............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................




HI STORY
F
JEFFERSON COLLEGE'
INCLUDING AN ACCOUNT OF THE
EARLY "LOG-CABIN"' SCHOOLS,
AND THE
CANONSBURG ACADEMY:
WITH BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF
tEV. MATTHEW BROWN, D. D., REV, SAMUEL RALSTON,.D.D,
REV. MATTHEW HENDERSON, REV. JAMES RAMSEY, D. D., REV. JOHN H. KENNEDY, AND
RtEV. ABR'Mi ANDERSON, D. D
BY  JO SEPHI   SMITH, D. D,
Author of "OLD REDSTONE."
PI T S B URG H:
PUBLISHED AND PRINTED BY J. T. SIRYOOK,
GAZETTE BUILDING, FIFTH STREET.




Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1857, bh
J. T. SHRIYOCK,
in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the
Western District of Pennsylvania.
STEREOTTPED BY W. S. HAVEN, PITTSBURGH, PA.




CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
INTROD U  T I ON-LOG-ABIN SCHOOLS.                      Page.
Page.
Oharacter of First Western Ministers-When and by whom "Log-Cabin" Schools
begun-Mr. Dodd's School on Ten Mile and in Washington-Mr. Smith's School
at Buffalo-Dr. M'Millan's School at Chartiers..............................................   5
CHAPTER II.
TaE CANONSBURG ACADEMY.
By whom the Academy founded-David Johnston, first teacher-Dr. M'Millan's
position at first-Is "' Log-Cabin" School merged into Academy-Movement of
Synod of Virginia —Redstone Presbytery selected Canonsburg-Interesting
ceremony of opening Academy-Persons engaged in it-First student, Robert
Patterson; sketch of his life and character-Notice in Pittsburgh Gazette-Contributions for Academy-Specimen of their character-Charter in 1794-First
Trustegs-Petition to Legislature in 179 —Teachers, Mr. Johnston, Mr. Samuel
Miller, Mr. Mountain and Mr. Stockton-Action of Presbyteries-Literary Societies-Contests-Secret affiliated Societies...................................................  17
CHAPTER III.
THE ACADEMY BECOMING A COLLEGE.
Trustees and Officers-Another Petition to Legislature-Judclge Edgar —Presbytery
of Redstone-Old Mr. Patterson's account of Academy in 1798-Rules and Regulations-Colonel Canon's death and character-Legislative aid-New Movement to get College Charter-Act of Trustees, about conditions of preaching in
Academy-Members added to the Societies-Change of Constitution in 1798Names of Trustees-Charter of Jefferson College, in 1802-Why called after Mr.
Jefferson-Good reasons for the name-New Trustees-NTew rules-Mr. Watson,
first President; his death and character-M-r. Duezlap elected President; his
character...................................................................................................  45
CHAPTER IV.'IIISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE FROM  1804.
Graduates of 1804-Ross' Latin Graammar-Account of Ross —Boo7-case for the
Societies; reminiscences about it-Graduates of 1805 and 1806-Presbyterian
and Associate Presbyteries successfully appealed to for aid-Gen. Hamilton's
success at Congress-Injunction of the Board upon Drs. M'Millan and DunlapGraduates of 1808-First communication from Board of Washington College;
result-Dr. Ralston chosen President of Board-Dr. Murdock's report about
conference with Washington Committee-Graduates of 1809-State of Finances
-Death and character of Judge M~'Dowell-Trustees' rule for order of procession
at commencement-Description of an " Erxhibtion," or College Commencement,
in   "old  times.".....................................................................................   69




iv                                  CONTENTS.
CHAPTER V.
NEW  PlRESIDENTS AND  "COLLEGE  WAR."                           Page.
Dr. Dunlap and the Board-Graduates of 1810-Dr. Dunlap resigns-Graduates
of 1811 and 1812-Dr. Wgt/ie elected Principal-About Ezekiel Hannah's willGraduates of 1813, 1814 and 1815-New negotiations with the Board of Washington College-Various conferenees-Final failure in attempt to unite the colleges-Much sharp shooting, on both sides, but none killed, and few woundedReflections on the whole case —Rev. R. Johnston, a trustee for seventeen yearsSketch of his life-Dr. Wylie resigns-Dr. Wli. M'fillan succeeds him-Dr.
Matthew Drown-Remarkable circumstances connected with his election........... 85
CHAPTER VI.
DR. M. BROWN'S PRESIDENCY.
A new era in the state and prospects of Jefferson College-Dr. Brown's extraordinary character and qualifications-Connection of Jefferson College with Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia-Jacob Oreen, Esq.-Literary Societies in
difficulties-Theological Seminary of the Associate Presbyterian Church established at Canonsburg.-New  College buildirg in 1829-32-Crisis in the life of
Dr. M'Millan; Death of his old friends, Prof. Miller and C. Ritchie, Esq.; their
lives and character-Agricultural labor provided for students by a College farm;
its ultimate failure; reflections about it-Recent movement by Synod of Pittsburgh for Ecclesicastical supervision-Its failure; reasons-Aids to be sought in
investigating that whole subject-General conclusion of the whole history,...... 111
CHAPTER VII.
SOME ACCOUNT OF THE  LITERARY SOCIETIES OF JEFFPPERSON  COLLEGE.
History of Philo Literary Society...................................................................  139
History of Franklin Literary Society....................1................................... 154
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Biographical sketch of the late Rev. MATTHEW BROWN, D. D............................... 180
Biographical sketch of the Rev. SA mUEL RALSTON, D. D.................................... 192
Biographical sketch of the Rev. MATTHEW HENDERSON.......................................   234
Biographical sketch of the Rev. JAMES RAMSEY, D. D....................................... 252
Biographical sketch of the Rev. ABRAHAMi ANDERSON, D. D................................. 283
Memoir of the late Rev. JOHNm  H. KENNEDY, A. M............................................   353
APPENDIX.
The origin of Jefferson College........................................................................  373
Dr. M'Millan's Manuscript...........................................41..............................   413
Importance of Colleges and of Classical Education-Early history of Collegiate
Institutions..............................................................................................  418




iISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
CHAPTER IL
INTRODUCTION —— LOG-CABIN SCHOOLS.
Character of First Western Ministers-When and by whom "Log Cabin"
Schools begun-Mr. Dod's School on Ten-mile and in Washington-Mr.
Smith's School at Buffalo-Dr. M'Millan's School at Chartiers.
THE early history of most nations, ancient or modern, is
obscured and deformed by incredible traditions and monstrous
legends. The laborious researches of Niebuhr, Arnold, and
others, have contributed much to separate the precious from
the vile, and to ascertain, with some precision, where true
history begins. The American people -have this great advantage, in regard to the story of their rise and progress, that no
fabulous period belongs to the outset of their history. This
is especially true in respect to that portion of them who first
sought homes and formed settlements in the eastern part of
the Valley of the Mississippi.  Though much obscurity rests
upon the unimportant details of the first years of trial and
sorrow, through which those who succeeded the hunters, trappers and Indians traders of Western Pennsylvania, were compelled to pass, the prominent features of the men of those
times, and of the measures they pursued for elevating their
physical, intellectual and  moral condition, are now  well
ascertained, and rest on no uncertain tradition.  The ScotchIrish emigrants, who began to pour out on the Western
frontier, a little before the last quarter of the 18th century,
(5)




6           HISTORY O0 JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
and to form settlements through Western Pennsylvania and
Virginia, were a remarkable race. They brought with them
a deeply cherished love for the hEouse of God and the School
obuse. The ministers of the gospel of the Presbyterian
Church, and of the Associate, or Secession body, were well
educated men, most of them graduates of the college of New
Jersey; and devoted their untiring efforts to organize and
build up churches in the new settlements. They also co-operated with their people in organizing schools; and in most
cases took them  under their own care, becoming teachers
themselves, or providing adequate instructors. This may
have been, possibly, in some instances, with a view, in part,
to eke out a scanty support. But we have no doubt that
this part of their labors, was in a measure forced upon them.
Their poor people, living in log-cabins, and surrounded by
constant harassings and perils from their savage foes, and
doomed to very exhausting toils, in order to support their
growing families, threw this responsible work on the hands
of their ministers. Yet they, without exception, were compelled to work too, and to work hard, on their little patches
of cleared land. There was not one of them, who did not
become familiar with the axe and the maul, the plow and
the hoe.  Almost coeval with the period of their settlement
west of the mountains, these ministers got up schools near
their dwellings. As such dwellings would be generally as
near the centre of their congregations as practicable, this
location of the school houses would be most convenient to
their people. Such a school was probably first established
by Dr. M'Millan, near his own house, about two miles east
of the present location  of Canonsburg.   Another was
formed by the Rev. Thaddeus Dod, who settled on Ten-mile,
in the southern part of Washington county, in the fall of
1779.  Mr. Dod's school was begun as early as 1782 or
1783, —as we shall presently see.  That Dr. M'Millan's
school, in its earliest form, preceded Mr. Dod's, seems highly




INTRODUCTION-LOG CABIN SCHOOLS.                     7
probable, both fronm general tradition,* and from his language
in a letter to Dr. Carnahan, dated March 26th, 1832, which
we shall presently quote.  This remarkable man, whose whole
subsequent life was intimately associated with the cause of
education, and with the history of Jefferson College, came
out and settled in Western Pennsylvania, in November, 1778,
though his first visit and labors as a minister of the gospel
in the West, date back to 1775. This school, under the immediate care of Dr..I'Millan, seems to have been for the first few
years, simply the English school of the neighborhood, with
occasionally some Latin  scholars.  About the  time of its
organization, or soon after, the services of James Ross, Esq.,
were secured, who  taught the general branches of English
education, boarded with Dr. M'Millan, and pursued or completed his own classical studies, under the tuition of the
Doctor, in compensation for his services in the school.  This
statement, we are aware, disturbs a current tradition, but is
supported by the testimony of a letter of Dr. Carnahan,
Ex-President of Princeton College, now before us.t
That Dr. M'Millan had in view the ultimate development
of this school into the more distinctive form of a Latin school
for young men having the gospel ministry in view, there is
no reason to doubt.  But that it possessed this form  from:"That Dr. M'Millan had a school at his own house, soon after he went
to Western Pennsylvania is s6ndozbtedly trute. This corresponds with the
tradition I heard."-Letter front Dr. Carnahan.
t We give the following extract from a letter of the Rev. Dr. James
Carnahan, to the Rev. Dr. Charles Hodge-dated, "Princeton, N. J.,
May 13th, 1851. "  " The tradition I heard was, that Ross taught the
[English school; and that Dr. M'Millan taught him  Latin, Greek, and
Mathematics. Mr. Ross was undoubtedly a man of uncommon talents,
an able lawyer, and of high standing as a Senator of the United States.
But I never heard him  spoken of as a distinguished Latin and Greek
scholar. Judge Addison andl Judge Brackenridge, of Pittsburgh, were always
spoken of as first rate olassical scholars. But this was not the reputation of
m    o'. Rloss."




