USA > Georgia > Statistics of the state of Georgia : including an account of its natural, civil, and ecclesiastical history ; together with a particular description of each county, notices of the manners and customs of its aboriginal tribes, and a correct map of the state > Part 6
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I know the opinion is now held by a few, that these men, and I may say, that almost every great and good man, up to nearly the present day, has been in error upon this subject.
We must honor the feelings which give rise to these sen- timents-we must respect the piety which prompts to all the efforts which are made to purify the fountains of knowledge- to introduce the Bible, with its hallowing influence, into all our institutions of learning.
Georgia has often been represented as more inattentive to the great interests of education than almost any other State in the Union-a statement which does great injustice to our citizens. A correct history of our State will show that those who have preceded us, have done much for the cause of edu- cation. A full statement of all which has been given by the citizens of the State would, doubtless, surprise many. I can- not at this time give a history of what has been done by our citizens in the cause of education. A few instances will, how- ever, be sufficient to sustain me in the remark, that we have not been as utterly regardless of the interests of knowledge as
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EDUCATION.
many suppose. A number of our Academies have respectable, and some of them very ample endowments; the result of both legislative aid and private liberality. Meson Academy, at Lexington, Oglethorpe county, received from ten to fifteen thousand dollars, a permanent endowment from the individual whose name it bears. The Burke county Academy has a per- manent fund of more than seven thousand dollars, and within a few years the citizens of this county have given to other in- stitutions probably over $20,000. The Richmond Academy has buildings and library and apparatus worth probably $30,000 -an annuity from real estate amounting to $1,600, and bank stock to the amount of $12,000, besides lands which are rapid- ly increasing in value. Here, also, is a Medical College en- dowed by the State to the amount of perhaps $35,000, and possessing buildings, apparatus, library, and the usual means for conducting such an institution, to the amount of $50,000. This institution is now well established, and justly meriting and largely receiving the patronage of the State and other States. The Chatham Academy has large and valuable build- ings, and funds sufficient to sustain an institution of superior character. In the village of Washington, there is, besides the Male Academy, which has always been well sustained, a Fe- male Institute of very high character, for the establishment of which the citizens of that county have come forward with liberal subscriptions. They have a beautiful building and libra- ry, and apparatus sufficient to render it an institution of high order. In La Grange, Troup county, are Academies, both male and female, upon which the inhabitants of that village and county have expended large sums, and where hundreds of both sexes have for years enjoyed superior advantages for in- struction. No one can visit these and many other Academies and High Schools, which are found in all our older and thickly settled counties, without seeing that a large amount has been expended by our citizens for purposes of education. The Montpelier Institute, under the patronage of the Episcopal Church in Georgia, has probably cost $20,000 in its establish- ment. One individual gave $10,000. The Female College at Macon has probably cost not less than $70,000. For the establishment and endowment of Emory College, there have
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EDUCATION.
been raised between 80 and $100,000. For the establishment and endowment of Oglethorpe University, between 80 and $100,000. For the establishment and endowment of Mercer University and a Theological Seminary, between 150 and $200,000 have been given. The citizens of Georgia have giv- en to the Theological Seminary at Columbia, S. C., about $60,000. To Randolph Macon College, N. C., $10,000. To the Columbian College, D. C., $25,000. To the Theological Seminary at Princeton, N. J., $25,000. To the Theological Seminary at Andover, Mass., a considerable amount-how much I am unable to say, as I have received no answer to an inquiry touching that subject, which I addressed to one of its Professors. I know that Mr. John Whitehead, of Burke county, gave $2,500. We have here, for the purpose of estab- lishing institutions of learning, private subscriptions by the citizens of Georgia, and that within a few years, to the amount of more than $600,000. I have mentioned only a small part which has been given for this purpose in the State. Our people are not, they never have been, regardless of this subject ; but from our peculiar situation, we have thus far failed to unite and concentrate the action of our whole people. They have the ability and the disposition to spread the light of knowledge over our State. Let them be properly enlightened, and they will come forth with an energy which will overcome all ob- stacles. That our University has not accomplished more, is undoubtedly a source of regret to every friend of knowledge ; that it has accomplished as much as it has, is, perhaps, a cause of rejoicing to all its friends. It will not be denied by any one, that this institution has been gradually advancing in use- fulness since its funds have been sufficient to sustain the ex- penses necessarily incident to a respectable College. These expenses are much larger than many, who have had no experi- ence in the management of such institutions, apprehend. The University of Georgia had for an endowment 40,000 acres of land, located by the surveyors in what are now Hancock, Greene, Oglethorpe, Clark, Jackson, Franklin, and in the fork of the Tugalo and Seneca rivers. By the treaty of Beaufort, the last tract was lost by falling into the State of South Carolina. Thus, 5,000 acres, equal in value to more than one-eighth of the
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EDUCATION.
