thickening for years past, a want of harmony and -co-operation between the President and some of the members of the -Faculty began to be shown. This led to disorder and insubordination -among the students. To inquire into the matter at issue a meeting of the -Trustees was called in September, 1846, at which, after reciting a -history of the troubles, President Garland tendered his resignation, and -requested the immediate acceptance of the same. This was followed by the -resignation of their positions by Professors D. S. Doggett and David -Duncan, and Tutor Thomas H. Rogers. - -The resignation of the President was not accepted for prudential -reasons. That of Professor Doggett, to take effect at the close of the -session, was accepted, as was that of Tutor Rogers. Professor Duncan was -induced to withdraw his. - -The Board then adjourned to meet in the succeeding November, at the -session of the Virginia Conference, which was to meet at the College. - -At the adjourned meeting held November 13, 1846, the Board accepted the -resignation of President Garland. Rev. Wm. A. Smith, D. D., of the -Virginia Conference, was elected to fill the vacancy caused by the -resignation of President Garland. The Faculty, as re-organized, was as -follows, viz: - - REV. WM. A. SMITH (_President_), _Prof. Moral and Mental Philosophy_. - REV. CHARLES F. DEEMS, A. M., Prof. _Latin and Belles Lettres_. - EZEKIEL A. BLANCH, A. M., _Prof. Pure and Applied Mathematics_. - DAVID DUNCAN, A. M., _Prof. Greek Language and Literature_. - JAMES W. HARDY, _Prof. Experimental Science, Astronomy and Optics_. - -The severance of President Garland from the College, after a service of -fourteen years in various capacities, was a source of great sorrow to -his old pupils and friends. However deficient he may have been in some -qualifications for the presidency, which from the first he not only did -not seek, but frequently declined, he preserved all along the -unqualified respect of all as an able professor and scholar. So devoted -was he to the prosecution of his favorite study, Astronomy, that he -generally broke himself down every year by attempting to perform the -arduous work of the president and also of full professor. Added to this -he was for years Treasurer. To a sensitive nature like his, the demands -of creditors made on him when he could not meet them was a burden of -itself heavy enough for any one to bear. If the College had had an -endowment fund large enough to pay the expenses as they were incurred, -and had allowed him to retain a professorship at a fair salary, with a -president taking on his shoulders the duties which in most colleges -devolved on the president, his valuable services could probably have -been retained--certainly if the dissension had not arisen in the -administration of the College. It is proper here to state that this -dissension was only with Professor Hardy, and was not participated in by -the other members of the Faculty, and did not lead to the resignation of -several of them. - -President Garland accepted the Chair of Mathematics in the University of -Alabama, at Tuscaloosa. He never returned to his native State except on -visits. The whole of a long life was spent, first, at the University to -which he went, then at the University of Mississippi, from which he was -called to take the Chancellorship of the Vanderbilt University, at -Nashville, Tenn., which he accepted and filled for many years. Here in -connection with his old pupil, Bishop McTyeire, he did valuable work, -till age and feebleness forbade active work. Then he was made -_Chancellor emeritus_. He died suddenly, but not unprepared, at the -Vanderbilt University. - -The closing years of President Garland's administration were the darkest -in, the history of the College. Many of its friends were hopeless of its -ever rallying again. Others gathered new hope, and their faith -"staggered not" in this dark hour. All the older Methodist colleges had -gone down, or were tottering to their fall. So much the greater faith -was needed at Randolph-Macon. - -It was a fortunate circumstance that this re-organization took place at -the session of the Virginia Conference, which was held at the College, -and presided over by Bishop Capers. - -[Illustration: REV. WM. B. ROWZIE.] - -Rev. W. B. Rowzie, who for many years had been Agent, resigned the -position. A better friend the College never had. - -At the request of the Board, Rev. B. R. Duval and Rev. Nathaniel Thomas -were appointed Agents for the College. They were men of extraordinary -energy and zeal, and they at once entered on a thorough canvass of the -Conference in raising funds for the College. President Smith entered on -his duties with characteristic zeal. He was fortunately possessed of an -unconquerable will and a buoyancy of disposition, without which he would -have quailed under the discouragements under which he labored. - -"Wm. A. Smith was born in Fredericksburg, Va., November 29, 1802. His -mother was a consistent member of the Methodist Church, and in death -prayed that her son might live to preach the glorious gospel. His father -was a man of honorable character and position. Both died when he was of -a tender age. For a time the orphan boy had rough usage; but he was -afterwards adopted and raised by Mr. Russell Hill, a friend of his -father, and a worthy merchant of Petersburg. When seventeen years old, -he was converted, and joined the M. E. Church. He had received a good -English education, and had commenced the study of the classics; but -feeling that he was called of God to the ministry, and not being able to -attend college as he desired, he studied privately one year at the home -of his uncle, Mr. Porter, in Orange county, and taught school two or -three years in Madison. In 1824 he travelled the Gloucester circuit -under the Presiding Elder; in February, 1825, he was admitted on trial -into the Virginia Conference. In 1833, while Agent for Randolph-Macon -College, then in its infancy, he met with a fearful accident: the -carriage which he was driving upset and fell on him, breaking his right -thigh and dislocating his left hip, and badly laming him for life. He -was a delegate to the General Conference of the M. E. Church every -session from 1832 to 1844, and occupied a high position in that great -council as an adviser and debater. In the memorable appeal case of -Harding, and in the yet more important extrajudicial trial of Bishop -Andrew, which led to the division of the church, he won a reputation -wide as the United States, and inferior to that of no minister of any -denomination, for the highest deliberative and forensic eloquence. He -was a member of the Louisville Convention which organized the M. E. -Church, South, and of all the General Conferences of this church to the -date of his death. He commanded universal respect and confidence among -his brethren by the sincerity of his zeal, the wisdom of his counsels, -and the power of his reasoning. His impress will long remain on the -legislation and institutions of Southern Methodism. In 1846 he was -called from the regular pastorate, by the urgency of the Trustees of -Randolph-Macon College, sanctioned by the Virginia Conference, to the -Presidency of this institution. He was selected for that place because -his courage, energy and strength of intellect seemed indispensable not -only to the prosperity, but even to the saving of this noble -institution. Twenty years of his life was consecrated to this -cause--years of self-sacrifice, of unremitting toil, of courageous -battling with difficulties and victory over them; of hope where others -desponded, of faith where others doubted, of resolution where others -wavered. He was diligent in his study, diligent in his lecture-room, -diligent in his travel through Virginia and North Carolina to collect -money and to arouse interest in behalf of the College. The number of -students steadily increased, the standard of scholarship was elevated, -and through the joint efforts of Dr. Smith and the agents of the College -an endowment fund of $100,000 was raised. Then came the terrible war, -which emptied those classic halls and swept away the funds which had -been gathered with so much toil. Yet not in vain had he labored. Scores -of ministers, hundreds of pious young men, educated under his care, -moulded by his influence, are this day in their several spheres carrying -on the same grand work to which he was devoted, and have learned, from -his teachings and example, never to surrender, never to despair of -Randolph-Macon. - -"We have not spoken of Dr. Smith as a preacher and pastor. He soon rose -to eminence in the ministry, and stood with the foremost in the pulpit -and pastorate for faithfulness, ability and success. He had a deep, -distinct, happy, constant experience of the saving grace of God in -Christ Jesus. His zeal for the cause of religion was pure, steady, -consuming. He was fully consecrated to the work of the ministry. The -doctrines and polity of our church had no stronger, nobler expounder and -champion than he. His sermons were "logic on fire"--grand and solid -discussions of the leading truths of the gospel, animated with deep -emotion. Thousands were converted under his ministry; many of them -became preachers of the word in our own and other denominations; the -churches he served were ever edified and trained, not less by his -pastoral fidelity than by his luminous discourses. - -"As a man, he was of marked character. Who that ever saw him could -forget that bold, frank, noble face and forehead, which revealed at a -glance the lofty attributes of his intellect, the loftier attributes of -his heart! Cunning and deceit he knew not; to fear he was a stranger; -his convictions he was ever ready to avow and maintain. Yet, with all -his courage and indomitable energy of will, he had a tender, sympathetic -heart, and much of a child-like spirit, simple, unselfish, trustful, -easy to be entreated." * - -* Copied from Memoir in Virginia Conference Minutes. - -Rev. C. F. Deems did not accept the chair of Latin, and O. H. P. Corprew -was elected professor _pro tempore_, and filled the place. - -At a meeting of the Board held March 31, 1847, an effort was made to -establish a medical department of the College, but it never resulted in -any permanent success. - -[Illustration: BENNETT PURYEAR, A. M., LL. D., _Professor Chemistry -Randolph-Macon College; Chairman Faculty and Professor Chemistry, -Richmond College._] - -At the meeting of the Board held June, 1847, President Smith reported -that the session had been pleasant and the prospects of the College -improving. The success of the Agents in their work gave promise of -better financial conditions. A committee was appointed to reorganize the -Preparatory School system, and it was proposed to establish one or more -at salient points. - -[Illustration: WM. A. SMITH, D. D., _President of Randolph-Macon -College, 1846-1866. President Central College, Missouri._] - -Professor J.W. Hardy tendered his resignation, which was accepted. He -had been elected President of La Grange College, Alabama, where he died -after a short service. - -The following received degrees: - -A. B. - - BENNETT PURYEAR, Va. - JOHN MOODY, Va. - R. H. BEALE, Tenn. - -A. M. - - W. C. DOUB, N. C. - JOHN LYON, Va. - T. C. JOHNSON, Mo. - ARCHIBALD CLARK, Va. - THOMAS H. ROGERS, Va. - JOHN HOWARD, Va. - -D. D. - - REV. D. S. DOGGETT, Va. - REV. EDWARD WADSWORTH, Ala. - -At a meeting of the Board held at Charlottesville November 17, during -the session of the Virginia Conference, a further issue of -life-scholarships was authorized. - -The committee on Preparatory Schools reported in favor of retaining the -old school at the College under certain rules, and the establishment of -one at Ridgway, N. C., under a contract with the Trustees of the Ridgway -Academy, with William C. Doub, A. M., as Principal; also of one at -Garysburg, N. C., with C. B. Stuart, A. M., as Principal. - -At the close of the year, June, 1848, the President in the annual report -reported increased patronage, and a session marked by studiousness and -good order among the students. The number in the College and the -Preparatory School was about one hundred and forty. - -The graduates receiving degrees June, 1848, were-- - -A. B. - - JOHN C. GRANBERY, Va. - JOHN H. CLAIBORNE, Va. - JAMES R. BRANCH, Va. - JOHN S. MOORE, Va. - DALLAS SMITH, Ala. - TAZEWELL HARGROVE, N. C. - RICHARD G. MORRIS, Va. - GEORGE W. FRIEND, Va. - CHARLES E. WILLIAMS, Va. - JAMES D. BLACKWELL, Va. - -A. M. - - CHARLES B. STUART, Va. - TURNER M. JONES, N. C. - WILLIE M. PERSON, N. C. - J. W. SHELTON, N. C. - THOMAS B. RUSSELL, Ga. - JOHN G. BOYD, Va. - WILLIAMS T. DAVIS (Hon'y), Va. - BENJAMIN JENKINS (Honorary), Missionary M. E. Church, South, in China. - -[Illustration: JAMES R. BRANCH, A. M., _Colonel Artillery, C. S. A._] - -D'Arcy Paul, Investing Agent and Chairman of the Finance Committee, -reported the probable income for coming year at about $3,500, $2,000 of -which amount to come from fees and the balance endowment dividends. - -[Illustration: JOHN C. GRANBERY, A. M., D. D.] - -We pause again in this narrative to give a reminiscence of College life -as written in 1882 by a distinguished member of the class last named, -John C. Granbery, who delivered the valedictory as first-honor man. The -distinction then achieved was but a presage of his rank in the several -positions he has been called to fill--Pastor, Chaplain to the University -of Virginia, Chaplain in the Confederate army (in which service he was -severely wounded and taken prisoner), Professor in the Vanderbilt -University, Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South (elected -1882), and author of several works. At this writing he lives at Ashland, -and is the President of the Board of Trustees. - -"As the earliest of the American Methodist Colleges now extant, -Randolph-Macon may be called venerable, if not ancient. But I use the -prefix _old_ in order to distinguish the College as it was at Boydton -from the College as it is at Ashland. The features of contrast are many -and important. In the old days slavery was, as we thought, a fixed and -lasting institution; civil strife had not swept away lives and fortunes, -and the South was proud, independent, fiery and enthusiastic, chivalrous -withal, generous, genial; now we are just beginning to adjust ourselves -to the new social and political conditions which have been imposed by a -disastrous war. Then there was a single degree, Bachelor of Arts, for -which the students strove, and the course of four years was prescribed, -with its regular gradations of Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and -Seniors; now the studies are eclectic, and the matriculates may select -any one of several degrees, or study without reference to graduation. -Then the lumbering stage brought up the tri-weekly, or perhaps daily, -mail and passengers, and the word of the driver rang forth cheerily, but -no shrill whistle of steam-engine or thunder of lightning trains -disturbed the silence of the classic groves, and the attractions and -distractions of the crowded, hurrying, clamorous city were out of -reach and out of thought; now the steam-car and the steam-press are -familiar objects, the capital is less than an hour's distance, and the -stage-coach is a tradition. - -"A change has taken place in the manner and measure of collegiate -discipline. This is due not to the change of locality, but to the spirit -of the age. It has come to be a maxim that the best government is that -which governs least. We seek the minimum of restriction on liberty that -is compatible with the ends of government, viz., order, morality and -diligence. Formerly the dormitory system prevailed; students were -required to be in their rooms during certain hours of the day and night; -professors and tutors visited the buildings, seeking to surprise the -inmates, in order to ascertain whether the rule was observed; there were -many minute regulations which have since been abandoned. This continued -exercise of authority and plan of watching provoked insubordination and -evasion; the wits of the boys were set to work in order to deceive the -teachers, and to break the rules without detection, or, at least, with -impunity. The risk gave to mischief and lawlessness a relish they would -not otherwise have possessed. Unwholesome suppers were stealthily -brought to the rooms by negroes at late hours of the night; calathumps -aroused the neighborhood with most hideous music; blackboards were -greased; the bell-rope was cut, and old John had to blow his horn at -daybreak in every row of the buildings, as a call to prayers and -recitations. This provoked him greatly, and he used to say, 'If you -won't be rung up as gentlemen, I must blow you up as hogs.' How heartily -I have heard Dr. Smith laugh as he repeated the old negro's complaint at -such times, 'We have the worstest young men, and the mostest on 'em, I -ever seed!' Practical jokes, sometimes of a very disagreeable sort, were -played on professors in their nocturnal rounds of inspecting the -premises. Calves were hauled up into lecture-rooms, and other silly -tricks were perpetrated. I am glad that these follies have passed away, -that faculty and students treat each other as gentlemen and friends, and -that the public sentiment of the College would not tolerate any -rudeness, though disguised under the name of fun. It is well to appeal -to the conscience, gentlemanly propriety and honor, and generous and -kindly sentiments of young men, rather than resort to espionage and -multiplied restraints. - -"I appreciate the arguments in favor of locating institutions of -learning on the great lines of travel, and in or near large towns. It -should be easy to get to them, and get away from them. The frequent mail -and the time-destroying telegraph are now indispensable where students -are a small minority of the population, and where there is a vigilant -and effective police many disorders are prevented, and faculties and -boards of trust are saved much trouble. Low vice is cheap, and will go -to the most secluded spot in search of victims; but the city presents -many refined pleasures which may serve to draw off ingenuous youth from -haunts of sin and projects of mischief. But there are advantages on the -side of the more quiet and retired situation. It favors concentration of -interest on books, lectures, and light collegiate exercises. The whole -life at the country college becomes student life. There is no division -of mind and heart. There is nothing to tempt the earnest youth from his -proper work. The _esprit du corps_ of old Randolph-Macon was very -strong. There were hospitable and cultivated homes in the neighborhood, -and most charming maidens; those who visited them found entangling -alliances for life, if the fair sex consented. But the number of young -ladies sufficiently near to be easily visited was small, and many of the -students were not, if I must use the modern slang which was unknown in -my day, calicoists. The two literary societies were centres of -enthusiasm. A new Randolph-Macon student can hardly understand the -intensity of devotion "Washs" and "Franks" had for their societies in -those times. All students were members of the one or of the other, and -were ready to brag for it, quarrel for it, and, if need be, fight for -it. They did not all attend regularly the meetings, or take part in -discussion and other literary exercises; their lack of presence or -performance was amply atoned for by the payment of their fines, for we -were always eager to replenish the treasury. But a number studied -carefully the questions of debate, reading largely, and thus, forming a -fondness for books and habit of reflection; they prepared their -speeches, and often waxed very warm. Indeed, bitterness and strife would -sometimes arise, but they soon passed away. A frequent and effective -debater of rather waspish and contemptuous temper alluded one day to the -arguments of his opponents as flimsy cobwebs, as he quoted one after -another, and answered it, 'I brush that cobweb away,' said he. A modest, -merry-hearted man on the other side--he is now one of Lee's one-armed -heroes--responded: 'The gentleman called my arguments cobwebs, and it -may be that they are; but to-day is not the first time that I have seen -a fly caught in a spider's web, and vainly struggling to get loose.' -Colonel R., an intelligent gentleman of the community, said to me more -than once, when he had been listening to a spirited debate, 'It is not -inferior to the best debates I have heard in the Legislature of -Virginia.' Some of the most skilled debaters in church and state would -give a large share of the credit for their power in deliberative -assemblies to the inspiration and training of those old Randolph-Macon -halls. Many foolish things were spoken there, I must admit. 'I don't -know I did the thing with which I am charged,' said an excited Frank; -'but if I did, I oughtn't to be fined, for I did it with malice -aforethought.' 'With malice aforethought!' responded the censor, who was -our honored and beloved Duncan; 'who ever heard before of that being an -excuse?' 'I said it, and I repeat it, that I did it with malice -aforethought; and if the gentleman doesn't understand, I will explain -that it is a law phrase, and means I didn't go to do it!' - -"There were many traditions in my day of giants who had been at old -Randolph-Macon. They told how Dr. Olin, the first President, a man of -great head and heart, would send for an idle or offending student, place -his feet on the chair where the delinquent sat so as to hold him, a -close prisoner, and talk to him faithfully, yet tenderly, until with -burning cheeks and floods of tears the youth promised never again to -offend. It was a memorable event when the great man preached; solid -thought in vast masses was driven to the mark with resistless power. -There was a story of an eloquent and mighty sermon from Dr. Lovick -Pierce, of Georgia, from a text which astonished every listener: 'Let -him that stole steal no more; but rather let him labor, working with his -hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that -needeth.' There were glowing reports of the wonderful pathos and power -of Russell, of Georgia; how he melted the cold, stone hearts of the -Faculty, who were bent on sending him home, but they had all their -resolves converted into admiration and sympathy for the youth who -pleaded eloquently his own cause; how often he electrified his society. -It was my good fortune to see and hear him in the pulpit and on the -platform, when he visited the College as Commencement orator." - -During the session of 1847-'48, a man of more than ordinary distinction -and talent became connected as Professor with the College, Rev. Charles -Force Deems. He was a native of New Jersey, and a graduate of Dickinson -College. In very early manhood he came to North Carolina to represent -the American Bible Society in that State. He was there only a short time -before he was elected to a chair at the University of North Carolina at -Chapel Hill. When Dr. Smith was elected President in November, 1846, he -was elected Professor of Latin and Belles Lettres. He did not accept the -chair at that time. In December, 1847, he did accept another, and the -January following entered upon his duties as Professor of Chemistry. He -remained that year and then returned to North Carolina, and entered on -the regular work of an itinerant minister. It is not known why he so -soon severed his connection with the College, for which he always to his -latest day expressed an attachment, evidenced by more than one or two -acts of interest and generosity. It is probable that there was little -kindly feeling from some cause not known, or congeniality between him -and the President of the College. This doubtless was the root of the -bitter feud between him and Dr. Smith in after time, culminating in the -alienation of many friends from each other and the North Carolina -Conference from the College. - -The portraits of the two now hang near together on the wall of the -Trustees' room in the library, and it is hoped that all "bitterness and -wrath" having been laid aside they together share the blessedness of -heaven. - -COLLEGE YEAR 1848-'49. - -The report of the President and Faculty gives the following items for -the year 1848-'49: - -Students in College proper, 61; in Preparatory Schools, viz.: at the -College, 51; Ridgway, N. C., 20; Garysburg, 40; Lowell, N. C., 21; -Richlands, N. C., 20; in all, 213. - -"The schools in North Carolina from the last quarterly returns are in a -prosperous condition, and promise in reasonable time to operate as -valuable auxiliaries." - -Professor Deems resigned the chair about December, 1848. The vacancy was -filled, or arranged to be filled, by Charles B. Stuart, of the class of -1845, with the privilege extended to him to spend about a year at -Yale College, where Agricultural and Analytical Chemistry were made -specialties. This arrangement was carried out. - -At the meeting of the Board, June, 1849, a department of Agricultural -Chemistry was provided for, to be in charge of Professor Stuart. - -[Illustration: RICHARD W. LEIGH, _Major C. S. A.; killed at Murfreesboro, -Tenn._] - -The following degrees were conferred: - -A. B. - - JAMES A. DUNCAN, Va. - WILLIAM G. FOOTE, Miss. - JAMES W. JACKSON, Va. - RICHARD W. LEIGH, Va. - LEWIS MILLER, N. C. - R.S.F. PEETE, Va. - B. CRAVEN (Honorary), N. C. - -A. M. - - LUCIEN H. LOMAX, S. C. - EDWARD T. HARDY, Va. - O.H.P. CORPREW, Va. - FRANCIS X. FOSTER, S. C. - -COLLEGE YEAR 1849-'50. - -The attendance this year at the Home Schools was 134 (College, 62; -Preparatory, 72). Improvement reported in general morals and habits of -students. - -Great financial embarrassment reported, and urgent appeals for active -measures to secure needed relief. - -[Illustration: EDWIN E. PARHAM, A. M., _President of Warrenton, -Petersburg, and Hampton Female Colleges._] - -Early in the session of 1849-'50, Professor E. A. Blanch resigned the -Chair of Mathematics on account of continued bad health. Professor John -C. Wills, a distinguished graduate of the Virginia Military Institute, -was elected to fill the vacancy, and entered on his duties. He was a -local minister in the Methodist Church, and a man of fine character and -an accomplished teacher. The College was fortunate in securing such a -man. - -The Faculty now consisted of the following; Dr. Smith, President; -Professors Duncan, Stuart, Wills, Corprew (Tutor), and Williams T. Davis -at the Preparatory School near the College. - -In June, 1850, they reported the Preparatory School as having done well, -and the reception from it of twenty students for the next session, and -four from the Ridgway Preparatory School. The school at Garysburg, N. -C., had been discontinued. The schools at Lowell, N. C., and Richlands, -N. C., in successful operation and accomplishing much good. - -From the above it will be seen that the establishment of academies as -feeders to the College was a fact accomplished before the late effort in -1889. They were all in North Carolina, and the subsequent alienation -carried them away from the College with whatever patronage they were -bringing to it. - -Degrees were conferred as follows, June, 1850: - -A. B. - - EDWIN A. THOMPSON, N. C. - EDWIN E. PARHAM, Va. - EDWARD A. ADAMS, Va. - JOHN F. DANCE, Va. - WILLIAM A. BRAME, N. C. - ROBERT H. WINFIELD, Va. - BENJAMIN C. DREW, Va. - THOMAS F. FITZGERALD, Va. - -A. M. - - REV. N. F. REID (Hon'y), N. C. - BENNETT PURYEAR, Va. - -COLLEGE YEAR 1850-'51. - -Number of students reported this year: In College, 91; in Preparatory -School, 62--total, 153. - -The schools in North Carolina, except Ridgeway, prosperous. - -The year was not satisfactory in the deportment of students generally, -nor in finances. - -[Illustration: PROF. WILLIAM T. DAVIS, _Principal Preparatory School._] - -In June, 1851, the following degrees were conferred: - -A. B. - - WILLIAM H. CHRISTIAN, Va. - HUGH D. BRACEY, Va. - WILLIAM M. CRENSHAW, Va. - HENRY F. DRAKE, N. C. - ARMSTREAT E. FOWLKES, Va. - JOHN H. GUY, Va. - HEZEKIAH G. LEIGH, Jr., Va. - JOHN S. LONG, N. C. - JAMES O'HANLON, N. C. - JACOB M. PALMER, Va. - REUBEN PALMER, Va. - WILLIAM MCK. ROBBINS, N. C. - RICHARD H. WILLIAMS, Va. - HENRY W. WINGFIELD, Va. - -[Illustration: WILLIAM MCK. ROBBINS, _Member of Congress from North -Carolina._] - -A. M. - - RICHARD H. POWELL, Ala. - DAVID CLOPTON, Ala. - THOMAS J. KOGER, S. C. - JAMES F. DOWDELL, Ala. - TENNENT LOMAX, Ala. - JAMES L. PIERCE, Ga. - EDWARD WADSWORTH, Ala. - ADDISON LEA, Miss. - Rev. B. CRAVEN (Honorary), N. C. President Trinity College. - -The Finance Committee reported to the Board that the sum of $57,000 had -been raised in subscriptions, bonds, etc., towards the endowment of the -College. - -COLLEGE YEAR 1851-'52. - -A number of changes took place this year. Williams T. Davis, A. M., who -had for many years successfully conducted the Preparatory School, -retired to go to Petersburg, where he spent the balance of a useful life -in the education of young ladies. He was temporarily succeeded by W. G. -Foote, A. B., and later by James S. Kennedy, A. B., of Emory and Henry -College. - -O. H. P. Corprew, A. M., tutor, was succeeded by Rev. J. A. Dean. - -The annual report mentions better financial condition; decrease in -patronage, due in part to changes of teachers; the introduction of the -"Demerit system," which is noted as having worked satisfactorily; also -the establishment of the degree of "Bachelor of English Literature and -Science," allowing a degree without taking classical studies. - -The Preparatory School at Ridgway, N. C., was discontinued. The other -schools were reported as doing well, but no statistics as to numbers in -attendance were given. The first volume of the _Randolph-Macon -Magazine_, containing ten numbers and three hundred pages, was published -in 1851. The Editors' Table states that "the primary object of our -publication is the _enlargement of our Society libraries_." - -The following is another extract from the Editors' Table: "The time is -at hand for us to throw off our dependence upon the North, and establish -an _independent Southern_ literature." - -The old _Southern Literary Messenger_ was then published, and several -_Reviews_, more or less literary. None of permanent standing are -published now. Southern independence in government and literature seem -to have both surrendered at Appomattox. Some of these young men laid -down their lives for one, some have been too busy fighting "the wolf at -the door" to do much for the latter. While we lament their defeat, we -admire their pluck. - -The following is the title-page of Volume I.: - -[Transcribers' Note: In the printed book, the editors and agents are -listed in two parallel columns. The left-hand column is headed "_From -F.L. Society._" and the right-hand column is headed "_From W.L. -Society._"] - - -THE RANDOLPH-MACON MAGAZINE. - -PUBLISHED BY THE STUDENTS OF THE R.-M. COLLEGE. - -"_Adeo in teneris consuescere, multum est_." - -EDITORS: - - _From F. L. Society._ - ROBERT M. MALLORY. - WILLIAM Y. PEYTON. - JOHN WILLIAMS. - - _From W. L. Society._ - CHARLES H. HALL. - JOHN S. JACKSON. - THADDEUS L. H. YOUNG. - - -AGENTS: - _From F. L. Society_. - JAMES SANGSTER. - THOMAS C. THACKSTON. - - _From W. L. Society_. - LEROY M. WILSON. - EDWARD M. PETERSON. - ------------------------ - - PRINTED BY CHAS. H. WYNNE, - _150 Main Street, Richmond Va._ - ------------------------ - -The following degrees were conferred June, 1852: - -A. B. - - ROWLAND DOGGETT, Va. - ROBERT A. JACKSON, Va. - SAMUEL LANDER, N. C. - ROBERT M. MALLORY, Va. - BENJAMIN W. OGBURN, Va. - JOHN F. OGBURN, Va. - HORACE PALMER, Jr., Va. - RUFUS R. PEGUES, S. C. - HENRY H. WILLIAMS, Va. - JOHN WILLIAMS, N. C. - -A. M. - - JAMES W. JACKSON, Va. - JAMES A. DUNCAN, Va. - R.S.F. PEETE, N. C. - WILLIAM G. FOOTE, Miss. - -COLLEGE SESSION 1852-'53. - -At the annual meeting, June, 1853, the report of the President and -Faculty was duly made, but, from some cause, it was not recorded. - -[Illustration: SAMUEL LANDER, D. D., _President Williamston Female -College, South Carolina._] - -The following degrees were conferred: - -A. B. - - CHARLES H. HALL, N. C. - JOHN S. JACKSON, Va. - EMBRY MERRITT, Va. - HENRY D. MILAM, N. C. - JAMES D. PROCTOR, Va. - JAMES E. SEBRELL, Va. - RICHARD W. THURMAN, Va. - JAMES SANGSTER, Va. - -A. M. - - E. W. ADAMS, Va. - JOHN H. CLAIBORNE, Va. - RICHARD W. LEIGH, Va. - EDWIN E. PARHAM, Va. - GEORGE HOWARD, Va. - LEWIS MILLER, N. C. - ROBERT H. WINFIELD, Va. - Rev. JOHN E. EDWARDS, Va. (Honorary). - -D. D. - - Rev. HEZEKIAH G. LEIGH, North Carolina Conference. - Rev. CHARLES F. DEEMS, North Carolina Conference. - -[Illustration: REV. CHAS. H. HALL, _Of the Virginia Conference._] - - -COLLEGE YEAR 1853-'54. - -There were in attendance this year 111 students in College and 43 in the -Preparatory School. Great gratification was expressed on account of the -good order of the session. The financial condition, however, was still -very embarrassing. The scholarships sold had added something to the -endowment fund, but the number of students paying tuition fees was -reduced, and thus the current receipts were not increased. This -embarrassed the officers of the College, because, while they preferred to -remain, higher salaries elsewhere invited them away. The President -stated that he visited the Virginia Legislature and made strenuous -efforts to induce the body to pass an act which would give all -incorporated Colleges $20,000 in State bonds for every $30,000 invested -by them in State bonds. Though the project seemed to meet with great -favor, nevertheless it failed, as all efforts to get the State to aid -denominational colleges have done. - -Dr. Smith adds: "But if the hope of succeeding with this scheme be not -sufficient to justify you in making better provision for your officers, -and another should not present itself to your minds affording better -grounds of hope for success, it is respectfully submitted whether it be -not better to close your doors until such of the officers as you shall -deem proper to employ shall succeed in raising from the public an -endowment fund sufficient to meet the wants of the institution." - -The venerable Professor David Duncan resigned the Chair of Ancient -Languages, September, 1853, to take effect June, 1854. So in June, after -a continuous faithful service of twenty-one years, he bade farewell to -Randolph-Macon, and went to Wofford, the scene of his labors to the end -of a long life. - -Professor O. H. P. Corprew, A. M., was transferred from the Chair of -Natural Philosophy to fill the vacancy occasioned by Professor Duncan's -resignation. Professor Corprew had been elected to the Professorship of -Natural Philosophy in the previous December. H. G. Leigh, Jr., resigned -as Tutor of Languages, and was succeeded by T. H. L. Young, A. B. Wm. H. -Bass resigned the place of Principal of the Preparatory School, and was -succeeded by John W. Stuart. - -[Illustration: THOMAS C. ELDER, A. M., _Of the Staunton, Va. Bar._] - -John S. Moore, A. M., was elected to the Chair of Natural Philosophy, -vacated by the transfer of Professor Corprew. - -At the annual meeting in June, 1854, the following received degrees: - -A. B. - - JESSE P. BAGBY, Va. - JOHN G. S. BOYD, Va. - RICHARD BOYD, Va. - WILLIAM H. CHEEK, N. C. - THOMAS C. ELDER, Va. - GEORGE W. HAMLIN, Va. - GARLAND B. HANES, Va. - GEORGE W. MAGRUDER, N. C. - ADOLPHUS W. MANGUM, Va. - A. C. MASSENBURG, N. C. - SAMUEL MOORE, Va. - THOMAS C. THACKSTON, Va. - L. O. RIVES, Tenn. - LEROY M. WILSON, Va. - THADDEUS L. H. YOUNG, Va. - -A. M. - - WILLIAM M. CRENSHAW, Va. - BENJAMIN F. SIMMONS, N. C. - WILLIAM MCK. ROBBINS, N. C. - HEZEKIAH G. LEIGH, JR., Va. - EDWARD S. BROWN, Va. - ARMSTREAT E. FOWLKES, Va. - -B., Eng. Lit. and Science. - - ALEX. HOGG, Va. - J. KIRKPATRICK. - W. H. SHAY. - -D. D. - - REV. T. B. SARGENT, Balt. Conf. - REV. ALFRED T. MANN, Ga. Conf. - - -At a called meeting held July 26, 1854, which was well attended, a -further effort was made to secure aid from the Legislature of Virginia. - -At this session of the Board the following important action was taken: - -Rev. Robert O. Burton offered the following resolutions: - -1. That in view of still further elevating the institution and securing -its permanency we will endeavor to increase the endowment to $100,000. - -2. That whenever the amount of $100,000 shall have been secured, or the -interest on the endowment fund shall amount to $6,000, this Board will -grant to the ministers of the Virginia and North Carolina Conferences -the right to educate their sons free of tuition fees for thirty years. - -3. That one or more agents be appointed to raise the money, and that we -earnestly ask the co-operation of all the ministers of the Virginia and -North Carolina Conferences. - -4. That subscriptions of $500 may be paid by the subscribers either -during their natural life or twelve months after death, with interest -from date, to be paid annually. - -5. That Rev. H. B. Cowles be appointed agent, and that Dr. William A. -Smith be associated with him. - -[Illustration: REV. L. M. LEE, D. D., _Editor: Richmond Christian -Advocate_.] - -These resolutions were adopted, and the agents appointed were requested -to make arrangements for the prosecution of the work as soon as -practicable. It could not be done at once, as the Agent elected had to -be assigned to the work by the Conference, which did not meet till -November. So it was arranged that the work should be commenced next -spring. - -In the interval Dr. Leroy M. Lee, then editor of the _Richmond Christian -Advocate_, proceeded to write and publish from time to time a series of -articles on "Christian Education"--articles probably not surpassed in -force and pertinence by any ever written on the subject. He kept the -matter of the canvass which was to be inaugurated the coming year before -the Methodist public, and thus effectually paved the way for better -success. - -In May, 1855, the agent and president of the College began the active -field work to raise the amount to one hundred thousand dollars at -Crenshaw's Church, on the Nottoway circuit, near Blacks and Whites -station, on the the (then) Southside Railroad. At this church a -mass-meeting was held, lasting several days. There were present, in -addition to the leaders above named, Dr. Leroy M. Lee, editor, who was -much interested in the effort. - -Dr. Smith was the chief speaker, and he never appeared to better -advantage, having the sympathy and interest of the audience with him -from the start. Dr. Lee followed him. Agent Cowles struck while the iron -was hot and took the subscription, which, in addition to what was -secured in the circuit in the next few days, amounted to five thousand -dollars. This gave the enterprise a good send-off, and was received and -accepted by the church at large as an augury of final success, which -proved to be true. The agents did not relax their efforts till the limit -was reached. - -There were several circumstances which made this effort a success. The -men in charge were the right men. Dr. Smith was a great man before the -people. Few men who lived in the State ever equalled, fewer still ever -surpassed him. His colleague, while not deficient in public speaking (he -was a most excellent preacher), was gifted with good business address -and tact, well versed in reading and managing mankind in general, and -thorough in his business transactions, securing all the benefits which -were possible. Both were largely acquainted throughout the Conference. - -The times were propitious. The decade beginning 1851 was the golden era -in the material prosperity of Virginia. The spirit of improvement in -lands, building railroads, and plank roads, and other roads was at its -height. Most of the great lines throughout the State were built during -this decade--the Richmond and Danville, the Southside (Petersburg and -Lynchburg), the Virginia and Tennessee (Lynchburg to Bristol), the -Orange and Alexandria (Lynchburg and Alexandria), and the Roanoke Valley -(Clarksville and Ridgway, N. C.), and others were built or projected. -The last named brought railway communication within twelve miles of the -College, and Keysville, on the Richmond and Danville, was within -thirty-five miles of the College. Besides these improvements, a plank -road was built from Petersburg to Clarksville, which was, as long as it -lasted, a great improvement. Another plank road from Blacks and Whites, -on the Southside Railroad, was built through Lunenburg in the direction -of Boydton, but its terminus was twenty miles short of reaching it. - -The Crimean war, involving the great Powers of Europe, raised the price -of wheat to a price seldom, if ever, reached previously. It sold in -1853-'54 for $2.35 per bushel, and good prices were maintained for the -balance of the decade. Lands in the State, which had been low in price, -were increased in value one hundred per cent. and other property in -something like the same ratio. All this made people more ready to -contribute as well as more able. - - -COLLEGE YEAR 1854-'55. - -This College year was marked by no special change or event. The -President's report notes: matriculates in College during the session, -134, 72 of whom were on scholarships. - -[Illustration: DAVID R. DUNCAN, _Major C. S. A.; Senator S. C. -Legislature._] - -Professor Samuel Lander, A. M., entered upon his duties as Adjunct -Professor of Languages, and W. A. Shepard was Assistant in the -Laboratory. - -At the annual meeting, June, 1855, degrees were conferred: - -A. B. - - GEORGE E. BOOKER, Va. - JAMES B. DUGGER, Va. - WILLIAM N. CARTER, Va. - JOHN E. CHRISTIAN, Va. - THOMAS A. GATCH, Va. - JAMES C. HANES, Va. - PETER A. MOSES, Va. - ROBERT N. SLEDD, Va. - DAVID R. DUNCAN, S. C. - OLIVER G. SMITH, N. C. - -A. M. - - THOMAS E. MASSIE, Va. - SAMUEL LANDER, N. C. - ROWLAND DOGGETT, Va. - JOHN F. DANCE, Va. - JOHN F. OGBURN, Va. - ROBERT M. MALLORY, Va. - HENRY W. WINGFIELD, Va. - BENJAMIN W. OGBURN, Va. - SAM'L B. PAUL (Honorary) Va. - -COLLEGE YEAR 1855-'56. - -The celebrated trial of Deems vs. Smith took place at the Virginia -Conference held in Petersburg, November, 1855. The charges were -presented by Dr. C. F. Deems in person, and defence made by Dr. Smith. -The verdict was almost unanimous, finding Dr. Smith not guilty. - -The result of this unfortunate affair was the resignation of quite a -number of the Trustees from the North Conference, that Conference having -espoused the cause of Dr. Deems by a very large majority. - -At the meeting of the Trustees in June, 1856, Dr. Smith tendered his -resignation as President of the College. The Board refused to accept the -resignation, only two voting to receive it. - -This year the first catalogue, as printed, comes to us. Others had been -printed, but no copies preserved. - -Of the original charter members of the Board all had died or retired but -John Early, William A. Smith, Mathew M. Dance and John G. Claiborne. All -the original members of the Faculty had resigned. Students in College, -93; in Preparatory School, 36--total, 129. - -We have no mention of the several Preparatory schools in North Carolina. -Thos. A. Gatch, A. B., was Principal of the Home School. - -[Illustration: W. T. BAILEY, _Killed at Gettysburg; buried on the -field._] - -A resolution was adopted by the Board asking the Legislature to -establish a school of "military tactics" in connection with the College, -but nothing ever came of it. - -In January, 1856, a most remarkable fall of snow occurred, with a -temperature of ten degrees below zero. The snow was fifteen inches deep. - -In June, 1856, the following received degrees: - -A. B. - - W. T. BAILEY, Va. - GREEN A. JACKSON, Va. - THOMAS L. JACKSON, Va. - WILLIAM T. MERRITT, Va. - JOHN P. FULLER, N. C. - -A. M. - - JAMES E. SEBRELL, Va. - WILLIAM A. BRAME, Va. - JAMES D. PROCTOR, Va. - - -COLLEGE YEAR 1856-'57. - -The changes in the Faculty this year were the resignation of Assistant -Professor Samuel Lander, whose place was not filled, and the -substitution of Charles W. Crawley, Principal of the Preparatory School -for Thomas A. Gatch, resigned. - -In June, 1857, Professor Charles B. Stuart resigned the Chair of -Chemistry and Geology, and Professor N. T. Lupton succeeded him. -Professor O. H. P. Corprew at same time resigned the Chair of Ancient -Languages, and Professor William B. Carr succeeded him. - -The degrees conferred June, 1857, were-- - -A. B. - - GEORGE W. ARMISTEAD, Va. - WILLIAM I. COWLES, Va. - RICHARD W. JONES, Va. - JOSEPH E. LEIGH, Va. - EDWIN G. MOORE, N. C. - WILBUR F. DAVIS, N. C. - JOHN B. WILLIAMS, N. C. - WILLIAM W. PENNY, Mo. - WILLIAM A. SHEPARD, Mass. - -A. M. - - WILLIAM G. CONNOR, Tenn. - L. O. RIVES, Tenn. - GARLAND B. HANES, Va. - THAD. L. H. YOUNG, Va. - JESSE P. BAGBY, N. C. - ADOLPHUS W. MANGUM, N. C. - SAMUEL MOORE, Va. - THOMAS C. ELDER, Va. - THOMAS C. THACKSTON, Va. - WILLIAM H. CHEEK, N. C. - -Number of students during the session, 144, including those at the -Preparatory School (34). - -The worst blizzard ever known in Virginia occurred in January, 1857; -thermometer ten degrees below zero. Some suffering in the College for -want of fuel. - - -COLLEGE YEAR 1857-'58. - -This year was reasonably prosperous. Some dissatisfaction was expressed -in the president's annual report on account of salaries. - -[Illustration: RICHARD W. JONES, A. M., LL. D., _Major C. S. A.; -President Mississippi Industrial Institute; Professor Mississippi -University and Randolph-Macon College._] - -In June, 1858, Prof. Lupton resigned the chair of Chemistry and Geology, -which was subsequently supplied by the election of Prof. Bennett -Puryear, of Richmond College. - -Dr. W. A. Smith again tendered his resignation, for reasons personal to -himself. At the urgent solicitation of the students, the Alumni Society, -and the Board, he withdrew his resignation. - -[Illustration: REV. RICHARD FERGUSON, _Virginia; Adjutant Eighteenth -Va. Regiment._] - -Degrees were conferred as follows: - -A. B. - - BENJAMIN H. THACKSTON, Va. - RICHARD FERGUSON, Va. - VICTOR M. BRANDON, Va. - RICHARD B. HOLSTEAD, Va. - ROBERT S. ISBELL, Va. - ALEX. MALLORY, Va. - ROBERT MOORE, Va. - CLAUDIUS G. PHILLIPS, Va. - PITTMAN R. VENABLE, Va. - RICHARD O. WYATT, Va. - -B. L. AND S. - -WALTER M. IRBY, Virginia. - -A. M. - -GEORGE E. BOOKER, Va. -PETER A. MOSES, Ark. -THOMAS A. GATCH, Va. -ROBERT N. SLEDD, Va. -JAMES C. HANES, Va. -Prof. JOHN C. WILLS (Honorary), Randolph-Macon College. - -Students in College this session, 109; in Preparatory School, 16-total, -125. - - -THE ENDOWMENT RAISED TO $100,000. - -At a called meeting of the Board December 27, 1858, the following action -was taken: - -"The Board, being satisfied, from an examination of the bonds and -subscriptions obtained by the agent, that the endowment fund of the -College, in bonds, cash, and valid subscriptions, has been raised to and -above one hundred thousand dollars; therefore be it - -"_Resolved_, That the following notice be given through the newspapers -of the State, viz.: 'By order of the Board of Trustees of Randolph-Macon -College, at a meeting held this day, notice is hereby given to those -persons who have contributed by bonds and subscriptions to increase the -endowment of the College that the said fund has been raised to the -amount of one hundred thousand dollars in bonds, cash, and valid -subscriptions, that their obligations have become absolute, and it is -hoped that they will discharge them, in order that the money may be -invested in permanent form as soon as practicable.'" - -The herculean task of raising the largest endowment fund ever -contributed to any college in Virginia or in the South up to this date -by public subscription was thus confirmed. When it is considered that -the larger part of this amount was contributed by individuals in sums -ranging from five to one thousand dollars (the latter sum the largest -contributed by one subscriber), the immense labor and difficulties of -the undertaking may be, to some extent, estimated. But the large number -of subscribers evidenced one gratifying fact, that after the subject of -education had been ventilated in mass-meetings, the people had become -interested in Christian education, and had given practical proof of that -interest. - -[Illustration: HENRY B. COWLES, _Virginia Conference; Agent -Randolph-Macon College._] - -The friends of the College were jubilant over this great event, which -seemed to insure new life and energy to the College, the subject of so -many hopes and prayers. The three great moving and active agents in -consummating the work--President W. A. Smith, Dr. Leroy M. Lee, and -Agent Rev. Henry B. Cowles--are worthy of all honor, and their names -should be handed down to succeeding generations as the benefactors of -their State and church. - -At the commencement, June, 1859, there was a large re-union of the -Alumni of Randolph-Macon to rejoice over the endowment secured and to -consult together about the interests of the College. Prominent among -those present were Rev. President John C. Blackwell, the oldest alumnus; -Rev. Holland N. McTyeire, D. D., editor of the _Nashville Christian -Advocate_; Rev. James A. Duncan, Hon. Thomas H. Campbell, etc. A banquet -of the Society was held, which was attended by many of its members and -invited guests. The Society of Alumni adopted the following preamble and -resolutions: - -"Whereas the Bible, as the word of God, contains the highest wisdom as -well as the highest truth; and whereas it is the oldest as well as the -best of books, and bears a vital relation to literature and civilization -as well as to religion; and whereas a knowledge of its teachings and the -history of those religious opinions and institutions which have -exercised a controlling influence upon the character and destiny of -mankind is necessary to a broad, liberal and complete education; -therefore, - -"_Resolved_, 1. That the Bible, as a text-book, ought to occupy a -central place in education, as it does in morals. - -"2. That it is eminently proper for the church, in conducting education, -to give the Bible such a place and distinct recognition. - -"3. That we, the alumni of Randolph-Macon College, recommend and -respectfully urge upon the Board of Trustees the creation of a _Chair of -Biblical Literature_, whose instruction shall be accessible to all -students of the College who shall desire to include them in their course -of study, and shall be extended free of charge to any young men who are -studying with a view to the Christian ministry. - -"4. That we recommend that the Virginia Conference rand the friends and -patrons of the College everywhere take measures for speedily endowing a -_Chair of Biblical Literature_. - -(Signed) "HOLLAND N. MCTYEIRE. - -"JOHN C. BLACKWELL." - -[Illustration: REV. WILLIAM S. DAVIS, _Of the North Carolina Conference; -General of Cavalry in the C. S. A._] - -This was the most pleasant and cheering commencement occasion which had -occurred for many years. The catalogue showed the attendance to have -been: Students in College, 119; in Preparatory School, 22--total, 141. -This year the old curriculum of four years was abandoned, and the course -was made _elective_, with the following departments, viz.: - -[Illustration: THOMAS J. JARVIS, LL. D., _Ex-Governor of North Carolina; -Senator in U. S. Congress; Minister to Brazil._] - - 1. Ancient Languages, - 2. Mathematics, - 3. Chemistry and Natural Philosophy, - 4. Moral Philosophy, - 5. Modern Languages, - 6. Preparatory. - -A. B. and A. M. courses for degrees were established. - -Professor J. C. Wills resigned the Chair of Mathematics. He left much to -the regret of the Board and the Faculty to take a professorship at the -Southern University, Greensboro, Ala. Mr. Robert T. Massie was elected -to fill the vacancy. Robert S. Isbell was Principal of the Preparatory -School. - -The following degrees were conferred: - -A. B. - - WILLIAM S. DAVIS, N. C. - AURELIUS T. GILL, Va. - ADAM C. BAGBY, Va. - JOHN L. JOHNSON, Va. - HENRY B. COWLES, JR.; Va. - JOHN DAVIDSON BLACKWELL, Va. - WILLIAM H. DAVIS, Va. - JOHN T. HUMPHREYS, Va. - THOMAS J. OVERBY, N. C. - JOHN L. CHAMBERLAIN, N. C. - EDWIN S. HARDY, Va. - JOHN W. JONES, Va. - WILLIAM G. STARR, Va. - CHRISTOPHER THROWER, Ark. - LEROY S. EDWARDS, Va. - LUTHER WRIGHT, Va. - -ENGLISH AND SCIENCE. - - J. W. HEARTSFIELD, N. C. - THOMAS W. BRANCH, Va. - F. X. MILLER, N. C. - -A. M. - - DR. SAMUEL D. SANDERS, S. C. - WILLIAM T. MERRITT, Va. - GREEN A. JACKSON, Va. - ARGYLE HALEY, Va. - JOHN E. CHRISTIAN, Va. - JOHN WILLIAMS, N. C. - ALEXANDER HOGG, Texas. - -D. D. - -Prof. A. M. SHIPP, Wofford College, S. C. - - -COLLEGE YEAR 1859-'60. - -This was the first year under the new system of instruction. At the -annual meeting of the Board of Trustees, the committee on "The course of -instruction and new system of government" reported very favorably on the -results, and advised continuance of the same, with some modifications. - -The Preparatory School was abolished this year, after an unsuccessful -course generally, for about twenty-eight years. The number of students -in attendance this year was: in College, 149; in Preparatory School, -16--total, 165. - -[Illustration: B. W. ARNOLD, A. M., _Professor of Vanderbilt University; -Member of the Virginia Legislature._] - -Degrees conferred June, 1860, _under new course_: - - A. B. - - JOSEPH D. ARNOLD, Va. - WILLIAM P. HILL, Va. - THOMAS J. JARVIS, N. C. - -A. M. - - BENJ. W. ARNOLD, Va. - ANTHONY DIBRELL, Va. - GEORGE B. FINCH, Va. - P. FLETCHER FORD. Va. - WILLIAM M. JONES, Va. - JAMES H. PEAY, Va. - BENJAMIN I. SCOTT, Va. - JOHN W. TAYLOR, Va. - -A. M., under the old course. - - WILLIAM I. COWLES, Va. - RICHARD W. JONES, Va. - JOHN B. WILLIAMS, N. C. - WILBUR F. DAVIS, Va. - EDWIN G. MOORE, N. C. - GEORGE W. ARMISTEAD, Va. - WILLIAM A. SHEPARD, Va. - JOHN L. GILLESPIE, Va. - -COLLEGE YEAR 1860-'61. - -This College year reached into the first year of the civil war. The -matriculation at the opening was fairly good, but during the second term -many of the young men left to enter the military service. The -Commencement exercises were dispensed with, and the Board conferred only -a few degrees. Those receiving them were-- - -A. M. - - B. L. ARNOLD, Va. - B. J. HAWTHORNE, Va. - RICHARD B. HOLSTEAD, Va. - RICHARD O. WYATT, Va. - - -A. B. - - JOHN THOMPSON BROWN, Va. - -D. D - -REV. JOHN C. BLACKWELL, A. M., Pres. Buckingham Female Inst. - -Under the discouraging circumstances the Board determined to suspend the -exercises of the College--a very wise move, but unfortunately it was -countermanded at a subsequent meeting. - - -COLLEGE YEAR 1861-'62. - -At a called meeting of the Board held August 29, 1861, the previous -action of the Board was rescinded, and it was resolved, "That the -College be opened at the usual time under a complete system of military -government, and Rev. Major William H. Wheelwright Was elected Professor -of Military Tactics." - -At a subsequent meeting of the Board, Professor Lewis Turner was elected -to the Chair of Mathematics, vacated by the resignation of Professor -Massie, who had entered the military service; Professor W. A. Shepard -had also entered the service, but his place was not filled. - -At a meeting held in Norfolk, Va., November 22, 1861, a committee was -appointed to secure a change in the charter, authorizing the military -feature proposed for the College. - -At a meeting of the Board held January 20, 1862, J. E. Blankenship was -elected Professor in place of Major Wheelwright, who declined to accept -the position offered him. On the 20th February the military organization -was completed by the action of the Executive Committee. It was as -follows, viz.: - - REV. WM. A. SMITH, D. D., _Col. Commanding Corps Cadets_. - J. E. BLANKENSHIP, Major, _Professor Mathematics and Military - Science_. - BENNETT PURYEAR, Captain. _Professor Chemistry_. WILLIAM B. CARR, - Captain, _Professor Ancient Languages_. - G. STAUBLY, Captain, _Professor Modern Languages_. - -A long schedule of military rules was adopted--too long for their -insertion here, and much longer than their existence would have -justified. - -Those who reversed the deliberate action of the Board at the annual -meeting, carried away with the excitement of the times, thought they -were doing the best, but, as we look at it now, it appears a solemn -farce. It was also an expensive one. - -At the close of the year, June, 1862, the following received degrees: - -A. M. - - WILLIAM A. ARCHER, Va. - J. E. BUTLER, Ark. - R. A. COMPTON, Va. - WILLIAM S. WILLIAMS. Mo. - -GRADUATES OF FORMER YEARS. - - WILLIAM G. STARR, - ROBERT S. ISBELL, - JOHN D. BLACKWELL. - -A. B. - - WILLIAM E. EDWARDS. - B. L. ARNOLD, Va. - -[Illustration: WILLIAM E. EDWARDS, D. D., _A. B., 1862._] - -At the annual meeting, June, 1862, of the Trustees, the following -resolution was adopted: - -"This Board, having the utmost confidence in the ability of the -Confederate States to maintain their independence, and that it is safe -to make investment in their stocks (bonds), is of the opinion that it -would be judicious to sell out our stocks which do not pay an interest -of more than six per cent., and to invest the same in Confederate States -bonds, bearing an interest of eight per cent. And that the President of -the College be requested to confer with our Investing Agent on the -subject, and that if the investing Agent concur with the Board in the -propriety of the exchance of stocks, that he proceed to make it." - -Under the military _regime_ the session opened as usual in September, -1862. The number of students in attendance was small, as might have been -expected. - -The board of students was fixed at $25 per month, with the following -bill of fare at the Mess Hall: - -"_For breakfast_--Sugar, coffee (_or substitute_) or milk (_those using -the one will not be entitled to the other_), flour-bread, viz., loaf -bread and biscuit, and either batter-bread, waffles or muffins, butter, -cold or fried bacon, or hash. - -"_For dinner_--Boiled bacon and cabbage, or other greens, and one of the -following kinds of meats, viz., beef, mutton, shoat or fowls, with the -vegetables of the season, and corn-bread. - -"_For supper_--Sugar, coffee (_or a substitute_) or milk, as at -breakfast, flour-bread, viz., loaf-bread and biscuit, and either -batter-bread, waflles, muffins, or toast-bread and butter." - -What soldier could not fight on such fare as this! - -In October, 1862, Professor Staubly resigned, and soon afterwards went -to Petersburg, along with Professor W. B. Carr, to teach in the -Petersburg Female College. They were thus engaged till the 9th of June, -1864, when General Kautz attacked the Home Guards, under the command of -Major F. H. Archer. In this engagement Professors Carr and Staubly were -participants, and the latter was killed, along with Geo. B. Jones, a -Randolph-Macon alumnus. - -At a called meeting of the Trustees held December 18, 1862, the -President presented to the consideration of the Board the condition of -the College, with an exhibit of receipts and disbursements. - -After much deliberation, it was ordered that the operations of the -College be suspended from and after the 5th of February, 1863, to the -opening of the fall term, in September following. - -"Dr. W. A. Smith was placed in charge of the property. At a meeting of -the Trustees held July 24, 1863, the President in his report in regard -to the closing term said: - -"The College opened September, 1862, with about twenty students, which -number gradually increased to forty-four. The Conscript Act then went -into operation, and took nearly half that number. - -Then, on motion, it was ordered that the exercises of the College be -suspended until otherwise ordered. The Virginia Conference of the M. E. -Church, South, held its annual session at Broad-street Methodist Church -November, 1863. At this Conference the following resolution was adopted: - -"_Resolved_, That we recommend the Trustees of Randolph-Macon College to -remove it from its present site to some more eligible locality, and we -call their attention specially to the advantages presented by Lynchburg -as the place to which it should be transferred." - -A meeting of the Trustees was called to consider the resolution of the -Conference, and the Trustees assembled at Broad-street Church November -26, 1863. - -As there were only nine members in attendance, the Trustees adjourned to -meet in the city of Petersburg on the 20th of January, to consider the -recommendation of the Conference, and an order was made that notice of -the adjourned meeting be given in the newspapers of Richmond and -Petersburg. - -The Trustees of Randolph-Macon College met, pursuant to adjournment, at -the Washington-street M. E. Church, Petersburg, Va., on Wednesday, -January 20, 1864. There were present seventeen members. The chairman, -President Smith, presented the resolution of the Conference, given -above. - -After considerable discussion, the following was agreed upon as the -sense of the Board: - -"_Resolved unanimously_, That while the Board of Trustees of -Randolph-Macon College are not prepared to take decisive action on the -resolution of the Virginia Conference in relation to the change of -location of said College, yet this Board so far concurs in the spirit of -their resolution as to appoint five members as a committee of the Board -to take immediate steps to ascertain the comparative advantages offered -by other localities with a view to its removal; and that the committee -be requested to perform their duty with dispatch, and report to an -adjourned meeting to be held in Petersburg, Va., on Wednesday, March 9, -1864." - -The following were appointed said committee: Rev. W. A. Smith, chairman, -Rev. L. M. Lee, Rev. J. C. Blackwell, E. R. Chambers, and R. M. Smith; -and, on motion, Captain Richard Irby was added to the committee. - -The Trustees met, pursuant to adjournment, in Washington-street M. E. -Church, Petersburg, Va., March 9, 1864. - -The committee appointed at the meeting January 20 last made report, as -follows: - -"The committee to whom were referred the comparative claims of the -different localities which have been spoken of as offering the most -encouraging prospects of success beg leave to submit, that such is the -unsettled state of public opinion as to the financial condition of the -country at this time, and for some time to come, that no enlightened -judgment can be reached by your committee as to the advantages offered -by other localities compared with the present location of the College, -we beg, therefore, to be relieved from the further consideration of the -subject. - -"(Signed) WM. A. SMITH, _Chairman_." - - -The following order was adopted in regard to the report, viz.: - -"_Resolved_, That the report of the committee be referred back to the -same committee, with instructions to take into consideration all the -subjects committed to them at the meeting held in Petersburg on the 20th -January last, and report to a subsequent meeting to be held in -Petersburg at the call of the President, or when he may be requested to -call a meeting by any five members of the Board of Trustees." - -This meeting was never called. The committee never formulated any -further report. In a few weeks after the meeting was held, Petersburg -was invested by the Federal army, under General Grant. This investment -was continued until April, 1865, when General Lee's right wing was -turned, Petersburg and Richmond evacuated, and the final surrender at -Appomattox. - -The following reminiscences of the last days of the College before the -suspension are given by Rev. Dr. W. E. Edwards, who was at the College -till near the close: - -"The years 1860-1862 were among the most memorable in the history of the -College. In 1860 the College, perhaps, had attained the climax of its -_ante-bellum_ prosperity. It had met difficulties and conquered them. It -had grown and developed into commanding importance. A future of great -promise opened up before it. Dr. William A. Smith was now at the zenith -of his great popularity as a college president and as an instructor in -Moral Philosophy. The changes which from time to time he had introduced -in the management of affairs bore continually-increasing fruit in the -orderly conduct of students and in their closer application to books; -nay, more, his adaptation to the professorial duties which he had -assumed shone out conspicuously before the church and the state. He was -endowed with splendid abilities--an intellectual giant. Especially was -he a born metaphysician. He possessed a power of introspection and an -aptness for the logical arrangement of truth that fall to the lot of -but few men in life; and now, by patient toil, he elaborated and -delivered to his classes a course of original lectures upon the various -subjects in his special department, which of itself would justly -entitle him to a high rank among the instructors of the country. It is -to be regretted that these lectures were never written out _in extenso_ -and given to the public. No doubt, at certain points, they would -disclose a lack of thoroughness, due to the absence of large and general -reading; still, they would manifest a marked degree of original and -profound investigation, and would prove, what cannot be said of all that -today is taught in our colleges under the name of Moral Science, -exceedingly helpful in the proper culture and discipline of character. -In other words, the Doctor, in the plan and order of his talent, was -practical rather than speculative. - -The dark cloud of civil war, so long anticipated and dreaded, now -appeared with threatening aspect upon the horizon. The presidential -nominees were made. Intense excitement pervaded every department of -society. Still the attendance of students upon the fall session of the -College for 1860 was not much abated. Of course, the storm without was -felt in the narrower circle of college life; all the circumstances of a -regular political campaign was here faithfully enacted. Parties were -formed; electors were chosen; speeches were made; votes were cast. The -majority upon which so important a decision was made (to the best of my -memory) was five, yet, in spite of this political strife, studies were -pursued with the zest and regularity of former years. A few months -passed by. The great American people, despite the students of -Randolph-Macon College, decided who should be the President of the -country, and declared in favor of Abraham Lincoln, 'the rail-splitter of -Illinois.' The College participated more and more in the effects of the -increasing excitement. Many students from the seceded States returned to -their homes. At length the 4th of March, 1861, arrived. Mr. Lincoln was -inducted into office. Immediately he called for seventy-five thousand -men to crush the 'rebellion.' Virginia, so long standing aloof, and -hoping against hope, now compelled to make a decision, unhesitatingly -cast her fortune with that of her Southern sisters. The wildest -enthusiasm prevailed among the students. Bondfires were kindled; a great -torchlight procession was formed; the different professors were visited, -and, after the most approved style, called on for speeches. Then the -march was continued to Boydton, to the manifest delight of the citizens -of that little town; and then, at a late hour of the night, the line was -broken, and every one was left to find his way as best he could back to -his room. It is a time long to be remembered. - -"Soon students in large numbers left for their homes to prepare for war. -The country was converted into an immense camp. So great was the -depletion in the number of students, and so great was the excitement -that prevailed throughout the country, that the College authorities -deemed it inexpedient to hold the regular commencement exercises for -this year. So closed the term of 1860-'61. - -"A word at this point: In those days it was not deemed improper or -unbecoming for ministers of the gospel to have decided views upon -questions of state. There were clerical Whigs and there were clerical -Democrats, and very stoutly did they maintain the cause of their -respective parties. Of course, they never entered the political arena, -but in private and around the fireside there was often no small war -waged by these 'gentlemen of the cloth' over the great issues of the -day. Dr. William A. Smith was a Democrat of the Calhoun stamp. He -believed implicitly in the right of secession, a sacred right guaranteed -by the constitution, and was not slow to give the reason for the opinion -which he cherished. Still, in the earlier part of 1861, he did not -recognize the necessity for the exercise of this right on the part of -the South. He thought that some compromise might be effected and the -Union saved; yet when Mr. Lincoln was inaugurated, and his policy -forecast in the call for seventy thousand men to crush the rebellion, he -no longer hesitated, but claimed rights which before he was willing to -ignore; and the South had no stauncher friend or more zealous advocate -than he during all those dark days of fratricidal strife, even to the -close, when drums ceased to beat and the battle-flags were furled. - -"We start a new era. Vacation begins. The excitement in the land, if -possible, becomes more intense. There is volunteering for service, -drilling, hurrying on to the front. Everything is placed under -contribution to facilitate and render successful the mighty trial of -arms which is impending. The battle of Manassas is fought. The South is -the victor; yet the fruits are not what were desired and anticipated. -The war cloud, instead of vanishing, grows denser. The evidences of a -protracted and sanguinary conflict become manifest. The trustees of the -College, under existing circumstances, were embarrassed. They knew not -what to do; yet in the early part of July they declared against the -opening of the doors of the institution for the coming year. Later on, -however, they reversed this decision, and the College began its fall -session at the usual time. Several important changes are here to be -noticed. First, the number of students was perceptibly smaller than -usual; the whole body, perhaps, did not exceed sixty-five or seventy. A -few of these were manifestly parties desiring to shirk military service; -yet the great majority was composed of persons under the age of -conscription and of persons who were already far advanced in their -college course and looked forward to a speedy graduation. - -"Again: there was a change in the complexion or membership of the -Faculty. Professor Massie resigned to accept a call to governmental work -in Richmond, and Professor Turner was elected to fill the Chair of -Mathematics. He, however, resigned at the close of the half session, and -Professor Blankenship was chosen as his successor. Professor Shepard -resigned, and entered upon active military service in the field. No one -was appointed to fill his place, as the exigencies of the case did not -demand it. - -"Once more: the style of the College was changed from a purely literary -to a semi-military institution. A regular uniform was prescribed; drills -were daily observed, and other things of a similar character were -enjoined, all looking to the preparation of the student for the duties -that awaited him in defence of his country. - -"The Commencement exercises for this year were exceedingly interesting -and for the times very largely attended. Dr. James A. Duncan delivered -the address before the two societies. His presence among the scenes of -his boyhood was a joy to his old acquaintances, and his address was -highly appreciated for its worth and for the sake of the man who -delivered it." - -The record of the meeting held March 9, 1864, given above, closes the -official history of the College prior to the surrender. - -We give the names of the trustees following those who were named in the -charter of February, 1830, with date of their election: - - NAME. STATE. YEAR. - NATHANIEL MASON,. . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1833 - THOMAS ADAMS, . . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1833 - THOMAS WILLIAMS,. . . . . South Carolina, . . . 1833 - ALEXANDER SPEAR,. . . . . Georgia,. . . . . . . 1834 - W. H. ELLISON,. . . . . . Georgia,. . . . . . . 1834 - Rev. WILLIAM CAPERS,. . . South Carolina, . . . 1834 - Rev. W. M. KENNEDY, . . . South Carolina, . . . 1834 - Rev. W. M. WIGHTMAN,. . . South Carolina, . . . 1834 - GEORGE W. JEFFRIES, . . . North Carolina, . . . 1834 - BEV. SYDNOR,. . . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1834 - Rev. I. A. FEW, . . . . . Georgia,. . . . . . . 1834 - Rev. LOVICK PIERCE, . . . Georgia,. . . . . . . 1835 - SEABORN JONES,. . . . . . Georgia,. . . . . . . 1835 - J. C. POYTHRESS,. . . . . Georgia,. . . . . . . 1835 - Rev. JAMES McADEN,. . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1835 - Rev. ABRAM PENN,. . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1835 - WILLIS LEA, . . . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1835 - Bishop J. O. ANDREW,. . . Georgia,. . . . . . . 1835 - HUGH A. GARLAND,. . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1835 - Rev. STEPHEN OLIN,. . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1835 - HORACE PALMER,. . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1837 - Rev. JAMES JAMEISON,. . . North Carolina, . . . 1837 - Rev. B. T. BLAKE, . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1837 - M. M. MCPHERSON,. . . . . Georgia,. . . . . . . 1838 - THOMAS W. WILLIAMS, . . . South Carolina, . . . 1838 - S. K. HODGES, . . . . . . South Carolina, . . . 1838 - L. C. GARLAND,. . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1840 - D'ARCY PAUL,. . . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1840 - A. A. CAMPBELL, . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1840 - Rev. D. S. DOGGETT,.. . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1841 - Rev. A. M. FORSTER, . . . South Carolina, . . . 1841 - Rev. HENRY B. COWLES, . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1842 - GEORGE ROGERS,. . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1842 - EDWARD R. CHAMBERS, . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1842 - WILLIAM TOWNES, . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1844 - WESLEY YOUNG, . . . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1845 - Rev. R. O. BURTON,. . . . North Carolina, . . . 1845 - Rev. WILLIAM B. ROWZIE, . Virginia, . . . . . . 1845 - ELLIS MALONE, . . . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1846 - THOMAS BRANCH,. . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1846 - Rev. L. M. LEE, . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1846 - THOMAS W. HARRIS, . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1846 - RICHARD B. BAPTIST, . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1846 - CHARLES R. EATON, . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1848 - MASON L. WIGGINS, . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1848 - CHARLES S. HUTCHESON, . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1848 - WILLIAM IRBY, . . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1848 - JAMES J. DALY,. . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1848 - Rev. R. I. CARSON,. . . . North Carolina, . . . 1848 - Rev. JAMES REID,. . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1848 - G. W. S. PARHAM,. . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1848 - GEORGE WILSON,. . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1848 - GEORGE D. BASKERVILLE,. . North Carolina, . . . 1848 - Rev. ANTHONY DIBRELL, . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1849 - Rev. WILLIAM CLOSS, . . . North Carolina, . . . 1852 - Rev. THOMAS S. CAMPBELL,. North Carolina, . . . 1854 - THOMAS H. CAMPBELL, . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1854 - RICHARD IRBY, . . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1854 - CHARLES SKINNER,. . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1854 - Rev. GEORGE W. NOLLEY,. . Virginia, . . . . . . 1855 - JOHN G. BOYD, . . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1855 - Rev. LEO ROSSER,. . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1855 - Rev. J. P. MOORE, . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1855 - Rev. R. E. G. ADAMS,. . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1855 - Rev. P. W. ARCHER,... . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1855 - Rev. N. F. REID,. . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1855 - Rev. WILLIAM CARTER,. . . North Carolina, . . . 1855 - Rev. J. E. EDWARDS, . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1857 - N. MILAM, . . . . . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1857 - Rev. G. W. CARTER,. . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1858 - RICHARD M. SMITH, . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1858 - Rev. JOHN C. BLACKWELL, . Virginia, . . . . . . 1858 - THOMAS P. JERMAN, . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1858 - LEROY M. WILSON,. . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1859 - O. H. P. CORPREW, . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1859 - WILLIAM A. SMITH, . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1860 - W. T. SUTHERLIN, . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1860 - -_Secretaries of the Board._ - - Rev. WILLIAM A. SMITH, - Rev. WILLIAM M. WIGHTMAN, - Rev. JOHN G. CLAIBORNE, - Rev. EDWARD WADSWORTH, - Rev. HENRY B. COWLES, - RICHARD B. BAPTIST, - RICHARD IRBY, - WILLIAM A. SHEPARD. - -_Treasurers._ - - JOHN W. LEWIS, - ALEXANDER BOYD, - BEVERLY SYDNOR, - LANDON C. GARLAND, - DAVID DUNCAN, - CHARLES B. STUART, - Rev. WILLIAM A. SMITH. - -Agents. - - Rev. H. G. LEIGH, - Rev. WILLIAM HAMMETT, - Rev. M. P. PARKS, - Rev. JOHN EARLY, - Rev. WILLIAM A. SMITH, - Rev. THOMAS CROWDER, - Rev. JOHN A. MILLER, - Rev. JOHN KERR, - Rev. S. S. BRYANT, - Rev. R. O. BURTON, - Rev. WILLIAM B. ROWZIE, - Rev. R. I. CARSON, - Rev. BENJAMIN R. DUVAL, - Rev. N. THOMAS, - Rev. HENRY B. COWLES. - - Rev. JOHN EARLY, - Chairman Board of Trustees, 1831. - President " " 1833 to 1872. - -In the body of the history sufficient prominence has not been given to a -number of the Professors and Agents. They in many instances richly -deserved this prominence, but it seemed to be impossible to get -portraits of them. A search for some of them for years failed to secure -them. - -The good work, as agents, of Rev. B. R. Duval and Rev. N. Thomas, more -particularly the former, deserved a much more extended notice and -commendation. - - -WAR HISTORY. - -The war history of the College and its Professors and sons is and must -remain very imperfect. It is impossible for the writer to gather up the -scattered threads of this history. No approximate estimate can be given -of the number who went into military service, nor of the casualties -which befell them. That many of them were killed and wounded and many -died of sickness is well known. - -Six Randolph-Macon men were enrolled in one company, and the casualties -which befell these are here given from actual data. Whether this is a -fair sample of the rest is not known with certainty. There is no reason -why it should not be assumed as a fair average. - -In Company G, Eighteenth Virginia Regiment, Army Northern Virginia, the -following casualties occurred, viz.: - -Richard Irby, class of 1844, first lieutenant and captain, wounded twice -at Second Manassas, 1862. - -Samuel Hardy, class of 1846, first lieutenant, lost an arm and disabled -at Gaines' Mill, 1862. - -Richard Ferguson, class of 1858, first lieutenant (and adjutant of the -regiment, 1863), wounded at Gaines' Mill, Frazier's Farm, Second -Manassas, and captured inside the cemetery wall at Gettysburg; in prison -to the close of the war. - -Edward H. Muse, class of 1861, second lieutenant, wounded at Frazier's -farm, Gettysburg, and Sailor's Creek. - -Anthony Dibrell Crenshaw, class of 1858, third lieutenant, killed at -Five Forks, 1865, and buried on the field. - -Benjamin I. Scott, class of 1860, corporal, killed near Boonsboro, Md., -1862, and left on the field. - -The writer can give the history and portraits of these, because he had -the honor to command the company in which they served, and preserved -their records and portraits. - -The College premises were occupied after the close of the war for some -time by the Federal forces. The main building was used as headquarters -of the Freedman's Bureau, and the rooms filled with the "wards of the -nation." The damage done to the property was assessed at about five -thousand dollars, which is unpaid to this day, and will doubtless so -remain to the end of time. - -This closes the _ante-bellum_ record. - -[Illustration: OFFICERS COMPANY G, EIGHTEENTH VIRGINIA REGIMENT. No. 1. -Captain Richard Irby. No. 2. Lieut. Richard Ferguson. No. 3. Lieut. S. -Hardy. No. 4. Lieut. E. H. Muse. No. 5. Lieut. A. D. Crenshaw. No. 6. -Corpl. B. I. Scott.] - - - -INTERLUDE. - - -BEFORE entering upon the subsequent history of the College, this writer -would take this occasion to refer to one of many omissions, which he has -noted in revising the pages already printed, a point of special interest -and importance. This is the religious element in Randolph-Macon College. - -The College was the child of the Methodist Church, established, in large -measure, to educate young men for the ministry in accordance with the -ideas and usages of the church of that day. Religion was the first and -foremost consideration--religion as taught and emphasized by the -Methodist Church--religion allied with education. At the first opening -of the College a chaplain was appointed for it by the Conference, a man -who was as complete a model of the Methodist minister as could be found, -William B. Rowzie, a walking, living epistle of Christ, "known and read -of all men." One better than he could not have been found to inaugurate -the religious life of the College. - -Never in the history of the church in Virginia has Methodism, in its -spirit and economy, been more thoroughly exemplified than it has been at -Randolph-Macon. The morning and evening sacrifice of prayer and praise -noted every day of work. Preaching in the chapel was had twice on -Sabbath and prayer service was held on Wednesday evenings. Students were -required to attend morning and evening prayer and Sunday morning -service. Besides this, the members of the church were organized into -classes with leaders, according to Methodist usage, and class-meetings -were regularly held once a week. Thus was exhibited a complete practical -example of Methodist economy as prescribed in the _Discipline_. The -result and fruit of this work was a high state of religious life. Every -year, or oftener, this life took the form of great religious activity, -and sweeping revivals occurred, bringing well-nigh all in the College -and many outside under spiritual influence, and many converts into the -church. There were few years, if any, when some such revival did not -take place. Of many it could be said, "This and that man was born -there"; many who not only became Christians themselves, but went forth -from the College to preach the gospel throughout the Southern land. Many -here were drilled in Methodist usages, and thus prepared to become -class leaders, stewards and Sunday-school teachers and superintendents -after they left College. A large proportion of these became presidents -of colleges and principals of high schools and academies, in which they -inaugurated the same system of "religion in earnest." These schools -shared the same benign and gracious influences, and in turn became -"fountains in the desert," from whence "streams broke out," reaching -even to the ends of the earth, "making glad the city of our God," and -causing "the wilderness to bloom and blossom as the rose." - -It may be thought strange that fathers belonging to other churches and -others not religious were ever found sending their sons to a college -which was thus permeated with religious life as taught and practiced by -Methodists. But in many cases they did send them. - -This writer, whose acquaintance with the College extends over a period -of nearly sixty years, makes bold to say that he has never known a -student to change his church membership during all that time and become -a Methodist. He has known class-leaders who had been at home -Presbyterians and Episcopalians, but after leaving College they resumed -their work in their fathers' churches, none the worse for having for a -time worked in "Methodist traces." - -As to calculating the ultimate effects of all these causes and -influences in time and eternity, it were as vain to try to calculate or -measure them as it would be - - "To bind the sweet influences of the Pleiades - Or loose the bands of Orion." - - - -COLLEGE HISTORY AFTER THE WAR. - - -THE period immediately succeeding the surrender of the Confederate army -at Appomatox was one of the darkest and most discouraging that any -civilized people was ever called to face. Virginia had been for four -years the battle-ground over which great armies had marched and -counter-marched and fought. Every home had felt the torture that "tried -men's souls." Widows gathered their fatherless children around them to -share the last crust of bread together, not knowing whether even that -much could be found to-morrow. For miles along the highways over which -the armies had marched, the bare chimneys only, marked the sites where -comfortable houses had sheltered happy households. The farmer had his -land left--that could not be carried away; but few had any teams to -break the ground, and many had not the seed needed to sow the fields. -The last cow was in many cases driven away or killed. A noted Federal -general had boastfully reported to the general-in-chief that so -completely had he devastated the fairest and most fertile section of the -State that a crow could not travel over it without carrying his rations -with him. - -Richmond, the capital city, after withstanding two sieges successfully, -had been, in large part, made a bank of ashes. Petersburg, beleaguered -so long, was a scarred and battered wreck. Fredericksburg, Winchester, -Norfolk, and many other towns, were little better off. Some of the -railroads were stripped of their rails--all of them in bad plight and -almost without any equipment for business, if any business were to be -found. The labor system, which had for centuries been used to cultivate -the land and gather the crops, had been at one stroke subverted, and -virtually destroyed. None had been found for months afterward to take -its place. With the people at large it was a struggle for existence and -a fight with famine. - -One of the saddest scenes this writer ever witnessed was at Nottoway -courthouse. A few days after the surrender at Appomattoax, he was -summoned with other citizens of the county to attend a meeting called to -confer with the military officers as to the best plans to be devised to -prevent suffering among the people. Just as he entered the courthouse, -where a number of people were assembled, he saw a venerable man of more -than three-score years and ten standing before the officer, with tears -streaming down his furrowed cheeks, and heard him say: "Every scrap of -meat, every grain of corn, everything in the way of food I had, has been -taken from me. I know not where I shall get my meat or bread to-morrow." -This man had been for many years one of the foremost men in the county, -a Senator in the General Assembly of Virginia, and for many years a -Trustee of Randolph-Macon College. - -But poverty and penury were not all. The people were humiliated and -despondent. Their State, "the mother of States and statesmen," had now -the tyrant's heel upon her neck, and was styled "District" (No. 1), a -"conquered province"--her governor, first a refugee, then a prisoner. -Military satraps filled the seats of judges and magistrates. The -ignorant slave was often shown more deference than his former cultured -master. Most of the flower of the manhood of the State had died by the -sword or disease. The boys and girls of the next generation were growing -up without the means of education, and helping to eak out a living for -their widowed mothers. - -Such, in brief, was the condition of Virginia in the period succeeding -the close of the war. - -What could the Trustees of the College do under such circumstances as -now surrounded them? The endowment gathered at such an expenditure of -time and labor was in large part lost. The investments made were in -bonds and stocks of more than uncertain value, some not worth the paper -on which they were printed. The College buildings, libraries and -laboratories had all been impaired and damaged by non-use or abuse. -There was no money in hand to repair and refit them. Our own people were -too poor to furnish it. Those who had devastated the property, and added -injury to insult, could not be expected to restore what they had -destroyed. - -Nevertheless, it had been but a few months after the surrender before a -meeting of the Board was called to be held in Petersburg, August 23, -1865. - -At this meeting a quorum was lacking, and the Board adjourned to meet on -September 13 following, at the residence of Richard Irby, in Nottoway. -This adjourned meeting was held, and a quorum was present. - -One of the first matters attended to was the appointment of a committee -consisting of President W. A. Smith and four others "to estimate the -damage to the College incurred by the occupation of it by the United -States troops _after the surrender_, and in behalf of the Trustees to make -application to the proper authorities of the government for payment." - -On motion of D'Arcy Paul it was-- - -_Resolved_, That all the Professor's chairs be declared vacant. - -A provisional arrangement was made to open the College for school -purposes, but this arrangement was not carried out. - -A further plan was provided for taking care of the College property, and -the Board adjourned. - -The next meeting of the Board was held at the College July 11, 1866, -with eighteen members in attendance. The chairman of the committee -appointed at the last meeting to assess and press claim for damages to -College, reported that the committee had not been encouraged in their -efforts by the military authorities in Virginia. - -Judge E. R. Chambers was appointed to prosecute the claim. - -It may save time here to say, as has been said before, that this claim -was never recognized by the government. - -The Finance Committee made a report of the Endowment fund and -liabilities of the College: - - Bonds of the city of Petersburg and interest, . . . . . . $19,000 - Bonds of the State of Virginia, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,000 - ------- - (Classed available),. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $22,000 - - Bonds Southside Railroad Company, guaranteed - by city of Petersburg,. . . . . . .$15,800 - Stock Petersburg Railroad Company, 8,000 - ------- - $23,800 - ------- - $45,800 - ------- - Private or personal Endowment bonds, . . . . . . . . . . .$24,900 - Legacy of W. B. Jones, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .500 - ------- - $25,400 - ======= - Confederate bonds, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $37,000 - Confederate currency, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,536 - ------- - $44,536 - ======= - - Leaving out the Confederate bonds, which were worthless, the balance - of available and possible assets were $71,200 - Liabilities as far as known, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,854 - ------- - Net assets, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $62,346 - -This, under all the circumstances, might be considered a favorable -showing, and the credit of it is due to the faithful Investing Agent, -who also showed his skill and faithfulness by bringing through the war -the "Savings and Insurance Company," of which he was president, free -from wreck. - -The resolution of the Virginia Conference in regard to the removal of -the College had been allowed to sleep since the committee's report, in -March, 1864. It was again brought forward by the following resolution, -offered by Richard M. Smith, Esq.: - -"_Resolved_, That a committee of ------ be appointed to ascertain what -accommodations and on what terms and what inducements generally can be -obtained for transferring Randolph-Macon College to Petersburg, -Richmond, Lynchburg, or any other place, and also the earliest day at -which accommodations can be at command, and report to an adjourned -meeting of this Board." - -This resolution was defeated by a vote of 12 to 6. - -The following, offered by Judge E. R. Chambers, was then adopted: - -"_Resolved_, That it is inexpedient and injudicious to change the -location of the College." - -The ayes and noes on this were recorded, as follows: - -_Ayes_.--William Townes, Sr., C. S. Hutcheson, W. B. Rowzie, William -Townes, Jr., William Carter, T. P. Jerman, R. B. Baptist, N. Head. J. P. -Moore, O. H. P. Corprew, N. Alexander, E. R. Chambers, L. M. Wilson--13. - -_Noes_.--Richard Irby, D. S. Doggett, R. M. Smith, J. C. Granbery, T. S. -Campbell, J. C. Blackwell--6. - -Dr. W. A. Smith, at his own request, was excused from voting. - -It was resolved to take steps to re-open the College as soon as -practicable. - -The degree of A. M. was conferred, under the law, on the following: -Leroy S. Edwards, Thomas J. Overby, and J. Davidson Blackwell, A. B.'s -of former years. - -Dr. William A. Smith tendered his resignation as President of the -College, to take effect at once. The resignation was accepted by the -Board, and resolutions were adopted expressing the high appreciation of -him and his work, which had extended over a period of nearly twenty -years. - -The Board resolved to adjourn to meet again on the 18th of August -following to elect a president and three professors. The salaries of -these were fixed--Guaranteed, to the President, $1,000; to the -professors, $750 each, and, in addition, the tuition fees of the -students in attendance. - -At the adjourned meeting, August 15, 1866, the following elections were -made: - -RICHARD W. JONES, A. M., _Professor of Mathematics_. -O. H. P. CORPREW, A. M., _Professor of Ancient Languages_. -Rev. JOHN C. BLACKWELL, A. M., D. D., _Professor of Chemistry_. -ERNEST LA GARDE, _Professor of Modern Languages_. - -The election of a President was postponed to an adjourned meeting, and -Dr. John C. Blackwell was appointed to act as President until a -president should be elected. - -At an adjourned meeting held October 16, 1866, on the nomination of -William Townes, Sr., Col. Thomas Carter Johnson, A. M. (Class 1842), was -elected President and Professor of Moral Philosophy. - -The Board then adjourned to meet at the session of the Virginia Annual -Conference, November 22, 1866. Colonel Johnson was then a citizen of -Montgomery, Ala., practicing law. He accepted the office tendered, -but did not take the position until near the close of the year. - -At the adjourned meeting held at Norfolk, November 22, 1866, the Board, -on motion of Dr. William A. Smith, resolved to establish "The School of -Commercial Science" in the College. This was never done. - -At this meeting a representative from Ashland, Hanover county, Va., -presented a communication from owners of property in that town offering -to sell certain property in case the Board should determine to move the -College. A committee, consisting of D'Arcy Paul, R. M. Smith and D. S. -Doggett, were appointed to investigate and report in regard to the -matter. - -At the adjourned meeting in December, held at the College, -President-elect Johnson appeared before the Board and was formally -inducted into office. He was requested to visit the Baltimore Conference -of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, which had recently adhered to -the Southern Church, and endeavor to secure the patronage and -co-operation of that Conference; also, to visit Baltimore and other -cities with a view to securing financial help for the College. - -An overture was also made to the North Carolina Conference with a view -to the restoration of former relations and the securing of its -patronage. - -President Johnson subsequently reported the result of his visit to the -Baltimore Conference, and submitted the action of that body, which was -as follows: - -"BALTIMORE CONFERENCE, M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH. - -"REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON COLLEGES. - -"The Committee on Colleges submit the following report: - -"_Resolved_, 1. That the Conference accepts the proposition of the Board -of Trustees of Randolph-Macon College to give its patronage to said -institution and to participate equally with the other patronizing -Conferences in its government and privileges, and we hereby nominate -four suitable persons to be elected Trustees from this Conference to -represent our interests on said Board. - -"_Resolved_, 2. That when a Trustee shall locate, it shall be his duty -to resign. - -"_Resolved_, 3. That we will give the full weight of our influence in -extending the patronage of Randolph-Macon College." - -"(Signed) S. S. ROSZEL, _Chairman_." - -These resolutions were adopted by the Conference March, 1867. - -On the recommendation of the Baltimore Conference the following -gentlemen were elected Trustees of Randolph-Macon College, viz.: Rev. S. -S. Roszel, Rev. John Poisal, Rev. S. S. Register, and Rev. John -Landstreet. - -At the first annual meeting of the Trustees held at the College, June -25, 1867, after President Johnson had assumed control, eleven Trustees -were in attendance. - -Ex-President W. A. Smith had gone to Central College, Fayette, Missouri, -of which he had been elected President. - -The President's report stated that the attendance for the session of -1866-'67 had been in all forty-five students; a large proportion of them -were on scholarships. The net receipts from fees were necessarily very -small. - -The degree of D. D. was conferred on the following: Rev. Nelson Head, -Rev. John E. Edwards, and Rev. W. W. Bennett, of the Virginia -Conference; Rev. Samuel S. Register, Rev. S. S. Roszel, Rev. John -Poisal, and Rev. John S. Martin, of the Baltimore Conference; Bishop -Enoch M. Marvin, of the M. E. Church, South, and Rev. Smith W. Moore, of -the Tennessee Conference. - -The degree of LL. D. was conferred on Bishop George F. Pierce, M. E. -Church, South, and Hon. James F. Dowdell and William F. Samford, of -Alabama. - -The degree of A. M. was conferred on Thomas J. Jarvis, of North Carolina -(class of 1860). - - -REMOVAL OF THE COLLEGE. - -The College year, 1867-68, was not a prosperous one. The financial -condition of the country was anything but favorable to a successful -year. The dissatisfaction with the location of the College had been -increasing since 1863. At the annual meeting in 1868 it was to -culminate. The President had become convinced that something must be -done or the College would have to close its doors. Some who had opposed -removal heretofore now favored it. - -In the notice for the meeting a special request was made for a full -meeting, and the object was generally understood. The meeting commenced -its session June 24, 1868. There were present the following: Revs. James -Jamieson, H. B. Cowles, Robert O. Burton, W. B. Rowzie, L. M. Lee, T. S. -Campbell, Geo. W. Nolley, L. Rosser, J. P. Moore, Wm. Carter, John E. -Edwards, J. C. Blackwell, Nelson Head, J. C. Granbery, John Landstreet, -and Messrs. N. Alexander, D. Paul, E. R. Chambers, Wm. Townes, Sr., -Thos. Branch, R. B. Baptist, J. J. Daly, R. Irby, R. M. Smith, T. P. -Jerman, T. M. Jones, T. C. Johnson, C. S. Hutcheson, W. Townes, Jr., and -O. H. P. Corprew--thirty in all. - -President T. C. Johnson presided, and Professor Corprew was secretary. -The feeling prevailed generally that this meeting would decide the -question of removal. There was early skirmishing by the opposing sides, -and it was some time before the decisive vote was reached and taken. - -Finally, the motion of Dr. J. E. Edwards, which was as follows: - -"Resolved, That in the judgment of the Board of Trustees for the greater -prosperity of the institution, Randolph-Macon College should be removed -from its present to a more accessible and eligible location"--was -adopted by the following vote: - -_Ayes_.--Paul, Cowles, Burton, Rowzie, Branch, Lee. T. S. Campbell, -Irby, Nolley, Rosser, Edwards, R. M. Smith, Jerman, Blackwell, Head, -Granbery, Jones, Johnson, and Landstreet--19. - -_Noes_.--Alexander, Chambers, Townes, Sr., Baptist, Daly, Moore, Carter, -Townes, Jr., and Corprew--9. - -[Illustration: REV. JOHN ELLIS EDWARDS, A. M., D. D., _Virginia -Conference, M.E. Church, South._] - -On motion of D'Arcy Paul, the Board took steps to secure the authority -of the constituted authorities for the necessary change of the charter, -so as to allow the change of location. - -On motion of Dr. J. E. Edwards it was-- - -"_Resolved_, That so soon as the gentlemen (Messrs. Branch, Irby, Snyder -and Watts) who have purchased the property and premises at Ashland are -prepared to make a tender of the same to the Trustees for the use of -Randolph-Macon College, free from any encumbrance as to title, and so -soon as the legal authority is secured for the transfer of the -institution, the Trustees bind and pledge themselves to make the -transfer and removal to Ashland; and also pledge themselves further to -open the next session of the College exercises at that place; provided -the above-named conditions are complied with in time to enable the -Trustees to carry out this pledge." - -A committee, consisting of D. Paul, R. M. Smith, Drs. L. M. Lee, J. E. -Edwards and N. Head, were appointed to secure the legal authority to -remove the College to Ashland, and to secure proper title to the -property to be used for the location of the College. - -The President was authorized to employ an Agent to have the furniture, -libraries, apparatus, etc., removed to Ashland. - -Thus ended the struggle in regard to moving the College. The majority, -while taking this step, which they deemed absolutely necessary in order -to carry out the object sought in the establishment of the College, took -it with the greatest reluctance. They could not grieve so generous a -people as those living in the vicinity of the College without feelings -of the utmost regret and pain. - -The minority could not see what had been the pride of the community and -section taken away, without feelings of sorrow. Many of them had for -many years been the strongest and warmest friends of the College, and -had often manifested their friendship by generous acts and steadfast -devotion to it in adversity and prosperity. - -After transacting a few items of business, one of which was the -conferring the degree of D. D. on Rev. Robert S. Moran, of the North -Carolina Conference, the Board adjourned to meet again in Centenary -Church, Richmond, Va., July 29, 1868. - -After the adjournment of the Board the opponents to the removal of the -College sued out an injunction restraining the Board from taking the -step contemplated. - -When the adjourned meeting of the Board assembled in Centenary Church, -Richmond, July 29, 1868, this action was reported, "whereupon a motion -was adopted to appoint a committee to wait on General Stoneman, in -charge of the District." - -This committee addressed the following communication to General -Stoneman: - -"RICHMOND, VA., _July 29, 1868_. - -"_Major-Gen. Stoneman, Commanding General District No. 1_: - -"SIR,--We are instructed by the Trustees of Randolph-Macon College, now -in adjourned session in this city, to acknowledge the receipt of your -letter of the 8th instant, addressed to a previous committee of this -Board, touching the interests of the College under their management. - -"Since the communication on behalf of the Trustees, to which your letter -of the 8th instant was in reply, a contingency then contemplated has -arrived. A minority of the Trustees have sued out an injunction -restraining the Board from making the contemplated removal of the -College, the writ being returnable on the first Monday in August at -Charlotte Courthouse for hearing before Judge Marshall. We are advised -that the suit will prove very tedious as well as very expensive, and -will thus operate very disadvantageously to the interests of the College -whatever the decision. We therefore add to the former application made -to you in behalf of the Trustees, that you will issue an order -protecting us, both from obstruction and from delay, through these -appeals to the courts, until such time as the legislative authority of -the State, of which you are at present the sole representative, shall be -regularly organized and open to the application usual in such cases. - -"Very respectfully yours, - -(Signed) "J. EARLY, ETC., ETC., - -"_Committee_." - -To this communication General Stoneman submitted the following reply: - -"HEADQUARTERS FIRST MILITARY DISTRICT, - -"RICHMOND, VA., _July 29, 1868_. - -"GENTLEMEN: I am directed by the commanding General to acknowledge the -receipt of your letter of this date in relation to the subject of the -removal of Randolph-Macon College, and in reply thereto, to inform you -that authority is hereby given to the Trustees of that College to remove -that institution, with all the appurtenances and fixtures thereunto -belonging, to such place and at such time as the majority of the -Trustees may think proper, this removal to be subject to the conditions -set forth in a former letter from these headquarters, dated the 8th -instant.* - -*This letter is not found in the record. - -"I am, gentlemen, very respectfully, - -(Signed) "S. F. CHALFIN, - -"_Assistant Adjutant-General_" - -"_To Messrs. John Early, D. S. Doggett, Richard Irby, R. M. Smith, and -others, Committee of the Trustees of Randolph-Macon College._" - -The owners of the property at Ashland, who had purchased the same for -the Trustees, submitted the conditions on which they proposed to turn it -over to the Trustees, and the same were, on motion, accepted. This -property embraced all the buildings then standing on the thirteen acres, -now constituting the campus of the College at Ashland, with some other -lots adjacent. Thus the location was provided for the College with -accommodations for professors and students, and the way was cleared for -the removal of the College to it. - -At this juncture President Johnson submitted the following -communication: - -"RICHMOND, VA., _July 30, 1868_. - -"_Gentlemen of the Board of Trustees of Randolph-Macon College:_ - -"The experiment upon which you are about to enter, with my aid and -approbation, seems to me to demand that you should have the widest field -for the choice of a man to fill the position I now hold. The general -troubled condition of the country, excluding many distinguished men from -the arena of politics, in which the talent of Virginia and the South has -heretofore been employed, and also the returning to this State of many -unemployed scholars and literary men, affords you a wide field of -selection for this purpose. I feel that in your straitened condition, -having to make a new appeal for students and for friends to re-endow -your College, you are entitled to every possible advantage in your -arduous undertaking. A son of the College, I love her too well, and the -church which has founded and supported her in the past, to stand in the -way of any possible effort that may give prestige to your labors to put -her once more on the high road to prosperity. - -"With this view and the kindest wishes to every member of the Board, I -hereby resign the presidency of the College. - -"Very truly, your obedient servant, - -(Signed) "THOMAS C. JOHNSON." - -On motion of Rev. J. C. Granbery, the following resolution was -unanimously adopted: - -"_Resolved_, That in accepting the resignation of President Johnson it -is due to ourselves as well as to him that we express the high esteem -which we feel for him as a Christian gentleman and our admiration of the -great zeal and fidelity with which he has discharged the duties of his -oflice at a most critical and embarrassing juncture in the history of -the College, also our warm appreciation of the disinterested and -generous motives which have prompted him to tender his resignation." - -On motion of Dr. N. Head-- - -"_Resolved_, That in the absence of a Legislature having obtained -authority from General Stoneman to do so, the College be removed from -Mecklenburg county to Ashland, in Hanover county, Va., and that a -session of the College be opened at that place on the first day of -October next. - -"_Resolved_, That in deciding to change the site of Randolph-Macon -College this Board has been actuated only by the solemn conviction that -it was imperatively demanded by the educational interests of the church -and community at large, and that the opposition which has been offered -to this action by a minority of the Trustees is deeply deplored by their -colleagues of the Board, who here now and hereby respectfully request -that those members will withdraw that opposition, as injurious to the -interests dear alike to all, this earnest and fraternal appeal being -prompted and encouraged by the very high esteem and respect entertained -for the gentlemen to whom it is addressed by their associates of the -Board." - -On motion of Richard Irby-- - -"_Resolved_, That this Board holds itself in readiness to make such -arrangements as will secure to the county of Mecklenburg a High School -at the present site of Randolph-Macon College on terms such as may be -desired, said school to be a preparatory school to the College." - -Preparatory steps were taken to have the College furniture, libraries, -etc., removed at once to Ashland. - -The Board then proceeded to fill the place of President, vacated by the -resignation of President Johnson. - -Dr. Landon C. Garland, of the University of Mississippi, was unanimously -elected President. - -A committee of nine members was appointed, who were authorized, in -conjunction with Dr. Garland, to elect the professors of the College; -and in the event that Dr. Garland declines to accept the presidency, -then said committee shall be authorized to elect another man to be -President. - -The following were then, on nomination, elected to constitute said -committee, viz.: Bishop John Early, Bishop D. S. Doggett, Drs. N. Head, -L. M. Lee, J. E. Edwards, L. Rosser, Rev. H. B. Cowles, Rev. J. C. -Granbery, and Richard Irby. - -Professors Corprew, Jones, Blackwell, and La Garde severally submitted -their resignations. - -The duty of removing the College and preparing the buildings and -premises at Ashland, and making other necessary arrangements, was -devolved on the "Executive Committee, which consisted of Richard Irby, -Dr. N. Head, D'Arcy Paul, Thomas Branch, and Rev. T. S. Campbell. - - - -THOMAS CARTER JOHNSON. - -In Memoriam. - - -Colonel Thomas C. Johnson was born near Lynchburg, Va., on the 22nd of -March, 1820. He was converted and joined the Methodist Church in his -seventeenth year. In 1842 he graduated with the highest honors of his -class at Randolph-Macon College. In the fall of the same year he was -married to Martha R. Scott, daughter of H. B. Scott, of Nelson county, -Va., and was soon after appointed Professor of Mathematics and Natural -Sciences in the Female Collegiate Institute in Buckingham county. This -position he filled ten months, when he removed to Potosi, Washington -county, Mo., whither the parents of his wife had preceded him. Here he -accepted a position in a classical school, in the meantime assiduously -prosecuting the study of law. He was soon after admitted to the bar, and -took a position with the foremost in the ranks of the profession in his -district. The year 1849 was an eventful one. He conceived the idea of -building the Iron Mountain railroad, and suggested it to the people of -the county. He was by them nominated and elected to the General Assembly -for the purpose of securing the passage of a bill for the establishment -of that road. - -In June, 1849, the cholera raged in Potosi. He was stricken down, and, -while violently ill, his wife and infant daughter died of this disease. -The following winter he served in the Missouri Legislature, and secured -the passage of the bill for the Iron Mountain road. He was subsequently -largely concerned in developing and mapping the entire railroad system -in that State. - -In 1851 he removed to St. Louis, and was appointed land agent and -attorney for the Pacific railroad. In the year 1853 he was married, the -second time, to Pattie B. Scott, eldest daughter of Rev. Robert Scott, -deceased, of the Virginia Conference. He was elected in 1858 a member of -the Missouri State Senate from the city of St. Louis. In this body he at -once took a prominent position, and was a member of nearly every -important committee of the body. In the session of 1860-'61 he was -chairman of the Committee on Federal Relations, at that time the most -important committee of the Senate. - -He was decidedly conservative in his views, and anxious to secure the -preservation of the Union, if it could be done consistently with the -rights of the South; but when the Peace Congress proved a failure, the -Crittenden Compromise was rejected, and Virginia seceded, he became a -secessionist, and was heart and soul with the South throughout the -struggle. His position and opinions on the vexed question forced him to -leave Missouri. Without hesitation he sacrificed all for his principles, -left his family in St. Louis, and joined the forces under General -Sterling Price, on whose staff he served for two years as volunteer aid. -Being convinced that the many reverses in that department, at that -period, were due in a great measure to lack and inferiority of -transportation, he called the attention of the authorities at Richmond -to this point. He was soon after authorized to establish the Confederate -Transportation Works at Columbus, Ga. To this important interest he -directed his whole energies, and succeeded in establishing one of the -best arranged, most extensive and complete machine shops in the -Confederacy. This position he retained until the close of the War, when -he removed with his family to Montgomery, Ala., and returned to the -practice of law. While there he was elected to the Presidency of -Randolph-Macon College. On reaching Virginia and entering upon his -duties he found great difficulties in his path. But with characteristic -energy he at once addressed himself to the task of re-establishing the -College. Nearly two years of unremitted toil, under the most -discouraging circumstances, convinced him that success could never crown -his efforts at that location. He felt that to make the College a success -it must be removed to a more accessible point. Fortunately, just at this -juncture of affairs, the hotel property at Ashland was thrown upon the -market. With his quick foresight, Colonel Johnson realized the -importance of securing this eligible location. - -It was not to be expected that the removal of the College would be -accomplished without strong opposition on the part of some of its -warmest friends. But in the midst of the contest Colonel Johnson bore -himself like a Christian gentleman. He could appreciate the views of -others, while he felt that the very existence of the institution -depended on its removal to a more suitable site. We believe, indeed we -have reason to know, that he entertained for those who opposed him in -his plans no other feelings than those of friendship and Christian -affection. To his particular friends, who were often indignant at the -hard speeches uttered against him, he would reply, "Never mind, I keep -my heart right before God." Believing that he was acting for the best he -went forward like a true and earnest man in what he regarded as the path -of duty. - -Having seen the removal of the College determined upon, to relieve the -Trustees of all the embarrassment in the election of a Faculty, he -generously came forward and tendered his resignation, and soon after -started to the West, the scene of his early labors and successes. It was -while en route to St. Louis (on August 8, 1868,) that he met with the -terrible accident that in a few hours closed his noble and useful life. -The death of Colonel Johnson was a calamity to our church and to our -country. He had passed the period of life when men are seized by -ambition and borne off in pursuit of wealth or fame. He had gained both; -the former he had lost in standing for his native land and State rights; -the latter he still possessed in a more valuable form, as purified by -the power and faith of his religion. Repeatedly has he said to the -writer, "I only wish to live to do good." To the Christian education of -the young men of the South he was ardently devoted, and to this work we -know he wished to devote the energies of a manly and mature intellect. - -The spontaneous tributes to the memory of this good man will best show -how he was appreciated by those who knew him. - -In a letter now before us from Rev. Charles K. Marshall, D. D., of -Mississippi, to his bereaved family, that eminent minister says: "From -my first acquaintance to this hour my affections took to and clung -around him as one of the highest and noblest types of exalted manhood, -as a true, steadfast, appreciating friend; and as a brother in Christ -with whose inward spirit it was a joy to commune. Few men cherished so -high and sacred views of the dignity and ends of life. Usefulness was -the keynote of his being. Unselfish, wide-minded, spiritual, -transparent, pure, he was a living epistle known and read of all. His -life was hid in Christ, and the highest ambition of his soul was to live -to and for Christ." - -Rev. Dr. Deems, of New York, says: "His abilities and virtues rendered -him one of the most useful men I have ever known. Every interview I have -had with him since our acquaintance began has served to deepen my -respect for the loftiness of his character." - -Bishop McTyeire, who was a fellow-student with him at Randolph-Macon, -says: "In church and state it seemed to me he was just such an one as we -need now. With gratitude I remember his high Christian influence as a -student. Our meeting and reunion at Montgomery, twenty-five years after, -was one of the most pleasing events of my life. Who of us has not -coveted his gifts?" - -Such is the testimony, voluntarily given, by this eminent minister. - -We are enabled to give a more detailed account of this sad event from a -letter written by the proprietor of the hotel at Mattoon: - -"When Mr. Johnson came out of the saloon of the sleeping car, the -conductor told him to 'hurry up.' Thinking he would be left if he did -not make haste, Mr. J. went quickly forward through the car, and was -just in the act of stepping across to the forward car when the cars -separated, and he fell on the track, and before he could recover himself -he was struck by the rear car and fatally injured. His right leg was -crushed in two places and his back broken. As soon as possible he was -taken from under the car. His first words were, 'My friends, my name is -Thomas C. Johnson, of Boydton, Va.; take your pencil and write it down.' -A stretcher was then procured, and he was brought to my house. We did -all we could for him. Doctors were at hand from the moment he was hurt -until he died. The injured leg was amputated; and on further examination -it was found that his back was broken. He was then told that he was -fatally injured and could live but a short time, and that any directions -he had to give must be given quickly. He then gave directions as to the -disposal of his body, requesting it to be sent to his friends in -Virginia. He was emphatic in saying that his death was caused by the -mismanagement of the railroad officials. Before his death, at his -request, a notary public was sent for, and his testimony as to the cause -of his death was legally taken. He was sensible to the last moment, and -spoke with deep feeling of the overwhelming effect the tidings of his -terrible and sudden death would have upon his family. I sat by his side -and heard every word he uttered. The general opinion of the public here -is that the railroad company is responsible for Mr. Johnson's death." - -[Illustration: JUDGE W. J. KILBY, Trustee of College.] - -[Illustration: PROF. MANSFIELD T. PEED, A. M., 1877. _Prof. Emory -College, Ga._] - -Such was the end of a most useful and devoted Christian. In the midst of -strangers, mangled, and bleeding, he died. By the grace of God he was -sustained and comforted. Calmly he surrendered his life into the hands -of his Creator. How wonderful are the ways of Providence! The workmen -die, but the work goes on. Is the doctrine of premonition true? We often -incline to the belief that it is. In many cases there appears to be a -conviction that the work of life is finished, and the soul feels itself -nearing the portals of eternity. Speaking of Colonel Johnson's -experience, one who knew him well says, "I can but think that the last -six months of his life was a period of preparation for eternity. I was -deeply impressed with his growth in grace, the fervor and earnestness of -his piety, and his forbearance and patience under severe trials." - -The close of life was in happy accord with his previous religious -experience. A letter from Mattoon says: "He died in perfect peace. I -never saw a more peaceful expression than rested on his face after -death." He leaves to his family the priceless legacy of a pure and noble -Christian life. May they move on to the meeting and reunion in the house -of our Father in heaven.