USA > Rhode Island > Kent County > East Greenwich > History of the town of East Greenwich and adjacent territory, from 1677 to 1877 > Part 20
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Mr. Rodman remained only one year, and it appears from the records of September, 1836, that Mr. Coburn was re- instated :
" Daniel Greene and John P. Roberts, who were at a previous meeting of said Trustees appointed a Committee to confer with Mr. Joshua O. Coburn, and agree with him to take the Preceptorship of said Academy, made a verbal report as follows : that said Coburn would take said insti- tution, provided he could be insured the sum of $600.00 per annum.
"Said Trustees, considering the importance of having a good instructor for said Academy, agree to accept of said offer, and the said Joshua O. Coburn is hereby appointed Preceptor of the same, and the said Trustees (present) agree personally to make up the deficiency, if any, in said school, so that the said Coburn shall receive said sum of $600.00 yearly."
Mr. Coburn was the last preceptor under the old admin- istration.
About this time, Mr. Thomas J. Johnson, of East Green- wich, made an effort to buy up the shares of the institution, for the purpose of establishing a school of a higher order than had existed here for some time previous, under the patronage and control of the Methodist society ; but as he was unable to purchase shares enough to possess a controll- ing influence, the project was abandoned and the Academy
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passed into other hands. The new proprietors not meeting with the success they anticipated, in the year 1839 sold the institution to the Rev. Daniel G. Allen, A. M., a graduate of Middleton College.
Mr. Allen in the month of August following repaired the building thoroughly, and commenced a school under the new system of instruction and government in September, with Mr. Joshua Newhall, A. M., as assistant. He com- menced the first term with thirty-five students, and during his management the number of students increased to above ninety. He had a very prosperous school for two years, when he sold the establishment to the Providence Confer- ence of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
We have been informed that Mr. Allen sacrificed much care, labor, and expense over and above the income of the establishment, to secure the permanancy of the school in this place. At the time he commenced his school, it will be remembered that business of all kinds was entirely pros- trated here. However, his resolute will prevailed, and he has witnessed what no one expected when he commenced, the establishment of an institution that is an honor to our village and State.
Soon after the Academy was transferred to the Provi- dence Conference, a new charter was obtained from the Legislature which also holds the charter of the old Kent Academy, and the name of the institution was changed to Providence Conference Seminary. Under the new organ- ization the Rev. Benjamin F. Teft, A. M., was appointed principal, Daniel G. Allen and Joshua Newhall, assistant teachers, and Miss Lavinia Livermore, preceptress. Soon after this Mr. Teft called to his assistance a new set of teachers, a part of whom were never engaged in the school.
The institution, however, prospered, but at the com- mencement of the second year Mr. Teft unexpectedly dis- appeared from the faculty, the office of principal devolving upon a substitute. The Rev. George F. Pool was appointed to fill the vacancy, and under his administration the aca- demic year was concluded with only seven students. Discour- aged at this ruinous prospect the Trustees leased the Seminary to the Rev. Daniel G. Allen, and he again called Mr. Newhall to his assistance. Miss Jemima Brewer was appointed preceptress. At the expiration of the year Mr. Allen gave up the school and the Trustees employed the Rev. George B. Cone, A. M., who commenced the fourth year with prospects of scccess.
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HISTORY OF EAST GREENWICH.
As the number of students increased from term to terin, and it was becoming difficult to procure suitable accommo- dation, it was finally resolved to erect a boarding-house. A building, three stories in height, and of sufficient dimensions to accommodate about one hundred students was erected, with suitable reception and dining-rooms.
Mr. Cone had for assistants, Simon G. Waterhouse, Rev. Samuel C. Brown, Charles Hazard and Edward Harlow. Miss Brewer was appointed preceptress, and afterwards Miss E. A. Adams.
Mr. Cone was succeeded by the Rev. William R. Bagnall, A. M., as principal, and Miss Mary Whitney, preceptress. Mr. Bagnall had charge of the institution one year, and and was succeeded by the Rev. Robert Allyne, A. M., (1853).