endowment of the University, were whollylost. The remaining lands were long unsaleable, and could not be rented for any valu- able consideration. The country was new, land abundant and cheap-much, even of a good quality, could be obtained by merely surveying it, and paying the fees for granting. The lands, therefore, of the University could not be made available for any valuable purpose, and the trustees were unable to com- mence the institution. None of the lands belonging to the University were sold until 1803, and then only a small portion and at a low price. Most of them remained unsold and unpro- ductive till 1816, when they were nearly all sold, and $100,000 vested in bank, as a permanent fund for the support of the in- stitution. The Legislature, in consideration of the large amount of bonds for these lands over the $100,000, guaran- tied that this permanent fund should yield annually eight per cent.
The College was nearly suspended from 1816 to 1819, and by aid of the surplus funds, during this period, the debts of the institution were paid, the buildings repaired, the small library increased, and the philosophical and chemical apparatus greatly enlarged. From this period the institution began to assume a respectable stand: its students increased-the Board obtained the services of a respectable number of officers, and continually enlarged the library and apparatus.
The first Commencement was on Thursday, the 31st May, 1804. The exercises were held under an arbour, erected in the campus; the number of graduates was nine. Of these, four are now living, viz .: Col. Gibson Clark, Gen. Jeptha V. Harris, Col. Wm. H. Jackson, and James Jackson, at present Professor of Chemistry and Natural History in the University. The Hon. Augustus S. Clayton, one of its most untiring friends to the day of his death, was also a member of this class. Tho- mas Irwin, Jared Irwin, Robert Rutherford, and William Williamson, were the four remaining members. The whole number of graduates is 533, among whom are found a large number of our most useful and distinguished citizens.
The University has buildings which have cost perhaps 75 or $80,000. It has a very extensive and complete philo- sophical apparatus, a good chemical laboratory, a large min-
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FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
eral cabinet, and a very neat botanic garden. These have cost at least 20,000 dollars. The two literary societies have libraries amounting to about five thousand volumes. The offi- cers of the University are now a President, six Professors, and two Tutors. Considering all the circumstances, may it not be said that its trustees have done much; that they have not be- trayed their trust; and that though the State may not have done as much as many friends of learning could desire, she has done more than many apprehend-more than many States which are supposed to have been very liberal in their endow- ment and support of seminaries of learning ? It is true that the citizens of the State, as individuals, have given but little to this institution. It has not been the recipient of such legacies and donations as have been bestowed upon the older Colleges. But may not the liberality of our citizens, which has been so free towards other and private seminaries, be yet turned towards this ? And since so much has been done by the trustees to carry out the designs of its patriotic and enlightened founders, may we not reasonably suppose that the State will hereafter appropriate to it whatever may be necessary to place it by the side of the most favoured and useful Colleges in the land ?
FRANKLIN COLLEGE OF GEORGIA.