--W. W. BENNETT, in _Richmond Advocate_. - -The committee of nine appointed to elect professors and a president (in -case of Dr. Garland's declination to accept) met August 7, 1868. Dr. -Garland having declined to accept the presidency, the committee, all -being present, elected Rev. James A. Duncan, of the Virginia Conference, -and an alumnus of the College (class of 1849), president, at a salary of -$2,500 per annum, and use of residence. Subsequently, on the first day -of September, the committee, all being present except Bishop Doggett, in -conjunction with the President-elect, Duncan, who had accepted the -presidency, proceeded to fill the chairs of instruction. Thomas R. -Price, M. A., was elected Professor of Ancient Languages; Harry Estill, -A. M., Professor of Mathematics; Richard M. Smith, Professor of Natural -Sciences. Their salaries were fixed at $2,000 per annum with houses of -residence. - -[Illustration: PROF. THOMAS R. PRICE, M.A., LL. D., _Founder of the -School of English._] - -[Illustration: REV. JAMES A. DUNCAN, D. D., _President Randolph-Macon -College, 1868-1877._] - -Subsequently, at a meeting of the Board October 1, 1868, the chair of -Modern Languages was filled by the election of W. W. Valentine, of -Richmond. - -The sudden and lamented death of the late President Johnson was -announced to the Board, and appropriate resolutions in regard to him -were adopted. - -At a meeting of the Board, held November 20, 1868, Rev. Wm. B. Rowzie -was appointed Agent of the College in the bounds of the Virginia, and -Dr. Nelson Head Agent (till the succeeding Baltimore Conference), in the -latter Conference. - -[Illustration: PROF. HARRY ESTILL, A. M., _Professor of Mathematics, -1868-1878._] - -The College opened at Ashland, October 1, 1868. - -With great labor and many embarrassments the College furniture, -laboratories and libraries had been transferred from Boydton to Ashland, -under the special superintendence of Rev. T. S. Campbell. The buildings -on the campus had been remodeled and repaired, and were in fair -condition for occupancy, and for the work and use to which they had been -converted. They had in former years been used for a summer resort, to -which many visitors annually repaired for health and dissipation. The -largest building was the hotel, which had several buildings attached. In -the centre of the grounds was the ball-room, flanked by dressing-rooms. -This building was converted into a chapel and society halls, while the -hotel became the main dormitory building. The bowling-alley and other -buildings also became dormitories. Three buildings were fitted up for -professor's houses. The rooms on the lower floors of the hotel were made -lecture-rooms. Though the buildings were extemporised, the whole -arrangement was comparatively convenient and comfortable. What was -defective and might have been complained of was more than compensated -by the superb Faculty of instruction provided for the students in -attendance. First and foremost was the President, Rev. James A. Duncan, -D. D. Of him we will let others who were associated with him speak. His -colleagues were Professor Thomas R. Price, M. A., Professor Harry -Estill, A. M., Professor Richard M. Smith, Professor W. W. Valentine. - -[Illustration: PROF. RICHARD M. SMITH.] - -[Illustration: MAIN COLLEGE BUILDING, ASHLAND, 1868-1875.] - -Rarely has such a combination of teaching ability been found in any -college, or one which met the needs of the time more fully. - -The name of the President had drawn from his far-away Southern home one -of the most original characters the College ever had among its -matriculates, John Hannon, of Montgomery, Ala. - - -JOHN HANNON'S SKETCH OF DR. DUNCAN. - -"In the autumn of 1868 upon the train I first met Dr. James A. Duncan, -as I was going to Ashland. Full-orbed, approaching his zenith, this -pulpit star thus came into my sky. Though he has years since set behind -the grassy hills of Hollywood, the light of his great character still -lingers in the valleys and on the high places of my being. - -"It is impossible in a sketch like this to give the full spectrum of a -character so rich as that of Dr. Duncan. There were X-rays, delicate -gleamings of light from his presence, that could be felt, but do not -photograph themselves upon the plates of a biography. He was not a man -easy to forget. - -"There is a sense in which every man is a word of God, or a syllable of -the word. But in some the divine articulation is not so distinct. -Regarding humanity as a written word, such characters are what scholars -would call a 'disputed text.' Not so with James A. Duncan. Looking upon -him no man could doubt the authorship. The divine autograph was there in -capital letters. A look at him shook our faith in man as an evolution. -We felt that _that_ man was a creation. - -"Would I had a presence,' said one of our brainiest men to me. A lady of -my congregation asked a friend in a Boston dining parlor who a certain -man was, remarking that she knew he must be a distinguished person, for -she said, 'He has a presence.' The man was Phillips Brooks. - -"Dr. Duncan had a _presence_. Who will ever forget that Napoleonic -build? That physique, the very motion of which was silent music. - -[Illustration: REV. J. W. COMPTON, R. M. C. 1867-'68--1868-'69. _Removed -with College from Boydton to Ashland. Pioneer preacher Pacific Coast for -twenty-three years._] - -[Illustration: REV. W. WADSWORTH, D. D., _Author and Minister -North-Georgia Conference._] - -"Tremendous was to be the draft on this superb physique during the ten -years that followed the day I first looked on it. The College with its -endowment had gone down amid the ruins of the Confederacy. The outlook -was gloomy; but it was resolved to remove the tree to Ashland. Here the -railway system of the South would renew its roots and make it bud and -bloom again. Jefferson Davis was thought of for the presidency, but in a -happy hour Dr. Duncan was chosen to lead the forlorn hope in its -rebuilding. Without funds, without laboratory, without proper buildings, -he addressed himself to the task. Providence came to his rescue. By one -of those flashes of common sense, which not always light up church -enterprises, a Faculty pre-eminently adapted to the work had been -chosen. Professor Thomas R. Price, a name synonymous now with -scholarship, was in the chair of Ancient Languages. Harry Estill filled -the chair of Mathematics. Professor Richard M. Smith brought the ripe -wisdom and experience of his distinguished life to the chair of Natural -Sciences. W. W. Valentine held the keys of the Modern Languages. - -"It has been said that what a university needs is not so much an -endowment as a _man_. Randolph-Macon had men, and Dr. Duncan, a _man_ -among _men_. The Faculty itself was an endowment. Good material gathered -around them as students. '_Facile princeps_' among these were Wm. W. -Smith, now LL. D., and President of the Randolph-Macon System of -Colleges and Schools; Charles Carroll, now a brilliant lawyer of the -Crescent city; Rhodes, since a judge in Baltimore; J. F. Twitty, of -blessed memory, and a number of others. - -"Dr. Duncan, while not technically trained as a teacher, yet showed -himself a great teacher. What an inspiration he imparted to the band -that gathered around him! How he lit up every dreary field of text! -Blessed, yea, thrice blessed, was that school of young prophets. While -himself the finest of models, nothing was farther from his thought than -to make little 'Duncans' of every student. Bring up a boy in the way he -should go, according to his bent, this was his idea. He would never have -been guilty of putting the toga of Cicero upon Charles Spurgeon. With -him good 'pork and beans' was not to be made into bad 'quail on toast.' -'Sing your own song,' only let that song be the best possible to you. -Broad, Catholic-hearted Duncan! - -"Making a great teacher did not spoil a great preacher in Duncan's case. -On a 'star-map' of the pulpits of that day, the pulpit in the old -ball-room chapel at Ashland would shine as a star of 'the first -magnitude.' His sermons were not like Robertson's eruptions of internal -volcanic fires lifting up new heights of thought; they were not Munsey's -great, gorgeous cathedrals of polished words; neither were they Keener's -cyclones filling the air with boulders of logic, cutting a pathway -through forests of prejudice as old as our being. His eloquence was not -the glacial magnificence of Wilson's great icebergs floating in polar -seas with grassy shores; it was not Galloway's mountain torrent with -'optimism,' that music of heaven in its splash and the swiftness of -redeeming love in its rush to the low places of earth. Very different -was it from Sam Jones' wild tanglewood of tropic forest of mingled fruit -and flowers and thorns. His sermons were the expression of what Carlyle -would style a healthy nature. There was nothing wild or abnormal. They -were like landscapes in a civilized land--great, like the movement of -the seasons, like the coming of the tides--as the processes of nature -are great; great as a summer day is great. The introduction was -morning!--sunrise! not striking, not surprising. The thoughts not larks -soaring heavenward, were rather sparrows on the sward. But we could see -great stretches of thought before us. Now the morning changes into high -noon. It is the sermon proper. We are now in the midst of vast -grain-fields of ripe thought. Divisions barely visible above the heads -of the choicest of the wheat waving now in the zephyrs of pathos. Shouts -at times among the listeners, as like reapers they garner ripe sheaves -into their bosoms; orchards now growing with ripe fruit. - -"The peroration comes naturally, as evening follows noon. We hardly know -when it comes. A splendid sunset, often tears like the dewdrops in the -flowers of new resolves, now springing in the soul; solemn impressions, -like shadows, growing larger; a deep hush upon everything. The sermon -closes. It is night. But stars of hope are shining in the sky of the -soul. - -"At Haslup's Grove, in the seventies, in a great sermon, the rush to the -altar was so great that the enclosure had to be torn down. It was -pentecostal. - -"I heard him on two great occasions. In 1876, along with Dr. Landon C. -Garland and Lovick Pierce, he was fraternal delegate from our church to -our sister Methodism at the General Conference in Baltimore. After years -of estrangement the two Methodisms were meeting again. It was an -occasion. You could feel it. The great building was thronged. When the -time came for Duncan to speak he threw his soul into the 'God speed -you!' of seven hundred thousand Southern Methodists. The audience for -awhile it seemed would go wild. The day was a great triumph. - -"During that same Conference the princely 'Jeff. Magruder' organized a -great mass-meeting of the Sunday-schools of the Southern Methodist -churches in Baltimore. Bishop Vincent, Secretary of the Sunday-School -Board of the Methodist Episcopal Church, then in the prime of his -powers, General Clinton B. Fiske, and Dr. Duncan were to speak. The -speeches of Vincent and Fiske had been so superb that a gifted minister -remarked to me, 'I am sorry for Duncan.' I responded, 'I am sorry for -any man who has to follow two such speeches.' But I found that I did not -yet know him. He pulled out new organ stops in his great soul that -afternoon. His speech was a brilliant improvisation. The audience was -captured. Southern Methodists who gloried in the flesh were radiant. - -"When going to New Orleans, in 1877, I met him going to Washington City -to preach the first sermon to the President-elect, R. B. Hayes. It was -not long before wires flashed to me the startling news of his death. -Duncan, Marvin, A. T. Bledsoe, Doggett, in a single year. Heaven was -drawing heavily upon our beloved church. Duncan's old pupil, President -Smith, took up the work he and the sainted Bennett laid down. - -"The Randolph-Macon System of Schools and Colleges is a worthy monument -to the memory of our dead Duncan. May the graduates of these schools be -living stones in the living shaft, ever rising higher and higher to the -memory of Olin, Garland, Smith, and their successors, who spent their -best days for the advancement of Christian education at our alma mater." - - -The number of students matriculated the first session was 67. Under all -the embarrassments and difficulties of the situation, this number was as -great as could have been expected. The income from such a small number -was insufficient to meet the expenses, and here ensued the old trouble, -which had been such a clog in the past, that is, straitened finances. -The condition of the country was anything but favorable to any effort to -raise funds for the College. Various plans were proposed, some of which -were adopted, but none of them brought speedy relief, and the -embarrassment became very onerous and trying. By the efforts of the -Agent, Rev. W. B. Rowzie, and the securing of a loan by D'Arcy Paul, -Esq., the College was carried through the first session. - -The first annual report of the President was made June 21, 1869. The -following synopsis is given: - -Congratulates the Board on the increase of patronage; the zeal and -efficiency of the Faculty; the diligence and good order of the students; -the general healthfulness and pleasant harmony of all connected with the -institution, and the increased confidence of the public in the -permanency and success of Randolph-Macon College; expresses the -conviction that the only condition prerequisite to complete success, -under the providence of God, is a _determined_ and energetic purpose to -succeed; affirms that the demand for such an institution to secure -important interests of Methodism is imperative;.... refers to his visit -to the Baltimore and North Carolina Conferences and the cordial -reception given by these Conferences; recommends a fiscal secretary or -director, whose duty it shall be to take entire control of the financial -interests of the College, except as to matters in the hands of the -Proctor, and to do all he can by travelling and speaking for the -College. - -The following degrees were conferred, on the recommendation of the -Faculty, viz.: LL. D., on Professor Francis H. Smith, of the University -of Virginia; D. D., on Rev. James L. Pierce, of the Georgia Conference, -Rev. William G. Connor, of the Texas Conference, and Rev. John C. -Granbery, of the Virginia Conference. The commencement in June was well -attended, especially by visiting Trustees and others from the Baltimore -Conference. - -An excellent dwelling for the President had been erected by the liberal -aid of a friend in Richmond. At an adjourned meeting of the Board, held -in Richmond, Va., next November, there were several causes for -encouragement. The Agent reported subscriptions amounting to over -$13,000. Of this Samuel O. Moon, Esq., of Albemarle, gave $5,000 in -Virginia bonds; the Society of Alumni, $1,200; Major W. T. Sutherlin, of -Danville, $1,500 ($300 per annum for five years to meet current -expenses). But the most important action taken was on the suggestion of -Rev. W. H. Christian, an alumnus of the College (class of 1851.) In -response to this suggestion, the following resolutions were adopted: - -"_Resolved_, That we request the Virginia Conference to order that the -deficiency in the yearly revenues of the College (which shall be -reported by the Board to each annual session of the Conference) shall be -divided among all the districts of the Conference, and sub-divided among -all the stations and circuits by the district stewards, as in case of -the Conference collection, and shall be raised by collections in every -congregation, and embraced in the annual report of the recording steward -of every charge to the Financial Board of the Conference. - -"_Resolved_, That when the Virginia Conference shall have adopted the -plan proposed, all its ministers shall be entitled to send their sons of -proper age and acquirements to College without payment of tuition fees; -that the Baltimore Conference, by adopting the same plan, shall be -entitled to the same privilege, and that $2,500 be fixed as the amount -to be raised by each of these Conferences for the next year." - -This action has been considered, and rightly so, to have been for the -time and under the embarrassments of the surroundings the most important -and efficient ever taken by the Board. With a small assessment of about -five cents on each member of the church in the two Conferences, the -annual income was in a short time increased by the sum of $4,000, which -was equal to the dividends on an endowment of about $70,000. The -Conferences adopted the plan, and have annually raised a large -percentage of the assessment, the Virginia Conference having in 1882 -increased its assessment to $3,500. - -[Illustration: REV. W. H. CHRISTIAN, D. D., _Virginia Conference._] - -In looking back on the period since, nearly thirty years, it really -looks as if, without this action, the College could not have continued -its work. Certainly this work would have been greatly narrowed and -restricted. Great honor, therefore, should be bestowed on the name of -William H. Christian as the mover of this plan, and the friends of -Christian education in the State should render to the Conferences -grateful thanks for having, under the promptings of the good Spirit, -acted so promptly on the suggestion and carried it out for so many -years. - -[Illustration: JOHN HOWARD, A. M.] - -The year 1869 was otherwise a notable year. In the latter part of the -year the first general election for State officers and a Legislature was -held since the close of the war. With the inauguration of the Governor -elected at this election and resumption of the legislative functions -by the General Assembly, the State resumed its normal condition, and -military rule ceased to exist. - -At the meeting of this first Legislature, a committee, which had been -charged with that duty, appeared before the body and asked and obtained -the change of the charter, and the sanction to the removal of the -College from its original site to Ashland. The amended charter reads as -follows: - -"[Section] I. That the removal of the aforesaid College is hereby -ratified and confirmed, and that there be, and is hereby, established at -Ashland, in the county of Hanover, in this Commonwealth, a seminary of -learning for the instruction of youth in the various branches of science -and literature, the useful arts, agriculture, and the learned and -foreign languages." - -The suit which was instituted to enjoin the removal of the College never -came to an issue. It was ably defended on the part of the majority of -the Board by John Howard, Esq., of Richmond (class of 1844), and the -argument was printed. It is worthy of reprinting here, but space will -not permit. - -The second session of the College had a larger attendance than the first -by fifty, of which number twenty-five were ministerial students. - -About the close of the first term of the second session (1869-'70) one -of the professors was taken from the College by death--Richard M. Smith, -Professor of Natural Science. He was the oldest man of the Faculty. - -The following preamble and resolutions, drafted by Professor Price and -adopted by the Faculty, was endorsed and adopted by the Trustees at an -adjourned meeting held in Richmond, February 23, 1870: - -"Upon us as friends who loved and honored him, upon the College whose -faithful officer he was, upon the classes he taught with -self-sacrificing zeal, upon the community and the church in which his -virtues made him eminent, an overwhelming sorrow has, under God's will, -fallen in the death of our late colleague, Professor Richard M. Smith. -Even those who had not the pleasure of knowing, from intimate -association, the beauties of his private character, may from the -knowledge of his career form some conception of the vigor of his mind -and the unspotted virtue of his life. For us, who had in him the closer -and tenderer interests of a common work and an undisturbed friendship, -his sweet temper, his wise conversation and lofty unselfishness, will -ever be a source of blended sorrow and consolation; be it, therefore, - -"_Resolved_, 1. That we tender, as a body, to the widow and family of -our dearly beloved colleague, our respectful sympathy in their -bereavement. - -"2. That we request our President to publish this expression of our -heart-felt sorrow for the friend whom we have lost." - -Professor Smith had been a prominent man in his native State, first as -an educator, then as editor of the _Alexandria Sentinel_, afterwards of -the _Richmond Enquirer_. He was the first Professor to die at his post. - -[Illustration: PROF. WM. A. SHEPARD, A. M., _Class 1857; Major -Confederate States Army._] - -The Board, after paying tribute to his memory, proceeded to supply the -vacant chair. - -On the first ballot Professor William Arthur Shepard, of the Southern -Female College of Petersburg, was elected to the place. He was no -stranger to the College, having served as Professor prior to the war, -and having resigned his place to go into the service. Though a Northern -man by birth, he threw his heart and energies into the Southern cause, -and was so true and faithful that, after having been disabled for field -service by wounds, he was promoted to be Major and Assistant Commissary. - -It would be safe to say that the College never had a warmer friend or a -truer man in its service than he proved himself to be for over thirty -years. He entered at once on the duties of his chair. - -At a meeting of the Board held in Baltimore, March, 1870, at the session -of the Baltimore Conference, that Conference was requested to make an -assessment to aid the College, on the same plan as that adopted by the -Virginia Conference. This the Conference agreed to make. - -At the annual meeting, June, 1870, the President made the annual report, -which gave the attendance as 110; total earnings from fees for the -session, $5,040. A preparatory school was recommended to take charge of -students unable to take College courses; recommended employment of -assistants in the departments of Mathematics and Ancient Languages, -particularly the latter, so that Prof. Price might initiate the School -of English, as described in the Catalogue. Reference was made to the old -trouble of financial embarrassment; also, to his efforts during the last -summer's vacation to arouse interest in the College, which efforts he -proposed to continue the coming summer as far as practicable. - -[Illustration: JAMES M. BARROW, A. M., _Superintendent of Public -Schools, Columbus, Miss._] - -The Executive Committee reported that they had appointed as instructor -in the Introductory Department, as authorized, Col. Henry W. Wingfield -(A. M. Randolph-Macon College), at a salary not to exceed $800. - -The Finance Committee reported as follows: Liabilities, $26,475; assets -(outside of College buildings and lots), $31,375. On some of the bills -payable a discount of 12 per cent. had been charged. - -At this meeting Rev. W. E. Munsey, D. D., was elected Financial -Secretary. This position Dr. Munsey declined to accept. - -Dr. William W. Bennett resigned the place of Agent, and Rev. George W. -Nolley was elected in his place. - -[Illustration: CHARLES CARROLL, A. M. 1872. _Washington Hall Builder._] - -On the recommendation of the Faculty, the following degrees were -conferred: Master of Arts, on James M. Barrow, of Virginia; Doctor of -Divinity, on Rev. James W. Wightman, of Kentucky. - -Rev. David Thomas was appointed as Agent to attend to subscriptions and -collections within the bounds of the Baltimore Conference. - -Richard Irby resigned the office of Treasurer, which he had held for two -years, and William Willis, Jr., was elected in his stead. - -[Illustration: H. C. PAULETT, _One of the builders of Library Hall._] - -In the third session (1870-'71) the effort to build the Library building -for the halls and libraries of the two literary societies was -inaugurated. Up to this time the two societies had occupied the -ante-rooms attached to the chapel, which were very cramped and -inconvenient. Who was the first to suggest the building of the new -edifice is not known to this writer, but it is well known who the -parties were who did the main work in raising the funds. They were, on -the part of the Washington Society, Charles Carroll, of North Carolina, -and H. C. Paulett, of Virginia; and on the part of the Franklin Society, -William W. Smith and Jordan W. Lambert, of Virginia. - -An old alumnus offered to give to the Society which should raise the -largest amount a copy of Audubon's _Birds of America_. - -[Illustration: JORDAN W. LAMBERT, _Franklin Hall Builder._] - -This enterprise was prosecuted with great zeal and skill, and the -building devised by the young men, let to contract by them, and paid for -by them (in most part), went on to completion. It was the first brick -building ever erected on the campus, and the first ever built in the -town. More will be said of this in due time. - -At a called meeting of the Board, held in Richmond, February, 1871, the -committee appointed to make sale of the buildings and property near -Boydton reported the sale of the same to Henry G. McGonegal, of New York -city. The sum of the purchase money was $12,500. This included the claim -on the United States government, which was transferred with the property -to the purchaser. - -This sale was a great sacrifice, embracing as it did the two large -College buildings, the Steward's Hall, Hotel, and President's residence, -all brick structures, and, in addition, the old Preparatory School -building (also brick), and three other dwellings, and several hundred -acres of land. But the pecuniary obligations of the College were heavy -and pressing, and the rate of interest, even on bonds secured by real -estate, ten per cent. Under these circumstances, the sale was ratified, -and the Board parted with the old premises, built, for the most part, in -1830-'32, at a cost largely over $50,000. - -At the annual meeting in June, 1871, the President, in his report, spoke -in high terms of the studiousness and good deportment of the students. -The whole number in attendance was 142. The prospects for further -increase were encouraging. - -Prof. W. W. Valentine resigned the chair of Modern Languages, chiefly on -account of delicate health. He was a faithful officer and a nice -gentleman; he enjoyed the respect and regard of his colleagues and the -Board. - -Great embarrassment had been experienced on account of want of funds to -meet promptly the salaries of the Faculty. - -The appointment of a "fiscal executive officer, competent to execute the -plans of the Board, and also to invent schemes of his own for obtaining -funds," was strongly pressed. This recommendation was promptly adopted, -and a committee appointed to define his duties and to nominate a -suitable man for the place. - -During the session this committee made report, defining the duties of -the Financial Secretary, and placing all the business matters and -financial interests in the hands of said officer. He was also to travel -as much as practicable through the Conferences to influence patronage, -secure donations and bequests, and also to encourage the Conference -educational collections. The salary of the officer was fixed at $2,000 -per annum. - -[Illustration: REV. A. G. BROWN., D. D.] - -To fill the office the committee nominated Rev. A. G. Brown, of the -Virginia Conference. He was not a stranger to the College, having served -as chaplain there in former years. He was duly elected, and a resolution -adopted asking the Virginia Conference to assign him to this work. - -This was a fortunate appointment. The Financial Secretary, after -entering on his duties, proceeded promptly to adjust the matters of the -College, and soon got them into manageable shape. - -Prof. Thomas R. Price appeared before the Board and explained his views -in regard to the "School of English." - -On motion, it was-- - -_Resolved_, That the Faculty be, and they are hereby, authorized to -establish, if they find it possible, "a School of English and -Literature." - -This most important move was on the same general plan adopted in 1835, -and carried out for several years by Prof. E. D. Sims after his return -from Europe, where he had spent several years studying Anglo-Saxon and -other languages preparatory to this course. - -It does not seem, however, that Prof. Price was aware that such a course -had been previously established, and it was as original with him as it -was with the first mover in it. Fortunately, in this second movement it -became a permanent course, and the influence of the move has spread far -and wide. - -[Illustration: REV. W. W. ROYALL, D. D., (R. M. C., 1872-'75.) -_Missionary to China. Member Virginia Conference, M. E. Church South._] - - -LETTER OF PROF. THOMAS R. PRICE, LL. D. - -"COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY, NEW YORK. - -"_Capt. Richard Irby, Randolph-Macon College:_ - -"DEAR SIR,--The President and Trustees of Randolph-Macon College, in -1868-'70, deserve, I think, the credit of having made the boldest and -wisest move in education that has taken place in my time. Dr. Duncan, -above all, so great and wise in many directions, was, in my judgment, -the most deeply devoted and the most far-sighted friend of collegiate -education I have known. When made a member of his Faculty, in 1868, as -Professor of Greek and Latin, I had, with my large classes, to struggle -against great difficulties and grave discouragements. Amid all I had his -tender sympathy and wise and loving help. The fundamental difficulty of -all soon revealed itself to me. I was seeking, as all instructors of -Greek and Latin of that period were seeking, to give a knowledge of the -ancient languages to boys and young men that knew not enough of their -own language to receive it or apply it. It was irrational, absurd, -almost criminal, for example, to expect, a young man, whose knowledge of -English words and construction was scant and inexact, to put into -English a difficult thought of Plato or an involved period of Cicero. -Dr. Duncan, to whom I imparted my conviction, shared with me the sense -of the grave evil. Braver and more hopeful than I, he bade me not to -despair, but to cut at the root of the trouble by introducing the study -of English. His eloquence and radical good sense won the majority of the -Trustees, and the English school was founded. I had the honor, which I -prize highly, of having been made professor of English, giving up the -Latin to Dr. James A. Harrison. I had the duty laid on me, by the -Trustees, of drawing up the programme of the new course and of selecting -text-books and supplementing text-books by lectures. My plan was, -through the course of five years, to make the literary and historical -study of our great language go forward evenly balanced. I began with the -study of grammar and of easy texts in the preparatory section, and then, -year after year, thus formed in succession the four college classes up -to the Senior and graduation. I cannot give you the exact dates. The -struggle began, I think, in 1869, and it was carried on to full success -by 1873-'74. The catalogues of the College will give the work and -programme of each year. - -"To Dr. Duncan, and to the good and wise men of the Trustees, I am -profoundly grateful for having used me to carry out the bold and noble -design. It was their own work--not suggested from the outside at all, -imitating nothing that existed, springing from their clear perception of -what education meant and from their sense of duty to their church and -their people. - -"Yours very truly. THOMAS R. PRICE." - - -RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE AND THE STUDY OF ENGLISH. - -Prof. J. B. Henneman, of the University of Tennessee, writes as follows -in the _Sewanee Review_. It is gratitying that the good work done by -Randolph-Macon is so freely acknowledged: - -"It was Randolph-Macon College, rather than the State University of -Virginia, though it was the work of one of her graduates, that was to -have the distinction of creating a School of English in the South which -should send forth apostles with all the fervor of converts and -enthusiasts. Randolph-Macon College would have deserved notice for -devoting a separate chair to English Literature as early as 1836, almost -from its inception; and Edward Dromgoole Sims, a Master of Arts of the -University of North Carolina, gave a course on Historical English in the -year 1839. He was installed in that year as Professor of English, after -a stay in Europe, where he heard lectures on Anglo-Saxon. Tradition -tells how, having no text-books, he used the blackboards for his -philological work. At the end of three years he removed to the -University of Alabama in consequence of having contracted a marriage not -then allowed under the laws of Virginia. He was preparing a series of -text-books in Old English, tradition again says, when he died, in 1845. -Had he accomplished his purpose, these works would have preceded -Klipstein's in point of time. (Other occupants of the chair of English -at Randolph-Macon were William M. Wightman and David S. Doggett, both -afterwards bishops in the Methodist Church, South.) It was again at -Randolph-Macon College (though now removed from Mecklenburg to Hanover -county) that, immediately after the war, there was founded a distinct -school of English, based on historic and scientific principles, and -productive of far-reaching results. I believe that I am but paying a -worthy tribute to one whom all his pupils have found a helpful guide and -inspiring instructor in making the statement that this movement was -mainly due to the inspiration and effort of one man--Thomas R. Price. - -"The suggestion of the course of English at Randolph-Macon College -sprang from the study of the ancient languages. The feeling existed that -it was impossible to expect appreciation of idioms in a foreign language -when students knew nothing about those in their own tongue. To quote -from Professor Price's own words at the time: 'It was irrational, -absurd, almost criminal, for example, to expect a young man, whose -knowledge of English words and constructions was scant and inexact, to -put into English a difficult thought of Plato or an involved period of -Cicero.' The course pursued in consequence was entirely original in its -premises, and endeavored to meet these difficulties. Both the disease -and remedy were brought out by the conditions present; and to this, I -think, may be ascribed, in large measure, the success of the movement -and its value as a stimulus. The end set was to place, in the ordinary -college course, the study of English on an equal footing with that of -Latin or Greek, giving it the same time and attention, aiming at the -same thoroughness, and enforcing the same strictness of method. A -knowledge of the early forms of English was demanded, not as philology -pure and simple, constituting an end in itself, but as a means for -acquiring a true, appreciative knowledge of the mother tongue, and -thereby for understanding its literature and other literatures all the -more. It now seems almost incredible that it required so great an effort -at the time to take this step or that old traditions could become so -firmly crystallized. - -"Professor Price's efforts succeeded all the more easily in that they -were seconded by his presiding officer, the Rev. Dr. James A. Duncan, a -man of singular breadth and sympathy of mind, who had grouped about him, -irrespective of church and denominational ties, a band of worthy -associates. Price, as Professor of Greek and Latin, gave up the latter -to his colleague, James A. Harrison, who had charge of the modern -languages, and taking control of the English, developed it side by side -with his Greek, so as to cover a course through four continuous years. -This was the result of the work of two sessions, 1868-'70. The