Mr. Allyne was the most valuable acquisition the Semin- ary had ever received. During his administration, and mostly through his efforts and perseverance, the present elegant and commodious Students' Hall was erected. It contains, conveniently arranged, principal's office, recep- tion room, reading room, museum, recitation rooms, music rooms, and on the third floor is an elegant chapel, contain- ing one of the largest organs in the State.
As the limits of this work will not permit a further ex- tension of this subject we will bring it to a close, but if this history should reach a second edition, this and several other subjects will be further elaborated, as the material for it is ample.
From the first Catalogue issued in 1840, we give the list of the Faculty and a few general remarks :
" (1840.) TEACHERS.
Rev. DANIEL G. ALLEN, Principal.
J. NEWHALL, A. B., Languages and Mathematics.
Miss LUCY G. ELDRIDGE, Preceptress.
Miss HANNAH C. ELDRIDGE, Drawing and Painting.
Miss ANNA S. BURGE, Teacher of Music."
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KENT ACADEMY.
" GENERAL REMARKS, (1840). The Academy went into operation under the direction of the present teachers, in September last; since which time it has enjoyed an un- expected share of Public Patronage. As the Institution has never possessed the advantages of a Library, Philo- sophical Apparatus and such other means of instruction, it cannot be expected, under its present entirely new organiza- tion, immediately to avail itself of them. Until its means shall enable its friends to procure apparatus, diagrams and familiar illustrations must take the place of experiments, and a wish to retain and increase the patronage the Academy now enjoys, is, it is presumed, a sufficient guaranty that the instruction given to the scholars will be thorough and practical."
The list of the Faculty as taken from the last Catalogue, is as follows :
" (1877.)
FACULTY.
Rev. FRANCIS D. BLAKESLIE, A. M., Principal and Professor of Moral Science and History.
JOSEPH EASTMAN, A. M., Latin and Greek.
ROLAND S. KEYSER, A. M., Natural Science and Mathematics.
JOSEPH HASTINGS, JR., Director of Music.
JOHN W. DERSHIMER, Commercial Department.
SAMUEL R. KELLY, Elocution.
Mrs. MARY F. C. EDIE, Preceptress, English Literature, German and French.
Mrs. AUGUSTA M. BLAKESLIE, A. M., Mental Science and English Branches.
Miss CARRIE F. DAVIS, Vocal Culture.
Miss ADDIE L. MAKINSTER, Drawing and Painting.
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HISTORY OF EAST GREENWICH.
Miss ELLA MINNETTE KENNY, Piano. Miss SARAH E. ARNOLD, Harmony. Mrs. JULIA A. MOSHER, Matron."
The reader will see there is vast difference in the school in 1840, with only five teachers and a few branches of study, to 1877 with its twelve teachers and numerous branches of knowledge.
This institution was the first school of the kind in the State, and has continued to the present time without the interruption of a single year. From its founding to the year 1839 it was conducted as a stock Academy. It then passed for a short time into private hands, but upon the organization of the Providence Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1840, the school became the property of the Conference by purchase.
The design of the school is to furnish the best possible facilities for thorough culture in all departments of academic instruction under religious influences. Although under the control of a single denomination, the religious teaching is non-sectarian, and frequently the majority of the students are from other than Methodist families.
The Academy grounds contain five acres, giving an am- ple play-ground, and a lawn beautifuily laid out and orna- mented with trees and shubbery. Upon these grounds stands the Boarding Hall, the Windsor House-where most of the faculty reside, and the Academy. The Academy building is a tasteful, substantial structure, and is believed to be unsurpassed by any institution of the same grade. It contains ample and commodious recitation rooms, besides parlor, office, library, reading-room, cabinet, and one of the finest seminary chapels in New England. The buildings throughout are warmed with steam and lighted with gas, rendering the premises comparatively safe from fire. The Academy Library contains about three thousand volumes. The cabinet of geological and mineralogical specimens, and the Museum illustrating the history, habits and customs of various nations, embrace about three thousand specimens, and are rarely surpassed in variety and completeness. Members of the school also have access to the excellent
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KENT ACADEMY.