8               HISTORY  OF JEFFERSON  COLLEGE.
the beginning, seems highly improbable.  The harassed and
troubled state of the country, for the first four or five years
after the Doctor's settlement at Chartiers, renders it very
unlikely that materials could be found for getting up this
department at his school.  But we have stated at large, in
Old  Redstone," our reasons for questioning the accuracy
of the tradition which has assigned to him the honor of opening  the first Latin  school in  the West, the substance of
which may be seen in the note below. *
But though we question the early date of Dr. M13{illan's
school as a Lacti  school, it seems almost certain  to us that
he made the first movement in the cause of education. And
again, his school became  what the  Doctor had, perhaps,
always contemplated from the beginning-a classical school;
and it was the sole classical school, west of the Mlonongahela
river, for young men preparing for the gospel ministry, after
others of a similar character were discontinued.  This school
was the immediate predecessor of the Academy at Canonsburg, which  was founded  in  1791.   But the manner in
which the one preceded the other, and was merged into it,
we shall see hereafter.   In  the meantime, soon after D)r.
M'Millan's school commenced, in its primal form, Mr. Dod
opened his school at Ten-mile.  His son has recently given,
-' The records of the Presbytery of IRedstone show that there were no
licentiates under their care, who had receiv-ed their previous scholastic or
theological training from Dr. M'Millan, till after 1785. Their first candidates, Messrs. HL/ghes, Brice, Patterson aCld Porter, were first under the
instruction of Messrs. Dod and Smith, fiom 1783 to 1786. Dr. M'Millan
enumerates them among the first who were trained and brought into the
ministry in the West.  Io mentions none before them. The Rev. Joseph
Patterson, who studied, with a few others, under the direction of the Rev.
Joseph Smith, at Buffalo, in 1785, was afterweards, along with some of these,
at Dr. M'Mfillan's school; and the Doctor, in his letter so Dr. Carnahan,
writing of his first movement to prepare young men for the ministry, mentions these persons as forming the materials of his first Latin school. There
are some other facts stated in " Old Redstone," pages 77 and 78, serving to
confirm the view then taken.




INTRODUCTION-LOG CABIN SCHOOLS.             9
in the Presbyterian Magcazine (for September, 1854), an interesting statement, which, though somewhat extended, will be
read with interest. The following is the Rev. lDr. Cephas
Dodd's account of his father's efforts. in the cause of education:-"1 He (the Rev. Thaddeus Dod*) felt the importance of
a better common school education, and, in order to promote
it, visited the schools, and counseled the teachers as to the
best manner of performing their duties.  For the special purpose of educating young men for the gospel ministry, he had
a building erected within a few steps of his own dwelling, in
which he opened a classical and mathematical school, in the
spring of 1782.  The students present at that time were
Messrs. James Hughes, John Brice, Daniel Lindley, Robert
Marshall and Francis Dunlavy.  These were all young men,
and avowedly pursuing a course of education, preparatory to
the ministry, excepting Mr. Dunlavy, whose intention is not
certainly known.  He was a young man of superior talent, of
amiable disposition, took an active part in social worship, and,
it is thought, Mr. Dod and others felt some disappointment
when he took a different course.  lIe was afterwards a Judge
in the State of Ohio. Daniel Lindley, in consequence of the
failure of his health, was compelled to relinquish his undertaking. John Hanna, also having the ministry in view, came
probably in 1783. The Rev. David Smith, young at that
time, was also one of the students.  Whether he came with
the first, or at a later date, is not recollected.  With what
view his father sent him, we may easily imagine; and his
hope was not disappointed.  Another young lad, son of Col.
James Marshal, entered the school about 1783. The Rev.
Jacob Lindley, D. D., the early friend and companion of the
writer, (and to whom he is indebted for much aid in calling
to recollection and establishing these particulars), was also
an inmate of the family, and though but from eight to ten
~* The Rev. T. Dod and Rev. C. Dodd. The son added a d to his name.




10          HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
or eleven years of age, was reading Latin, and we are assured
that his father placed him there with the hope that he might,
in due time, be prepared by divine grace to take part in the
work of the ministry.  It may also be noted that some
three or four men were taught surveying.  There is no
reason to think that for any other purpose than that of educating men for the ministry, the building would ever havre
been erected, or the school opened. After having been in
operation three years and a half, it was closed in the fall of
1785, either because Mr. D. had sold the farm on which he
lived, and was about removing from it, or for other reasons.
Doubtless after boarding such a number in the family, with
the few conveniences of house-room, &c., they enjoyed, both
he and Mrs. Dod needed a little rest.  Here, then, on an
exposed frontier, we find the first classical school in the
West, and might claim for Mr. Dod the precedence in efforts
to promote the cause of education for the ministry. Such
claim, however, we do not make, though the above facts
show that it cannot belong to any other. It is true that.
Mr. D. took upon him the labor of teaching, years before it
was entered upen by any of his brethren; but it was not his
own  private  enterprise.   He, with  Messrs. Smith  and
M'Millan, felt deeply the need, both present and prospective,
of a faithful and able ministry to supply the wants of our
Western Zion.  The harvest was great, and the laborers were
few. When they met, it was often the subject of their conversation, and instead of waiting for ministers to come from
abroad, they wisely resolved to endeavor to raise them up in
their midst.  Who can say which of them first proposed or
acted on this plan?  They sought for young men of piety
and talents who would be willing to devote themselves to the
work, and undertook to prepare them by a thorough education.  One was found at Ten-mile, two at Buffalo, and some
in other places; and Mr. Dod was first employed in teaching
for reasons which it is not for us to assign. Each of the




INTRODUOT-ION-LOG OABIN SCHOOLS.           11
above named ministers were employed more or less in teaching at his own house, but finding it inconvenient and interfering too much with their pastoral duties, their next movement was the getting up an Academy at Washington, for
which a charter was granted September 24th, 1787, with a
donation of five thousand acres of land. Without entering into
any detail of argument to show that the aforesaid ministers
were first to move in this matter, it may'be sufficient to
call attention to the names of the Trustees. They were the
Rev. Messrs. John M'Millan, Joseph Smith, Thaddeus Dod,
John Clark, Matthew Henderson, (of the Associate Presbytery,) and John Corbly, (Baptist.)  Here were five Presbyterian ministers, being all who were west of the Monongahela
river, and with them, seven or eight elders of Cross Creek
Buffalo, Chartiers, &e.; and one of them in an extreme part
of what was then Washington, but now Green county. The
other trustees were, with a few exceptions, in connection with
the Presbyterian church. Two of them, (Judges Allison and
M'Dowell,) who were elders of Chartiers, were at that time
in the Legislature, and aided in obtaining the charter. The
land appropriated by the State, lying north of the Ohio,
would, of course, be unproductive for a long time. Nevertheless, the trustees resolved to go forward. After some unsuccessful attempts to obtain a Principal, Mr. Dod was urgently
solicited to take the place. He was unwilling to leave his
people, but, after some conference on the subject, informed
them, that, provided the appointment were made but for one
year, he might, for the sake of getting the institution into
operation, think it his duty to accept; but, if for a longer
term, he should reject it at once.  The appointment was
made accordingly, and after consulting his people, he signified
his acceptance, and at the same time resigned the office of
trustee.  There being no available funds wherewith to erect
a building, the upper rooms of the Court IHouse were hired for
the purpose, and the Institution went into operation, 1st of




12          HISTORY OF JEFPERSON COLLEGE.
April, 1789.  There were about twenty or thirty students,
of whom five afterwards entered the ministry.   While in
Washington, Mr. Dod preached there one-third of his time
and divided the remainder between the two places at Ten-mile.
At the expiration of the time for which he had engaged, he
was prevailed on to continue three months longer.  Mr.
Johnston, who had been teaching in the English department,
was appointed his successor.  Some time in the next winter
the Court House was burned; and there was no suitable
building to be had in town.  The Rev. Messrs. M'Miillan
and Henderson went together to Washington, and requested
J. Hoge, Esq., who was the proprietor, and also trustee, to
make a donation of a lot on which to erect a building.  Discouraged by his refusal, they went and asked the same of
Col. Canon, of Canonsburg, who not only gave the ground,
but otherwise contributed liberally to the cause.  An Academy was erected at Canonsburg.  Mr. Johnston was made
its principal; and Washington Academy suspended operations
for a number of years. Dr. M'Millan was one of the principal
agents in getting up the Academy at Washington, was one of
a committee to solicit subscriptions for its support, and continLed his patronage till, by the circumstance above related,
he was induced to abandon it; after which he became the
most efficient supporter of the institution at Canonsburg,
He does not seem, however, to have considered the latter as
growing out of his Latin school, for we find he wrote to Dr,,
Carnahan: a"I had still a few with nme when the Academy
was opened at Canonsburg, and finding that I could not
teach and do justice to my congregation, I immediately gave
it up and sent them there."  Such was the origin of the two
literary Institutions in Western Pennsylvania.
The R1ev. Joseph Smith, of Buffalo, Washington county,
who came out to the West in the year 1780, early distinguished himself by his efforts to aid in preparing young men
for the ministry.  The following statement, given to the