movement -soon spread far and wide. Other institutions, impelled by the same -needs, either imitated it outright--some of them actually going so far -as always to unite the English department with the Greek, as if there -were some subtle virtue in the connection (building possibly even wiser -than they knew)--or developed out of their own necessities similar -arrangements. - -"After the men at Randolph-Macon had been drilled in the rudiments and -given their primary inspiration, many of them were dispatched to Europe -for further training, and returned Doctors of Leipzig and fired with a -new zeal. In mere appearances, it should seem as if this Randolph-Macon -migration to Leipzig was the beginning of the attraction exerted by that -University on young Southern scholars, an attraction which has been -rivalled in recent years only by that of the neighboring Johns Hopkins. -The land lay open before these young men, and they proceeded to occupy -it. Robert Sharp returned Doctor from Leipzig, and was soon called to -Tulane; William M. Baskervill returned Doctor from Leipzig, and started -an impulse at Wofford College, South Carolina, which he broadened and -deepened after his transfer, in 1881, to Vanderbilt; Robert Emory -Blackwell returned from Leipzig and succeeded Professor Price in his -work at Randolph-Macon; Frank C. Woodward succeeded Baskervill at -Wofford in 1881, and removed to the South Carolina College in 1887; W. -A. Frantz has built up a following in Central College, Missouri; John R. -Ficklen, having followed Dr. Price to the State University, has become -associated with Sharp at Tulane. The English fever at Randolph-Macon -became epidemic. Dr. James A. Harrison accepted a call, in 1876, to -Washington and Lee as Professor of Modern Languages, and formed a new -Virginian centre for specialists. Even Price's successor in the Greek -chair at Randolph-Macon, Charles Morris, soon resigned to go to the -University of Georgia as Professor of English. Nor has the manufacture -of Randolph-Macon professors of English ever entirely ceased. Howard -Edwards, formerly of the University of Kansas; J. L. Armstrong, late of -Trinity College, North Carolina, and now of the Randolph-Macon Woman's -College; John D. Epes, of St. John's College, Maryland; John Lesslie -Hall, Ph. D. (Johns Hopkins), of William and Mary, are later accessions -to a list by no means complete. - -"It is very curious to trace these various ramifications of mutual -influences, and to see them acting and interacting, crossing and -recrossing. Three main lines may be detected. Just as the University of -Virginia, through its graduates, became the pattern for many, especially -State institutions, and Hampden-Sidney, Davidson, Central, and, -particularly, Presbyterian colleges, felt the influence of the course at -Washington and Lee; so Randolph-Macon affected, among others, Wofford, -and then Vanderbilt, which, in turn, has become a new centre of -activity. - -"The transmission of this spirit to Wofford College, and thence to -Vanderbilt University at Nashville, is peculiarly instructive. W. M. -Baskervill, trained under Price and Harrison, and in Leipzig, came to -Wofford in 1876, where he met with a sympathetic circle. The president, -Dr. James H. Carlisle, had always been interested in English work, and -was a close student of the history and meaning of words. Charles Foster -Smith was fellow-professor with Baskervill, and James H. Kirkland, first -an appreciative pupil, was afterwards colleague as Smith's successor. -All three of these young scholars ultimately took their degrees in -Leipzig, and were called to Vanderbilt University, of which Dr. Kirkland -is the newly-elected Chancellor. The English language and letters have -been steadily emphasized by the close sympathies uniting these three men -in their common work in the department of languages. Kirkland's Leipzig -dissertation was on an English subject, though he is now professor of -Latin; Smith, the professor of Greek, has been a constant contributor on -English points, and Baskervill is specifically professor in charge. -Through the standard which their fortunate circumstances allowed them to -set, a new centre of influence has been formed in Nashville. - -[Illustration: REV. JOHN HANNON, A. M., D. D., _Ukiah, California._] - -"It was this Wofford influence, if I may be personal for a space, that -had much to do with sending me to the University of Virginia to hear -Price in Greek. And I but echo the feeling of many in Professor Price's -class-room, that it was hard to know to which of the two languages his -class leaned the more, Greek or English, so intimately upon one another, -especially in the work of translating, did the two depend. At any rate, -it is singular that his pupils, stirred by the Greek, just as at -Randolph-Macon, have used this classical impulse to enter upon the -keener study of their native language and literature. I was privileged -to be in the last Greek class which Professor Price taught at the -University of Virginia; and contemporaneous with me at the University -were other pupils: Charles W. Kent, Ph. D., of Leipzig, just returned to -his _Alma Mater_ as Linden Kent Professor of English Literature; James -Douglas Bruce, of Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, and the editor of this -_Review_. Eventually Professor Price's strong predilections for English, -and the memory of the work wrought while at Randolph-Macon, led, in -1882, to his acceptance of a call to the chair of English in Columbia -College, New York, a change which, in the face of all he had -accomplished at the South, many of his old pupils were selfish enough to -regard with regret." - -On the recommendation of the Faculty, the degree of A. M. was conferred -on John Hannon, of Alabama, and William Waugh Smith, of Virginia. - -The vacant chair of Modern Languages was filled by the election of Mr. -James A. Harrison, of New Orleans. This officer proved to be a valuable -accession to the Faculty, and his success at Randolph-Macon was the -prophecy of further success at Washington and Lee University, and the -University of Virginia, where he is at this writing. - -In regard to the enterprise referred to at the last annual meeting, the -Board adopted the following resolutions: - -"Whereas suitable halls for the literary societies of this College are -imperatively necessary in the work of this institution; and whereas the -Washington and Franklin Literary Societies have taken this enterprise in -hand with commendable zeal and liberality: therefore, - -"_Resolved_, I. That we gratefully recognize the efforts of the young -gentlemen in projecting and prosecuting this enterprise. - -"II. That we consider the success which has already attended their -efforts as a gratifying evidence of the speedy completion of the work. - -"III. That we commend this enterprise and the young gentlemen engaged in -it to the liberality of all the friends of this College and the cause of -liberal education. - -"IV. That we pledge our hearty co-operation in this work in every way in -our power." - -[Illustration: PROF. J. A. HARRISON, M. A., LL. D.] - -At the close of the college year ending June, 1872, the following items -of interest were reported to the Board at the annual meeting: - -The Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad Company conveyed to -the Board of Trustees a tract of land lying on the south of the line of -said railroad, near what was called the Club House, containing about -twenty acres, "on condition that the Trustees erect on the said land -permanent college buildings within fifteen years after the date of -conveyance, and that the deed shall contain the _prohibition of the sale -of ardent spirits without the written consent of said company_." - -This was considered to have been a better location for college buildings -than the first occupied, and the project might have been carried out but -for want of means to erect the buildings. - -The Financial Agent further reported the need of additional college -buildings on account of increased attendance of students. The number in -attendance the past session was 167, being 25 more than any previous -session at Ashland. Amount of fees, $7,652.30; amount remitted to -privileged students, $6,182.50; amount received from the Virginia and -Baltimore Conferences, $2,682.33. This was a gratifying result. - - Available assets, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $58,729 65 - Assets not now available, . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24,603 67 - Total, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $83,333 32 - Liabilities, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23,216 49 - -Resolutions commending the Agent for his work were adopted, and pledging -the support of the Board to him in his work. - -The absence of the two oldest members of the Board, viz., Bishop John -Early and D'Arcy Paul, Esq., on account of age and feebleness, were -noted by suitable resolutions. - -[Illustration: LIBRARY HALL.--Built by the Washington and Franklin -Societies 1872.] - -President Duncan, in his annual report, said: "It is specially -gratifying that I can congratulate the Board on the plan of fiscal -management adopted at your last meeting. The experience of the last -twelve months has demonstrated the wisdom of your action, and the same -illustrating your good fortune in securing an officer whose efficiency -in a most laborious task merits your high commendation.... The large -number of students have been generally studious and well behaved, a -large proportion of them are Christians, and thirty-two are candidates -for the ministry. During the year the reputation of the College has -extended, and its patronage steadily increased. Both the patronizing -Conferences manifest increasing interest in the College." - -The degree of A. M., on recommendation of the Faculty, was conferred on -Charles Carroll, of North Carolina. - -Mr. Jordan W. Lambert, on behalf of the Building Committee of the -Literary Societies, reported the Hall building as completed, at a cost -of $12,954.40, on which the committee had raised $7,093.30, leaving a -balance still due, $5,861.10. - -A committee appointed to consider this report submitted the following: - -"Your committee, after a full conference with the committee of the two -Societies, submit a proposition made by them to secure from the Board of -Trustees the necessary amount to discharge the existing obligations of -the Societies, which proposition is made the basis of this report, and -is most heartily recommended to the favorable consideration of the -Board. - -"It may be proper to state, in connection with this report, that the -committee submitted in detail the accounts with the various persons from -whom they had secured material, both by donation and purchase, and also -the correspondence with various friends of education both North and -South, all of which was most gratifying to your committee, as they -exhibited on their face the evidence of great energy, system, and tact, -which not only reflects credit on themselves, but also on the Societies -represented by the committee as well as the College itself. - -"In consideration of the foregoing facts, we offer for adoption the -following resolution: - -"_Resolved_, That the proper officers of the College proceed at once to -raise $5,700, and if it be necessary, they be authorized to create a -lien upon the property referred to, to secure the payment of principal -and interest, and the Financial Secretary be instructed to pass over the -amount thus raised to the Building Committee, to be used by them in -liquidating the obligations created in the erection of the hall." - -Accompanying this report was the following paper: - -"ASHLAND, VA., _June 27, 1872_. - -"In consideration of $5,700 to be advanced by the Board of Trustees of -Randolph-Macon College, the Washington and Franklin Societies will -undertake and pledge themselves to use their best efforts to pay $1,000 -annually upon the principal until the whole amount is liquidated, -interest to be paid by the Board of Trustees. It is understood and -agreed that if the Board of Trustees should find it necessary to create -a lien upon the property to raise the amount so advanced, they will not -in any way bind the furniture of the two Societies. - -[Transcribers' Note: In the original text, the names of those belonging -to each society were bracketted, and "Committee F. L. S." and -"Committee, W. L. S." appeared on the right-hand side of the -page, beside their respective brackets.] - - _Committee F. L. S._ - - (Signed) - "J. W. LAMBERT, - "F. C. WOODWARD, - "R. E. BLACKWELL, - - _Committee W. L. S._ - - (Signed) - "CHARLES CARROLL, - "HERBERT M. HOPE, - "W. B. PAGE, - "H. C. PAULETT, - "JOHN M. BURTON," - -[Illustration: WASHINGTON HALL, Randolph-Macon College.] - -[Illustration: FRANKLIN HALL, Randolph-Macon College.] - -To show the appreciation of the work done by the Societies, the Board, -on motion of Rev. A. W. Wilson, adopted the following: - -"_Resolved_, That the President be instructed to express in the chapel, -during the public exercises of the day, the Board's appreciation of the -energy and zeal of the Literary Societies in the erection of the Library -building, and that the Secretary furnish the Societies with a copy of -the action of the Board." - -In the chapel the same day Maj. Sutherlin pledged the Board to a -subscription of $500 towards the Library Hall. - -The above record in relation to this worthy and remarkable effort--one -that has found few, if any, parallels in the history of colleges--is -given at some length to show the spirit of the young men of the period -succeeding the war, and also to stimulate a like spirit in the young men -who are now filling these halls and others after them. Such an example -seems to be needed at this time to rekindle the interest in these most -worthy Societies, which is not as great as it formerly was, and as it -should be. - -At this meeting Major William T. Sutherlin, of Danville, who had -manifested his interest in the College by agreeing to pay three hundred -dollars annually towards the current expenses of the College for five -years, submitted the following proposition: - -"_To the Board of Trustees of Randolph-Macon College_: - -"I propose to place in your hands good eight per cent. securities to the -amount of four hundred dollars ($400), the interest to be collected by -you, and invested in a suitable medal, to be presented at each annual -commencement to _the best orator_ connected with the college who shall -contend for the same, to be decided by three competent judges who have -no official connection with the College, to be selected by yourselves, -whose decision shall be final. The fund hereby donated shall be held by -you and appropriated to the above purpose in perpetuity, and to no -other. Respectfully, - -(Signed) "W. T. SUTHERLIN." - -On motion of Rev. A. W. Wilson-- - -"_Resolved_, That the proposition be accepted, and that the thanks of -the Board be returned to Major Sutherlin for the generous donation, and -that the medal be styled the _Sutherlin Prize Medal for Oratory_." - -Rev. A. G. Brown, Financial Secretary, made the following review of the -financial operations of the year: - -"1. That the current expenses of this session have been promptly and -fully paid to June 1st. - -"2. That means are in hand to meet obligations to July 1st. - -"3. That we rely principally upon the assessments and special donations -to the College for the succeeding three months. - -"4. That the assets of the College have been improved in value and in -the amount of interest they yield. - -"5. That the liabilities have been materially reduced. - -"6. That the financial interests of the College are freed from legal or -legislative embarrassments. - -"These are gratifying results. I mention them for your information and -encouragement. They are the sign of a better day. Let us consecrate -ourselves to this noble institution, and, with the blessing of God on -our duty faithfully performed, we may expect to see it what it ought to -be in the scope of its usefulness and the development of its resources, -a strictly first-class College. - -(Signed) "A. G. BROWN, - -"_Financial Secretary Randolph-Macon College_." - -This gratifying report, the best that had been submitted for years, -caused the Trustees to adjourn in a cheerful mood. - -[Illustration: G. E. M. WALTON, _Founder of the Walton Greek Library._] - -[Illustration: MAJ. W. T. SUTHERLIN, ELECTED TRUSTEE, 1860. _Founder of -the Sutherlin Prize for Oratory._] - -A called meeting of the Board was held in Richmond October 13, 1872. A -letter was presented from Prof. Thomas R. Price, which was as follows: - -"_Rev. James A. Duncan, President_: - -"DEAR SIR,--As Professor of Greek in our College, I feel great pleasure -in informing you, and through you the Board, of the noble act of -generosity by which Mr. George E. M. Walton, of Hanover county, Va., has -planned a lasting benefit to the School of Greek. - -"Mr. Walton was, as you know, the father of Mr. Andrew Minor Walton, -who, with rare learning and diligence, discharged until his death, in -September, 1871, the duties of Assistant Greek Professor in -Randolph-Macon College. In order, then, to foster in the College the -studies that his son loved so well, and at the same time to keep alive -in the College history and traditions the memory of that son, Mr. Walton -has offered to give to Randolph-Macon College the sum of one thousand -dollars to create and endow what shall be called the _Walton Greek -Library_. This donation Mr. Walton desires to see, without delay, put -into the proper legal form. His own wishes and intentions, as given to -me in conversation, are: - -"1. That the money shall, in consultation between him and the agents of -the College, be securely and permanently invested. - -"2. That ten dollars of the annual income shall be used to buy, in the -shape of a valuable Greek book, or other appropriate gift, as the -Faculty may decide, a prize that shall be called the _Walton Greek -Prize_, and bestowed on the student that, in the judgment of the -Faculty, has made during the session the best progress in Greek studies. - -"3. That the remainder of the income arising from the investment of the -fund shall be annually expended, under such regulations as the Board and -Faculty may establish, in the purchase of Greek books, including the -texts of Greek authors, Greek lexicons, Commentaries on Greek authors, -works on Greek history, Geography, Grammar, antiquities, etc., and all -direct auxiliaries to Greek study, to form a special and distinct -collection, to be called the _Walton Greek Library_. - -"4. That this Library shall be carefully guarded by the College -authorities and secure adequate protection from theft and fire. - -"There is visible in this act of Mr. Walton no less wisdom than of -generosity and tenderness. The helps to the successful carrying on of -Greek study are becoming year by year more numerous and more masterly, -but, unluckily, more costly, too. To use them is indeed necessary for -every earnest student, but to buy them is oft-times to the student -impossible. To meet this necessity is the object of Mr. Walton's gift, -while his prize will serve to stimulate and reward Greek study; in all -the classes of our school the Library will, year after year, as it -widens, open to students that are more advanced the treasures of Greek -learning. - -"Being sure that you will feel the same pleasure that I feel in this -wisely-devised increase to our means of education, I ask you to make Mr. -Walton's purpose known to the Board, and to have the proper measures -taken for the consummation of the gift. - -"With great respect, your obedient servant, - -"THOMAS R. PRICE, - -"_Professor of Greek._" - -The donation of Mr. Walton was accepted with thanks, and an order was -made to carry out his intentions as speedily as possible. - -It may be stated here that this fund was safely invested, and the annual -proceeds, from the year of its establishment, have been applied, as -directed, in annual prizes and the purchase of books, until, at this -writing, the collection has, become imposing and very valuable. The -first prize was awarded June, 1872, to R. E. Blackwell, of Virginia. - -The College year 1872-'73 was remarkable in the patronage and financial -outcome. The number of students was 234, the largest in the history of -the College up to that year. The receipts for fees amounted to $11,220; -Conference educational collections, $3,411. The excess of current -receipts over current expenses reported, for the first time in the -history of the College, went towards needed improvements of the property -and reduction of debts of other years. Available assets were reported at -$74,610; liabilities, $26,377--net assets, $48,233. This exhibit, made -by Rev. A. G. Brown, Financial Secretary, was highly gratifying to the -Board, so long accustomed to discouraging reports. - -Of the 234 students, 44 were studying with a view to the ministry, and -29 sons of ministers. - -The honorary degree of D. D., on recommendation of the Faculty, was -conferred on the following: Rev. John C. Wills, president of Central -College, Missouri; Rev. Alpheus W. Wilson, of the Baltimore Conference; -Rev. John D. Blackwell, of the Virginia Conference. - -The degree of A. M. was conferred on Franklin C. Woodward, of Virginia. - -The "Sutherlin Medal for Oratory" was awarded Franklin C. Woodward, of -Virginia. - -[Illustration: FRANKLIN C. WOODWARD, A. M., D. D., _Sutherlin Medalist, -1873; President South Carolina College._] - -The "Walton Greek Prize" was awarded to Robert Sharp, of Virginia. - -An educational convention to devise plans to increase the Endowment and -Building funds of the College was held in Richmond, April, 1874. The -following plan was adopted: - -"I. That delegates shall be appointed (by the committee under item -III.), consisting of one layman and one preacher in each district, whose -duty it shall be to present the subject to the several District -Conferences at their meetings during the summer and fall of this year, -and take up collections for this object, and that the presiding elders -be requested to arrange the exercises of their district meetings so as -to secure _one whole day_ for the interests of Randolph-Macon College. - -"II. That we earnestly solicit the co-operation of the presiding elders -in this great work, and request the appointment of meetings in the -several pastoral charges, in which this cause shall be presented and -collections taken. - -[Illustration: PROF. W. M. BASKERVILLE, PH. D., _Vanderbilt -University._] - -"III. That a committee be appointed, who shall attend these meetings, -take up collections, etc." - -(_Committee_: Rev. J. A. Duncan, D. D., Rev. A. G. Brown, and Richard -Irby, Esq.) - -It was resolved that a committee be appointed to mature a plan for the -further prosecution of this work, and report to an adjourned meeting at -Ashland in June, 1874. - -It was resolved that any contributor of $20,000 shall have the privilege -of naming a professorship in the College. - -It does not appear on the record that any direct and decided benefit -resulted from this convention, but it kept the subject before the -people, and doubtless bore good fruit in after times. - -[Illustration: JOHN T. MOORE, _Of the Virginia Conference; Sutherlin -Medalist, 1874._] - -At the annual meeting, June, 1874, it was found that, by inadvertence, -the amendment to the charter approved April 9, 1874, contained a clause -which read as follows: - -"[Section] 14. That the said Board of Trustees shall never be less than -twenty-four nor more than forty-four, one of whom shall be elected by -the Board president thereof; provided, also, that no member of the -Faculty or Board of Instruction in the College shall be a member of the -Board of Trustees." - -This vacated the office of the president of the Board, inasmuch as Dr. -Duncan was a member of the Faculty. Steps were taken to have the above -clause stricken out by the Legislature. - -[Illustration: [Portrait of Thomas Branch, inscribed "Tho. Branch", and -captioned "_Trustee 1846 President Board of Trustees 1877._"]] - -To the office thus vacated Thomas Branch, Esq., of Richmond, Va., was -elected. He was the only layman ever elected to that office. - -Mr. Branch had been a trustee for thirty years. He was one of the most -zealous and constant friends the College had. His donations to the -College had been frequent and liberal. He had been largely instrumental -in having the College moved to Ashland. Recognizing the faithful service -and devotion of Mr. Branch to the College, the Board thus unanimously -elected him president. At the same time Rev. Alpheus W. Wilson, of the -Baltimore Conference, was unanimously elected vice-president. - -[Illustration: GEORGE MERRITT NOLLEY, A. M.] - -The attendance of students for the closing year had been 235, one in -excess of the previous year's number. - -In the record of this year the regular report of the President and -Faculty is not found, though doubtless one was made. - -On the recommendation of the Faculty, the following degrees were -conferred: - -A. M.--George Merritt Nolley, of Virginia; Robert Emory Blackwell, of -Virginia. - -D. D.--Rev. C. Green Andrews, of Mississippi; Rev. William A. Harris, -President of the Wesleyan Female Institute, Staunton, Va. - -On motion of Rev. J. C. Granbery, the following was adopted: - -"Whereas, since the last annual meeting of the Board the venerated -Bishop John Early, for many years the president of the Board, has been -taken from us by death: therefore, - -"_Resolved_, That in the death of Bishop John Early the College has lost -one of its most zealous, faithful and useful friends, and the Board of -Trustees one of its most honored and efficient members." - -His term of service (1830-1874) was the longest on record. - -The School of English, under Prof. Price, had shown great progress, and -had become the most popular of all in the College, evidenced by the fact -that out of 235 students, 191 took the English course. - -The report of the Financial Secretary gave the following items: - - Assets, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $72,496 47 - Liabilities, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21,538 12 - Net balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50,958 35 - -This exhibit of the finances was particularly favorable and gratifying -when it is remembered that the country had in the past year passed -through one of the severest financial panics ever known, a panic whose -withering effects on business did not cease for many years. The College, -in common with all other enterprises requiring the use of money, felt -the effects of it, and it might be said that it felt it for nearly a -score of years. - -A called meeting of the Board was held in Richmond during the session of -the Virginia Conference, November, 1874. This meeting was held to bring -the College more particularly to the attention of the Conference with a -view of enlisting its members in a hearty effort to raise $50,000, to be -used in increasing the facilities of the College, specially in buildings -and apparatus. - -The action of the Trustees was laid before the Conference, and the -following action was taken thereon: - -"1. That we will seek to raise within the bounds of the Virginia -Conference $50,000 for the College, to be expended in the erection of -suitable buildings under the direction of the Board. - -"2. That the Joint Board of Finance apportion this amount among the -districts of the Conference. - -"3. That all the preachers be solicited to do their utmost to secure the -full amounts apportioned to their respective districts." - -At the annual meeting of the Board, held June, 1875, the announcement -was made of the death of two of its most useful and venerable members, -viz., D'Arcy Paul, of Petersburg, and Rev. Henry B. Cowles, of the -Virginia Conference. - -It would be meet and right to give the tributes paid to these Trustees, -so worthy of them, if space allowed. The first had served most -faithfully for a period of thirty-five years, and the other -thirty-three. - -The annual report of the Financial Secretary was not so satisfactory as -to current receipts, the number of students at the College having fallen -down to 215, instead of 235. There had been deficiencies in other items. -All these deficiences were caused, in the main, by the financial -condition of the country, which was so sadly affected by the panic of -1873. There were some cheering signs, however, to offset these -deficiencies. The largest donation ever made to the College up to this -time had been received the past year. This was made by Mr. James B. -Pace, of Richmond, Va., viz., $10,000 in Virginia State bonds. This was -given to build the Pace Lecture Hall, a building so much needed, and -which is now, and will be for years to come, a monument to the liberal -donor. - -[Illustration: JAMES B. PACE, _Trustee, and Founder of Pace Hall._] - -[Illustration: RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE, 1880 to 1886.] - -[Illustration: PACE HALL.] - -Another donation of $5,000 was made by the old and fast friend of the -College, Thomas Branch, president of the Board; by others, -$808.50--total, $15,808.50. - -The financial statement for this year is given in the comparative -statement furnished by the Financial Secretary in his annual report: - - Assets. Liabilities. Balance. - 1872, . . $58,729 65 $23,216 49 $35,513 16 - 1873, . . 74.611 13 26,377 14 48,233 99 - 1874, . . 72,496 47 31,538 12 50,958 35 - 1875, . . .91,660 78 20,974 36 70,686 42 - Increase, 99-1/4 per cent. - -The degree of Master of Arts was conferred on John W. Redd, of Virginia. - -Rev. A. G. Brown reported the building by him as a private enterprise of -the hotel near the southwest corner of the campus. This was a -much-needed improvement. - -Notwithstanding the increase in assets during the year, -the current receipts were not sufficient to meet current expenses. - -At this meeting Rev. John C. Granbery, who had served the Board -faithfully as secretary since 1868, resigned the position, on account of -his having accepted a professorship at the Vanderbilt University. He -also resigned his place as Trustee of the College. - -Rev. Paul Whitehead was elected to succeed him as trustee and secretary, -and he has been secretary of the Board from that meeting to the present -time (1898). - -[Illustration: JOHN B. WARDLAW, _Of Georgia; Sutherlin Medalist, 1874._] - -At a called meeting of the Board in October, 1875, President Duncan -informed the Board that the condition of his health was such that he -felt unable to do the heavy work devolved on him. An arrangement was -therefore made to lighten his duties, and he was requested to travel as -much as practicable in the interest of the College. - -[Illustration: JOHN W. REDD, A. M., 1875. _Prof. Centre College, Ky._] - -At an adjourned meeting of the Board, held November, 1875, Rev. A. G. -Brown, Financial Secretary, tendered his resignation. A portion of his -letter is here given, partly as history, and in justice to him: - -"That my labors have not been more efficient, I deeply regret, yet in -what has been accomplished I am not without cause for gratitude to God, -to whose merciful kindness I am infinitely indebted. - -[Illustration: REV. PAUL WHITEHEAD, D. D., _Secretary Board of Trustees, -1875-'98._] - -"The assets of the College have been increased in value about one -hundred per cent.; nearly fifteen thousand dollars of its debt has been -paid; valuable additions and improvements have been made to the grounds -and buildings; the State stock owned by the College has been materially -increased in value; the annual deficit on account of current expenses, -ranging from twenty-five hundred to three thousand dollars a year, has -been provided for; all claims for interest on College debts, amounting -to about eighteen hundred dollars per annum, have been promptly paid; -the salaries of the professors and employees have been paid in full to -October 1st, as well as all bills on current account. In no instance has -the credit of the College been allowed to suffer. Its business has been -systematized so as to be easily understood. The patronage of the College -has been largely increased; its interests have been faithfully -represented in the patronizing Conferences.... I have never hesitated to -use my personal means and influence in financial circles whenever -exigencies required my so doing. Meanwhile the country has passed -through a period of unprecedented financial depression. The wisest -schemes have failed; the ample fortunes of wealthy citizens and -corporations have been swept away; the active industries of the country -have been fearfully impaired, and the shrinkage in the marketable value -of property of all descriptions has scarcely been less than one-third. -This sad condition of business, without a parallel in the history of -this country, has seriously hindered all our efforts in behalf of the -College. I have done what I could. That I have not accomplished more has -not resulted from any lack of love or zeal for the College, but is -mainly referable to the mysterious adversity which has come upon us. - -"In resigning my office as Financial Secretary, I do not abate one jot -or tittle of my interest in the College. No! I love the College as I -love the church; and fidelity to the church enjoins upon me and upon all -fidelity to the interests of this institution. Be assured of my hearty -prayers and co-operation in the future as in the past. As a member of -this Board, I shall stand shoulder to shoulder with you to make -Randolph-Macon a permanent and ever-increasing blessing to church and -state." - -The following resolution, offered by Rev. Paul Whitehead, was then -adopted: - -"_Resolved_, That the resignation of Rev. A. G. Brown as Financial -Secretary be accepted, to take effect December 1, 1875, and that the -Board hereby express their appreciation of the fidelity, ability, and -integrity with which he has discharged the duties of his office." - -This resolution was not any too flattering. It may be truly said that it -is doubtful whether any man in the Conference could have brought the -College through the trying period of the panic as well as the late -Financial Secretary. - -It was "_Resolved_, That the presiding bishop be requested to appoint at -the ensuing Virginia Conference an agent for the College." - -At an adjourned meeting held at Danville, November, 1875, the Board -abolished the office of Financial Secretary. - -William Willis, Jr., of Richmond, was appointed Treasurer, and Prof. -William A. Shepard, Proctor. - -At the request of the Board, the Bishop appointed Rev. Thomas A. Ware, -agent. - -[Illustration: WALTER H. PAGE, _Of North Carolina; Sutherlin Medalist; -Editor Atlantic Monthly._] - -At the annual meeting in June, 1876, the Building Committee reported the -Pace Lecture Hall as being about half completed, with funds on hand to -meet expenses of completion. This was the second brick building erected -on the campus. - -The following received the degree of A. M.: John M. Burton, of Virginia; -Howard Edwards, of Virginia; Robert Sharp, of Virginia; R. Bascom -Smithey, of Virginia. - -The President, in his annual report, does not give the statistics as to -the number of students in attendance, but the catalogue for the year -gives it as 167. He, evidently regarding this as the last he would make, -takes the occasion to speak in the kindest and most commendatory terms -of his associates of the Faculty. He was on the most cordial terms with -them, and his kindly regard was fully reciprocated. Referring to his -resignation, which he was about to tender, he said: - -"And now I approach a matter which it gives me very great pain to -announce. Many reasons combine to make it best, however, that I take the -step now; but these reasons I do not propose to open for discussion, -because I have become satisfied and decided in my convictions. - -"I have worked earnestly, in all good conscience, before God for eight -years to promote the cause of Christian education in connection with -Randolph-Macon College; nor have I spared myself till my health demanded -it. I have done what I could. Eight years ago, in a critical moment in -the history of the College, your flattering representations of the -service you believed I might render to Christian education induced me to -sacrifice my own inclinations and to accept the presidency of -Randolph-Macon. - -"What has been done is too well known to you to make it necessary for me -to recount the familiar facts. My rejoicing in it all is the blessing -the College has been to our young men, and the fact that, by abundant -labors, I have also had a personal share in the rebuilding and -re-establishing an institution whose work is its best witness. In God's -providence these labors have, I trust, been blessed unto permanent good. - -"But in the meanwhile I have found that to repeat or continue them would -be a tax on my health and strength too great for me to bear. I am fully -satisfied that the confining duties of College life are entirely -incompatible with my future health and consequent usefulness; but I -cannot consent to be a nominal president of an institution whose funds -are not sufficient for the support of all the active officers she needs. -When invitations to more lucrative positions were extended to me I have -not entertained them for a moment, simply because I could not allow my -duty, as a minister of Christ, in relation to this work to be governed -by monetary considerations. But now, when unembarrassed by any -invitations whatever, after calm reflection on all the reasons which -favor or oppose it, after careful and prayerful meditation upon it as a -question of duty as under God's guidance, I am fully persuaded that the -moment has come when I may and ought dutifully to return to the position -I formerly occupied as a preacher in the church of God. This conviction -is too firmly and clearly fixed for me to alter it at present. - -"I hardly need to say that my devotion to the College is unchanged. My -readiness to do whatever I can to advance its welfare, I know you will -believe and appreciate. Therefore, most respectfully, with the warmest -wishes for your success personally and officially, I feel it my duty to -tender my resignation as President of Randolph-Macon College. This I -propose shall take effect at the beginning of the next session, or at -the meeting of the Virginia Conference. - -"With many prayers for the prosperity of the great cause, which I must -now serve less efficiently, but not less earnestly, and with immutable -love for Randolph-Macon, I am, most respectfully and sincerely yours, - -"JAMES A. DUNCAN." - -[Illustration: REV. JOHN D. BLACKWELL, D. D., _Vice-President Board of -Trustees, and President Elect, 1877._] - - -The resignation of President Duncan was most reluctantly accepted, with -resolutions of highest regard for him personally and commendation of his -great services to the College. It may be stated here that he continued -to act as president in the interval between the annual meeting and the -adjourned meeting, held in Richmond, July, 1876. At this meeting Rev. -John D. Blackwell, D. D., was elected President. He declined to accept -the office. At the adjourned meeting, in November, Dr. Duncan was -re-elected, and he consented to serve again, under the most