Free Public Library of the town, which is but a few rods from the Academy grounds.
The institution owns a good philosophical and chemical apparatus, a stereopticon, a set of English astronomical slides showing the various real and apparent motions of the heavenly bodies, a French eudiometer, a powerful electric machine, with a twenty-four inch plate, Wightman's gas- ometer, and a fine set of gas bags, to be used with the Drummond light. The institution awards four diplomas- one to each graduate on liberal learning, one to those com- pleting the musical course, one to the commercial graduates, and one to graduates in art.
Arrangements are made with the State military authori- ties by which those students wishing to become familiar with the military drill can have the daily use of arms and the State's armory, located just across the street from the Academy. A proficient officer gives instruction.
The college preparatory course embraces thorough in- struction and drill in the studies required for admission to college. It is designed to prepare students to enter any American college or university. The classical graduating course is as comprehensive and thorough as that of any seminary or female college. Gentlemen, as well as ladies, who may wish to take a systematic academic course, can pursue this to graduation, and receive a diploma. In the scientific department most of the branches are taught which are comprised in the corresponding department of a collegiate course. The courses of instruction in the musi- cal, oratorical and commercial departments are very thorough and exhaustive.
MUSICAL INSTITUTE.
The general supervision of this important department has been committed to Dr. Eben Tourjée, Director of the celebrated New England Conservatory of Music, at Boston, whose high reputation gives satisfactory assurance of its excellence in every respect. It is designed to afford superior advantages for pursuing the study of music, both as a science and an art. An acquaintance with music, to some extent at least, has now become a necessary element of education.
We will close this chapter by giving the names of all the principals who have had the government of the Kent
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HISTORY OF EAST GREENWICH.
Academy, the Providence Conference Seminary, and the Greenwich Academy :
1802-Abner Alden, A. M. 1808.
1808-Joseph L. Tillinghast, A. M. 1811.
1811-Aaron Putnam, A. M. 1812.
1812-Ezekiel Rich, A. M .. 1815.
1815-James Underwood, A. M. 1817.
1817-Rev. Daniel Waldo, A. M., died at the age of 104. 1818.
1818-Benjamin F. Allen, A. M.
1822.
1822-Nathan Whiting, A. M. 1823.
1823-Charles H. Alden, A. M. 1825.
1825-Rev. Ebenezer Coleman, A. M. 1826.
1826-Christopher Robinson, A. M. 1829.
1829-Rev. Henry Edes, A. M 1831.
1831-Penuel Corbett, A. M .. 1832.
1832-Christopher Robinson, A. M. 1833.
1833-George W. Greene, A. M. 1834.
1834-Joseph Harrington, A. M. 1834.
1834-Joshua O. Coburn, A. M .. 1835.
1835-Thomas P. Rodman, A. M. 1836.
1836-Joshua O. Coburn, A. M .. 1838.
1838-Rev. James Richardson, A. M. 1839.
1839-Rev. Daniel G. Allen.
1841.
1841-Rev. Benjamin F. Teft, D. D., LL. D
1842.
1842-Rev. George F. Pool, A. B.
1843.
1843-Rev. Daniel G. Allen. 1844.
1844-George B. Cone, A. M. 1847.
1847-Rev. William Bagnall, A. M. 1848.
1848-Rev. Robert Allyne, D. D. 1854.
1854-Rev. George W. Quereau, D. D 1858.
1858-Rev. Micah J. Talbot, A. M.
1862.
1864-Rev. James T. Edwards, A. M.
1870.
1862-Rev. Bernce D. Ames .
1864.
1871-Rev. David H. Ela, A. M.
1873-Rev. Francis D. Blakeslie, A. M., present Principal.