This institution is located in Athens, in Clarke county. As early as 1788-9, the Legislature of Georgia made liberal en- dowments for the establishment of the University ; but it did not go into operation until 1801. Its first President was Mr. Josiah Meigs, Professor of Natural Philosophy and Astronomy in Yale College, a gentleman of high reputation as a scholar, but owing to circumstances which reflect no blame upon him, the University did not realize the expectations of its friends. Mr. Meigs resigned the presidency in 1811, and the Rev. Dr. Kollock, well known as a polished scholar, and great orator, was elected to fill the vacancy. This gentleman, however, declined the appointment, and Dr. Brown, Professor of Moral Philosophy, Columbia College, South Carolina, was then cho-
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FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
sen to the office, who continued to preside over the University until 1816, when he resigned. Dr. Finley, of New-Jersey, was appointed his successor. This great and good man ap- plied himself with indefatigable zeal to the advancement of the College, and confidence was felt through the State, that it would soon occupy a prominent stand among the literary in- stitutions of the United States ; but the sudden and lamented death of Dr. Finley for a time obscured the cheering prospect. The Rev. N. S. S. Beman was selected to fill the vacancy oc- casioned by the demise of Dr. Finley ; but this gentleman de- clined serving. In 1819, the celebrated Dr. Moses Waddel, whose name will long be remembered by the citizens of South Carolina and Georgia, was elected President ; and under whose administration the University succeeded, to an extent beyond the most sanguine hopes of its friends. Dr. Waddel resigned in 1829, when the present incumbent, Dr. Alonzo Church, of Brattleborough, Vermont, and a graduate of Mid- dlebury College, Vermont, was appointed to this distinguished station. The character of Dr. Church is so favourably known to the people of Georgia, that it is almost superfluous to say any thing in relation to him. With a mind richly furnished with the stores of learning-with manners proverbially capti- vating-with uncommon kindness of disposition, and with the prudence and firmness requisite to be possessed by those to whom the people of Georgia commit the education of their sons, at a period the most critical in the life of youth, Dr. Church has every qualification for the exalted position which he has so long filled.
Associated with him are seven Professors, viz.
James Jackson, A. M., Professor of Natural History and Modern Languages ; appointed in 1823.
James P. Waddel, A. M., Professor of Ancient Languages, a son of Dr. Moses Waddel ; appointed in 1836.
Charles F. McCay, A. M., Professor of Mathematics, As- tronomy, and Civil Engineering ; appointed in 1837.
John Le Conte, M. D., Professor of Natural Philosophy and Chemistry ; appointed in 1846.
Hon. Joseph Henry Lumpkin, Professor of Law ; appoint- ed in 1847.
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MERCER UNIVERSITY.
N. H. Wood, A. M., Adjunct Professor of Mathematics ; appointed in 1848.
The Rev. William T. Brantley, A. M., Professor of Belles Lettres, Oratory, and History ; appointed in 1848.
M. C. Fulton, A. M., Tutor in Ancient Languages ; ap- pointed in 1847.
The University is now in a state of great prosperity. The number of students, according to the last catalogue, was one hundred and forty.
The resources of the University are 100,000 dollars in stock of the Bank of the State of Georgia, and about 1500 dollars in other stocks, together with the proceeds of the tuition of stu- dents, and a small amount of town lots. The buildings are : Two three-story, 120 by 45 feet, for lodging rooms for students ; a philosophical hall and chemical laboratory, a chapel, a libra- ry and cabinet, president's house, and three houses for the pro- fessors. The library contains between eight and nine thou- sand volumes. The philosophical apparatus is one of the most extensive and complete in the country ; the chemical laboratory is ample ; the cabinet of minerals large, and the botanic garden in good order.
The College has forty-four acres of ground on which the buildings are erected, and which is set apart by the Legisla- ture of the State for that purpose, and can never be diminished.
Connected with the College are two societies. Each has a very neat and convenient hall, erected at the expense of the society, and costing about 4000 dollars each. The library of each of these associations contains between two and three thousand volumes.
MERCER UNIVERSITY.
This University is situated in Penfield, Greene county. In the year 1829, Mr. Josiah Penfield, of Savannah, bequeathed to the Baptist Convention of Georgia $2500, to aid in the edu- cation of poor young men preparing for the ministry. Other
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MERCER UNIVERSITY.
funds were obtained for the same object, and in January, 1833, a Literary and Theological Institution with a department for manual labor was established. In its progress the character of the institution became elevated, and in 1838 it received a charter from the Legislature with the title of Mercer Uni- versity. In 1845 the manual labor was discontinued, and the present course of theological instruction was commenced.
ENDOWMENT .- Besides its valuable buildings, and an exten- sive tract of land, the University possesses the following funds :
University Fund,
$ 80,520
Central Professorship Fund,
19,259
Mercer Theological
21,822
Railroad Stock,
10,000
Other Funds,
6,599
Total,
$138,200
For this endowment, the University is chiefly indebted to the liberality of the late Rev. Jesse Mercer. A foundation has thus been laid, on which the friends of education and religion may build, with the confident hope of rearing an institution that will be a blessing to future generations.
The library contains 2000 volumes. The philosophical and chemical apparatus continues to receive additions.
The two literary Societies have valuable libraries.
FACULTY .- Rev. Mr. Dagg, President and Professor of Systematic Theology, a native of Virginia, appointed in 1844.