pressing -solicitation of the Board and the evident urgency of the case. - -It has been said that "coming events cast their shadows before." So this -resignation of Dr. Duncan, on account of the consciousness of failing -health, was a shadow, and a very dark one it was, of the event of the -coming year, which was to cause mourning in all Southern Methodism and -in regions beyond. - -The annual meeting adjourned, in sadness and gloom, to meet again in -Richmond, July 25th. - -The financial condition was not satisfactory, and the old embarrassment -of former years was again felt. - -At the adjourned meeting, held in Richmond, Va., July 25, 1876, the -resignations of Professors Thomas R. Price and James A. Harrison were -tendered. Professor Price had been elected to the chair of Greek at the -University of Virginia, and Prof. Harrison to the chair of Latin at -Washington and Lee University. - -[Illustration: PROF. R. E. BLACKWELL, A. M.] - -Changes were made in the chairs to be filled, viz., one to be that of -English and Modern Languages, and the other that of Latin and Greek. To -fill the first Robert Emory Blackwell, A. M., was elected, and to the -other Prof. Charles Morris, M. A., of the University of Georgia. Prof. -Blackwell was in Europe at the time, taking a course at Leipzig. He took -his degree of Master of Arts in 1874. He had served as assistant in the -School of English under Prof. Price, and was recommended by him in the -highest terms. He was the first of Prof. Price's graduates, of a long -list, to be elected to a chair of English. - -Prof. Morris was, when elected, Professor of Latin and Greek at the -University of Georgia. He, also, was highly commended to the Board by -Prof. Price, who was a fellow-student with him at the University of -Virginia. A more whole-souled, ingenuous man never lived than he, and -his character was beaming from his face. Though a member of the -Episcopal church, he threw his whole soul into the religious work of the -College, and no one would have known that he was not a member of the -Methodist church. - -[Illustration: CHARLES MORRIS, M. A., _Professor of Greek and Latin, -1876-1882._] - -The scale of salaries was changed. The salary of the President was fixed -at $2,000: of professors, $1,600. Dr. T. H. Bagwell was elected College -physician, in place of Dr. H. M. Houston, resigned. - -In parting with Prof. Price, the Board expressed for him the kindest and -highest appreciation of his long and distinguished services. -Complimentary resolutions were also adopted in regard to Prof. Harrison. - -As a part of a great educational advance, the following extract is given -from Professor Price's letter of resignation: - -"You have used me to do one piece of work that was so bold, and timely, -and wise as to draw the attention of educated men throughout America to -our College, and to win for your system of education the hearty applause -of all that love the culture of our young men. - -"In establishing the chair of English you have taken a bold step and -wise innovation. You have pushed the whole system of Virginia education -distinctly forward, and you have given to your system of collegiate -education a firm basis in the needs of our people. I have felt the -sweetest joy of my life to have been permitted to help in this great -work. I have seen the School of English, from session to session, bear -richer fruits in the development of our whole student class and in the -growing power of the College over the educated opinion of the State. I -beseech you now, in parting from you, to take the chair of English under -your fostering care, not only to uphold it, but to develop and expand it -as the characteristic and special glory of the College, and to bring it -to pass that every alumnus of Randolph-Macon College shall be, to his -own benefit and to your honor, as soundly and correctly educated as man -ought to be in the knowledge and use of his mother tongue." - -At this meeting Dr. W. W. Bennett, chairman of the Building Committee, -announced to the Board the completion of the Pace Lecture building, at a -cost of about $11,000. - -At the annual meeting of the Board of Trustees, held June, 1877, the -reports made by the President and Treasurer showed great embarrassment -in financial matters, which, as a matter of course, affected the prompt -payment of salaries to the members of the Faculty. - -The patronage for the year was reported to be 132. - -[Illustration: PROF. W. A. FRANTZ, A. M., _Prof. English, Central -College, Missouri._] - -The degree of A. M. was conferred on William Abner Frantz, of Virginia. - -At the June meeting, 1877, Thomas Branch, Esq., resigned the office of -president of the Board. Resolutions of regret at his action, and -expressive of the kind regard of the Trustees towards him, were adopted. - -Dr. J. A. Duncan was elected to fill the vacancy. - -William Willis, Jr., resigned the oflice of Treasurer of the Board on -account of ill-health and defective eyesight. This was accepted with -great reluctance by the Board, and resolutions of sympathy for him in -his afflictions and thanks for his faithful service were adopted. - -Prof. W. A. Shepard was elected Treasurer _pro tempore_. - -When the Board adjourned, it closed its last meeting in connection with -the president who had inaugurated the College at Ashland, and had -presided over it for nine years. - -A few days after the opening of the session of 1877-1878 he passed away, -after a brief illness. The record of the journal made by the Secretary, -and enclosed in black lines, is as follows: - -[Transcribers' note: In the original book, the following paragraph is -also enclosed in black lines.] - -On Monday, September 24, 1877, at 4 o'clock A. M., Rev. JAMES A. DUNCAN, -D. D., President of Randolph-Macon College, died at the President's -house, Ashland, Va., after a brief illness. On Tuesday, the 25th, a -brief funeral service was conducted in the College chapel by Rev. Leroy -M. Lee, D. D.; after which the corpse was conveyed by a special train to -Richmond. Funeral service conducted at Broad-Street Church by Bishop D. -S. Doggett, D. D.; a procession formed to Hollywood, and the body of -this faithful and illustrious servant of God buried there, in the hope -of a glorious resurrection. - -"This writer was a student at Randolph-Macon when Dr. Duncan was a -little boy, not yet in his _teens_. He was then as full of fun and -mischief as a boy could be, which, with his sprightliness, made him an -uncommonly interesting boy. He was a scholar in the first Sunday-school -class he ever taught, and along with him were Dick and Gib Leigh and -Dick Manson. He was intimately associated with him in re-establishing -the College at Ashland, he beginning his presidency, with this writer as -treasurer and chairman of the Executive Committee. Then, from 1870 to -his last illness, he sat under his ministry in the old ball-room chapel, -whose walls echoed to the tones of his wondrous voice, such as -cathedrals rarely, if ever, have heard. This ought to render him -competent, in part, to write of this most gifted man. - -[Illustration: WILBUR F. TILLETT, A. B., D. D., _Sutherlin Medalist, -1877; Dean Theological Faculty, Vanderbilt University._] - -But others have written tributes so much better and worthier of the -subject that he will let them speak. The first tribute to him was given -by Prof. Thos. R. Price, LL. D., who has more than once expressed to -this writer the great remissness of the Methodist Church in not having -had prepared a memoir of one of its greatest preachers and wisest men. - -The following is Prof. Price's sketch of Dr. James A. Duncan: - -"THE GREAT PREACHER." - -"The bitterest hour for them that mourn their dead is not when the -breath rattles in the throat nor when the clod rattles on the coffin. It -comes when, after all the stir and turmoil of death and funeral are -over, the family go back to the ravaged home, and grope their ways, -blinded with tears, through the rooms that the dead man has left forever -empty. Not even the sudden jar of the final separation strikes so deep a -wound as the growing sense of loss, as the accumulating despair of -unsatisfied longing. So, in all the many regions where Dr. Duncan, the -great apostle of Virginia, was known and loved, the deepest grief was -not felt when all those thousands followed the hearse and sobbed around -the open grave under the stars at Hollywood. A deeper sorrow comes to us -now, after taking up again the task of life, when we feel, amid our -pleasures and our business, that the great advocate of God, who lived -Christ among us as sublimely as he preached him, has been withdrawn -forever from among the potencies of our time; when we remember that, in -evil days, when many bad men are seeking to break down the honesty and -to dull the moral sense of the Virginia people, we are left without the -mighty aid of that one man who knew best of all how to stir the hearts -and to guide the acts of our people to good. Yet with the calmness of -the deeper sorrow comes, too, the calmness to think out the secret of -the dead man's power over the great masses of the Southern people, for -that power was one that reached far outside of his church and of all -churches deep down into the moral life of Virginia. Thus even for us -laymen, for us that have no right to preach and no theology to teach, -the character of this wonderful man has an abiding interest. It is worth -while for us all to know what were the means by which he worked. As his -life did such immense good to so many thousands of our people, the -contemplation, and, if possible, the understanding, of that life, can -hardly fail to do good to the great communities that are now mourning -for him. - -"On the first meeting with Dr. Duncan, were it only a hurried talk at a -street-corner or a few minutes' conversation on a railway train, the -first impression that came to the stranger from his sweet eyes and -tender lips was the sense of a strange and overpowering love and -loveableness in the man. The face and voice stole their way to the heart -and mastered the affections. All the children were drawn to his -caressing hands by a charm that their little hearts could not withstand. -The negro servants in the houses that he visited could be seen to hang -upon his words and to strive to catch his smile. The belle of the -springs, on her way to the ball-room; the roughest mountaineer loafing -on the skirts of a camp-meeting; boys and old men, the ignorant and the -educated, had to yield themselves to the fascination of the fresh and -guileless love that emanated from his beaming eyes and tender, -penetrating voice. Whether he was moving with his exquisite grace, -smiling and talking, through a parlor, or standing all aglow in his -passionate eloquence beside his pulpit; whether he spoke to one man, -soul to soul, in the quiet of his study, or faced the thousands of eyes -that looked up to him from a great city church, or from the green -hillsides of a rustic amphitheatre, the power that went forth from him, -winning all hearts and softening all hardness, was the power of an -exquisitely loveable nature, giving love richly and pleading for love in -return. But as you listened to him, as you watched the play of his -mobile features, and took in the rich, sweet tones of his voice, this -first impression of the man's intense loveableness was deepened by the -impression of his marvellous intellectual power. The shrewdness of his -observation, the penetrating keenness of his intelligence, the splendid -precision of his thought and of his utterance, took instantaneous -possession of the hearer's mind. His knowledge of human character as men -moved before him, his ready insight into the tangled web of human -motives, was almost infallible. In spite of his boundless charity and -graciousness, he was a man that could not be deceived or cheated. He -took men in at a glance. The smile that curled around his lips, the -light that sparkled in his eyes, showed to the dullest, as to the -wiliest, that the secrets of their character were seen, that the very -depths of their soul lay unveiled before him. Thus, when you talked with -him, you were sure to feel that, while his love opened his heart to you, -his intellect opened yours to him. In managing men, above all, in -wielding the discipline of a college, the amazing quickness and -penetration of his intellect made him the fittest of all men to control -both character and conduct. The offender who came to hide his sin -beneath a lie, found the lie impossible, and flung himself with -passionate tears upon the love of the man that both understood and -pitied his weakness. Even in great audiences, when he spoke to thousands -of God and goodness, the veils of self-deception fell away before the -glances that he shot into the souls of men. In all the history of -Christianity no man ever pleaded for Christ before men with a mightier -control over the secrets of human hearts, with a sharper penetration -into the weakness and badness of each human soul. It was this union of -moral with intellectual force, this union of the attractive power of -love with the penetrative power of understanding, that gave to Dr. -Duncan his unrivalled and irresistible control over the heart and -intellect of the Virginia people. The world is so bad that we are apt to -confuse amiability with silliness, and to see a sign of intellectual -weakness in a good man's love and care for his fellow-men. But here, at -least, it was one man as strong as he was good, a man that joined to the -charm of a tenderly loving heart the power of a splendid genius and of -an incisive intelligence. Thus he rose on the hearts of men to be a -living power in our State and time. Thus to each man that saw much of -him, to every human being that was exposed for long to the influence of -his words and actions, the man, simple and kindly, and great in all his -deeds, shone forth as the revelation of a higher life, as the proof and -example of what Christ's teaching meant. - -"The mystery both of the moral power and of the intellectual power of -this great man lay in his astounding unselfishness; for the egoistic -habit of mind is a hindrance not only to the moral but also to the -intellectual progress of the man. A selfish regard for one's own -interests, the bad trait of regarding all things and all men as -subordinate to one's own designs, not only deadens the moral -sensibility, but it even distorts and discolors all intellectual insight -into the world. If we fail to care for other men's good by being so busy -about our own, we fail equally to penetrate into their characters and to -see the good and evil that is in them by being unable to remove from our -intellectual vision the beam of our own desires and designs. From all -these obstacles, to noble acting and to accurate thinking, Dr. Duncan -was sublimely free. He had resigned himself so fully into the hands of -God that he had ceased absolutely to care for his own advantage or to be -perplexed by the contemplation of his own aims. Thus he moved through -the annual courses of his serene and glorious activity, preaching and -teaching and helping all good causes, with a mind unperverted from great -things by any care for little ones, with a soul ready for any sacrifice, -and, what is harder still, ready to throw itself into full and -instantaneous sympathy with any soul that opened to his approach. In all -his dealings with men, as friend with his friends, as preacher with his -congregations, as teacher with his pupils, the loveliness and warmth of -his affections were equalled only by the pliability and penetration of -his intellect, by his wisdom in advising, by his discretion in helping. - -"All the ordinary temptations to self-seeking fell off powerless from -the supreme unselfishness of his nature. When the fame of his eloquence -spread over many States; when he was acknowledged as the greatest orator -of his church, and, perhaps, of his country; when the richest churches -of the greatest cities offered him vast salaries to leave the struggling -people and the impoverished college that he loved, he clung fast to -poverty, and put aside, without a struggle, the temptations of ease and -wealth. Even when temptation assailed him in craftier forms; when men -told him of the mighty congregations that New York or St. Louis or San -Francisco would pour forth to catch from him the words of life, he said -that 'he loved his own people best, and must stay to help Virginia -along.' Like his Master, he chose poverty rather than riches; like his -Master, he chose to work in a little village, among a small band of -disciples, rather than among the splendors and plaudits of cities; like -his Master, he made of life one long series of sweetly-borne -self-sacrifices. Before the spectacle of such sublime self-depression -all words of common praise are unseemly. But to them that lived with -him, who saw the great soul take up so bravely and bear so lovingly the -burthen of poverty, trouble, and suffering, the life he led was a -miracle of beauty and holiness, making the world brighter and nobler by -even the remembrance of him. - -"In his preaching, as in his life, the same blending of love with -wisdom, of childlike simplicity with manly power, was revealed. There -was no fierceness, no affectation, no struggling after oratorical -effects; but, as the powers of his mind got into motion, as the thoughts -rolled on, clear and massive, the words and sentences grew rich and -lofty, the sweet voice swelled out into organ tones, the small and -graceful figure swayed to the pulsations of his thought, and the -beautiful face glowed with all the illumination of love. There was no -theology in his sermons, no polemical divinity in his conception of -divine truth. To love God, and to love men was for him, as Christ taught -him, the sum of all righteousness. This power of love was the agency -through which he did his work in the world. As the warmth of the sun -controls all the processes of nature and commands all the movements of -the universe, so warmth of love, as the central fact of God's moral -government, was for him the source of all power, the means of subduing -all wrong, and of bringing the world back into harmony with God's laws. - -"No human life ever lived in this world of ours was attuned more fully -to a loftier harmony. As we think of all the good deeds he did, of all -the wise words he spoke, of his solemn yet tender warnings against evil, -of the love that charmed so many souls to do right, of the sublime -unselfishness that made his life a sacrifice to other men's good, we can -feel that to us, in our own State, born of our own stock, in full sight -of us all, a man has been given to live for our good, as nearly as man -may, up to the life-story of the Christ himself. - -"_University of Virginia._ T. R. PRICE." - -The following is taken from the Minutes of the Virginia Conference, and -was written by an old college mate, Dr. J. C. Granbery, now bishop: - -"James Armstrong Duncan was born in Norfolk, Va., April 14, 1830. He was -dedicated to God from his birth and trained in piety by his father, the -venerable David Duncan, who has been prominent through two generations -in the education of the youth of the Southern States, and who accepted -the chair of Ancient Languages in Randolph-Macon College while James was -a child; and by his mother, a woman of saintly character, who preceded -her son by a few years to the heavenly land. In his boyhood he was a -universal favorite, and displayed the gifts of mind and genial spirit -and grace of manner which became so conspicuous in his riper years. We -may mention his overflowing humor and gaiety, tempered with a kind and -generous nature; and a wonderful power of mimicry, which furnished -unbounded amusement to his comrades, and, indeed, to persons of mature -age, but was never used to wound in feeling or reputation. In 1847, -during one of those gracious revivals with which our church has been -signally blessed year after year, he sought and found Jesus. In one of -his latest and most effective sermons, he has described his conversion -and affirmed that the vow of consecration then made had been the -controlling principle of his ministry and the motive of those labors -which his brethren sometimes thought excessive. - -"He was licensed to preach probably the next year. The people of -Mecklenburg still speak of his first sermons, in which they saw the -prophecy of his future greatness. Having graduated in June, 1849, he was -immediately placed in charge of a society in Alexandria, which had just -organized in connection with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. From -that hour his popularity and success as a preacher and pastor began, and -they steadily waxed fuller and more lustrous until his death quenched a -star than which none shone with a purer and more brilliant radiance in -the whole firmament of Methodism. A great revival attended his labors -during the few months before the session of our Conference and the -prosperity of the church was secured. He was kept on our northern border -for nine years, in Fairfax, Leesburg, Alexandria and -Washington--everywhere beloved with enthusiasm, everywhere successful in -his ministry. Then followed nine years of faithful labor in the city of -Richmond. In 1857 he was sent to Trinity, one of our oldest and most -important stations. There had come a crisis in the history of that -church. Its prosperity was already impaired and seriously threatened by -the unfortunate location of the house of worship. The young pastor soon -had the building crowded with an eager congregation. The eloquence of -his discourses and the charm of his social manners were a theme of -general comment throughout the city. Two series of sermons to young men -and women proved peculiarly attractive, and resulted in extensive and -lasting benefit. He took front rank among the pulpit orators of the -land. All denominations flocked to hear him, and delighted in his -company and friendship. These honors he bore with modest dignity and -consecrated with godly simplicity to the service of the Master. A little -band from Trinity determined, under his leadership, to build a handsome -and commodious church on Broad street near the Capitol Square. In 1859 -he was appointed to this new charge, and preached in a rented hall until -the church was completed. It was dedicated in March, 1861, and, with the -exception of two years, he continued in pastoral charge until the -Conference of 1866. All this time his influence widened and deepened. He -was a power in that city. When it became the capital of the Confederate -States, and was crowded with representatives from all parts of the -South, his faithful, spiritual, eloquent preaching entranced, edified, -encouraged, and impressed with a saving efficacy an untold multitude, -whose number eternity must reveal. No man in our day has accomplished -more for Methodism or for the cause of Christ in the capital of Virginia -than James A. Duncan. - -"In addition to his pastorate, he edited the _Richmond Christian -Advocate_ from the fall of 1860 to the fall of 1866. With characteristic -generosity he did this work without money and price--a free-will -offering to the church, except the two years he devoted his whole time -to the paper. The readiness and versatility of his talents were -admirably shown in this office, for, with many other claims upon his -time, he wrote not only the editorials, but much of the most popular and -enjoyable correspondence with which the _Advocate_ was enriched during -those years. Great curiosity was aroused to find out the anonymous -authors of series of letters published in the paper; but few, if any, -suspected that they came from the fertile brain of the editor. - -"Two years he was pastor of the Washington-Street Church, in Petersburg. -Such men as D'Arcy Paul loved to speak of the rich spiritual feasts on -which he fed them from the pulpit, and the no less precious influence of -his pastoral visits. In that city he suffered a severe spell of nervous -fever, his first illness since childhood. - -"This brings us to a third era of nine years in his eventful life. After -the war Randolph-Macon College re-opened and feebly struggled for life. -Dr. Duncan was among the strongest advocates of its removal from Boydton -to Ashland. The Board of Trustees resolved on this critical movement in -the summer of 1868. The Faculty resigned, and an election was held to -fill the vacant places. Dr. Duncan was unanimously chosen President. He -signified promptly a disposition to accept the responsible post, but -demanded a few days in which to carry the question in private prayer to -the God whose he was and whom he served. Repeatedly and emphatically he -declared the singleness of purpose with which he entered on this office, -and that he would not remain one day in it if it were not for the -conviction that he was thereby serving most efficiently the church of -Christ. - -"No one who knew the man doubted his sincerity and simplicity of aim. He -never sought self. He was indifferent to wealth in a degree which some -even censured as extreme. He served not ambition. The esteem and -approval of good men he must have prized, but never, so far as we know, -did he exhibit any undue concern about such things. He belonged to -Christ, and to the church for Christ's sake. He went in the courage of -faith and the spirit of consecration to the College, and devoted himself -to the duties in the chair of Moral Philosophy and in the presidency. -The halls were filled with a larger number of students than had ever -sought its advantages in its palmiest days before the war. He governed -by his personal influence, by the love and confidence with which he -inspired the young men, and diligence and good behavior were the rule -with rare exceptions. - -"The reputation of the institution for a high grade of scholarship and -thoroughness of culture was inferior to that of no other college in the -land. Young preachers, often numbering more than forty in a single -session, sat under his special lectures in theology, and were moulded by -his example and his teaching. With the authority of a prophet, with the -gentleness of a father, he preached to the students, week after week, -the word of life, and saw many of them accept with glad heart the yoke -and burden of Christ. In private they revealed to him all that was in -their hearts, and sought his sympathy and counsel. In public, whatever -the occasion on which he spoke, they hung breathless on his lips, and -received what he said as if from an angel of God. Those who have -attended the Commencements can bear witness to the outgushing of love, -the wise and noble utterances, the manly frankness and boldness, and the -tenderness, almost motherly, with which he bade those young men farewell -in unstudied words of genuine eloquence, and the beaming faces, the -streaming eyes, the thunders of applause with which they responded. Nor -were these his only labors. Often during the sessions he hurried off to -preach in city or country at the call of the churches of the Virginia -and Baltimore Conferences, or in order to raise money for the College. -The summer vacation was no rest to him, but his busiest period. -Incessantly he travelled through the two Conferences, speaking on -Christian education, and speaking at District Conferences, at protracted -and camp-meetings. He was in labors more abundant, not sparing himself, -never reluctant to help in any good work. Everywhere he was sought, -everywhere he was welcome. Thousands ascribe to him, under God, their -first impulse to serve Christ, their revival from a lukewarm and -languishing state, or their fuller consecration and seeking of a higher -spiritual life. We may safely affirm that no man of his own generation -has so powerfully impressed the religious character of an equal number -within the bounds of these two Conferences as James A. Duncan. He was -elected to the General Conferences of 1866, 1870, and 1874. That of 1870 -he did not attend, his duties at the College not allowing his absence. -He lacked only a few votes to be chosen bishop at that session, several -delegates of this body, who held him in high admiration, and thought him -in every way worthy of the honor, withholding their votes because they -believed him essential to Randolph-Macon College. From that time the -mind of the whole church turned to him as the fittest person to be -elected to the episcopacy. In 1876 he attended the General Conference of -the Methodist Episcopal Church as one of three fraternal messengers from -our General Conference, and his address on that occasion was marked by -its catholic spirit, fervent love for Christ, and grand and thrilling -eloquence. - -"In the summer of 1874, exhausted by ceaseless toil of travel and -preaching, and exposed to a malarial atmosphere at a camp-meeting, he -was seized with a fever, which took a typhoid phase, and he lay for -weeks at the point of death. For one year he was scarcely fit for any -work, and though he afterwards rallied and resumed his course of -untiring labors, the seeds of disease lurked in his system, and often -developed in severe spells of sickness; yet he worked on, cheerful, -energetic, consumed with zeal. The past summer he spoke and preached -with an ardor, power, and success equal to his happiest efforts in the -years of his vigorous health. Sunday, September the 9th, he was in -Baltimore, to preach at the re-opening of Trinity, and this he did, in -the forenoon with great power, despite intense physical pain. On his -return to Ashland it was found that his jawbone was decayed, and poison -diffused throughout his frame. Erysipelas attacked his face. His -sufferings were great, but borne with patience and sweetness. He sat up, -however, a part of each day, and seemed not to suspect that his end drew -near. Monday morning, the 24th, he fell asleep in Jesus. - -"Oh! the surprise, the shock, the grief of heart, the sense of loss, the -feeling of desolation, which that news produced. Crowds attended his -funeral at Broad-Street Church, which, by a marble tablet, acknowledges -him its founder, and Bishop Doggett pronounced his eulogy. Memorial -services were held in Richmond, Petersburg, and Baltimore. Resolutions -of highest praise were passed by Quarterly Conferences and by the -faculties of colleges and universities. The secular and religious press -honored his memory with heartfelt tributes; but all these honors fell -far short of expressing the reverence and love with which he is -cherished in thousands of hearts and thousands of homes. We yield to our -sorrow of personal bereavement, and then chide ourselves for the -selfishness when we ought to be grieving over the loss to the church. We -think with sadness and almost with despondency of the bereavement of our -College, and Conference, and Church, and tears fill our eyes, and a -sword pierces our heart, at the unbidden suggestion of the void in our -own life which the death of this dear, this noble friend and brother has -made. - -"We have said little of his private life. He was early married to Miss -Twitty, of North Carolina, who for many years proved a companion and -helpmeet worthy of such a man, and passed away in 1870. He married in -1873, Miss Wade, a daughter of a minister of the Baltimore Conference, -who ministered to him and comforted him through the last years of his -life, years of comparative weakness and pain, and now mourns, yet in -resignation and trust, his death. He leaves four children of the first -and one of the second marriage. The widow and children have the deepest -sympathies and fervent prayers of this Conference. - -"A few more words we must say about this loved brother. He was a natural -orator. Perhaps this remark should be changed, not to abate its force, -but to enlarge its application. He was a born talker, equally gifted in -conversation and in public discourse. He had every physical -advantage--grace of attitude and gesture, a voice which everybody -likened, in sweetness, richness, and compass, to the organ, and, we must -add, to the organ when struck by a master musician, for he had his voice -under perfect command, and moderated it to convey the fullest variety of -pure and worthy sentiment; a countenance on which one loved to gaze, -handsome in repose, lovely when lit up by the noble thoughts and -feelings of his great soul. He had every intellectual and moral -advantage; a ready flow of happy diction, which seemed perfectly -spontaneous, and yet exactly suited the thought; a playful humor, and, -when needed, keenness of wit and satire which added zest to his serious -speech, but detracted not from its weight; a quick insight into the -heart of a subject, judgment remarkably sound, the logical spirit -without slavery to logical forms, and an imagination which could sport -like a butterfly amid flowers, or soar like an eagle beyond the clouds; -sensibility delicate, deep, strong--acute sympathy with his fellow-man; -a response in his feelings to everything true, pure, generous, and -grand. Above all, he was full of the Holy Ghost, and could say, 'For the -love of Christ constraineth me.' His adaptation to all classes of -hearers, to all classes of circumstances, was marvellous. He could -interest and edify the child, the unlettered, the cultivated, the -scholar, with equal ease. Every variety of style came naturally to him, -from a familiar home talk, through all gradations of argument, -instruction and pathos, to the impassioned, sublime and overwhelming -appeal. The earnestness and simplicity of his soul were ever manifest; -that he preached not self, not philosophy, not human wisdom, not -excellency of speech, but Christ and him crucified, not for fame, but to -win souls. - -"In his social and pastoral qualities he no less excelled. Others have -equalled, none surpassed him in diligence and fidelity; but who can -compare in charm, in breadth and tenderness of sympathy, in aptness to -guide and comfort, in power to draw forth trust and love? Place him in -any parlor, at any table, among the rich or poor, and he would be the -centre of attraction--every eye fixed on him, every ear attend his -voice. Let him sit by the bed of any invalid, though a stranger before -that hour, and soon he would soothe and cheer, and the heart would open -to his words as though he had been a life-long friend. The young and -old, men and women, the rude and the cultivated, felt free to confide to -him their troubles and ask his sympathy and aid; yet, in the narrower -circle of long-tried friendship and of home, never did there beat a -truer, more constant, more generous heart; so unselfish, so frank, so -forbearing, so trustful, so magnanimous, never giving up a friend, -though he may have strayed far, and long, and fallen low; never slow in -responding to any call for help. - -"But we must close this sketch. He was our favorite and our ornament, we -might almost say our idol; but we glorify God in him. He has been taken -away in his prime, at the height of his usefulness, when we were leaning -on his counsel and strength, when we were rejoicing in the prospect of -many years of his company and service. But we thank God for his example, -his work, and his prayers. He rests from his labors, and his works do -follow him." - -A meeting of the Board was called, to assemble at Broad-Street Church -October 4, 1877, to make provision for the College after the loss of -President Duncan. Dr. A. W. Wilson, vice-president, announced his death, -and a committee, consisting of Dr. W. W. Bennett, Dr. Samuel Rodgers, -and Hon. Wm. Milnes, Jr., was appointed to report suitable resolutions -to the Board, and they presented the following, which was unanimously -adopted: - -"_Resolved_, That, as the Board of Trustees of Randolph-Macon College, -we have the deepest sorrow in our hearts in announcing to our church and -people the great loss we have sustained in the death of Rev. James A. -Duncan, D. D., our late President. His devoted life as a Christian -minister and his constant and arduous labors for the past nine years in -behalf of Randolph-Macon College, and the high position to which he and -his co-laborers in the Faculty have brought the institution, demand that -our people should give some expression of their appreciation of this -work, which, in its widening influence, we trust shall abide for -generations to come. And in the judgment of this Board nothing can more -adequately express our conviction of the value of his life and work for -the College and the cause of Christian education than that the church -should determine to raise a 'memorial fund' of $100,000 for the -accomplishment of an earnest and often-expressed wish of our deceased -President, the permanent endowment of the College and the enlargement of -its sphere of usefulness." - -The presidency of the Board having been made vacant by the death of -President Duncan, Rev. W. W. Bennett was elected to it. - -To fill the presidency of the College, Rev. W. W. Duncan, brother of the -late President, was elected. - -At an adjourned meeting, held in Lynchburg, Va., November 16, 1877, -Secretary Rev. Paul Whitehead presented a letter from the Rev. W. W. -Duncan, Professor in Wofford College, South Carolina, declining the -presidency, to which he had been elected in July last. This declination -and the financial embarrassment of the College elicited the hearty -interest of the Virginia Conference, then in session. A large committee -from that body was appointed to confer with the Board to concert -measures which would meet the serious condition of the affairs of the -College. The joint conference was held for several days. - -After the joint conference was concluded, on the 19th of November, the -Board proceeded to elect a President of the College. The result of the -first ballot was: For R. N. Sledd, 6 votes; for W. W. Bennett, 6 votes. -Necessary to a choice, 7. - -The second ballot resulted in the same vote. - -The third ballot, other members having come in, resulted as follows: W. -W. Bennett, 9 votes; R. N. Sledd, 5 votes. Necessary to a choice, 8 -votes. So Rev. W. W. Bennett, D. D., was declared elected. - -[Illustration: BISHOP W. W. DUNCAN. _Elected President 1877.--Declined -to accept._] - -[Illustration: REV. W. W. BENNETT, D. D., _President of the Board of -Trustees, 1877; President of the College. 