INTRODUCTION-LOG CABIN SCHIOOLS.           13
public, some years ago, in "cOld Redstone," may not improperly be again introduced in this place, though we have
cheerfully modified it, with the desire of bringing it into
harmony with the foregoing account of Mr. Dod's school.
Mr. Smith was anxious from the first, after he settled in the
West, to look out for, and aid in preparing young men to
preach the gospel.  He was among the first who moved in
this matter.  The first school that was opened exclusively
with a view to the training of young men for the sacred
office, is believed to have been begun by Mr. Smith, at Upper
Buffalo, as early, at least, as 1785. The Rev. Joseph Patterson says, in a note, on a small package of letters, written
principally to his wife, found among his papers after his
death: "In the fall of 1785, being thirty-three years old, it
was thought best, with the advice of the Presbytery of Redstone, that I should endeavor to prepare for the gospel
ministry. There being no places of public education in this
country, I, with a few others, studied with the Rev. Joseph
Smith, of Buffalo congregation, Washington county, Pa.,
being partially absent from my family," &c.
The subject of opening such a school had pressed heavily
on Mr. Smith's mind for some time. There was one difficulty
in his way; he had no suitable house. But he had recently
erected a house adjoining his dwelling house, to serve as a
kitchen and outhouse. If his wife would be willing to surrender that, for a while, and fall back on their former
hampered domestic system, it could be done. He stated the
case to her.  She cordially acquiesced in the plan, and
warmly seconded his views. Almost immediately this Latin
school was begun.  Messrs. M'GOready, Porter and Patterson
began their course. Soon after, James Hughes and John
Brice, who had already been with Mr. Dod, joined them.
This school for the languages and sciences was continued
some time; and then, by some mutual arrangement, was
transferred and surrendered to the care of Dr. M'Millan, near




14          HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
Canonsburg.  This we regard  as the  period when Dr.
M'Millan's school took its more distinctive form as a Latin
school; or rather, perhaps, was enlarged, so as to include a
course of classical and scientific studies, as its more prominent feature.  This view  of the case harmonizes with Dr.
M'Millan's statement to Dr. Carnahan, given in a previous
note, and with a passage in a manuscript in his own handwriting, where, speaking of the origin of his ministerial
school, and not of the school in its previous state, he says:
"Accordingly, I collected a few who gave evidence of piety,
and instructed them in the knowledge of Latin, Greek, &c.,
viz: James Hughes, John Brice, James M'Gready, Samuel
Porter, &c." These were a part of the materials with which
he says his school began, and he mentions none that preceded
them. Indeed this list corresponds with what he mentions
about the second set of ministers in the West, and with the
records of the Redstone Presbytery, that gave no account of
any earlier licentiates. Now as all the persons that are here
mentioned were either with Mr. Dod, or Mr. Smith, before
they were under the instructions of Dr. M'Millan, it is thus
ascertained that though Dr. M'Millan's school may have been
first organized, as we believe it was, it did not assume the
more distinctive form of a Latin school for training candidates for the ministry, until his colleagues had been for some
time giving instructions with that view, and perhaps until
they both ceased to teach their schools. The statement given
to us, some years ago, by Mrs. Irwin, an aged, but very
intelligent lady, then residing in Marysville, Ohio, since
deceased, respecting Mr. Smith and his school, is too remarkable to be omitted here, though already published in ";Old
Redstone," p. 77.  It is in substance, as follows-(and her
pastor, the Rev. Mr. Smith, testified that it has been her
unvaried statement for many years, and he has no doubt of
her memory being perfectly good in this case,)-"That she
was between twelve and fifteen years of age, living near Ir.




INTRODUCTION-LOG CABIN SCHOOLS.             15:Smith's, one of his spiritual children, took a great interest at
the time in what Mr. Smith did in this matter, and all her
life after familiarly remembered the following facts: that in
1785, ]Mr. Smith opened a small school, for assisting and
training young men for the gospel ministry; that Messrs.
13'Gready, Brice, Porter and Patterson began their course
with him9, iMr. James Hughes soon after joining them; that
Mr. M'Gready came from Dr. M'Millan's, with whom he had
been living, not as a student, but as a laborer on his farm;
that five congregations, through the ladies, united in furnishing these students, (with the exception of Mr. M'Gready,)
with clothing, viz: Buffalo, Cross Creek, Chartiers, Bethel
and Ten-mile; that they made up summer and winter
clothing, for several of these young men (coloring linen for
summer wear, in a dye, made of new-mown hay, and sending
woolen cloth, by merchants, east of the mountains, to be
fidlded and dressed, and brought back with them  on their
return,) that this was the first movement made for preparing
young men for the ministry; that there was no such school,
at this time, at Chartiers, nor until after the one at Buffalo
was discontinued; that Mrs. M'Millan and the Chartiers
ladies took their share in this effort to sustain this school at
Buffalo, IMr. M'Gready coming from Dr. M'Millan's to the
school."  This is very explicit testimony.  If it conflicts
with the account given of Mr. Dod's school, it may easily be
supposed that she was not awar e of what Mr. Dod had done,
as his place of residence lay at some distance from Buffalo.
It may be thought, indeed, that Mr. Smith's school was
rather a divinity hcal; but the period at which the several
persons M[rs. Irwin mentions, were licensed to preach the
gospel —which was some years after-much  longer than
students for the ministry, in those days, studied theologyshows conclusively that preparatory studies were embraced in
Mir. Smith's school.  The interesting fact, brought to light
by Mirs. Irwin's narrative, of the efforts of the ladies in those
days, to assist in the cause of education, is a striking feature




16           HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
of those early times.  WVe are here reminded of the testimony
borne by the Rev. Robert Patterson, in his letter to Dr.
Brown, (to be hereafter referred to,) to the generous piety of
the wives of the Rev. Messrs. Smith and M'Mlillan.  "It
should be here stated,' says Mr. Patterson, "that for want of
suitable places elsewhere, the students generally lodged in
the minister's family, without profit and sometimes at considerable expense to the household.  In this service and toil,
the wives of these two godly ministers heartily concurred. I
knew them well; and they were both eminently mothers in
Israel."
We cannot learn that either the Rev. Matthew ienzderson,
or the Rev. Johtn Clark, of Lebanon and Bethel churches,
had any personal charge of a school. They doubtless lent
their special attention in promoting good schools in their
congregations.  But no other schools than those of which we
have now given some account, existed at that early period, in
Washington county.  We speak, of course, of those above the
grade of common English schools.  Having now related the
first efforts made in the cause of education west of the mountains, we have cleared our way to an entrance upon the
history of the first school at Canonsburg.
NOTE.-A very able and elaborate paper, furnished to us by Prof. Robert
Patterson, of Oakland College, Miss., in which the claims of Dr. M'Millan's
"Log Cabin" school to priority as a Latin sc7wool are defended, will be
found in the Appendix.




CHAPTER II.
TH-E CANONSBURG ACADEMY.
By whom the Academy founded-DIavid Johnston, first teacher-Dr. M'Millan's position at first-His "Log-cabin" school merged into AcademyMovement of Synod of Virginia-Redstone Presbytery selected Canonsburg-Interesting ceremony of opening Academy-Persons engaged in it
-First student, I. Patterson; sketch of his life and character-Notice in
Pittsburgh Gaz.ette-Contributions for Academy-Specimen of their character-Charter in 1794-First Trustees-Petition to Logislature in 1796
-Teachers, Mr. Johnston, Mr. Sanuoel Millar, Mr. Mountain and Mr.
Stockton-Action of Presbyteries-Literary Societies-Contests-Secret
affiliated Socioties.
The precise date of the first movement towards the formation of a school at Canonsburg, above the grade of a common
English school, cannot be ascertained.  There were living in;rtl  near what afterwards became the village of Canonsburg,
several respectable, public-spirited gentlemen, such as Col.,fohn caglon, (on whose land the town was laid out and thence
took its name,) Ju~dge James Allison, Judge John M1'Dowell,
Alexander Cook, Esq., Iessrs. Jamnes Foster, Thomas Brecker,
Robert Ralston, and others; who, perhaps, some time before
1789, held frequent conferences about getting  up such  a
school.  These gentlemen were then generally living in log
cabins, and wore hunting shirts.  Some of these conferences
were very possibly held  at log-rollings, house-raisings, or
corn-huskings.  The country was still comparatively a wilderness.  William Darby, Esq., whose memory was remarkably tenacious as to dates, has stated in a letter which he
wrote in 1850, that "through 1789 and 1790 the Academy
2*




18          HISTORY OF JEPFERSON COLLEGE,
was in operation."  Through both these years the Indians
were still giving much annoyance to the western settlements
of Washington county.  And these troubles reached their
greatest height during the following year. But this future
home of science and literature was even then begun. It was,
of course, in its most embryo state. It is ascertained that
during 1791, that eventful year of trial and sorrow in Western Pennsylvania, the services of Mr. David Johnston, who
had, during a part of that and of the previous year, taught at
Washington, were secured.  At this time Dr. M'Millan's
school, in the celebrated Log-cabin, near his own house, two
miles from Canonsburg, was still in operation. This school
was continued for some time after the Canonsburg school was
set on foot, under the patronage of some, if not all, of the
persons named above. Dr. MI'Millan was, up to this time, and
for a year or two before, interested in behalf of the Academy
at Washington, of which he was a trustee, along with Rev.
Messrs. Henderson, Joseph Smith, and others; and was
therefore committed to its interests.  But he and others soon
became discouraged in that enterprise. In an important paper
found on the Records of the Trustees of Jefferson College,
dated December 29, 1817, in the Doctor's own handwriting,
it is stated as follows: " In the year 1787, the Legislature of
this State granted a donation of lands, for the purpose of
erecting and supporting an Academy in the town of Washington.  The Rev. Messrs. Matthew  Henderson, Joseph
Smith, John M'Millan, and others, used their influence and
best endeavors to get this Academy into operation, for the
purpose of promoting literature among the inhabitants of the
Western counties in general; and also, with the fond hope
that the loud calls and repeated demands for preachers of the
of the gospel might be supplied from that institution.  But
so indifferent were the inhabitants of that town to the interests
of literature in general, and to the demands of the church in
particular, that, notwithstanding the State donation, an Acad