S. P. Sanford, A. M., Professor of Mathematics, appointed in 1841.
Rev. S. G. Hillyer, Professor of Belles-Lettres, appointed in 1845.
Rev. N. M. Crawford, A. M., Professor of Ecclesiastical History, a son of the Hon. W. H. Crawford ; appointed in 1845.
Joseph E. Willet, A. B., Professor of Chemistry and Natural Philosophy, appointed in 1847.
Rev. P. H. Mell, Professor of Greek and Latin Languages.
According to the last catalogue, there were 120 students in attendance.
Commencement on the last Wednesday in July.
6
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EMORY COLLEGE.
OGLETHORPE UNIVERSITY.
This institution is located at Midway near Milledgeville in Baldwin county. It is under the government of the Presby- terian Church, represented by the Synod of South Carolina and Georgia. The College commenced operations in January 1838. The President is the Rev. Samuel K. Talmage, a graduate of Princeton College, and elected in 1841.
The Professors are: Rev. John W. Baker, A. M., Professor of Ancient Languages, appointed in 1844.
Rev. Ferdinand Jacobs, A. M., Professor of Mathematics and Astronomy, elected in 1845.
Rev. R. C. Smith, A. M., Professor of Mental and Moral Philosophy, appointed in 1847.
E. W. Lane, A. M., Professor of Chemistry and Natural Philosophy, elected in 1846,
H. Ramsey, A. M., Rector of Preparatory School.
The main College building is of brick, two stories high besides a basement. The central part contains a fine chapel, whole dimensions 52 feet front by 89 feet deep, including a colonnade 14 feet deep. Attached to the building are two wings, 30 feet front by 34 feet deep, three stories high. In the basement and wings 16 rooms for library, museum, &c. On each side of the campus there is a row of dormitories of one story for the accommodation of the students. The other buildings are the President's house, the Academy, and a building used for recitations.
The College year is divided into two sessions. The winter session begins on the first Monday in January, and closes on the second Wednesday in May. The summer session begins four weeks after the latter date, and closes on Commencement day, the Wednesday after the second Monday in November.
EMORY COLLEGE.
This institution is situated in the beautiful and retired village of Oxford, Newton county. It was founded in
79
FEMALE INSTITUTE.
1837, and was named after Bishop Emory of the Methodist Episcopal Church. -
Its first President was the Rev. Ignatius A. Few, L. L. D., a native of Columbia county, Georgia, and a man of the most extensive acquirements. This gentleman resigned the presi- dency on account of ill health, and was succeeded by the Rev. Augustus B. Longstreet, L. L. D., who continued to preside over the College until July 1848, a period of more than ten years. The Rev. Geo. F. Pierce, D. D., so favourably known as a learned, zealous, and eloquent clergyman, now fills this high office. Rev. Dr. Pierce is a native of Greene county, Georgia, and a graduate of Franklin College ; acts not only as President, but also as Professor of English Literature.
Rev. Alexander Means, M. D., Professor of Physical Sci- ence.
Rev. O. L. Smith, A. M., Professor of Ancient Languages.
Rev. J. M. Bournell, A. M., Adjunct Professor of Langua- ges and Mathematics.
Mr. Gustavus J. Orr, A. M., Professor of Mathematics.
Mr. James E. Palmer, A. B., Principal of the Preparatory Department.
The College numbers ninety-seven alumni ; of this number eighteen are ministers of the gospel. At this time there are one hundred and twenty-six students in attendance. The libraries contain about three thousand volumes. Commence- ment on the Wednesday after the third Monday in July.
GEORGIA FEMALE COLLEGE.
Located on a high hill in the city of Macon. This institu- tion was founded by a few friends of female literature, and is under the supervision of the Georgia Annual Conference of . the Methodist Episcopal Church. It first commenced its exer- cises on the 7th of January, 1839. The Faculty consists of a President, three Professors, with a proper number of assistants, a Matron and a superintendent of the department of domestic
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EPISCOPAL INSTITUTE.
economy. The course of study is extensive. The number of pupils generally in attendance is about one hundred and forty.
There is one term beginning on the first Monday in Octo- ber, and continuing ten successive months.
The College building is one hundred and sixty feet long and sixty wide, four stories, with a cupola. The wings are three stories high. Fifty-six rooms in the building.