CHAPTER XVI.
THE REBELLION-LADIES' SOLDIERS' AID SOCIETY.
I AM indebted to Mrs. William N. Sherman, the accom- plished wife of the editor of the Pendulum, for the follow- ing elaborate and interesting history of this Society, which furnished such important and absolutely necessary assist- ance to our soldiers in the field and camp, and afterwards to the destitute "Freed people." Mrs. Sherman was sec- retary of the "Greenwich Ladies' Soldiers' and Freed- men's Aid Societies," and cheerfully gave her time, means and efforts, to sustain these societies as long as they were required.
LOYALTY AND PATRIOTISM OF THE LADIES.
In May, 1861, or soon after the fall of Sumpter, the loy- alty and patriotism of the ladies in East Greenwich was aroused. A meeting was called through The Rhode Island Pendulum, and work commenced for the soldiers. It was considered unnecessary at that time to organize a society as a speedy settlement of the unhappy difficulties which threat- ened our beloved country was anticipated. It was, how- ever, deemed essential that a village treasurer should be appointed. Mrs. William N. Sherman received this appoint- ment, and the contributions for the benefit of the Green- wich soldiers were placed in her hands, It was voted that a subscription paper be circulated with the following heading :
"Several ladies feeling the importance of thoroughly furnishing our volunteers with such articles that are not pro- vided, and which will be needed by them while away from
16
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HISTORY OF EAST GREENWICH.
home, we call upon the patriotic and benevolent to aid them, by contributions in money."
The sum subscribed on this paper was $93.25. A con- cert by amateur performers, conducted by Dr. Eben Tour- jée for the same object was held. Mrs Eben Tourjee and and Miss Anna Henshaw were the leading soloists. One of Chickering's pianos was kindly loaned for the occasion by Daniel H. Greene, M. D. The avails of the concert were $51.68, making the whole sum received by the treasurer $144.93. Although no society was formed, ladies from all the religious denominations cooperated and harmoniously labored for the general cause.
After the terrible battle of Bull Run in July, 1861, which sent such a thrill of agony throughout the nation, the ladies desiring to know especially the condition of the Kentish Guards, commissioned the treasurer to write a letter of inquiry. We copy a portion of Chaplain T. C. Jameson's reply
" CAMP CLARK, July 30th, 1861.
" My Dear Mrs. Sherman :
"Through want of time and great fatigue, it has not been possible for me to answer sooner your kind note. A thou- sand thanks for the interest which you manifest in our brave men who are now suffering so much from the fatigue and excitement of the recent and terrible battle. May God reward both you and your associates a thousand fold. I have consulted freely with the captain of the East Green- wich company and others, and beg leave to suggest that you can aid our men (and soldiers more worthy of aid never carried musket nor drew sword) very much; first, by using your influence to have some ice sent to us as soon as possible. In this hot climate, and in our exhausted and half sick condition this article is really quite indispensable, and unfortunately our supply is entirely exhausted, and we are suffering in consequence. Second, the men are not able to carry writing materials, and a supply of these placed in the hands of the captain for gradual and judicious distri- bution, would be an excellent use of a small portion of the money. Third, I shall like very much to have a small and carefully selected company library, of from fifty to a hun- dred appropriate miscellaneous and moral books, to be placed in the care of responsible officers and loaned at proper times, and for a few days at a time to the men. No more acceptable use than this can be made of a portion of
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LADIES' SOLDIERS' AID SOCIETY.
the money. Fourth, the men are required to purchase for themselves materials for cleaning their guns and other equipments ; in our exposed condition this is a matter of much importance, and involving more expense than most persons are aware of. If you will authorize a small portion of the money for this purpose, it will be of real service, and confer a favor upon us all. With renewed thanks to yourself and the other ladies who are thinking so kindly and generously of us in our isolated and exposed condition,
" I remain, very affectionately and gratefully, yours,
"T. C. JAMESON."