THE CANONSBURG ACADEMY.                19
emy could not be supported. The Rev. Mr. Dod, and after
him Mr. David Johnston, made the attempt, by engaging as
teachers; but were forced to give up the benevolent design,
through the indifference and inattention of a majority of the
trustees.  When the hopes of Mr. M'Millan were blasted by
the indifference and inattention of the trustees of the Academy
at Washington, he turned his attention to Canonsburg, as a
place of greater hope and more suited to his views. He solice
ited donations from private individuals for erecting an Academy at that place, and succeeded. The Legislature granted
a charter in 1794. A house was built; and a Latin and
Greek school, which he had kept at his own house for the
purpose of supplying the churches, as far as practicable, was
translated to this infant Academy."  We have given this
extract, not to endorse some of the rather severe and caustic
reflections on the trustees and people at Washington, but as a
historical testimony, as to the period when Dr. M'Millan's
school coalesced with and was merged into the school at
Canonsburg.  That this latter school had a prior existence, in
some humbler form, and was not merely an out-growth from
the Log-cabin school, is proved, first, from  Mr. Darby's
statement, ("Old Redstone," page 193.)  "I often passed
there on week-days. Though the Academy was then established in Canonsburg, the school (at Dr. MI'Millan's,) was
still in operation, but when discontinued I cannot state.'
Secondly, from Dr. M'Millan's own language, in an original
manuscript of the Doctor's in our possession: "I had still
a few with me when the Academy was opened; but, finding
that I could not teach and do justice to my congregation, I
immediately gave it up and sent them there." Thirdly, from
the Rev. IR. Patterson's statement this is also inferred.  In a
letter to the Rev. Dr. MI. Brown, dated October 1, 1846, he
states that a conference of ministers and citizens took place in
July, 1791, to determine the locality of an institution on a
more enlarged scale, commensurate with the growing demands




20             HISTORY  OP JEFFERSON  COLLEGE.
of the church and the country.  The two points respectively
advocated by Dr. M'FMillan  and Col. Canon, were the Logcabin, near Dr. M'Millan's, and the town  of Canonsburg.
Into which of the already existing schools should the other
coalesce and be merged, with a view  to a larger academy,
was the question.  It was decided in favor of Canonsburg;
and the two schools were very soon, thus united. This is our
view of the whole case. And the above stated facts and testimony are adduced in its support.*
-; It will be seen in the progress of our account, that, according to the
Rev. R. Patterson's recollections, Professor Miller was then teaching and
conducting this original school and that l1~r. David Johnston, about the
middle of the sumlame  was also engaged, not to supersede, as we suppose,
Professor Miller, who taught the English branches and the mathematics, but
to teach the classical department.  Our view of the whole matter is, that
there was, fi.st, Mr. Miller's school, sustained by the gentlemen in and
around Canonsburg-then this school, enlarged by the employment of Mr.
Johnston, still, in fact, under the direction and control of these gentlemen.
Messrs. M'Millan, IeInclerson, and Smith, at this time, when the school was
enlarged, heartily co-operated with them in this movement, not officially as
trustees, nor as members of the'Academy and Library Company," which
was the lname they gave themselves about this time. Perhaps the relations
of these three ministers to the Washington Academy were still such as to
render a formal relation to the " Company" improper; perhaps they regarded
the whole enterprise as much better to be left in tile hands of those gentleman, and more likely to succeed in finding favor with the Legislature of the
State.  Put they lent their hearty agency in enlarging the foundations of
the school, aLnd starting it on its new career. Dr. M'Millan may, at this time,
have fully mcade up his mind that it should supersede and take the place of
the "Log-cabin" school. And so it might have been understood by all
parties concerned. But we think that in the strict history of the case, there
was here, soon after, a coalescence between the Institution already begun
at Canonsburg, and now further enlarged, and the " Log-cabin " schoolrather than as has often been asserted, that "the Canonsburg Academy grew
out of the Log-cabin," and was simply an enlargement of it. That the
merging of the "'Log-cabin" school into the Canonsburg Academy, and the
active co-operation of Dr. M'Mlillan and of the Presbyteries and churches,
gave life and vigor to the Academy, cannot be doubted: and this will be
made apparent in the progress of this history. Though there was no formal
recognition of the facts above stated on the part of the "Academy and




THE CANONSBURIt   ACADEMYo                     21
Another important event about this time occurred. The
Synod of Virginia, October lst, 1791, took measures to get
up two institutions, one in the bounds of the Presbytery of
Lexington, Virginia, and the other in the bounds of the
P1resbytery of Redstone, (then including all Western Pennsylvania and Virginia,) for the purpose, especially, of aiding
poor and pious young men in their preparation for the gospel
ministry.  For a full account of this matter, the reader is
referred to the note below.*   The latter institution was placed
under the immediate care of the Presbytery  of Redstone.
And Dr. MIM'illan was appointed by the Synod to take the
Library Company," or their trustees, we have no doubt they well knew the
Academy would have speedily gone down but for these main elements of its
life. Why there was not a greater prominence given to these features of
the case, it may now be difficult to say.  Perhaps, as we have already
intimated, it may have been thought wiser and more prudent. With such
men as Col. Canon, Judge M'Dowell, Judge Allison, and others, some of
them ruling elders; Messrs. Henderson, M'Millan and Smith, may have
rightly thought the whole enterprise, in this way, would be perfectly safe
and would succeed better.; The Synod of Virginia, at their session in Winchester, October 1, 1791,
appointed a committee, of which the PRev. Jose ph Smith was chairman, to form
a plan for promoting the education of persons for the ministry of the gospel,
and to bring in an overture on the subject. Upon the report of this committee, the Synod having considered the same, and made such amendments and
additions as were judged necessary, agreed to it-as follows: "As the supplying of, churches with a pious and well qualified ministry is of acknowledged importance-overtured —lst. That the Synod of Virginia undertake
the patronage of a seminary of learning for the purpose of educating young
men for the gospel ministry. 2d. That they devise means for supporting or
assisting young men of piety and genius in procuring an education, who may'
not be possessed of sufficient property for the purpose. The' Synod highly
approve of the proposition contained in the overture, as they are well convinced of the necessity of extending the opportunities of acquiring knowledge,
and especially the knowledge of the doctrines of religion, to all who intend
to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world.' Taking this measure
therefore into serious consideration, the Synod recommend that there be two
general institutions for learning conducted under the patronage of this body;
one to be established in Rockbridge county, Vhirginia, under the care of the
Reov. William Graham, as the president; the other in Washington county,




22            HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
management and direction of it.  The Redstone Presbytery,
a few weeks after the action of the Synod of Virginia, (October 18, 1791,) having met at Pigeon Creek, approved of the
recommendation of their Synod, and appointed Dr. M'MIillan
their treasurer, and "ordered their members to use their best
endeavors to obtain contributions for the purpose and put
Pennsylvania, under the care of the Rev. John M'Millan. The principles
upon which these institutions are to be conducted are as follows:
" 1st. The learned languages and usual circle of sciences shall be taught in
them, to as many as shall be sent there for instruction.
" 2d. During the course of academical education, and from the first initiation
of the students into the seminaries, a course of religious instruction shall
also be entered upon, and continually adhered to during their residence
there, according to the principles of our church. Books of a practical and
doctrinal nature shall be put into their hands at once. Catechetical lectures
shall be established and examinations entered into, upon their progress in
this kind of knowledge, from time to time. The attention to these studies
shall be kept up during the whole of their academical course, and suited to
the capacities and progress of the youth.
"' 3d. The Presbyteries of Lexington and Hanover shall be the trustees of
the seminary in Rockbridge, to cherish it by their influence, and pointedly
to attend the examinations of the students, either in a collective capacity, or
by committees from their respective bodies, duly appointed. The Presbytery of Redstone shall, in like manner, superintend the seminary in Washington county.
" 4th. In one or other of these institutions, it is the advice of the Synod,
that all the youth within our bounds who intend to engage in the ministry of
the gospel, shall be instructed.
"5th. As there are a number of pious youth in our country who might be
servicable in preaching the gospel, but, through want of sufficient ability,
are unable to obtain an education; it is the intention and desire of Synod
that the ministers in their respective Presbyteries shall seek out such, and
that they, being examined and approved by the Presbytery, shall be placed
in the respective seminaries, at the expense of the Presbytery who shall
approve them.
" 6th. In order to obtain the proper supplies for such indigent students, the
Presbyteries are exhorted to use their influence, in their respective bounds,
with the pious and benevolent, to make annual contributions for raising a
fund for this purpose: this fund to be placed in the hands of the treasurers
appointed by the Synod, who are to return annual accounts of receipts and
expenditures; and from it the youth, upon the foundation, are to draw their




THE OANONSBURG ACADEMY.                    23
them into the hands of Dr. M'Millan as soon as possible, and
of their diligence therein to render an account at the next
spring meeting."
No precise location, otherwise than Washington county,
was determined by the Synod as to the Western Institution.
The probability is, that the Synod, though leaving that matter entirely open for the action of the Presbytery of Redstone,
supposed, or took it for granted, so far as they knew the views
of Messrs. Smith and M'Millan, and the course pursued by
those brethren, that the location would be either Washington
or Canonsburg, just according as these places and their vicinities might evince the more decided practical co-operation.
These two remarkable men were the most prominent movers
in the whole business at Synod.  Mr. Smith was chairman of
the committee who reported the whole paper on the subject.
But they were both trustees of the Academy at Washington.
Mr. Smith lived comparatively in the vicinity, and his congregation included some then living in or near Washington.
But he, sharing with Dr. M'Millan in desponding feelings
about the further prospects of Washington Academy, had
united with Messrs. 1'Millan, Henderson, and others, but a
few months before, in a memorable transaction at Canonsburg, which we shall presently relate.  But though he had
aided in a movement to get up the Canonsburg Academy, as
he was still a trustee at Washington, and he had not yet lost
his interest in that place, or his hope of reviving that suspended school, it was, perhaps, his special desire that the
Synod should leave the precise location of thie Presbyterial
supplies, by an order from their respective presidents. And those youth,
upon their obtaining their education, at the expiration of one year, after
being settled in some line of business, shall begin to refund to the treasury
the expenses of their education, in such time and manner as the Presbytery
may direct.
"7th. The rules of these seminaries and the mode of education therein,
shall be submitted to the Presbyteries for their respective approbation."" Old Redstole," pp. 423-5.