This establishment has done much for the cause of Female Education in Georgia, and we sincerely hope that it will com- mend itself to the patronage of the people.
GEORGIA EPISCOPAL INSTITUTE. *
The Episcopal Church is chiefly indebted to the liberality of G. B. Lamar, Esq., formerly of the city of Savannah, for this invaluable seminary.
This school is located in Monroe county, about seventeen miles from Macon, fourteen from Forsyth, and six from the Macon and Western Railroad. Its advantages are not sur- passed by those of any school in the United States. Until the property was purchased by Mr. Lamar, it was a favourite re- resort for invalids, who were attracted by its medicinal springs, healthful climate, and delightful temperature. Its natural beau- ties, which are rarely equalled, have been improved with the finest taste. The visitor needs only to see its extensive lawn, majestic groves, shady walks, beautiful gardens, and spacious buildings, to be in love with the spot. In addition to this, it is the permanent residence of the bishop of the diocese, a gentle- man long distinguished for devoted piety and extensive literary attainments. His large and well selected library affords an inex- haustible source of entertainment and knowledge to the pupils. The course of instruction is thorough and complete ; embracing ยท every item that can contribute to fit a lady for the first stations in society. Its teachers are persons of high character and first rate abilities. They have been procured at great expense
* Prepared by Rev. Richard Johnson.
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MEDICAL COLLEGE.
in Europe and America. It may be truly said that in this school, true religion, useful learning, and polished refinement are inseparably united. The number of pupils varies from sixty to ninety. The applicants have generally been more than could be accommodated.
MEDICAL COLLEGE OF GEORGIA.
The charter incorporating this College was granted by the Legislature of Georgia in 1830. In 1833 and '34 the class in attendance amounted to thirty. Since that period, the number has greatly increased.
The course of lectures in this institution commences an- nually on the second Monday in November, and continues four months.
FACULTY .- George M. Newton, M. D., Prof, of Anatomy.
L. A. Dugas, M. D., Prof. of Physiology and Path. Anat- omy.
Alexander Means, M. D., Professor of Chemistry and Phar- macy.
Paul F. Eve, M. D., Professor of Principles and Practice of Surgery
Joseph A. Eve, M. D., Professor of Obstetrics and Diseases of Women and Infants.
L. D. Ford, M. D., Professor of Principles and Practice of Medicine.
I. P. Garvin, M. D., Professor of Therapeutics and Materia Medica.
H. F. Campbell, M. D., Demonstrator of Anatomy.
George M. Newton, M. D., Dean of the Faculty.
The class of 1847-8 numbered one hundred and forty. The Board of Trustees consists of twenty-four gentlemen.
The Legislature of Georgia have been liberal to this Col- lege. In 1833 it gave ten thousand dollars, and in 1835, gave all the interest of the State in the premium resulting from the sale of certain stock, valued at twenty-five thousand dollars. By these means, with five thousand dollars a donation from the
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LUNATIC ASYLUM.
City Council of Augusta, and ten thousand dollars raised upon the responsibility of the Faculty, the College has been able to erect a splendid Grecian Doric structure, furnished with an anatomical museum, chemical apparatus, surgical cabinet, &c., to liquidate every debt, and provide a fund for contingent, expense.
STATE LUNATIC ASYLUM.
This is, as its name implies, an institution founded by the State.
In December, 1837, an act was passed by the Legislature, providing for its establishment, and authorizing the appoint- ment, by the Governor, of certain commissioners, charged with the duty of purchasing a suitable site, and vested with the au- thority to contract for and superintend the erection of the necessary buildings, the requisite preliminary appropriation being made towards the accomplishment of these purposes. A site was selected, southeast of, and about one mile distant from, Oglethorpe University. Forty acres of land being purchased, the erection of the buildings was begun, and progressed up to the winter of 1841, when the Legislature directed that the com- missioners should discontinue the operations on one of the buildings, and proceed to the speedy completion of that most advanced. At the same time an act was passed for the orga- nization of the institution. Said act provided that the board, &c., of pauper patients sent to the asylum should be paid by the counties from which they were sent. It further provided, that the superintendence of the institution should remain in the trustees and steward until such time as, in the judgment of the Board, the increased number of patients rendered it neces- sary to elect a resident physician and superintendent (the two offices being combined in the same individual), and that the medical services requisite should be procured from some neigh- bouring physician, who should receive as compensation for his services two hundred dollars per annum.
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