In August a letter containing the following extract was received from one of the officers of Company H, Second Regiment Rhode Island Volunteers, requesting the ladies " to send at once all the money which had been collected for them, as a majority of the men are entirely destitute of money, and are unable to procure the most common neces- saries of life, (some might call them luxuries), such as tobacco, pipes and matches." As only about twenty dollars remained of the money to which reference was made, the ladies decided that the sum to which each member of the company would be entitled would be so small, that its ap- propriation for yarn with which to knit them stockings would be a more permanent good, therefore voted not to accede to the request. The money received had been ap- propriated thus far to the Kentish Guards. Twenty-five dollars were sent to the Rev. T. C. Jameson, chaplain of the regiment, before it left the State, to be used as occa- sion required for the benefit of Company H, Second Regi- ment Rhode Island Volunteers.
Mr. Jameson was desired to consider particularly the necessities of the sick in dispensing the funds entrusted to his keeping, in part payment for the India-rubber overcoats, in the purchase of articles for their pocket-cases, and for ice, especially for this company.
Extracts from another Document :
" CAMP BRIGHTWOOD, October 22d, 1861, 1 COMPANY H, SECOND REGIMENT, R. I. V. S
" To the Treasurer of the East Greenwich Volunteer Association :
" Whereas, It is generally understood that our friends in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, have at various times since
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HISTORY OF EAST GREENWICH.
the commencement of the present unhappy struggle, con- tributed sundry sums of money for our comfort and benefit,
" Therefore, We, the undersigned, non-commissioned officers and privates of Company H, Second Regiment Rhode Island Volunteers, respectfully request the custodian of said sums of money to transmit the same to our com- missioned officers, to be expended for our benefit, as they know our wants better than any one else, and we have the utmost confidence in their integrity."
To this were attached sixty-six names. The ladies in their associated capacity again voted not to acquiesce. Subsequent events proved the wisdom of their decision, as their only desire was to benefit the soldiers.
Extracts from Chaplain T. C. Jameson's Letter in answer to one of Inquiry :
" CAMP BRIGHTWOOD, November 22d, 1861. " Mrs. W. N. Sherman :
" Dear Madam-I thank you for your letter of the 19th, and for the copy of the camp correspondence. I had heard nothing of the affair before, and was not only surprised, but mortified and grieved that you and your associates should have been annoyed by such communications, and that your protracted labors of kindness for us should have met with so thankless a return. For myself, I care but lit- tle. I learned long since that the servants of Jehovah are sent on many a thankless errand, and that they must not turn back on account of the ingratitude and selfishness of wicked men. It is enough for the servant to be as his Lord, and we must consider Him who endured such con- tradiction of sinners against himself, lest we be wearied and faint in our minds. The sentiment-of the strange letter received by your association is strangely prevalent in the army! Intemperance, profanity, the use of tobacco and the unrestrained indulgence of the appetites are looked upon as rather soldierly virtues. By too many the proprieties of life, the rights of private property, good manners, the im- provement of the mind, the Sabbath, and religion itself is ignored. Tobacco, cards and whiskey must be had, and they can be transported, but as for books and worship, and religion, and war and the army, there'is no time and place for them. Among it all there is but one thing for us, and that is to work on patiently as did our Master. Before I
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LADIES' SOLDIERS' AID SOCIETY.
left, you doubtless remember that twenty-five dollars were sent to me by your Society, to be used for books or in any other way which might seem desirable for the good of the company. In such way as I believe to be in strict accord- ance with your wishes, I have expended nearly one-half of that sum, and the rest still remains in my hands. I have repeatedly urged Captain Brown to take and use it as he thought best. This he has declined doing, and at the same time assuring me that he would watch, and when he found any thing to be needed by the men would call for the whole or part, as the case might be. I will still hold it in the same way, or return it to you as you may direct. I am not willing to have any agency in the use of it as is indicated by the letter which you received.