24          HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
school undetermined.  He soon after finished his course by a
triumphant death. Had he lived, it is hard to say, what
his influence might have been in determining the place of the
school, and in modifying its whole character.  We have
already seen that Dr. M4'M1illan lost his confidence in the
institution at Washington. He considered it as dead. The
Presbytery, perhaps, partook largely of his views and feelings.  At their next three meetings, however, they took no
decisive action on the subject. It was a time of unusual
trouble, from the Indians.  The country was in a state of
great distraction. Perhaps, also, they thought it prudent to
take time sufficient to enable them to determine wisely what
they would do as to the manner and place of carrying out the
recommendation of the Synod. At length, when they met at
Pigeon Creek, October 18, 1792, the question of location, as
to the institution intrusted to their care by the Synod, was
fully considered, and the several places-Washington, the
Log-cabin, and Canonsburg, were, perhaps, advocated by their
respective friends,  " The Presbytery unanirmously agreed to
aqppoint C(anonsburg to be the seat of that institution of learnng, which they are aSpointed by Synod to superintend; and
that all the young men, taken upon the fund for the sulpport
of poor and pioous youth, shall be educated there."   An
attempt was made, subsequently, to get the Presbytery to
reconsider their action.  But it resulted only in a kind of
compromise, by the adoption of the following resolution, viz:
"That if it should appear, at a future day, most conducive to
the good of the church, that another seminary of the like
nature should be erected in our bounds, we will not oppose a
division of the funds."  This was at Rehoboth, April 18,
1793. This determination of the Presbytery to make Canonsburg the seat of their institution, though it did not result in
securing to the Presbytery any control over the Academy, or
any right or power to sit, as a co-ordinate branch of the
Board of Trustees, or to elect or even nominate any of the




THE CANONSBURG ACADEMY.                  25
trustees or teachers, was, nevertheless) so adjusted, or led to
such arrangements with the trustees, as to answer, in their
view, the design of the Synod, in fact, though not in form.
There is, indeed, a singular minute in the records of the
Board, for 1796, hereafter to be noticed, in which the Presbytery of Ohio is mentioned, as uniting with the trustees in
agreeing to SZ21or't two teachers of the languages. But otherwise, we have found not the faintest trace of anything like
ecclesiastical supervision ever exercised over the Academy.
Having given this account of the doings of the church,
through her judicatures, in reference to our institution, we
must now turn back a little.
It appears that in July, 1791, it was settled, at a conference
of citizens and ministers, numerously attended, that the incipient steps should be. taken, for getting the Academy under
way.  Col. Canon made a donation of a lot for the erection of
a suitable building.  HI-e undertook to put up, immediately,
a large stone edifice, and have it prepared as soon as possible;
his expenses to be reimbursed afterwards, as the trustees
might be able to provide.  In the meantime, it was thought
proper to open the Academy at once, on the ensling da/y.
The Rev. Robert Patterson's account of the proceedings of
that day is so graphic and life-like, that we shall let him tell
the story:
"An appointment was made to meet the next day, Tuesday, 10 o'clock, A. 1M., in a small English school house,
near Canon's mill, about half a mile from  the village; and
a general invitation was given to all friends of learning
and of their country, to attend; and then and there to see
the Canonsburg Academy opened.  Meantime, Mr. David
Johnston, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, who
had, without success, been trying to open a Latin school in the
town of Washington, was invited to attend, and take charge
of the young Academy. At 10 o'clock, on Tuesday morning,
many citizens were present on the ground, to witness the
3




26           HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
opening of the first academy on the west side of the Allegheny mountains.  Of the inhabitants of the town and vicinity, there were present, Judges M'Dowell and Allison, Craig
Ritchie, Esq., and Rev. Matthew Henderson, living at a few
miles distance.  Mr. Henderson was a Scotch seceder clergyman, blessed with Scotch talents, Scotch education, Scotch
theology, and Scotch piety; his memory is still highly cherished, as a worthy cotemporary of Messrs. M'Millan and
Smith.  These three ministers, with Mr. Johnston and two
pupils, William Riddle and Robert Patterson, who had recited
a few lessons to Abraham  Scott, took their position under the
shade of some sassafras bushes, growing in a worm fence, neai
the English school house, which could not be vacated for a
short time. And here, under the pleasant shade of the green
bushes, protected from the rays of a July sun, (corolna poppuli parva circumstante,) the two pupils, with' Corderi'i Colloquia' in their hands, were just about to read I Quid agis,'
when Mr. M'Miillan, addressing his two brethren, and the
small assembly, remarked in substance, as follows:'This
is an important day in our history, affecting deeply the interests of the church, and of the country in the West; affecting
our own interests for time and for eternity, and the interests,
it may be, of thousands and thousands yet unborn.' And,
turning to Mr. HIenderson, asked him  to engage in prayer,
seeking the blessings of God on the institution now to be
opened. And I must say, the broad vernacular pronunciation of the Scotch tongue never could be more delightful and
impressive than it was then; while every thing proper to the
occasion appeared to be remembered in prayer, by this good
man. * The first lesson in the Academy was soon recited.
Robert Patterson, t being the senior, led, beginning the first
i For a sketch of the Life of Mr. I-Tnderson, see Appendix.
t The Rev. Robert Patterson-the first student of Canonsburg Academy,
was born April 1, 1773, at Stillwater, New York, near the spot afterwards
celebrated as one of the most obstinately contested fields of the Revolution.




THE CANONSBURG ACADEMY.                          27
sentence as above,' Quid agis.'  After a short lesson was
recited, and  before they were dismissed, Mr. M'Millan requested Mr. Smith to close the exercise with  prayer.  Mr.
Smith, in conclusion, was as solemn and appropriate as Mr.
Soon after his birth, his parents removed to Germantown, Pa., and the subject of this sketch distinctly remembered the battle of Germantown, which
occurred when he was in the fifth year of his age. After a brief residence
in York county, on the farm of George Ross, father of the late Hon. James
Ross, his parents emigrated to the West, and took up their residence in
Washington county, in 1779. About this time the attention of the Pioneers
of our church was directed to the importance, not to say necessity, of training up a ministry for the Western churches from the West itself. In 1785,
the Rev. Joseph Patterson, father of the deceased, commenced a course of
thleological study with the Rev. Joseph Smith, of Buffalo congregation, was
licensed in 1788, and soon afterwards became pastor of the churches of
Racoon and Montour's Run. In the Spring of 1791, the Rev. Robert Patt;erson commenced his studies at Canonsburg Academy, then just opened,
reciting the first lesson in that institution, which has since grown up into
Jefferson College. His interesting letter, given above, descriptive of the
opening scene in the history of the Academy, and its organization under the
shade of the sassafri'as bushes in a fence corner, on the banks of Chartiers, has
been widely read. After prosecuting his studies for three years land a half
at Canonsburg, Mr. Patterson, in the Fall of 1794, entered the senior class
of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, where he graduated in
1795. On his way to Philadelphia, a journey then performed only on horseback, he met the forces sent out by Government to quell the Whisky Insurrection. After his graduation, Mr. Patterson was engaged, for nearly five
years, as tutor in the University, and in the further prosecution of his classical and mathematical course. He returned to his father's residence, at
Racoon, in April, 1800, and was licensed to preach in Aprlil, 1801, having
pursued his theological studies with the Rev. Dr. Ashbel Green, one year in
Philadelphia, and one year afterwards with the Rev. Dr. lI'Millan. In
August, 1801, he was united in marriage to Miss Jane, daughter of Col. John
Canon, of Canonsburg; and in the Fall of 1802, was installed pastor of the
congregations of Upper and Ibower Greenfield, in the bounds of the Presbytery of Erie. In this pastoral charge, supplementing at the same time, a
slender ministerial support by the working of a farm, he continued four and
a half years; when, in April, 1807, he accepted an invitation to take charge
of the Academy at Pittsburgh, now the Western University of Pennsylvania.
During the three years he presided over this institution, he numbered among
his pupils many who afterwards filled prominent public stations, and who
often spoke in grateful terms of his care and faithfulness as an instructor.