1877-1886._] - -Resolutions respecting the death of William Willis, Jr., late treasurer -of the Board, who had died since the last meeting of the Board, were -adopted. - -At this meeting Rev. Thomas A. Ware resigned his place as Agent. - -The new President, when elected, was the editor of the Richmond -_Christian Advocate_, of which he had been the proprietor, wholly or in -part, for ten years. He was a leading man in the Virginia Conference, -and largely acquainted with the ministers and people of the church in -Virginia and elsewhere, having been a member of the General Conference -for a number of sessions. He was in the full vigor of manhood. His -education had been secured at the University of Virginia. Having been an -active member of the Board for years, and frequently on important -committees of the Board, and having lived in Ashland for a number of -years, he was thoroughly conversant with the affairs of the College. He -felt and appreciated the great purposes of its establishment and the -capabilities which it might be endowed with by the action of the church. -He also knew what a burden he was about to take up and carry--a burden -which had taxed the energies and heart of his predecessor; but, hopeful -and sanguine, he probably did not appreciate the full weight of the -burden which was to test his heart and energies, in turn, to their -utmost strain. It was well that he was hopeful and trustful. - -Dr. Bennett commenced his duties with the following colleagues in the -Faculty December 1, 1877: Robert Emory Blackwell, A. M., Professor of -English and Modern Languages; Harry Estill, A. M., Professor of -Mathematics; William A. Shepard, A. M., Professor of Chemistry; Charles -Morriss, M. A., Professor of Greek and Latin. - -At a meeting of the Board, held in Baltimore, March, 1878, the Faculty -was increased by the election of William Waugh Smith, A. M., to the -chair of Moral and Mental Philosophy. Some time afterward he entered -upon his duties as professor, and his connection, in some capacity, has -continued to this day. Of his connection with the College more will be -recorded further on in this narrative. - -[Illustration: GRAY CARROLL, _Sutherlin Medalist, 1878; District -Solicitor, Little Rock, Ark._] - -At this meeting it was proposed to have published a memorial volume of -the late President Duncan. That it was not done promptly, and in a -manner worthy of him, is, and always will be, a source of regret to -those who knew and loved him. This affords another instance and example -of how little has been done to let the lives and labors of Virginia's -gifted men speak after they are dead. Surely he was worthy of a fitting -biography. - -[Illustration: RICHARD B. DAVIS, A. B., 1862., _Member Board of -Trustees._] - -At the annual meeting, June, 1878, the President, in his annual report, -gave the number of students in attendance as 141, from twelve different -States. He reported a revival of religion as having occurred, with -twenty converts among the students. - -[Illustration: FRANK NOLAND, _First "Pace" Medalist, 1878; Assistant -Editor "Landmark."_] - -An effort has been made, with some success, to retire the floating debt -of the College, amounting to about $23,000, on some of which ten per -cent. interest was being paid, averaging eight per cent. The President -was hopeful of good patronage and retiring the debt. - -The following, on recommendation of the Faculty, received degrees, viz.: -Henry A. Boyd, of North Carolina, A. M.; Mansfield T. Peed, of -Virginia, A. M.; William J. Sebrell, of Virginia, A. B.; Wilbur Fisk -Tillett, of North Carolina, A. B.; M. P. Rice, B. S. - -The "Sutherlin Medal for Oratory" was won by Gray Carroll, of Virginia. - -The "Walton Greek Prize" went to Clarence Edwards, of Virginia. - -[Illustration: PROF. R. BASCOM SMITHEY, A. M.] - -The "Pace" medal for the best English essay was awarded to Frank Noland, -of Virginia, the first to win it. This medal was offered by Mr. James B. -Pace, of Richmond, Va. - -Prof. Harry Estill resigned, July 8, 1878, the chair of Mathematics -after ten years' service. He was the last of President Duncan's Faculty -to leave. He went to the Washington and Lee University, and took the -same chair at that institution, his Alma Mater. - -To the chair thus vacated Royal Bascom Smithey (A. M. 1876) was elected, -and he has filled it with great satisfaction to his pupils and the Board -to the present time (1898). - -[Illustration: CLARENCE EDWARDS, A.M., _"Pace" Medalist, 1879; -Attorney-at-Law._] - -The old chapel was consumed by fire March 12, 1879. Fortunately there -was nothing in it but the furniture, which was saved. It had a varied -history. Before the war it was a ball-room; during the war a hospital; -after the war a place for religious service for nearly eleven years. Its -walls had resounded with the eloquence of Duncan, Wightman, Guard, Ran. -Tucker, Rosser, Bennett, and others. In it many of Randolph-Macon's -brightest sons had received their diplomas; in it many had been "born -again" to a new life. Services were held afterwards in the Mathematical -lecture-room in the Pace building until the "Duncan Memorial" building, -with church and chapel, had been completed. - -[Illustration: CHARLES W. TILLET, A. B., _Sutherlin Medalist, 1879; -Member of North Carolina Senate._] - -Immediate steps were taken to erect the new building, and Rev. George W. -Nolley took an active and successful part in raising the funds for its -erection. The ladies of the church also did a good part in this work; -also the Faculty and the students. - -In June, 1879, the Finance Committee reported that about one-half the -"floating debt" had been subscribed. Nevertheless, for want of -endowment, the current expenses of the year had exceeded the income. -They therefore recommended that the President be requested to devote his -time and attention specially to the raising of funds for retiring the -debt. - -The following degrees were conferred, viz.: - -A. M. - - T. E. CRENSHAW, Virginia. - CLARENCE EDWARDS, Virginia. - WM. J. SEBRELL, Virginia. - -A. B. - - WILLIAM H. EDWARDS, Virginia. - -Clarence Edwards won the "Pace" medal. - -Charles W. Tillett won the "Sutherlin" medal. The number of students for -the session of 1878-'79 was 123. - -The session of 1879-1880 was not marked by much that is worthy of -record. - -The President of the College devoted his time largely in raising funds -to discharge the debt of the College. In his annual report, June, 1880, -he announced the completion of the new College chapel, built in place of -the old chapel. - -Although there was an increase of students, still the expenses exceeded -the income by over $3,300. - -At the commencement, June, 1880, degrees were conferred as follows, -viz.: - -A. M. - - JESSE TALBOTT LITTLETON, of Virginia. - -A. B. - - W. W. SAWYER, Virginia. - CHAS. W. TILLETT, N. Carolina. - -D. D. - - Rev. ADOLPHUS W. MANGUM, A. M., Prof. University of North Carolina -(Class 1854). - -At a called meeting of the Board, held at Danville, Va., November, 1880, -the announcement was made that the sum required to cancel the debt of -the College had been subscribed. This gratifying result was achieved by -the long and arduous labors of Dr. Bennett, President of the College. - -[Illustration: DOCTOR M. JAMES, _Of West Virginia. Sutherlin -Medalist._] - -1880-1881. - -The following received degrees at the annual commencement, June, 1881: - -A. M. - - JOSEPH C. JONES, Virginia. - JOHN B. CRENSHAW, Virginia. - BASIL W. WATERS, Maryland. - JAMES C. SHELTON, Virginia. - ROBERT W. TOMLIN, Virginia. - JAMES W. MORRIS, Virginia. - -A. B. - - JOHN F. BLACKWELL, Virginia. - JOSEPH C. TERRELL, Virginia. - D. M. JAMES, West Virginia. - WM. B. CRENSHAW, Kentucky. - E. E. HARRELL, N. Carolina. - -The following resolution was adopted by the Board, on motion of Dr. Paul -Whitehead: - -"_Resolved_, That the Rev. W. W. Bennett, D. D., President of this -College, deserves, and we hereby tender to him, the thanks of the -Trustees for the patient and indefatigable manner in which he has -performed the duty committed to him of raising, by subscription, the -amount necessary to pay the debt of the College, amid discouragements -and difficulties which have rendered the work at once thankless and -toilsome." - -[Illustration: JESSE TALBOTT LITTLETON, _Prof. Emory and Henry College; -Pace Medalist, 1880._] - -In the annual report of the President the following items are noted: The -number of students matriculated was 128. The debt of the College had -been considerably reduced by collection of subscriptions. The Finance -Committee reported that if the subscriptions were paid up the financial -condition of the College would be better than it had been at any period -of its recent history. - -[Illustration: REV. BASIL W. WATERS, A.M., _Missionary to Japan._] - -At the close of this session, after spending four years in College, -diplomas in Greek and Mathematics, and the Mathematical prize were -awarded to a young man whose subsequent career has marked him as one of -the first mathematical scholars of the age. This was David W. Taylor, of -Louisa county, Va. In September, 1881, he was second among one hundred -and fifty candidates for entrance as cadet engineer at the United States -Naval Academy. He graduated from the Naval Academy June, 1885, standing -first in his class each year; was ordered to the flagship of the -European station, under the command of (then) Captain Dewey; then sent -to the Royal Naval College at Greenwich, near London, England, taking at -that place a three-years' course in naval architecture and marine -engineering; graduated there in 1888 at the head of his class, -_receiving the highest marks ever obtained for the course by either an -English or foreign student_. He is now (1898) an assistant to Chief of -the Bureau of Construction and Repair, Washington, D. C. - -[Illustration: REV. SAMUEL RODGERS, D. D., _Vice-President of the Board -of Trustees._] - -[Illustration: JAMES W. MORRIS, A. M. _Sutherlin Medalist; Pace -Medalist, 1881; Missionary to Brazil._] - -1881-1882. - -At the close of the year 1881-'82 the following received degrees: - -A. M. - - R. E. L. HOLMES, Virginia. - EDGAR A. POTTS, Virginia. - EDMUND S. RUFFIN, Virginia. - JOSEPH T. REESE, Georgia. - -A. B. - - HUGH C. DAVIS, Virginia. - J. P. MAUZY, Virginia. - THOMAS N. POTTS, Virginia. - -D. D. - - Rev. CHARLES B. STUART (Class 1845), Texas. - - _Sutherlin Medalist_.--SAMUEL M. GARLAND, of Virginia. - _Pace Medalist_.--JOHN NEWTON MCCORMICK, of Maryland. - -The number of students, by the President's report, was 100, a decrease -of 28. - -[Illustration: DAVID W. TAYLOR, _Mathematical Prize, 1881; Naval -Constructor, U. S. Navy._] - -[Illustration: BISHOP A. W. WILSON, _President Board of Trustees._] - -The completion of the Duncan Memorial Church was announced. The credit -of this work was given to ladies of the congregation, who had worked -with great zeal and efficiency to raise the needed funds. - -At the annual meeting President W. W. Bennett tendered his resignation -of the presidency of the Board of Trustees and of the College. - -Bishop Alpheus W. Wilson was elected president of the Board, and Rev. -John D. Blackwell vice-president. - -[Illustration: HUGH C. DAVIS, A. B., 1882, _Attorney-at-Law._] - -The vacancy of the presidency of the College was not filled, but the -Board adjourned to meet in Centenary Church, Richmond, July 19, 1882, to -fill the office. Petitions were laid before the Board, sent by a number -of ministers and friends of the College, and also by a large number of -the students, asking the Board to re-elect Dr. Bennett to the presidency -of the College. - -At the adjourned meeting, held July 19, 1882, Dr. Bennett was re-elected -President, almost unanimously, and he accepted the oflice. He stated -that he had labored under a wrong impression in regard to the sentiments -of the Board when he resigned the presidency. - -[Illustration: DUNCAN MEMORIAL CHURCH.] - -At a called meeting, held in November, 1882, the resignation of Charles -Morris, Professor of Latin and French, was made known to the Board. This -resignation was accepted with expressions of the high appreciation by -the Board of the personal character and fidelity of Prof. Morris. He -accepted a professorship in the University of Georgia. - -Prof. William W. Smith was elected to have charge of Latin and Greek. - -At the Annual Conference, held in November, 1882, the annual assessment -made by the Conference for the College was increased by $500, making it -$3,500, which amount has been the assessment to this date, June, 1898. - -[Illustration: CLAUDE A. SWANSON, _Sutherlin Medalist; Member of -Congress from Virginia._] - -1882-1883. - -The degree men for the year ending June, 1883, were - -A. M. - - JOHN F. BLACKWELL, Virginia. - W. A. CRENSHAW, Virginia. - JOHN MORRIS, Georgia. - E. E. HARRELL, N. C. - LEWIS MILLER, Massachusetts. - -A. B. - - GEORGE B. DAVIS. Virginia. - JOHN D. EPES, Virginia. - THOMAS D. NEWSON, Virginia. - SYDNEY B. WRIGHT, Virginia. - JOHN NEWTON MCCORMICK, Maryland. - -D. D. - - Rev. W. S. BLACK, of the North Carolina Conference. - Rev. W. E. EDWARDS, of the Virginia Conference. - Rev. P. H. WHISNER, of the Baltimore Conference. - - _Sutherlin Medalist_.--CLAUDE A. SWANSON, Virginia. - _Pace Medalist_.--CHARLES EMORY KREGLOE, Virginia. - -[Illustration: JOHN MORRIS, A. M., _Professor of English, University of -Georgia._] - -Thomas Branch, Esq., who had served on the Board for forty years, -tendered his resignation as a trustee. This was received, with a -resolution of the high appreciation of his services as president of the -Board and trustee, and his liberality and devotion to the College. He -was succeeded by his son, John P. Branch. - -The President's report showed the attendance to be 114. In this report -the President recommended the system of co-education of males and -females for the first time. The recommendation of the President was not -adopted. - -The Board took steps to have erected new dormitories on the campus. - -[Illustration: CHARLES EMORY KREGLOE, _Pace Medalist; Professor -Alleghany Institute._] - -1883-1884. - -This year, the anniversary year of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the -United States, was to prove the turning point in the financial history -of the College. The movement towards the increase of the endowment was -not general, but it was in the right direction. The first subscription -was for $1,000, as in 1855; it was made by Mr. E. M. Tilley, of Berkley, -Va., a Northern man living in that town, not then a member of the -Methodist Church. The larger part of the funds raised was from the -Norfolk district, apart from the subscription made by members of the -Board at the annual meeting, June, 1884, which amounted to $9,000. From -this time forward the increase of the capital of the College has been -steady, and, at times, very material and gratifying. - -[Illustration: JAMES A. DUNCAN, D. D., _Sutherlin Medalist; Holston -Conference._] - -The Virginia and Baltimore Conferences had, at their last session, -directed that all funds raised this Centennial year should, unless -otherwise specially noted, go towards the endowment fund of the College. - -At the annual meeting the following received degrees: - -A. M. - - THOMAS D. NEWSON, Virginia. - -A. B. - - R. H. BENNETT, Virginia. - JAMES CANNON, Jr., Maryland. - N. H. ROBERTSON, Virginia. - THEODORE H. WHITE, Virginia. - -James A. Duncan, of Virginia, won the Sutherlin medal. James Cannon, -Jr., of Maryland, won the Pace medal. The number of matriculates for the -session of 1883-'84 was 108. - -[Illustration: JAMES CANNON, JR., _Of Maryland; Pace Medalist; President -Blackstone Institute._] - -1884-1885. - -The session of 1884-'85 opened with 111 students. The President, in his -annual report, said it was one of the most satisfactory that had -occurred during his administration. Five new dormitories had been built -to take the place of old ones. Steps were taken to build new houses for -two Professors. He reported the acceptance of the chair of Greek and the -Oriental Languages by Dr. Richard M. Smith, to which he had been elected -at the last annual meeting. - -[Illustration: DR. RICHARD M. SMITH, PH. D. (LEIPZIG), _Professor of -Greek and the Oriental Languages (1885-1896)._] - -The following received degrees, June, 1885: - -A. M. - - R. H. BENNETT, Virginia. - JAMES M. PAGE, Virginia. - HARRY LEE STUART, Texas. - -A. B. - - WM. H. BARLEY, Virginia. - EUGENE H. RAWLINGS, Virginia. - F. P. HAMMOND, Maryland. - CLAUDE A. SWANSON, Virginia. - - _Sutherlin Medalist_.--THOMAS F. SHERRILL, of North Carolina. - _Pace Medalist_.--JAMES M. PAGE, of Virginia. - -At a called meeting, held in Centenary Church, Richmond, Va., May 19, -1886, the following letter of resignation was laid before the Board: - -"Bishop A. W. Wilson, President of the Trustees of Randolph-Macon -College: - -"MY DEAR BROTHER,--The poor condition of my health through this entire -session thus far admonishes me that I cannot continue to hold the -presidency of the College. I am compelled, therefore, to hand you this, -my resignation of the office, to take effect on the 1st of September -next, which will give the Trustees a period of five months, though I am -sure they will not need so much time, in which to secure a suitable -person for my successor. - -"It is a source of great gratification to me that I shall leave the -College in good condition in every respect. - -"Yours very truly, - -"W. W. BENNETT. - -"ASHLAND, VA., _March_ 31, 1886." - -[Illustration: RICHARD HEBER BENNETT, A. M., _Of the Virginia -Conference._] - -[Illustration: THOMAS F. SHERRILL, OF N. C., _Sutherlin Medalist, -1885._] - -The resignation of Dr. Bennett was accepted, and a committee was -appointed to notify him of the action of the Board, and to express to -him the appreciation by the Board of the value of his services. - -On motion, it was-- - -"Resolved, That at the annual meeting in June next the Board will -proceed to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Dr. -Bennett." - -The President's annual report gave the attendance as 124 for the session -ending June, 1886. - -[Illustration: JAMES M. PAGE, A. M., PH. D., OF VIRGINIA, _Pace -Medalist, 1885; Professor University of Virginia._] - -On the recommendation of the Faculty, the following received degrees, -viz.: - -A. M. - - F. P. HAMMOND, Maryland. - LANGHORNE LEITCH, Virginia. - M. L. SHACKELFORD, Virginia. - SYDNEY B. WRIGHT, Virginia. - -A. B. - - THOMAS J. BARHAM, Virginia. - JAMES S. CHAPMAN, Virginia. - FRANK L. CROCKER, Virginia. - ARTHUR K. DAVIS, Virginia. - F. V. RUSSELL, Virginia. - SAMUEL D. TURNER, Virginia. - -D. D. - - Rev. WILBUR F. TILLETT, Vanderbilt University. - Rev. H. MELVILLE JACKSON, Richmond, Va. - -LL. D. - - Prof. JAMES A. HARRISON, Washington and Lee University. - - _Sutherlin Medalist_.--J. S. CHAPMAN, of Virginia. - _Pace Medalist_.--LANGHORNE LEITCH, of Virginia. - -[Illustration: JAMES S. CHAPMAN, _Sutherlin Medalist; Attorney-at-Law._] - -The Endowment and Investment Committee made the following gratifying -announcement: - -"We respectfully report that there has been raised, through the -instrumentality of Prof. W. W. Smith, Dr. R. N. Sledd, and others, -$43,000, $25,000 of which is in the hands of the local committee at -Lynchburg, and the balance in the hands of Captain Richard Irby for -collection." - -Special credit ought to be given here to the liberal citizens of -Lynchburg, who subscribed this amount of endowment, ever since kept -separate, and designated Lynchburg Endowment Fund. This has brought into -the current receipts each year about $1,500. It was the prophecy and -forecast of greater liberality in 1891. From this time the professors -and officers have always been paid their salaries promptly. The direct -and material aid thus afforded was of great benefit, but the influence -of such action on other communities and on individuals has been of far -greater value. Lynchburg, therefore, deserves, and should have, the -gratitude of every Randolph-Macon alumnus and friend. - -[Illustration: LANGHORNE LEITCH, A. M., _Pace Medalist; Missionary to -China._] - -In the election to fill the office of President the following -nominations were made: - - Rev. John D. Blackwell, D. D., by Paul Whitehead. - Rev. Robert N. Sledd, D. D., by W. E. Judkins. - Rev. Wilbur F. Tillett, by J. E. Edwards. - Rev. John A. Kern, by W. T. Chandler. - Rev. Paul Whitehead, D. D., by P. A. Peterson. - Prof. Wm. W. Smith, A. M., by Richard Irby. - -[Illustration: R. N. SLEDD, D. D., _Class of 1855; First Vice-President -of the Board._] - -On the first ballot Prof. W. W. Smith received ten votes out of twenty. -On the second ballot he received twelve, and was declared elected. - -Inasmuch as the history of the College has been so intimately linked -with the life of President Smith for so many years, it is not necessary -to say much of him just here. He was born in Fauquier county in 1848. -His father, Richard M. Smith, afterwards moved to Alexandria, where he -was associated with the celebrated Benjamin Hallowell in his school. -Afterwards he became editor of the _Alexandria Sentinel_, which was -removed to Richmond at the breaking out of hostilities, April, 1861. He -afterwards edited the _Enquirer_. At the early age of sixteen William -Waugh Smith volunteered in the Confederate service, in which he -continued to the close of the war. After the war he was associated with -his father in the publication of the _Enquirer_, which had been revived. -He attended the University of Virginia one session. When the College was -moved to Ashland, and his father became a Professor in it, he -matriculated at the College and took the degree of A. M., with John -Hannon, in 1873. After leaving College he became the assistant to his -uncle, Albert Smith, at Bethel Academy, near Warrenton, Va., which -rapidly grew into prominence as a school. Here he remained till 1882, -when he was elected Professor of Moral and Mental Science in -Randolph-Macon College. In 1885 he showed his great talent for raising -funds for the College, by securing the "Lynchburg Endowment," in -connection with Dr. R. N. Sledd and others. His energy and aptitude for -administration, in addition to the successful experience he had gained -at Bethel Academy, pointed him out as the man for the vacant position, -and subsequent events have justified the selection. - -[Illustration: PRESIDENT WM. W. SMITH, A. M., LL. D.] - -[Illustration: RICHARD IRBY, SECRETARY AND TREASURER. _Elected June, -1886._] - -[Illustration: RANDOLPH-MACON WOMAN'S COLLEGE, LYNCHBURG, VA. Opened -for Students 1893.] - -[Illustration: [Five small pictures, displayed in a quincunx. Pictures -are individually captioned, as follows: "REV. R.M. SAUNDERS, Chaplain", -"PROF. KNIGHT.", "MISS LOUISE J. SMITH.", "PROF. SCHEHLMANN.", "PROF. -ADAMS." At the bottom of the page, the quincunx is captioned, "FACULTY -RANDOLPH-MACON WOMAN'S COLLEGE, 1893-1898.]] - -[Illustration: [Five more small pictures, displayed in a quincunx. -Pictures are individually captioned, as follows: "PRESIDENT SMITH.", -"PROF. SHARP.", "DR. MARTIN.", "PROF. ARMSTRONG.", "MISS PARRISH.". At -the bottom of the page, the quincunx is captioned, "FACULTY -RANDOLPH-MACON WOMAN'S COLLEGE, 1893-1898.]] - -[Illustration: [A third set of five small pictures, displayed in a -quincunx. Pictures are individually captioned, as follows: "PROF -LANDON", "MRS. SAUNDERS.", "PROF. RIDDICK.", "PROF. PAGE.", "DR. -TERRELL." At the bottom of the page, the quincunx is captioned, "FACULTY -RANDOLPH-MACON WOMAN'S COLLEGE, 1893-1898.]] - -On motion of John P. Branch (substitute for one offered by A. G. Brown), -it was - -"_Resolved_, That Richard Irby be appointed Secretary and Treasurer, the -same to give half of his time to the business of the College." - -His duties were defined as follows: To have charge of the financial and -business concerns of the College, and also of the library, grounds, -buildings, etc. This office was accepted, and he entered upon his duties -the first day of July following. - -At the same session the Board proceeded to fill the chair of Moral and -Mental Science and Biblical Literature. Rev. John A. Kern, of the -Baltimore Conference, was elected to the chair, and he accepted the -same. - -Prof. Kern was a graduate of the University of Virginia. In 1866 he -entered the Baltimore Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, -South. He had filled many of the most important appointments of that -Conference, and was then, as now, esteemed a man of talent, and growing -year by-year in ability and acceptability. The estimate placed on him by -his friends was not too high, as his subsequent career has proven. - -The Board accepted the libraries which had been offered to it by the -Literary Societies, consisting of about four thousand volumes, and the -Librarian was directed to consolidate them with the College Library. -This was a much-needed and timely improvement, and became a nucleus for -a library which, in course of time, will be, it is hoped, a credit to -the College. - -[Illustration: REV. JOHN A. KERN, D. D. _Elected President of -Randolph-Macon College in 1897._] - -The new President was requested to continue his efforts in raising funds -for the endowment, which had so far been attended with laudable success. -This he was not slow in heeding. - -On account of failure to record the financial statement of 1886, the -exact amount of net assets of the College cannot here be given. - -The retiring President served nine years, almost identically the same -period served by his predecessor, Dr. Duncan. His administration was -also, like Dr. Duncan's, marked by great financial embarrassment, which -had a depressing influence on a sensitive temperament like his was. That -his days were shortened by the constant burden of care, like his -predecessor's, can hardly be doubted. Both of them were, in a sense, -martyrs to the cause of Christian education. - -Dr. Bennett never regained his health. He moved to his farm, in Louisa -county, and took work on the contiguous appointment at the Conference of -1886. While engaged in the work of his charge he gradually declined in -health, and died June 7, 1887. - - -REV. W. W. BENNETT, D. D. - -"WILLIAM WALLACE BENNETT, son of Eli and Mary C. Bennett, was born in -the city of Richmond, February 24, 1821. He was reared under the -fostering care and social surroundings of Methodism, and was the subject -of religious impressions from an early period. - -"In 1839, under the ministry of Rev. Gervas M. Keesee, he made a -profession of religion, and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church -in Portsmouth. Here, with the help of class-meetings and other social, -as well as the public means of grace, his religious experience had a -healthful beginning, that developed the elevated character and useful -life that our beloved brother has bequeathed to the church. Soon after -his conversion, he, and several others who were exercised about a call -to the ministry, met and conversed upon the subject, and prayed for -divine guidance, giving evidence that when he entered the itinerancy it -was no rash adventure. In the fall of 1841, he removed to Mecklenburg -county, where his brother, Rev. John R. Bennett, was in charge of the -circuit. There he pursued his studies, obtained license to preach, and -began his ministry, passing through what he conceived to be the crucial -test of his call to preach. Discouraged, as he informed the writer, by -what he conceived to be a failure in the pulpit before a large -congregation, he was tempted to give up the ministry; but falling in the -hands of an experienced and godly class-leader, who encouraged him by -his counsel and his prayers, he returned to his work with renewed -consecration, and a conviction too strong to be jostled again. - -"From the best information obtained (the records of four years of this -Conference being lost) he was admitted on trial into the Virginia -Conference in 1842, and travelled as junior preacher on Louisa and -Bedford Circuits. In 1845-'46 he was in charge of Powhatan Circuit, and -in 1847 was stationed in Charlottesville, where he availed himself of -the educational advantages of the University of Virginia, and graduated -in several of the schools in 1850. At the Conference of this year he was -stationed in Washington city, organizing the first society of the M. E. -Church, South, at our national capital. In 1851 he was elected Chaplain -of the University of Virginia, but on account of sickness resigned the -position. He soon, however, regained his accustomed health, and in -1852-'53 travelled Loudoun Circuit with W. W. Berry and John C. -Granbery, respectively, as junior preachers. In 1854-'55-'56-'57 he was -Presiding Elder of the Washington District. While on this appointment he -was married, December 20, 1855, to Virginia Lee, daughter of Edward and -Mary Kendall Lee Sangster, of Alexandria. A wise and happy union. In -1858-'59 he was appointed to Union Station, Richmond, and in 1860-'61 -was stationed at Centenary, in the same city. - -"In 1862 he was appointed Chaplain in the Confederate Army, and assigned -to the superintendency of the Tract Association. Seeing the necessity of -a more generous distribution of Bibles and religious literature among -the troops, he arranged to go abroad for a supply, and during the last -winter of the war successfully 'ran the blockade.' He had scarcely, -however, entered upon the work in London when the war ended, and he -returned to Virginia. - -"In 1865-'66 he travelled Nottoway circuit, and in November, 1866, was -appointed editor of the _Richmond Christian Advocate_. By judicious -management and editorial ability, this necessary and popular journal was -established on a promising basis. In 1874 Rev. J. J. Lafferty became his -associate, who, in 1877, by satisfactory negotiations, assumed control, -and was appointed editor of the paper. The motives influencing Dr. -Bennett in this change were characteristic of the man and the result of -thoughtful conversation. His successor well understood him, and tells -us, in his affecting notice of his death, that 'he made known to him his -uneasiness in conscience as to his position--that he was too stout in -health to be out of the regular ranks. With much emphasis, he declared -his wish to be found in the pastorate when God called him.' Before the -Conference met in Lynchburg Dr. Bennett had arranged to change his -position. It was then made to appear his duty to go to the college, and -he yielded. But there must have been a peculiar joy when the summons -came that he was in his loved employ--the shepherd of a flock. - -"In 1877 he was elected President of Randolph-Macon College. This -position he held for nine years, during, perhaps, its most critical -history; but by able, kind, and impartial administration, with the -confidence of his brethren in the ministry, the active co-operation of -his professorial associates, and the affection of the students, the -College accomplished a noble work. By his activity in visiting -throughout the Baltimore and Virginia Conferences and elsewhere, and -under his stirring appeals, the number of students compared favorably -with other institutions, and a large amount of money was raised in the -interest of the College. The sentiments of a writer from the Pacific -coast, we are sure, find echo here, that 'Virginia Methodism owes Dr. -Bennett a great debt for the work done by him at Randolph-Macon at the -crucial period of its history.' He left the College an enduring monument -of his heroic devotion, but, as many think, at the cost of his life. At -the close of the session in 1886 his health was so impaired that he -resigned the presidency of the College, and secured a retired home near -Trevilian's, in Louisa county, hoping that relief from the burdens and -cares of college work and the quiet of the country might nurse him back -to health again. But, alas! his disease baffled the best medical skill -and the loving attentions of his family and friends. He was prevailed -upon during the summer to visit the mountains, and, with some slight -improvement, he was in his place at the last Conference, believing that -he could even then attend to the work on some fields that would be open, -but naming none. The change disease had wrought in his robust frame was -a subject of mournful remark by all that knew him, and grave -apprehensions were felt that he would never recuperate. From that -Conference he was sent to Gordonsville and Orange, where he gave for a -time pastoral care and pulpit work that was surprising to his friends. -But as the summer advanced, he was compelled to yield, and after a short -confinement to his bed, his earthly labors ended. - -"Dr. Bennett, in health, will always be remembered by his acquaintances -as an incomparable specimen of physical manhood, with a face bearing the -lines of strong character. Indeed, he seemed moulded for any work or -position in Methodism. His mental endowments were of a high order. His -early advantages were such as to secure a good English education, with -some knowledge of Latin; and from our knowledge of the man, we may -safely conclude that his opportunities were well improved. A schoolmate -says of him: 'He was studious, with great grasp of intellect and -steadiness of purpose.' The writer, and others, perhaps, will remember -his modest reference to his fondness for reading while a boy, in using -'the first money he could command to subscribe for the _Richmond -Advocate_,' which he subsequently edited with so much ability. By -judicious reading and study, and by such collegiate helps as his -appointments favored, he became the peer of any. Ten years before he was -elected President of Randolph-Macon College he received from that -institution the degree of D. D., was a member of every General -Conference since 1858, and was a representative of our church at the -Ecumenical Conference in London in 1881. The opinion of the editor of -the _Richmond Christian Advocate_, no doubt, is the judgment of his -brethren, that 'he was the best-rooted man in the Conference in -theology, and saturated with church history, dogma, and doctrine.' - -"As a preacher, he occupied the front rank in pulpit power, and his -discourses were such as lived in the memory and hearts of his hearers. -'His sermons,' says Bishop Granbery, 'were stately, elaborate, and -massive, mighty discussions of great truths, with wide range of thought, -lucid and forcible argument, earnest, solemn, and often impassioned -application.' Bishop Doggett says of him: 'Bennett, at times, is the -greatest preacher I ever heard. His sermon at the late camp-meeting, on -Matthew xxiii. 37, 38, surpassed anything I ever listened to from the -pulpit. His description of the desolate house I can never forget. I -remember,' says he, 'to have heard him at Charlottesville, on the flood, -when for more than an hour the congregation seemed dazed by the power of -his eloquence.' - -"His character was differently analyzed by some of his friends, though -all accorded him unexceptionable integrity, a high order of piety, and a -noble, generous heart. His occasional serious expression and brusque -manner awakened the suspicion with some that he was wanting in sympathy, -but those who knew him best indulged no such estimate of him. With all -his firmness of conviction and stern independence, where was to be found -greater gentleness and consideration of the feelings of others? He was -emphatically the friend of the friendless, the persecuted and neglected, -and was unchanging in his friendships. He was slow to find fault, and -indulged in no depreciation of others. At any time it required a great -provocation, and something more than mere personal affront or injury, to -evoke rebuke; but when it did come, it was felt, but was more the -utterance of conscientious impulse than the ebullition of personal -resentment. - -"He was the head of a Christian household, where piety was fostered and -practised, and where Methodism was honored. He, with his devoted wife, -sought to make home attractive, and succeeded. While the proprieties of -religious training and filial respect were never relaxed, there was no -constraint on the freedom of social and religious intercourse, and no -lack of sympathy for such enjoyments as were proper, entertaining and -improving in a Christian home. He was looked up to by his family as a -practical and safe counsellor, and beyond whom there was rarely even the -desire to appeal. His brethren, I am sure, will endorse the sentiments -of his distinguished eulogist: 'His virtues were many, steadfast and -bright. The whole church will feel his loss. The Virginia Conference, as -one man, will cherish his memory with deep admiration and love.' - -"After his confinement to bed the ravages of his rare disease were very -rapid and severe. He early sank into a comatose condition, yet -responding when spoken to. It will be gratifying to his brethren, -nevertheless, to know that his end was a great spiritual triumph. On -Monday, June 6th, at an early hour, with the family and a few friends -about him, fearful that he might pass away Without again rousing from -his lethargy, his wife, under her stress of grief, urged all to united -prayer. They knelt, and his eldest son led in prayer, expressing -assurance of the blessed result to the dying husband and father, yet -craving a lucid interval and some words of affectionate counsel. In a -few moments he asked to be turned on his back, and, opening his eyes, he -exclaimed, 'I am quickened up into a higher life!' When his wife -exulted in such an answer to prayer, he said: 'My dear, I have known for -more than forty years that God answers prayer.' Then, feeling his pulse, -and turning to Dr. Wills, his physician, he said: 'I suppose this thing -is steadily progressing to the end, is it not?' 'Yes,' said the doctor, -'but you have the Everlasting Arms around you.' 'Oh, yes,' he replied, -'and have had for more than forty years, and they have never failed me. -But I have much to say, and must speak slowly, so I wanted to know how -much time--a half hour?' 'Yes,' the doctor replied, 'perhaps several -hours.' He then called his family--but we must drop the curtain on a -scene in many respects too sacred and impossible to describe. With -affectionate counsel to each, he commended them to God. When one of the -family spoke of meeting him in heaven, he replied, 'And what a happy -meeting that will be!' He then asked his physician if he had shown any -signs of nervousness. When told he had not, with a tender consideration -for his loved ones, he said: 'I did not want to excite the family -unnecessarily, but I want you all to know that there is not a cloud, not -the semblance of a shadow, dark or small, between my Lord and me. All is -bright and clear.' He joined in singing that hymn of Christian triumph -commencing, 'How happy are they,' and when the family, by reason of -their emotions, were unable to sing, he carried the tune. He then sent -messages of love to his friends and brethren. 'Give my love,' said he, -'to the professors and students of Randolph-Macon College, and may the -blessing of God be upon them and their work forever.' - -Then, with his heart going out to his brethren in the ministry, with -whom he had labored so long and so successfully, he said: 'Give my love -to the preachers--all of them. I am so weak my feelings would overcome -me. I can only give them my general blessing.' At intervals till he died -the expressions caught from his failing voice were, 'Hallelujah,' 'Glory -to God,' 'The portals on high,' 'Always the blood--saved by it,' and -almost with his expiring breath, and as if descriptive of his triumphant -passage from earth to heaven, he exclaimed, 'I am rising higher and -higher!' and at 1:15 o'clock P. M., June 7th, he passed away from his -family, a wife and six children, all one in Christ, who, though -desolated by their loss, are comforted in the blessed hope of meeting in -heaven. - -"His remains were carried to Randolph-Macon College, where solemn and -touching services were held. The next day they were conveyed to -Centenary Church, Richmond, one of his old charges, where, by request of -his family, Rev. S. S. Lambeth, assisted by Bishop Granbery and some of -the ministers of the city and vicinity, in the presence of a large -number of friends and acquaintances, held appropriate and affecting -services. His body was then carried to Hollywood cemetery and laid to -rest 'till Christ shall bid it rise.'" - -[Illustration: REV. W. G. STARR, A. M., D. D., _Member Board of -Trustees._] - -[Illustration: MAJOR C. V. WINFREE, _Member Board of Trustees._] - - - - -This writer had intended to bring the History down to June, 1898. For -reasons satisfactory to himself, but not necessary to be given here, he -has concluded to discontinue the historical narration of events which -occurred during the twelve years from June, 1886, to 1898. The Appendix -will give some of the most important data, which may be interesting to -many, and may be used by the future historian. - -He cannot close this narration of events without again expressing his -regret at the imperfections of this book, written and printed under many -interruptions and difficulties; but he trusts that the intrinsic -interest of the narrative will cause readers to overlook or forgive its -imperfections and defects. - -Hoping that some more competent writer may in due time take the crude -materials given, along with others of like interest, and do full justice -to the oldest of Methodist Colleges in America, he lays down his pen. - -[Illustration: VIEW OF CAMPUS OF RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE, 1896.] - - -APPENDIX. - -DEGREES CONFERRED. - -SESSION 1886-1887. - -DEGREE GRADUATES. - -A. M. - - Eugene H. Rawlings, Virginia. - Arthur K. Davis, Virginia. - -A. B. - - George C. Bidgood, Virginia. - Edwin W. Bowen, Maryland. - John L. Bruce, Virginia. - Thomas E. Hunt, Virginia. - James Lindsay Patton, Virginia. - Henry R. Pemberton, Virginia. - George Shipley, Maryland. - -D. D. - - Rev. Peter Archer Peterson, Virginia Conference. - -MEDALISTS. - - _Sutherlin Medalist_.