" And now allow me to caution the ladies against regard- ing this ungenerous exhibition as a specimen of the feeling of the whole regiment. On the contrary there are hun- dreds who appreciate, and will ever be grateful for the af- fectionate and constant interest which the ladies of East Greenwich, and the whole of Rhode Island have taken in our welfare. We have been cheered and benefited in every way by the almost numberless acts of kindness re- ceived from our friends at home. The position of chaplain is indeed, as you perceive, one of no ordinary difficulty ; the wisdom of the serpent needs to be united with the harmlessness of the dove in the highest degree. Some have been so annoyed as to be compelled to give up the work in despair ; others are toiling on amidst almost insuperable difficulties. My situation has never been so bad as either of these. By most of the officers and men, I have ever been treated with the greatest respect, and every facility for usefulness guaranteed to me. In the meanwhile, let the ladies not be weary in well-doing, for in due season they will reap if they faint not.
" Very truly, "T. C. JAMESON."
"P. S. If you see Mr. Dodge again, remember me to him most kindly, and be assured that we shall ever regard any favor which the ladies may show to him, or any of our sick and wounded as a great kindness to us all. T. C. J."
At a regular meeting which was held December 6th, 1861, it was proposed by Mrs. Rev. Dr. Crane, that a society be formed, and known as the " Ladies' Soldiers' Aid So-
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HISTORY OF EAST GREENWICH.
ciety." This proposition was seconded by Mrs. Louisa D. Mumford. The meeting was organized for business by the choice of Mrs. Clara A. Ludlow as president, and Mrs. Mumford, secretary. The officers of the Society repre- sented five religious denominations, and were as follows :
President-Mrs. William P. Greene.
Vice-President-Mrs. William G. Bowen.
Corresponding and Recording Secretary-Mrs. William N. Sherman. Treasurer-Miss Sallie G. Allen.
Collector-Mrs. Sheffield Arnold.
It was " Voted, That the object of the Society shall be to furnish the soldiers with useful articles of clothing and sanitary comforts ; " and also Voted, That any lady may become a member by donations in money or work."
The members' names were as follows :
Mrs. Clara A. Ludlow,
Miss Anna Tourtelotte,
Mrs. Louisa D. Mumford,
Mrs. Sarah Eldredge,
Mrs. Rev. Dr. Crane,
Mrs. John C. Harris,
Mrs. Eliza Gardiner,
Mrs. Russel Vaughn,
Mrs. William G. Bowen,
Miss Hattie Cornell,
Mrs. William N. Sherman,
Miss Martha Thompson,
Mrs. William P. Greene,
Miss Addie Hawkins,
Mrs. Sheffield Arnold,
Miss Julia Spencer,
Mrs. Charles W. Greene,
Miss Abbie L. Updike,
Mrs. Nathaniel Sands,
Miss Alice Updike,
Mrs. Joseph Eastman,
Mrs. Enoch W. Lovell,
Miss Mary M. Sherman,
Mrs. Lydia Crandal,
Mrs. Juliet C. Nason, Mrs. Hannah Slocum,
Mrs. Mahala Young,
Miss Emily R. Eldredge,
Miss Mary E. Young,
Miss Lizzie B. Greene,
Mrs. Pardon Wightman,
Mrs. Franklin Greene,
Miss Mary Pierce,
Miss Sallie G. Allen,
Miss Ellen E. Eldridge,
Mrs. Thomas Mathewson,
Mrs. Anne Ames.
Various means were adopted to obtain funds to carry forward the object of the Society. Exhibitions of paint- ings, curiosities, tableaux, fairs and festivals, were brought into requisition. Liberal donations in money and materials for work were gratefully received from ladies and gentle- men who were not connected with the Society. Among this number we would refer to the late Mrs. Silas W. Holmes, whose unobtrusive charities were frequent and liberal, and to Robert H. Ives, Jr., Esq., who was killed at the battle of Antietam, and whose name may well be classed among that list of noble martyrs whose valuable lives were sacrificed for their " country's good."
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