28             HISTORY  OF JEFFERSON  COLLEGE.
Henderson had been in the beginning; and the little assembly retired much gratified, and with high expectations, which
have been abundantly realized.  The English school was soon
vacated, and served for a place of recitation till autumn, when
Col. Canon had so far progressed with  a fine  large stone
building, as to afford convenient accommodation, both to
teachers and students.  Mr. Miller, who had been the teacher
in the English school, was retained, and employed as professor
From 1810 to 1836, Mr. Patterson was engaged in the business of bookselling, and for a portion of the time in paper manufacturing, having been one
of the proprietors of one of the first paper mills established in the West.
His business operations carried on, more or less extensively, for more than a
quarter of a century, and causing him to be widely known in this capacity,
throughout the Western country mlany years ago, were attended with many
changes and severe reverses. During the greater part of this time, Mr. Patterson was pastor of the Highlands congregation, in the Presbytery of Ohio.
The people of this charge have often affectionately remembered his faithful
ministrations through a long series of years, and the recollection of the relationship he had sustained to them, with its many pleasing associations, was
a theme of grateful acknowledgment, on his part, to the latest period of his
life. In 1840, Mr. Patterson removed from Pittsburgh a few miles into the
country. So long as the infirmities of increasing age wouldpermit, he manifested his continued interest in the service of his Divine Master, by preaching or lecturing occasionally in the congregation with which he worshiped.
For many years thethings unseen, and eternal, formed a prominent subject
in almost every conversation in which he took part. Scarce  an acquaintcance, or even an entire stranger, who, in passing his late residence, has ever
had with him the briefest interchange of friendly greeting, but could add his
testimony to that of the Rev. R. Lea, who, in conducting the religious exercises at his funeral, remarked that he did not remember a single conversation with him for years, were the interview long or short, in which the subject
of religion had not been introduced. But in his own home, his spirituality
of character, and his heavenly mindedness, shone with their brightest lustre.
On his death bed, he enjoyed great peace. His remarks and broken sentences showed that whilst affectionately regarding those around him, his
thoughts were with that Saviour he was so soon to see. On Sabbath afternoon he lapsed into a state of almost lethargy, which continued with little
interruption until Tuesday, September 5, 1S54, when, without a struggle or
a sigh, he fell asleep in Jesus. Thus died that excellent man, who, when a
boy, under the sassafras bushes, read the first lesson in Corderii, at the
opening of Canonsburg Academy.




THE CANONSBURG ACADEMY.                  29
in the mathematical sciences, and proved to be an instructor
of the highest order, and continued to fill the place thirty or
forty years; as long as he was able to discharge its duties.
His mlleory is greatly cherished by hundreds, who were
taught by hhni.  In a short time, more students came from
the region of country around than could have been generally
expected, in a land that, a few years before, had been an
Indian wilderness.  On the roll, in a few weeks, were entered
Abraham  Scott, Robert Patterson, William  Wylie, Thomas
Swearengen, James Snodgrass, Ebenezer Henderson, James
Duncan, James Allison, Joseph Doddridge, Darsey Pentecost,
Janmes Dunlavy, Daniel CA'Lean, William Kerr, Philip Doddridge, and Alexander Campbell. " *
The institution was got up by an association of ministers
and citizens.  They called themselves 1" Contributors to the
Academy and Library; " and about the time above indicated,
by previous appointment, they met, and chose by ballot, trustees.  The charter, which they afterwards obtained, designated them "The Academy and Library Company. "  Their
constitution required nine trustees, to be elected annually,
by those who had contributed to the Academy and Library,
and who were entitled to enjoy the benefits of the Library,
agreeably to certain regulations.  But of their earlier meetings, previous to the date of their charter, and of their mode
of proceeding, nothing but tradition now remains.  We do
not know with certainty who were the nine first trustees.
There can be little doubt, however, that they were nearly, if
not quite, the same that we find in the recorded minutes in
1706. -j' Extract of a letter from Mr. Patterson to Dr. M. Brown, in 1845.
t When the academy was fairly under way, and the now building finished
and opened for illnstructions the trustees inserted in the Pittsburgh Gazette,
in 1792, the following notice:
"The building for the Acadenmy at Canonsburg is now finished, and the
institution under good reSgulations. The Grammar School is taught by Mlr.
8'



30              HISTORY OF JEFFERSON  COLLEGE.
The contributions for the support of the Academy were
gathered from the congregations of the Presbyterians and,
Seceders through the Western country.  The ministers were,
in many cases, very active in gathering these offerings from
their people.  They consisted not solely in money, but in
produce and articles of every description. These offerings,
(chiefly by promise or subscription,) were made by nearly all
Presbyterian congregations in the West, for the purpose both
of refunding Col. Canon the cost of the Academy, and  of
aiding in payment of teachers, besides occasionally with a
view of raising means to support, in part, young men who
were candidates for the gospel ministry. The history of the
proceedings of one minister, the Rev. Joseph Patterson, will
suffice for a sample of what was generally done in the congregations west of the mountains. It appears, by the dates
of the payments made by him, sometimes to Mr. M'Millan,
Johnston; and the English, Euclid's Elements of Geometry, Trigonometry,
Plain and Spherical, with the latter's application to Astronomy; Navigaion, Surveying, Mensuration, Gauging, Dialing Conic Sections, Algebra,,
and Book-Keeping, by Mir. liiiller; both well known for their attention and
abilities. Boarding in the neighborhood to be had at good houses, at the
low price of ten pounds, payable, principally, in produce. The situation is
healthy, near the centre of Washington county; the fund raised by the
Presbytery, and to be applied for the support of a certain number of scholars,
annually, is directed by the Synod of the district to be appropriated to
this Academy. It is hoped the public will regard with a favorable eye this
institution, and give it all the encouragement that it may deserve.
" Nov. 2, 1792.
"N. B. The printers in the different States will please insert the above
in their newspapers. "
This is truly an interesting paper, proving that science and literature were
opening, their stores, on the very outskirts of civilization, at a period when
the savages of the forest had not yet ceased to prowl around the borders of
western settlements, and even to cherish the hope of repossessing Washington county as a hunting ground. If they could have read and understool
this advertisement, they must have felt somewhat as Hantibat felt, when he
found that the Romans were selling the lots on which his army was encamped
at their gates. The above notice may be seen in the Lyceum, at Jefferson
College.




THE CANONSBURG ACADEMY.                31
as treasurer, and sometimes to Col. Canon, that the cost of
the Academy was not all refunded for several years-some of
the receipts being as late as 1794-5. There are found among
the papers of Mr. Patterson, two subscription rolls of different date, but containing in part the same names; the latest
of the two being dated in June, 1794; the last also stating
that it was for the purpose both of finishing the Academy,
and for aid to poor and pious students.  One of the papers
has about one hundred and twenty names, and the other not
quite one hundred. But little was paid at the time of subscribing; and but little, at any time, in money; great part
in grain, wheat, rye; and no small portion in linen; the
linen, chiefly by the ladies: some by widows, and some by
wives and daughters of the men who had subscribed.  The
sums were in Pennsylvania currency; and a large portion of
them did not exceed 3s. 9d.-7s. 6d., and a few advanced to
10s. and 15s., and still fewer to ~1. The grain was delivered
in mills, and'then sold. The linen was sometimes delivered
to the Treasurer, to be disposed of as he could, at ls. lad.,
per yard, or 25 cents. One subscription was to be paid in
Whisky!  All are reported on the papers to have been fully
paid; and the amount of both subscriptions reached nearly
$350.
The following subscription paper will be found very interesting:
"' JTune 9th, 1794.  We, whose names are hereunto signed,
desirous to forward the Academy building, at Canonsburg,
do promise, for that purpose, to pay, or deliver into some
mill, in the bounds of the Rev. Joseph Patterson's congregation, the quantities of wheat or rye annexed to our names,
and deliver the receipts thereof to said Patterson, on or before
the end of this present year. "
The following may be selected among the long list of
names found on this interesting paper:




832          1ilSTOtY OF SJEPERLSON COLLEGER
James Ewing,        5 bushels of whea-t at 2 shillings.
VWiiim 1 Panegan,  I      "                "  
be- o    l0 7oo:    2      "                       "
John IL, -.,.n7      2     (        
Jame1s Laird        4 
Sam-luel Pi'dlle, (in lmoney,) 7s. 6d.
John T MiliAan)   eastb 1.
Joseph PattUCesorL,   casnh, $56.
3frs. VTlland~iog hal n    6  yards of linen.
Mris. Eenor Tlhomison, 3 ya -rds of linen.
John Kelso              b4',ushels of wheat.
John Thllompson         4-    " 
Jamesl    3''lr idei,  3'g bushels of rye.
llugh   M'  Cy         4 d    "       "
Alex iand r 0if-aLndli-ess, 2 bushels of wheat.
John Card.nl, (l, pious negre,) 2 bushels of wheat.
George Valla-ndci'nhaI, cash, %7,. Gd.
M rs. Nesbit,         3 yards of linen.
Widow Tal;llde IL e 
mThe vlie     of I-oIese old parpers,'" sa;ys Professor R. Patterson who  -furnisec-t frlile to Dr. Brown,   6 consists in their
exhibiti-no, tli  spirit of the enterprise, the objects for which
the institutson  was founcled, and the hum1ble resourices of its
patrons.  Sucli unassunming  donations as two or three yards
of lienn  fou  or five bushels of wheat, rye or corn, four
pounds of -lea, wouLldC astonish the present race of stuclents at
Cansons] ur."   In  this manner, for the  noblest purpose,
atlelong a siple andl hard working people, in the seclusion of
the valley of Chartiers, waS laid the founlation of a retreat
for learinn,  wu Wose halls mould be resorted to, and whose
influence felt, when the country, at that time a wilderness,
would be teeming with a busy and enterprising population.
May the far-sighted sagacity and wide-reaching philanthropy




THE CANONSBURG ACADEMY.                   33
of its sires descend -upon its sons. Then and there commenced
an institution whose pupils were thereafter to be found in every
honorable profession in their native country-in the sacred
desk, at the bed-side of the sick, in the courts of justice, and
in legislative halls.  Others bearing the everlasting gospel to
distant shores; exerting their abilities, acquired or strengthened here, to elevate and enlighten the infidel European, the
superstitious iinduoo, the degraded Chinese, and the wild
Indian of our own land.  In view  of the circumstances
attending the formation of this institution, the sons of Jefferson College need not fear that their Alma Mater will be like
"; The tower which builders vain,
Presumptuous piled on Shinar's plain."
Thus began the Canonsburg Academy, and such the history
of the first years of its existence.  It began in prayer and
was supported by religious patriotism; and, therefore, no
wonder it has remarkably flourished and gained a noble rank
among the literary institutions of the United States.
in the year 1794 a charter was granted, incorporating the
trustees of ";The Academy and Library Company, in the town
of Canousburg."  This charter or act of incorporation was
granted  by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, of which
Judge  T'fKean was the Chief Justice, agreeably to an act of
the Lergislature, April 6, 1791, entitled, "'An act to confer
on certain citizens of this Commonwealth, the power and
immunities of baiiies, politic and law."  This gave it a legal
existence.  This charter the venerable founders did not get
Lill the institution was some years advanced in its glorious
career.  But, as Dr. Brown says, "They had a charter from
a higher authority than the Legislature of Pennsylvania, or
the Supreme Court, venerable as it then was.  They sought
and obtained a charter from the Court of Heaven."  It is
obvious that neither the Presbyteries, nor the church as such,
acted officially, or were, in any way, recognised in the whole
proceedings.  It was the "Academy and Library Company."