--W. H. H. Joyce, Maryland. - _Pace Medalist_.--James C. Martin, Virginia. - -[Illustration: REV. JOHN L. BRUCE, _Missionary to Brazil._] -[Illustration: REV. FRANK W. CROWDER, _East New York Conference._] - -SESSION 1887-1888. - -DEGREE GRADUATES. - -A. M. - - George Shipley, Maryland. - James C. Martin, Virginia. - -A. B. - - W. Douglas Macon, Virginia. - Peyton B. Winfree, Virginia. - Paul Pettit, Virginia. - James W. Howell, Virginia. - Carlton D. Harris, Virginia. - James C. Dolley, Virginia. - - _Sutherlin Medalist_.--Frank W. Crowder, Maryland. - _Pace Medalist_.--George Shipley, Maryland. - -[Illustration: [A collage of three photographs arranged in a -triangle, captioned "DUNCAN MEMORIAL CHURCH AND CHAPEL, AND LABORATORIES, -RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE, ASHLAND"]] - -[Illustration: REV. W. H. H. JOYCE, _Baltimore Conference._] - -[Illustration: REV. JAMES LINDSAY PATTON, A. B., _Missionary Protestant -Episcopal Church to Japan._] - -[Illustration: REV. WM. McGEE, TRUSTEE. _Founder McGee Endowment Fund._] - -[Illustration: [A collage of four photographs arranged in a square, -captioned "COLLEGE BUILDINGS, RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE, ASHLAND, VA., -1897."]] - -[Illustration: JOHN P. PETTYJOHN. _Founder of Science Hall._] - -SESSION 1888-1889. - -DEGREE GRADUATES. - -A. M. - - Edwin W. Bowen, Maryland. - Thomas W. Page, Virginia. - -A. B. - - Charles D. Ragland, Virginia. - J. Gilchrist Herndon, Virginia. - -B. S. - - W. Alphonzo Murrill, Virginia. - - _Sutherlin Medalist_.--A. M. Hughlett, Virginia. - _Pace Medalist_.--Jos. H. Riddick, Jr., Virginia. - -D. D. - - Rev. A. P. Parker, Missionary to China. - -[Illustration: PROF. JOHN L. BUCHANAN, LL. D., _Elected Professor of -Latin, 1889._] - - -SESSION OF 1889-1890. - -DEGREE GRADUATES. - -A. M. - - J. Jordan Leake, Virginia. - C. Dabney Ragland, Virginia. - John S. Richardson, Virginia. - W. Carroll Vaden, Virginia. - -A. B. - - E. C. Armstrong, Maryland. - W. B. Beauchamp, Virginia. - W. Asbury Christian, Virginia. - Wellford H. Cook, Virginia. - C. C. Cunningham, Virginia. - Samuel W. Eason, Virginia. - W. Alphonzo Murrill, Virginia. - W. Levi Old, Virginia. - Marshall R. Peterson, Virginia. - Jos. H. Riddick, Jr., Virginia. - Samuel C. Starke. Virginia. - H. M. Strickler, Virginia. - Walter L. Turner, Virginia. - Geo. W. Warren, Virginia. - -D. D. - - Rev. W. E. Judkins, Virginia Conference. - Rev. B. W. Bond, Baltimore Conference. - - _Sutherlin Medalist_.--Joseph H. Riddick. Jr., Virginia. - _Murray Scholarship Medalist_.--A. R. Dudderar, Maryland. - _Pace Medalist_.--Frank G. Newbill, Virginia. - - -SESSION 1890-'91. - -A. M. - - Charles Hall Davis, Virginia, - Samuel W. Eason, Virginia. - De La Warr B. Easter, Virginia. - W. Alphonzo Murrill, Virginia. - D'Arcy Paul Parham, Virginia. - Samuel C. Starke, Virginia. - -A. B. - - Benj. W. Arnold, Jr., Virginia. - George E. Barnett, Maryland. - Benj. W, Beckham, Virginia. - Henry D. Blackwell, Virginia. - Major S. Colonna, Jr., Virginia. - Charles Hall Davis, Virginia. - Alfred R. Dudderar, Maryland. - Gustavus W. Dyer, Virginia. - Robert L. Fultz, Virginia. - John Calvin Hawk, W. Va. - Aretas M. Hughlett, Virginia. - Walter R. Old, Virginia. - George H. Ray, Jr., Virginia. - Robert T. Webb, Jr., Virginia - -LL. D. - - Prof. C. T. Winchester, of Wesleyan University, Connecticut. - -D. D. - - Rev. Walter R. Lambuth, of Japan. - Rev. James F. Twitty, Virginia Conference. - Rev. Edward M. Peterson, Virginia Conference - Rev. William E. Evans, Virginia Conference. - - _Sutherlin Medalist_.--Robert W. Patton, of Virginia - -[Illustration: CLASS OF 1890.] - -[Illustration: RANDOLPH-MACON ACADEMY, BEDFORD CITY, VA, 1890.] - -[Illustration: [Key to the illustration captioned, "CLASS OF 1890." -Names are given as follows: - - 1. M. R. Peterson - 2. W. B. Beauchamp - 3. E. C. Armstrong - 4. W. L. Turner - 5. C. C. Cunningham - 6. W. A. Murrill - 7. Hon. J. W. Daniel, Orator. - 8. W. H. Cooke - 9. J. S. Richardson - 10. W. A. Christian - 11. G. W. Warren - 12. Prof. J. B. Crenshaw - 13. Prof. R. M. Smith - 14. Prof. J. L. Buchanan - 15. Prof. R. E. Blackwell - 16. Pres. W. W. Smith - 17. Prof. W. A. Shepard - 18. Prof. R. B. Smithey - 19. Prof. J. A. Kern - 20. W. C. Vaden - 21. D. B. Easter - 22. C. D. Ragland - 23. H. M. Strickler - 24. S. W. Eason - 25. J. H. Riddick, Jr. - 26. J. J. Leake - 27. S. C. Starke]] - -[Illustration: FRANK G. NEWBILL, A.M., _Pace Medalist, 1890._] - -[Illustration: A. R. DUDDERAR, A. B.] - -[Illustration: REV. ROBERT W. PATTON, _Chaplain of 2nd Virginia Regiment -(1898)._] - -SESSION 1891-1892. - -A. M. - - George Pilcher, Virginia. - Charles L. Melton, Virginia - -A. B. - - R. H. T. Adams, Jr., Virginia. - Hall Canter, Virginia. - Wm. Holmes Davis, Virginia. - Thos. R. Freeman, Virginia. - Willie D. Keene, Virginia. - David H. Kern, W. Virginia - Bolivar Clarke Nettles, Texas - Scott Ray, Virginia. - W. R. Smithwick, N. Carolina - J. S. Zimmerman, Maryland - Harry L. Moore, Maryland. - - _Sutherlin Medalist_.--I. W. Eason, Virginia. - _Pace Medalist_.--Jos. N. Latham. - _Murray Medals_.--Scholarship, Harry Ludwell Moore, Maryland; - Proficiency, James Elliott Wamsley, Virginia. - -[Illustration: HARRY LUDWELL MOORE, A. B., PH. D., _Instructor at Johns -Hopkins University; Professor Smith College, Massachusetts._] - - -SESSION 1892-1893. - -A. M. - - C. C. Cunningham, Virginia. - Geo. W. Russell, Virginia. - Homer H. Sherman, Virginia. - Wm. J. Whitesell, Virginia. - -A. B. - - R. H. Hood, North Carolina. - James T. Myers, Maryland. - Alfred C. Ray, Virginia. - Clarence H. Rector, Virginia. - -B. S. - - Homer H. Sherman, Virginia. - -D. D. - - Rev. W. T. Young, Virginia. Conference. - - _Sutherlin Medalist_.--Joseph Deming Langley, Virginia. - _Murray Medalists_.--Scholarship, Homer H. Sherman, Virginia; - Proficiency, Thomas M. Jones, Virginia. - -[Illustration: RANDOLPH-MACON ACADEMY, FRONT ROYAL, VA., BUILT 1892.] - -[Illustration: JOS. N. LATHAM, _Pace Medalist, 1892._] - -[Illustration: JAMES E. WAMSLEY, _Prof. Kentucky Wesleyan College. -Murray Medalist._] - -[Illustration: [A collage of four photographs arranged in a square, -captioned "PRESIDENT'S HOUSE, PROFESSOR'S HOUSE, GYMNASIUM, RAIL ROAD -STATION, ASHLAND, VA."]] - -[Illustration: REV. JAMES T. MYERS, A. B., _Missionary to Japan._] - -SESSION 1893-1894. - -A. M. - - E. C. Armstrong, Maryland. - B. W. Arnold, Jr., Virginia. - *R. Ferguson, Sr., Virginia. - R. Ferguson, Jr., Virginia. - *John W. Jones, Idaho. - Frank G. Newbill, Virginia. - Andrew Sledd, Virginia. - James E. Wamsley, Virginia. - A. M. Hughlett, Virginia. - -* Under the old law existing when his A. B. was taken. - -A. B. - - W. M. Blanchard, N. Carolina. - R. W. Buchanan, Virginia. - H. M. Carter, Dist. Columbia. - Evan A. Edwards, Maryland. - W. T. A. Haynes, Virginia. - Thos. M. Jones, Virginia. - John L. Terrell, Texas. - S. H. Turner, Virginia. - Ernest Linwood Wright, Virginia. - -D. D. - -Rev. William H. Christian, Virginia Conference. - - _Sutherlin Medalist_.--Andrew Sledd, Virginia. - - _Murray Medalist_.--Scholarship, Thomas Madison Jones, Virginia; - Proficiency, George Virgil Rector, Virginia. - -[Illustration: JOS. D. LANGLEY, _Sutherlin Medalist--1893._] - -[Illustration: CLASS OF 1895.] - -[Illustration: [Key to the illustration captioned, "CLASS OF 1895." -Names are given as follows: - - 1. D. T. Merritt. - 2. A. H. Whisner. - 3. C. M. Baggarly. - 4. J. T. Porter. - 5. E. L. Woolf. - 6. R. E. Leigh. - 7. C. E. Armentrout. - 8. H. Fletcher. - 9. I. H. Blackwell. - 10. Richard Irby, Sec'y and Treas. - 11. Prof. R. M. Smith. - 12. Prof. R. E. Blackwell. - 13. Pres. W. W. Smith. - 14. Prof. J. A. Kern. - 15. Prof. R. B. Smithey. - 16. Prof. E. W. Bowen. - 17. Prof. A. C. Wightman. - 18. C. G. Evans. - 19. B. M. Beckham. - 20. H. A. Christian. - 21. J. D. Hank, Jr.]] - -SESSION 1894-1895. - -A. M. - - Benj. M. Beckham, Virginia. - Henry A. Christian, Virginia. - C. G. Evans, North Carolina. - Josiah D. Hank, Jr., Virginia. - -A. B. - - C. E. Armentrout, Virginia. - Carroll M. Baggarly, Virginia. - Irving H. Blackwell, Virginia. - Henry A. Christian, Virginia. - C. G. Evans, North Carolina. - Howard Fletcher, Virginia. - Josiah D. Hank, Jr., Virginia. - Ernest Lee Woolf, Virginia. - John B. Henry, Maryland. - Robert C. Howison, Virginia. - Richard E. Leigh, Mississippi - Daniel T. Merritt, Virginia. - Benj. F. Montgomery, Virginia. - James T. Porter, Maryland. - A. H. Whisner, West Virginia. - Ernest Lee Woolf, Virginia. - -D. D. - - Rev. John C. Kilgo, President Trinity College, North Carolina. - - _Sutherlin Medalist_.---David Spence Hill, Missouri. - _Murray Medalists_.--Proficiency, Marvin E. Smithey, Virginia; -Scholarship, Charles E. Armentrout, Virginia. - -[Illustration: THOMAS MADISON JONES, _Murray Scholarship Medalist, -1894._] - -[Illustration: DAVID SPENCE HILL, _Sutherlin Medalist, 1895._] - -[Illustration: FACULTY AND OFFICERS AND CLASS OF 1896.] - -[Illustration: [Key to the illustration captioned, "Faculty and -Officers and Class of 1896." Names are given as follows: - - 1. P. H. Drewry. - 2. H. O'B. Cooper. - 3. S. D. Boyd, Jr. - 4. J. S. Poindexter. - 5. J. Mullen. - 6. Prof. Knight. - 7. Prof. Blackwell. - 8. J. H. Robertson. - 9. P. H. Williams. - 10. F. W. Hilbert - 11. G. T. Tyler, Jr. - 12. A. S. Thompson, Ins. Ph. Cul. - 13. Prof. Bowen. - 14. Prof. Easter. - 15. Richard Irby, Sec'y and Treas. - 16. Prof. Kern. - 17. Pres. Smith. - 18. Prof. Smithey. - 19. Rev. W. E. Judkins, Chaplain. - 20. Prof. Wightman. - 21. M. E. Smithey. - 22. C. M. Kilby. - 23. C. W. Watts. - 24. S. H. Watts. - and, unnumbered, at the bottom of the list, W. S. Anderson.]] - -[Illustration: CLASS 1896-'97. [The names of the classmates are written -in staggered rows, corresponding to their places in the picture. From -left to right and top to bottom, roughly, they are: Wise, Dulin, -Blackwell, Litchfield, Scott, Dolly, Simpson, Colonna, Kilby, McCartney, -Campbell, Licklider, Blanchard, Carter, Tyler, Cooper.]] - -[Illustration: [A collage of twelve photographs, arranged in a circle, -and captioned "FACULTY AND OFFICERS, RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE, 1897.]] - - -SESSION 1895-1896. - -JUNE, 1896. - -RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE. - -A. M. - - W. S. Anderson, West Virginia. - Clinton M. Kilby, Virginia. - N. H. Robertson, Virginia. - Stephen H. Watts, Virginia. - -A. B. - - John F. Blackwell, Virginia. - Stephen D. Boyd, Jr., Virginia - Henry O'B. Cooper, Virginia. - Patrick H. Drewry, Virginia. - John C. Granbery, Jr., Virginia. - F. W. Hilbert, Maryland. - James Mullen, Virginia. - John S. Poindexter, Virginia. - John H. Robertson, Virginia. - Marvin E. Smithey, Virginia. - John A. G. Shipley. Maryland. - George T. Tyler, Jr., Virginia. - Charles W. Watts, Virginia. - P. H. Williams, North Carolina. - - _Sutherlin Medalist_.--Boyd Valentine Switzer, Virginia. - _Pace Medalist_.--Walter Sewall Anderson, West Virginia. - _Murray Medalists_.--Scholarship, Patrick H. Williams, North Carolina; -Proficiency, Frank Allen Simpson, Virginia. - - -RANDOLPH-MACON WOMAN'S COLLEGE. - -A. M. - -Emma E. Cheatham, Virginia. -E. B. Williams, North Carolina. - - -JUNE, 1897. - -RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE. - -A. M. - - W. M. Blanchard, N. Carolina. - Horace Campbell, Virginia. - Hall Canter, Maryland. - Henry O'B. Cooper, Virginia. - Fred. W. Hilbert, Maryland. - Bradford Kilby, Virginia. - Albert H. Licklider, Virginia. - G. V. Litchfield, Jr., Virginia. - James E. McCartney, Virginia. - George T. Tyler, Jr., Virginia. - -A. B. - - William H. Best, Maryland. - William Veitch Boyle, Maryland. - Karl S. Blackwell, Virginia. - William B. Colonna, Virginia. - David Hough Dolly, Virginia. - John Henry Dulin, Virginia. - Neil Courtice Scott, Virginia. - Frank A. Simpson, Virginia. - Boyd Ashby Wise, Virginia. - -D. D. - - Rev. Collins Denney, Baltimore Conference, Prof. Vanderbilt -University. - - _Sutherlin Medalist_.--William Martin Blanchard, North Carolina. - - - _Murray Medalists_.--Scholarship, Frank A. Simpson, Virginia; -Proficiency, George L. Bradford, Virginia. - - -RANDOLPH-MACON WOMAN'S COLLEGE. - -A. M. - - Sallie Adams, Virginia. - Martha A. Franklin, Virginia. - Esten Holmes Jennings, West Virginia. - -A. B. - - Celeste Alspaugh, N. Carolina. - Edith S. Blackwell, Virginia. - Martha McGavock, Virginia. - - -SESSION 1897-1898. - -Randolph-Macon College, since June, 1886, has grown into a system of -colleges (female as well as male), and fitting schools for both sexes. -At the joint commencement, held at Lynchburg, Va., June 6-9, 1898, all -these schools were represented. The Lynchburg _Daily News_ gave the -report of the commencement, as follows: - -"The big Randolph-Macon joint commencement was formally opened by a -reception tendered the visiting students, alumni, and friends of the -school at the Woman's College. An address of welcome was made by -Chancellor W. W. Smith. The night was beautiful, the skies being clear -and studded with glittering stars. An immense crowd was present, and the -profound silence that prevailed during the speech evidenced the deep -interest with which it was being received. - -"The various trains yesterday brought the students and the visiting -alumni to the city. The Union station on their arrival presented an -animated scene. The young men and young ladies seemed determined to make -of the occasion a delightful excursion, and an experience worth carrying -in their memories for many years to come. Everybody remarked on the -personnel of the students, and their quiet demeanor. They made a fine -impression, and their sojourn in the city promises to be profitable to -all interested. - -"Randolph-Macon College is represented by about ninety students; the -Front Royal Academy, by seventy; Bedford City Academy, by about eighty; -the Blackstone Female Institute,* by one hundred and thirty-five; and -the Danville Female Institute, by sixty. As there are at the -Randolph-Macon Woman's College, including the day scholars, two hundred -and twenty young ladies, the total number of students present is between -six and seven hundred. - -*Not a school of the system, but present by special invitation. - -"To adequately describe the appearance of the College with its elaborate -decorations would be a herculean task. All that artistic taste and -ingenuity of invention could suggest was abundantly in evidence. As the -street-cars moved rapidly over the hill at the base-ball park in the -direction of the College, the first glimpse of the building was -obtained. To the observer it looked like a light glimmering and glowing -in the night. As the car drew nearer it was seen that the large -structure, from one end to the other and all over the front, was alive -with varicolored Chinese and Japanese lanterns, which shed a soft and -pleasant radiance over the scene. On the big campus, hanging to the -branches of the trees and arranged in symmetrical lines on hundreds of -poles, were lanterns without end. Down to the left of the building, -where the ground slopes gently to a ravine, seats were placed in -comfortable positions. Everybody seemed to be there for the purpose of -spending a pleasant time and contributing to his neighbor's happiness. -Callers were received in the large and spacious parlor on the first -floor just to the left of the main entrance. To everyone was extended -such a warm, cordial welcome that he felt at once as if he were -perfectly at home and as if he were just where he ought to be. - -TUESDAY. - -"While the reception Monday night at the Woman's College may be said to -have opened the exercises of the Randolph-Macon joint commencement, yet -Tuesday morning the first regular programme was carried out in the -auditorium at Moorman's Warehouse, which, long before the time announced -for the first number, was crowded with a happy, well-dressed and -interested audience. - -"In the bright sunlight of the pleasant morning the scene presented in -the auditorium was indeed good to look upon. The draping of the entire -edifice was most skillfully carried out; the ceiling covered with blue -and white cloth, while the sides of the building were hidden by artistic -folds of lemon and black. - -"A well-built stage, extending the entire width of the spacious -auditorium, and decorated with potted plants and flowers, afforded -plenty of room for the speakers, visitors, and contestants for honors. -Arrangements were made to comfortably seat some two or three thousand -people, fully that many chairs being placed in regular rows, divided by -two aisles extending the length of the hall. - -"The pupils of the different schools and colleges being among the first -to arrive, the spare time was utilized for a rehearsal of college songs, -interspersed with the different college yells of the system, some of -which occasioned hearty laughter. - -[Illustration: RANDOLPH-MACON INSTITUTE, DANVILLE, VA.] - -"Upon the arrival of Chancellor Smith, the representatives of the -various schools of the system took their places upon the stage, as well -as those pupils who were to contest for the elocution and declaimer's -medals. After music by the band and prayer by Rev. Oscar Littleton, the -first number was announced, it being a contest for the declaimer's medal -of Randolph-Macon Academy, of Bedford City. Mr. J. K. Holman opened with -a humorous selection entitled 'Uncle Peter and the Trolly Car.' He was -followed by Mr. W. E. Wood, who declaimed an historical poem of the -revolutionary period, 'The Black Horse and His Rider.' Between this -contest and the next the pupils of the Bedford school, accompanied by -the band, rendered with much spirit an 'Academy' song, the words of -which were composed by Wirt Holloway, a pupil. - -"A contest for the recitation medal of the Randolph-Macon Institute, of -Danville, followed, the first being Miss Janie Howard, who had chosen a -dialect story, 'Rubaiyat of Doc Sifers.' 'The Set of Turquoise' was -delivered by Miss Sue Bethel. The young ladies of the Danville Institute -then closed their part of the programme with their favorite song, 'The -Lemon and Black,' in the course of which they were assisted by the young -men of the system. - -"J. William Kight came forward as a representative of the Academy at -Front Royal, and with a humorous description of a New England debating -society, in which he gave practical illustrations of the different -classes of village oratory. - -"Mr. J. L. Humphrey, also of the Front Royal Academy, gave a declamation -entitled 'Laska.' - -"The contest for the Woman's College medal was introduced by Miss Nellie -Underwood, whose subject was 'The Courtin' of T'Nowhead's Bell.' - -"Miss Underwood was followed by Miss Hathryn P. Acree, whose subject was -'Parnassius and the Captive.' - -"The rendition of the Woman's College song, 'Merry Girls of R. M. W. -C.,' was followed by the contest for the Woman's College Medal for best -address. The contestants were Miss Addie Taylor and Miss Sadie Jacobs. -Miss Taylor was the first speaker. Her subject was 'The Supremacy of the -Anglo-Saxon.' Miss Jacobs' subject was 'Demands of Our Civilization.' - -"The closing exercise was the contest for the Sutherlin orator's medal -of the Randolph-Macon College, Ashland. The contestants were F. Raymond -Hill, B. A. Wise, E. K. Odell, and S. M. Janney. - -"Mr. Hill opened the contest with an oration on 'The Price of Progress.' - -"Mr. Janney's subject was 'What For?' - -"'The Power of a Noble Example' was the subject of Mr. Wise's oration. - -"Mr. Odell followed in an oration entitled, 'De Oratoribus.' - -The exercises were closed with the singing of the Commencement Chorus. - -"A feature of the morning's programme, which was of a decidedly -interesting character, was the calisthenic drill, under the direction of -Miss Alice Hargrove, of a number of young ladies of the Woman's College. - -FIELD-DAY EXERCISES. - -"Tuesday afternoon was devoted to field day exercises in the Rivermont -base-ball park. A sound mind in a sound body has for a long time been a -leading maxim in the Randolph-Macon system. Each institution has its -well-equipped gymnasium, under the instruction of an efficient -instructor, and during the unseasonable days of winter every student of -the system is required to go through an hour's drill in the gymnasium -three afternoons in the week. - -The average man gets his idea of college athletics from the base-ball -and foot-ball teams, which generally tour the State annually. -Randolph-Macon recognizes the fact that base-ball and foot-ball are but -a small part of college athletics, and consequently every student is -encouraged to allot a portion of his time to the general training of his -body, and especially to athletic feats requiring more or less skill and -grace. In early spring, at each school in the system, a day known as -Field-Day is set aside for athletic exercises, for which prizes and -medals are offered as a special inducement, to ensure a large number of -contestants. - -THE CONCERT. - -"Tuesday night a concert was given at the Opera-House by the young -ladies of the Woman's College and the Danville Female Institute. Of the -character of the music of the programme the highest praise has been -spoken. In the instrumental and the chorus selections the participants -presented music of the highest perfection music that possessed a charm -and inspiration for every listener. - -WEDNESDAY. - -"About half-past nine o'clock Wednesday morning the students of the -several schools and colleges, together with the alumni, met at old St. -Paul's Church, on Church street, and there, after forming into a -procession and led by the band, marched to the auditorium. Here the -graduating class, in orthodox cap and gown, ascended the stage, where, -with the alumni, they were seated in chairs arranged in semi-circular -lines, forming altogether a pleasing and impressive picture. - -"A few minutes were spent in rehearsing college songs. In this -connection it may be well to note that the Randolph-Macon system is rich -with songs suitable for commencement season, and written principally by -those who have studied within its classic halls. After prayer by Rev. -Dr. James A. Duncan, of Knoxville, Tenn., Mr. W. S. Bell, president of -the Class of '98, introduced Miss Blanche E. Cheatham, of Martinsville, -who delivered the salutatory address. - -"The history of the Class of '98 and its twenty-nine members was told by -Mr. J. T. Porter, and as each name was called it was greeted with -applause, while the historian made a brief comment upon its owner. The -Class song of '98, composed by Mr. E. T. Adams, Jr., was next sung, -after which Miss Lily G. Egbert, of Atlee, Va., read the class poem, an -original composition entitled 'The Evolution of a Soul.' - -"Mr. J. E. McCulloch, of Roanoke, delivered the class oration. - -"The Hall song, evidently a favorite with the male students, was sung -with considerable spirit, especially the chorus, which eulogizes as 'the -very best of all' the two halls of the two rival literary societies, -those of Washington and Franklin. The president of the class next -introduced Miss Eloise Richardson, of Richmond, who read a class -prophecy, in which she drew vivid pictures of the bright futures -awaiting many of this year's class. - -"Mr. Sydenstricker, of Loudoun, read a paper entitled 'Recommendations.' -In it he indicated, with a prescient knowledge of seemingly remarkable -accuracy, the future employments and professions of the members of the -graduating classes of Randolph-Macon College, Ashland, and the Woman's -College, Lynchburg. - -"After singing 'Gaudeamus,' the last will and testament of the -graduating classes of the two institutions was read by Mr. F. C. -Campbell, of Ashland. Again was the audience treated to a series of -'hits' at the expense of certain members of the faculties, pupils, etc., -of the two schools. - -"The valedictory of Mr. F. R. Hill, of West Virginia, the next feature -of the programme, was an eloquent and interesting address, and in its -delivery made a deep impression on the large audience. Mr. Hill, unlike -the majority of college valedictorians, introduced into his composition -much originality of thought and feeling. His manner was marked by that -simplicity which always distinguishes the true orator, and which -invariably attracts and holds the closest attention of an audience. - -MR. TILLETT'S ADDRESS. - -"After singing 'The Randolph-Macon Roundelay,'the alumni address was -delivered by Hon. Charles W. Tillett, of North Carolina. This eloquent -speaker dwelt in feeling terms upon the great Randolph-Macon System. The -foundation, he declared, had been laid with enduring material, and -to-day all could unite in applauding the distinguished success of the -master hand. The occasion was one on which a little glorification was -pardonable, and every Randolph-Macon man and woman might well feel -proud of his or her alma mater, and particularly of the joint -commencement, which they all recognized as the grandest and most -successful commencement of Randolph-Macon's career. - -"The exercises were brought to a close with the singing of the song, -'Alma Mater, O.' - -THE BALL GAME. - -"An immense crowd gathered at the park in the afternoon to witness the -ball game between the Bedford and the Front Royal Academies. The boys -from Bedford had the best of the contest from start to finish, and won -out by a score of 13 to 1." - -FRANKLIN HALL. - -"At night the exercises of the 'Frank' Hall were introduced with prayer -by Rev. W. H. Atwill. The declamations were: 'The Fireman's Prayer,' by -W. W. Wood, of Bedford; 'The Innocent Drummer,' by Miss Bethel, of -Danville, and 'The Village Schoolmaster,' by J. L. Humphrey. W. J. -Gills, of the College, delivered an oration on 'True Patriotism,' and -the exercises closed with an essay by Miss Lula B. Woolridge, of the -Woman's College, on 'Triumphant Life.' The Society medals were awarded -as follows: John Kilby, of Suffolk, for declamation; F. C. Campbell, of -Ashland, for debate, and Marvin E. Smithey, of Brunswick, for -improvement in debate. - -THE ALUMNI BANQUET. - -"The annual banquet of the Alumni Association was held at the 'Carroll' -Wednesday night from 11 to 2 o'clock. After half an hour's feasting, the -remaining time was devoted to speeches of prominent members of the -Association. The following toasts were responded to: 'Randolph-Macon -College,' Dr. J. A. Kern; 'Randolph-Macon Woman's College,' Dr. N. -Knight; 'Randolph-Macon Academy' (Bedford), Principal E. Sumter Smith; -'Randolph-Macon Academy' (Front Royal), Dr. B. W. Arnold; -'Randolph-Macon Institute' (Danville), Miss Nellie Blackwell; -'Blackstone Female Institute,' Rev. James Cannon, Jr.; 'Board of -Trustees,' Dr. E. B. Prettyman; 'Randolph-Macon of 1898,' J. E. -McCulloch; 'The Alumni,' Charles W. Tillett; 'Glories of the Past,' -Captain Richard Irby; 'Randolph-Macon of the Future,' Dr. W. W. Smith." - -[Illustration: EDWARD S. BROWN, A. B.] - -The oldest alumnus present was Edward S. Brown (Class 1843), a prominent -and most estimable citizen of Lynchburg, who matriculated in 1837. - -Letters were received from the oldest alumnus now living, and one of the -members of the graduating Class of 1839, who, with Thomas H. Garnett, of -Buckingham county, Va., of same class, still survives. - -The oldest living alumnus, Dr. Theophilus S. Stewart, of Marietta, Ga., -graduated in 1836. He accompanied Dr. Olin to Europe, and took his -degree of M. D. in Paris in 1839. - -The letters of Dr. Stewart and Rev. James F. Smith, of Spartanburg, S. -C., referred in tenderest terms to the College. - -[Illustration: DR. THEOPHILUS S. STEWART, A. B., (Class, 1836.)] - -"Thursday. The opening prayer was made by Rev. Dr. Arnold, of North -Carolina, at the conclusion of which the Commencement hymn (No. 1) was -sung by the students to the air of 'America,' all standing. Bishop -Vincent, of Kansas, the speaker of the occasion, was then introduced by -the chancellor. The Bishop, who is a man of fine appearance, with a -pleasant voice, launched forth in these words: 'Notable days to the -individual, to associations, to state and to church, come into all -lives. This is an interesting day to the individual, to families, and to -the institution. It is a day of an ending and a day of a beginning. I -see a picture, as I stand in this place to-day, of closing doors and of -doors ajar, the end of complete or partial course of study and the -beginning of lessons in the great school of life. Here, with the -fragrance and flowers, under the spell of music, beneath these glorious -skies and amid these mountains of Virginia, we need not only to look -backward, but to look forward.' - -"He closed his address as follows: 'Above all things, a man wants -character; for if you presented yourself at the gate of heaven without -the quality that would make you worthy to dwell there, you would find -the beauties and glories of the home of God uncongenial to you. Live, -not that you may have your name in Washington with a big pension or -something of that kind, but in order that you may contribute to the -betterment of the environment of those about you.' - -"To the students before him he said he would recommend the whole world -and the universe as a university in which to learn and in which to -strive to ascend to the university of the most high God. - -HONORS AWARDED. - -"After a song, 'Columbia, the Pride of the Nation,' the distinguished -under-graduates were announced by printed sheets. Then followed the -awarding of prizes and medals, the Randolph-Macon Institute, of -Danville, being first, followed in regular order by the Randolph-Macon -Academy, Bedford City; Randolph-Macon Academy, Front Royal; -Randolph-Macon Woman's College, Lynchburg, and Randolph-Macon College, -Ashland. - -"Diplomas in courses were awarded by President Kern, of the Randolph- -Macon College, and Vice-President Knight, of the Randolph-Macon Woman's -College. - -THE GRADUATES. - -"Degrees were conferred on the following: - -RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE. - -A. M. - - Karl S. Blackwell, Virginia. - A. Judson Chalkley, Virginia. - David Hough Dolly, Virginia. - James C. Dolly, Kentucky. - James T. Porter, Virginia. - Raymond R. Ross, Virginia. - Frank A. Simpson, Virginia. - Marvin E. Smithey, Virginia. - Boyd Ashby Wise, Virginia. - -A. B. - - William Solon Bell, Virginia. - William G. Burch, Virginia. - F. C. Campbell, Virginia. - Merrick Clements, Maryland. - Carl Hall Davis, Virginia. - F. B. Fitzpatrick, Virginia. - Frank R. Hill, West Virginia. - Edward B. Jones, Virginia. H. - Alfred Allen Kern, Virginia. - LeRoy E. Kern, Virginia. - James E. McCulloch, Virginia. - Geo. L. Neville, Jr., Virginia. - Arthur V. Nunnally, Virginia. - Robert H. Sheppe, Virginia. - Hampden H. Smith, Virginia. - H. Sydenstricker, W. Virginia. - James T. Walker, Virginia. - -RANDOLPH-MACON WOMAN'S COLLEGE. - -A. B. - - Lily Garland Egbert, Virginia. - Eloise Richardson, Virginia. - Blanche E. Cheatham, Virginia. - Cornelia Poindexter, Virginia. - -MEDALISTS. - - Sutherlin Medal. Samuel McPherson Janney, Virginia. - Murray Medals. Proficiency Medal, Thomas Moody Campbell, Virginia; - Scholarship Medal, George Lafayette Bradford, Virginia of - Randolph-Macon College. - - Walton Greek Prize. David H. Dolly, Virginia. - Medal for Best Essay. Sadie Jacobs, Virginia of Randolph-Macon Woman's - College. - -WASHINGTON SOCIETY. - -"With the excellent programme of the annual celebration of the -Washington Literary Society the exercises of the joint commencement of -the Randolph-Macon system of educational institutions were brought to a -close. - -"Prayer was offered by Bishop Granbery, after which Edwin B. Jones, -president of the society, welcomed those present, and introduced J. W. -Kight, of Front Royal, who entertained his hearers with a short, -humorous sketch. Miss Swanson, of the Danville Institute, followed with -a dialect recitation, entitled 'Writin' Back to the Home Folks.' 'Flying -Jim's Last Leap' was the declamation given by Mr. Taylor, of the Bedford -City Academy, and the next was an oration by F. Burke Fitzpatrick, of -Randolph-Macon College. His speech was devoted to prophesying as to the -future of Virginia, basing his remarks upon the record of the past. - -"Miss Edith Cheatham's address was 'College Men and Women.' - -"The programme was brought to a close by an oration, 'A Great Work; Our -Share in It,' delivered by Frank A. Simpson, of Richmond, Va. - -"On behalf of the Washington Literary Society, Professor R. B. Smithey -presented three medals one to the best declaimer, D. R. Anderson; to the -best debater, F. R. Hill; to the best orator, S. R. Tyler. - -"Dr. E. E. Hoss, of Nashville, the speaker of the evening, was then -introduced. His subject was 'The Forces that Make Character.' He -delivered a strong and thoughtful address, which would have been more -fully appreciated at an earlier hour." - -AWARDS OF PRIZES AND MEDALS. - -[Transcribers' note: In the original book, the Walton Greek Prize -recipients for each year are listed on the left-hand side of the page, -and the Mathematical Prize recipients on the right. The note -(Discontinued) at the end of the Mathematical Prize column is faithfully -reproduced from the original text.] - -WALTON GREEK PRIZE. - - 1872. R. E. Blackwell, Va. - 1873. Robert Sharp, Va. - 1874. Wm. A. Frantz, Va. - 1875. W. H. Page, N. C. - 1876. Cyrus Thompson, N. C. - 1877. M. T. Peed, Va. - 1878. Clarence Edwards, Va. - 1879. J. B. Crenshaw, Va. - 1880. R. E. L. Holmes, Va. - 1881. D. W. Taylor, Va. - 1882. R. E. L. Holmes, Va. - 1883. James M. Page, Va. - 1884. L. Leitch, Va. - 1885. Thos. W. Page, Va. - 1886. E. H. Rawlings, Va. - 1887. J. H. Riddick, Jr., Va. - 1888. J. Jordan Leake, Va. - 1889. De La Warre Easter, Va. - 1890. C. D. Ragland, Va. - 1891. E. C. Armstrong, Md. - 1892. Andrew Sledd, Va. - 1893. J. E. Wamsley, Va. - 1894. E. P. Dahl, Va. - 1895. C. E. Armentrout, Va. - 1896. Bradford Kilby, Va. - 1897. J. W. Lillaston, Va. - 1898. David H. Dolly, Va. - -MATHEMATICAL PRIZE. - - 1874. Howard Edwards, Va. - 1875. W. F. Tillett, N. C. - 1876. M. T. Peed, Va. - 1877 M. T. Peed, Va. - 1878. J. T. Littleton, Va. - 1879. J. B. Crenshaw, Va. - 1880. R. E. L. Holmes, Va. - 1881. D. W. Taylor, Va. - 1882. James H. Moss, Va. - 1883. Richard H. Bennett, Va. - 1884. James M. Page, Va. - 1885. Wm. H. Barley, Va. - 1886. George Shipley. Va. - 1887. J. Jordan Leake, Va. - 1888. A. M. Hughlett, Va. - 1889. E. W. Bowen, Md. - 1890. Andrew Sledd, Va. - 1891. H. H. Sherman, Va. - 1892. (Discontinued.) - - - -[Transcribers' note: In the original book, the Washington Literary -Society award-winners and judges for each year are listed on the -left-hand side of the page, and the Franklin Literary Society -award-winners and judges on the right.] - -WASHINGTON LITERARY SOCIETY. - - 1874. A. H. C. Russell, La. - 1875. J. B. McCabe, Va. - 1876. T.McN. Simpson, N.C. - 1877. Gray Carroll, N. C. - 1878. Jno. W. Carroll, Va. - 1879. W. W. Sawyer, N. C. - 1880. D. M. James, W. Va. - 1881. E. S. Ruffin, Va. - - -FRANKLIN LITERARY SOCIETY. - - 1874. J. B. Powell, Ala. - 1875. W. F. Tillett, N. C. - 1876. [none listed] - 1877. W. J. Sebrell, Va. - 1878. Chas. W. Tillett, N. C. - 1879. H. A. Southall, Va. - 1880. Frank Thompson, N. C. - - -JUDGE. - -WASHINGTON LITERARY SOCIETY. - - 1882. S. M. Garland, Va. - 1883. J. H. Light, Va. - 1884. C. A. Swanson, Va. - 1885. Jas. Cannon, Jr., Md. - 1886. T. W. Page, Jr., Va. - 1887. C. L. Bane, W. Va. - 1888. C. F. Sherrill, N. C. - 1889. W. H. H. Joyce, Va. - 1890. M. R. Peterson, Va. - 1891. I. W. Eason, Va. - 1892. J. N. Latham, Va. - 1893. D. H. Kern, W. Va. - 1894. S. C. Hatcher, Va. - 1895. J. H. Hatcher, Va. - 1896. B. V. Switzer, Va. - 1897. F. R. Hill, W. Va. - 1898. S. R. Tyler, Va. - -FRANKLIN LITERARY SOCIETY. - - 1882. Harry L. Stuart, Texas. - 1883. John Morris, Ga. - 1884. W. M. Lane, Va. - 1885. Thos. F. Sherrill, N. C. - 1886. E. H. Rawlings, Va. - 1887. Sherrard R. Tabb, Va. - 1888. A. M. Hughlett, Va. - 1889. W. A. Christian, Va. - 1890. W. B. Beauchamp, Va. - 1891. H. G. Buchanan, Va. - 1892. W. Stevens, W. Va. - 1893. R. H. Hood, N. C. - 1894. Andrew Sledd, Va. - 1895. P. H. Williams, N. C. - 1896. F. W. Hilbert, Md. - 1897. W. M. Blanchard, N. C. - 1898. F. C. Campbell, Va. - - ======= -Transcribers' Notes: - -We have corrected "presi-ident" to "president", p. 30. - -We have let "Accepe hoc diploma," p. 98, stand as written (it should be -"accipe"). - -We have corrected "in o near large towns" to "in or near large towns," -p. 114. - -We have removed extraneous punctuation after "Trinity College," p. 121, -and after "Randolph-Macon College," p. 138. - -We have corrected "peferred" to "preferred," and "greal" to "great," p. -126. - -We have added a period after B. in "A. B." on p. 135. - -We have corrected "held it annual session" to "held its annual -session," p. 148. - -We have let "Bondfires were kindled," p. 153, stand as written, though -we suspect that "Bonfires" was intended. - -We have let the comma after "the bare chimneys only" stand on page 164. -The punctuation is odd, and we suspect it may be an error, but we can -think of reasons Irby might have chosen to use it. - -We have let the spelling "eak" stand on p. 166. - -We have let "Professor's" stand on p. 166. - -We have corrected "compen-pensated" to "compensated" on p. 189. - -We have corrected "FROF. W. A. FRANTZ" to "PROF. W. A. FRANTZ" in the -caption on p. 245. - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of History of Randolph-Macon College, -Virginia, by Richard Irby - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY OF RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE, VIRGINIA *** - - - - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg™ electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG™ -concept and trademark. 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