34           HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
We do not believe that those good men would have had the
smallest objection that the Presbyteries of Redstone and Ohio,
and the Seceder Presbytery of Chartiers, should hold whatever relation, officially, they might have preferred.  But it
was, perhaps, regarded as wiser, on all hands, that the institution, being a candidate for an act of incorporation, for
Legislative aid, and eventually for a College charter, should
be divested of an ecclesiastical character. There was, at that
time, much inveterate prejudice, in reference to ecclesiastical
endowments, by legislative enactments.  If the Academy had
assumed the name and form of such an institution as was
contemplated by the Synod of Virginia, it would have probably been refused a charter and all legislative aid, and, in that
event, could scarcely have been sustained. Our forefathers,
both lay and clerical, were, in these matters, wise and good
men.
From 1796 down to the period to which we propose to
extend this historical sketch, we shall derive our principal aid
from the records which were kept by the trustees.  Previous
to that timie no minutes of their proceedings are to be found.
These old records begin in this form: "January 25, 1796.
The trustees of Canonsburg Academy met at Col. Canon's,
according to appointment. Members present, Robert Ralston, John M'Dowell, Thomas Brecken, John Canon, James
Foster, James Allison, and Alexander Cook."  IMr. Allison
was chosen president, and Mr. Cook, clerk.  On the opposite
page there is a statement without any date, as to the year,
CC of a meeting, on the first Tuesday of October, of a number
of contributors, who proceeded to vote, by ballot, for trustees
of the Academy and Library, the result of which was, that
John Canon, John M'Dowell, Craig Ritchie, Robert Ralston,
Thomas Brecken, James Allison, James Foster, David Gault;
and Alexander Cook were duly elected."  But as no date of
year is given, we cannot tell whether it was in October,
immediately previous to the January meeting, above noticed,




THE CANONSBURG ACADEMY.                35
or back, some years before, at the original formation of
this first literary association of the West. The latter, we are
inclined to suppose from the prominent place this minute
occupies-being entered on the blank leaf which precedes the
regular recorded minutes. At this meeting, in January, 1796,
the trustees prepared and adopted a petition to the Legislature
of the State, praying, that if they should establish a College
on this side the mountains, they would fix it at Canonsburg.
As it may be read with interest by many, we will here
insert it:
"That your petitioners, confiding in your patriotism and
good wishes, for the interest and advantage of this extensive
Western country, whose population is daily increasing with
an astonishing rapidity-having also much at heart the
education of our youth, and understanding that a law was in
some forwardness, last year, for the establishing of a College
on this side the mountains —humbly beg leave to request,
that if such a pleasing event may take place, due regard may
be had to the most convenient place and other local advantages, hence deriving our hopes that this village will attract
your favorable notice. That your petitioners are firmly persuaded this town merits a decided preference, on many considerations.  The situation is remarkably healthy.  The
inhabitants of the town and its vicinity are generally sober,
orderly and religious. Being in the heart of a very fertile
country, and at a considerable distance from any public market, produce must necessarily continue low. There was, some
time since, a handsome stone building erected,'and nearly
finished, wherein a respectable number of youth have been
instructed in classical literature and the mathematics, and in
which one hundred students may be commodiously taught.
Boarding and lodging may be obtained in decent families,
at from ~12 to ~15 per annum. That any fund appropriated
by the Legislature, for the erection of suitable buildings, for
a College, would thus, in some measure, be anticipated,




36           HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
should the honorable House think -fit to give this place their
sanction, and might be converted to its interest some other
way.  From  these considerations, and others that might be
mentioned, we humbly hope you will grant this to be the
place for a public institution.  And your petitioners, as in
duty bound, will ever pray, &c., &c.
"Signed by order of the Board,
" JAMES ALLISON, President.' Test —"ALEXANDER COOK, Clerk."
They notice, also, that their clerk had received and paid
over to Mr. Ritchie, two pounds, sixteen shillings and seven
pence, for the use of the Academy, from  Mr. Saunders, being
the half of the proceeds of two nights exhibition.  Of the
nature of this gentleman's performances, nothing is recorded.
At the next meeting of the trustees, IlUay 3, 1796, after
electing Ivfr. Ritchie, treasurer, they directed him  to call
upon the studlents to receive their respective sums, quarterly,
or what part of a quarter may be clue, when the general payments shall be made; and to keep an accurate list of the
names of the students, together with their entry and departure
from the school.  These lists to be furnished by the'"masters."  They also fixed the price of tuition at five pounds per
annul, and directed the treasurer to pay the'"masters"
quarterly.  There is then introduced this interesting minute,
out of chronological order; and why so, is no where explained:;"Whereas this day, being the 28th of April, 1796, it is
jointly agreed by the Reverend Presbytery of Ohio and the
Trustees of the Canonsburg Academy, to employ two masters
to teach the Latin and Greek languages, in the said Academy,
to commence froln the 2d day of May, 1796, viz.: I1-. David
Johnston and 3I1. fames MIountain,; each master aforesaid to
receive the sum of ninety pounds specie for one year; and to
be paid quarterly, in equal dividends; for which we jointly




THE CANONSBURG ACADEMY.                37
and severally become bound, as witness our hands the day
and date above written
Presbytery                  Trustees.
" JOHN NM'I{ILLAN,         JAMES ALLISON,
"JOSEPH PATTERSON,         JOHN M'DOWELL,
"JAsMEs TUGHS,             JOHN CANON,
" JOHN BRICE,              THOMAS BRECKEN,
"THOMAS IMARQUIS,          ALEXANDER COOK,
I'TI-iOlAS MOORE,          JOHN FOSTER,
"BOYD MERCER.              CRAIG RITCHIE."
At the adjourned August meeting of the Trustees, they
appointed a committee to adjust the balance due Col. Canon,
on behalf of the Academy, and give him assurance of payment, in three months, upon receiving from him a legal conveyance of the Academy lot, and appurtenances.  In October,
of the same year, a number of contributors met, pursuant to
their rule, selected by ballot, as Trustees for the ensuing year,
the IRev. Messrs. Joseph Patterson, Thomas Marquis, and
Boyd Mercer, and Messrs. James Allison, John Canon, Alexander Cook, James Foster, John MI'Dowell, and Craig Ritchie.
These Trustees met November 14, 1796, and elected Judge
M'Dowell, President; Mr. lRitchie, Treasurer; and Mr. Cook,
Clerk. They also took measures for surveying and securing
the Academy lot, appointed an usher to assist lMr. Mountain,
and increased his salary ten pounds, for the present year.
/]r. Davicl Johnston, who had been absent, and out of their
employment for some time, wrote to the Trustees to inquire
whether they wished again to employ him as teacher.  This,
they informed him, the state of the school would not permit
them to do; assuring him, at the same time, that no man
would be more acceptable.  Some service of the county, perhaps in one of its public offices, then engaged the time of Mr
Johnston; and the Trustees intimated to him, as another
4




38          HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
reason for declining to employ him, that the county would
probably still engage his services. (Perhaps he had formerly
withdrawn from their service, on account of more lucrative employment; and they would now give him a mild hint of it.)
They agreed, however, that his family might still occupy the
house belonging to the Academy property; in which they
resided till the first of May.
The last meeting of the Trustees, during this year, occurred
December 1, 1796. They authorized the President to give
(Col. Canon a bond for one hundred pounds, as the balance due
him, on sundry accounts, incurred by building the Academy,
making the Academy responsible for the above sum to the
present Trustees, with interest upon the same until paid.
Joseph Stockton, (afterwards the Rev. J. Stockton,) was contJinued an assistant tutor, with a salary of ~25 per annum.
During this period, the two Presbyteries of Ohio and Redstone, as appears from their records, continued to watch over
this institution with sedulous care. The Presbytery of Ohio,
at their usual Spring meeting, recorded that, " it was found
upon inquiry, that something considerable had been collected
towards defraying the expenses of the building of the Academy in Canonsburg; but, as enough had not yet been raised,
it was again recommended to the members to continue their
endeavors, and make report at their next Fall meeting."
And at that meeting they renewed their recommendation,
stating that " necessity now required vigorous efforts for the
purpose."  The Presbytery of Redstone sent their commissioners to attend upon the examination of the students; who,
at their following meeting, made a favorable report.  The
Academy was rising in reputation, and increasing in number
of students. The employment, for some time, of James
Miountain, Esq., as teacher of Languages, was propitious to
the school. IHe was a thorough classical scholar, a polished
gentleman of the old school in his manners, and afterwards
became a very respectable lawyer.  He also became, in sub



THE CANONSBURG ACADEMY.                 39
sequent years, a trustee; and we well remember, in our college days, of dreading his presence, when about to be examined
on Latin or Greek. It was said he had nearly the whole of
Homer's Iliad in his memory, and could recite long passages
of it, with great fluency. His services as an instructor in the
classical department of the Academy ended with April, 1797,
as he insisted upon a higher salary than the Trustees felt
warranted to give.  There was then a successful effort made
to secure the services of Messrs. Carnahain and Stockton, for
~25 each, for six months.  Mr. Carnahan, however, made it
a condition that he should be at liberty to withdraw at any
time after the space of three months,'upon his giving two
weeks' notice.  This arrangement was made in April, 1797.
IJr. Watson, who was then in his senior year, and about to
graduate the ensuing Fall, at Princeton College, was probably already in the eye of the Trustees, and especially of Dr.
M'MIillan, for the arduous work of conducting the most important department of their Academy.  MIr. Patterson had
already jotted down in his Diary, (March 14, 1796,) " I hear
Mr. M'Millan intends visiting Princeton, in Say, in order to
the return of Messrs. Watson and Iughs."  The Trustees,
in anticipation of MIr. Watson's coming, had resolved, and
entered it on their minutes, "' that they would employ him as
Teacher."  On September 27, 1797, they agreed with him,
" To teach the Academy for twelve months, beginning from
the first Tuesday of November next; and the money arising
from the students under his care, he accepts, as full compensation for his labors; and to be collected in the same manner
as usual." He was also to employ an usher, when they might
think it necessary. The Trustees were re-elected October 3d,
for the ensuing year.
auring the session of the Legislature, nothing was done
for the Academy. The number of students was thirty-five,
and five in Mr. Miller's department. It was a period of much
religious prosperity also: for the Rev. Joseph Patterson notes




40            HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
in his Diary: "I hear that there is not one student now in
the Academy, but appears to have religion, or is a subject of
sharp awakenings." This was June 29, 1797. The following persons are mentioned, as regular members of the two
literary societies, (the Philo  and Franklin,) then  formed
among the students, for that year.  We give their names,
with the titles they bore in after life, just as they are given
in. the catalogues of the Societies.
PIHILO  SOCIETY.             FRANKLIN SOCIETY.
Rev. JOHN WATSON,               Rev. JAMES CARNAHIAN, D. D.,
Ex-President of Jefferson College,  Ex-President of Princeton College,
Rev. JNO. Bo0GG, Pa.,           Rev. CEPHAS DODD, Amity, Pa.,
Rev. ROBERT LEE,                Rev. J. GALBERAITH, Clarion Co., Pao.
Rev. ROBJERT JOHNSTON, Pa.,     Rev. T. E. HUCGs, Darlington, Pa;,
Rev. WmI. M'`MILLAN D. D.,      Rev. JACOB LINDLEY,
Ex-Pres't. of Jeff. and Frank. Colleges,   Ex-President of Ohio University,
Rev. Wme. MiOOREHIEAD,          Rev. STEPHEN LINDLEY, Ohio,
Rev. JAMES SATTERFIELD,         Rev. Wm. WooD, Mercer, Pa.,
Rev. SAMUEL TATE,               Rev. We. WICcE, Pa.,
Rev. J. SMITHl,                 Rev. JOHNSTON, Eaton, Erie Co., Pa.
Wee. FoWLER,                    Dr. J1sIES POWER, Pa.,
Rev. ELISHA MilACURDY,          Rev. ALEnx. MONTEITE, Pa.,
Rev. JOHN'lLAIN,               JAMES MARSHALL,
Rev. JOSEPH'STOCKTON,           Rev. JAMES HI-IuGMS.
Rev. ABrAEA3f BOYD,
DAVID RENNALLS,
WILLIAM CARR,
It is probable that in both these lists there are some errors,
but we suppose they are substantially correct.  They were
not all students of the college, but some of them  were members of the faculty.  They present a noble set of names.
There are several still living-sthe Rev. MIessrs. Robert Johnston, James Satterfield, James Carnahan, D. D., Cephas Dodd,
J. Galbraith, Jacob Lindley, and Dr. James Power.  As this
year is memorable, in the history of the Academy, for the
organization of the above mentioned literary societies, it may
be more proper here than elsewhere to give some further




THE CANONSBURIG ACADEMY.                  41
account of them.  They were founded by graduates of Princeton.  The Piido Literary Society was founded by the Rev.
John Watson, thefirst President of the College, August 23,
1797; and the _FrCanklin Literary Society was foundedl, Novemober 14, 1797, by Dr. James Carnahan, who had been a
pupil of Watson's, and af-erwairds teacher for some time, in
the Academy, in connection with the Rev. Thos. E. Hughs,
who we know was also a graduate of Princeton.  Some of
the founders and earliest members of these societies still survine; and the names of those who have gone to their rest,
will be remembered with honor and affection, by numerous
friends and relatives.  They were generally ministers of the
gospel; and surviving friends will be gratified' to find their
names recorded among the founders of these two fraternities.
r~ As the charter, constitution, and laws of Jefferson College," says Dr. Brown, in an unpublished life of Dr. M'MilIan, "were evidently formed on the model of Princeton, so it
may be presumed that the constitution, rules and exercises of
the Literary Societies, were formed on the plan of the societies at Princeton.  The founders had been members of the
Cliosophic or Whig Societies at Nassau Hall, and of course
would introduce into the new societies, whatever they deemed
most valuable, adapting them to the condition and habits of
the students, and state of society, in the new settlement of the
country.  *  * *  These societies have been greatly useful.
They have been important auxiliaries to the College in discipline, in maintaining good order, and in training the minds of
the students to habits of attention, accurate discrimination, and
argumentation, so as to improve in composition and oratory,
to an extent not to be attained in the ordinary exercises of
the college.  Here, too, young men, accustomed to observe
the strictest parliamentary rules, in their discussions, if called
to the halls of legislation, or to act a part in popular assemnblies, either ecclesiastical or civil, are at once prepared to take
an active part in the discussions. * * * It may be added, as
4*




42          HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
deserving special notice, that there was, from the first, an important exercise introduced into these societies, which had
not been introduced at Princeton, nor any of the eastern
colleges. We refer to the Literary Contest between the two
societies, in com postion, oratory, and debate.  This takes
place once a year. Judges are appointed to decide on the
merits of the performances.  These exercises, though attended
with some disadvantages, have had a most powerful influence
in stimulating the students to aspire after excellence in these
attainments.  The Contest, first introduced at Canonsburg,
was afterwards adopted in Washington College, and since, by
a number of Seminaries in the West and South.  The societies are secret, to some extent; their constitution, rules and
proceedings, are kept secret. But they are not secret, afiliated societies, bound together by one common bond-subject
to one superior power, to give laws to the subordinates; and
thus, by an unseen, powerful influence, control the whole.
Such societies are evidently of dangerous tendency-are
odious to the great body of Christians, and have had a most
unhappy influence in the church, and on the community at
large.  The literary societies in college are not, as stated,
affiliated, but rival institutions. They cannot combine to
effect evil purposes. M'embers of the Faculty are also members of these societies; and no plot or combination could
occur without their knowledge.  It is absurd to plead their
example in justification of secret affiliated combinations, bound
by solemn oaths and pledges, held by many of them  as of
higher obligation than the oath administered by civil authority.
Within a few years past, some new orders of secret societies
have been introduced into colleges, and have their connection
in most of the literary institutions of the United States.
Their tendency is most dangerous.  Linked together by sacred
badges and oaths, their influence has been, in many places,
disastrous. It is to be deeply regretted that they have had
influence to induce members of the church, and some benefi



THE CANONSBURG ACADEMY.                           43
ciaries to join them. It is to the honor of the Literary Societies of Jefferson College, that they have taken a noble stand
against them —adopted resolutions to expel any who are known
to adhere to them.   Still, it has been found difficult to detect
them, and their pernicious influence is still experienced to
some extent. Unless these societies are put down, the consequence must be ruinous to all colleges in our country, as to
morals, discipline, and substantial learning."   Thus wrote
the late venerable President of Jefferson College, whose wisdom and experience of college life gave him a right to speak
" ex- Cathedra. "   He does not speak too strongly, we apprehend, on this delicate subject.  The Trustees of Princeton
College have recently determined to root out these secret societies from  their institution.   We hope they have succeeded.
And we hope the Trustees of Jefferson College will follow
their example.   Though the above extract is somewhat long,
we thought it due to Dr. M. Brown to give him  a full hearing
on this subject. * The attention of the Presbyteries of Ohio,: We are well aware that it will require no ordinary prudence, as well as
energetic decision, on the part of Faculties and Boards of Colleges, to suppress these secret associations. Young men are apt to regard such measures
as an nreoasonable, tyrannical, and oppressive exercise of authority; and as
an infringement of'their rights. It is not easy to convince them that such
societies are of a dangerous tendency; and that a larger experience will
eventually satisfy them that here is a case in which their relinquishment of
an apparently harmless practice is due to the general welfare of colleges,
and to the judgment and wishes of older heads.  The co-operation of onlightened public opinion, and especially of the great body of the Alumni of
our colleges, now engaged in the active scenes of life, would, perhaps, be
of essential service, in giving practical efficiency to the efforts of the officers
of colleges, in rooting out secret clubs. In what way such co-operation could
be secured, we leave for the consideration of others. With the co-operation
of public opinion, and of those who have formerly been students in our colleges, the Faculties and Trustees could scarcely fail in effecting the extinction of secret societies. But reason, kindstess, and persuasion, not harsh
decrees and menaces of expulsion, should be used. As we design to give a
more extended historical sketch of the two Literary Societies, together with
a list of the questions discussed at their Contests, we shall not here extend
our remnarks.




a44         HIISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
and of Redstone, during the period under review in this chapter, was directed with renewed zeal, to the interests of this
child of their adoption.  In the course of 1797, we find on the
minutes of Pedstone tPresbytery, no less than three notices
about it-first at their meeting at Fairfield, April 18, 1797.
"The Commlittee appointed, at our last meeting, to assist the
Presbytery of Ohio in an examination of the students, and
an inquiry into the state of the Academ y at Canonsburg,
brought in their report, which was read and adopted."  Then
at Dunlap's Creek, June 28, 1797.  And also recommended
contributions by their next meeting, "' finding that the Acadelmy at Canonsburg labors under very great difficulties, from
want of some pecuniary aid."  Again, at Rehoboth, October
18, 1797, they repeat the recommendation to raise contributions, and appoint an examining committee.  Lastly, at
Pigeon Creek, December 26, 1797, the Presbytery of Ohio
reiterate the same call for aid to the funds of the Academy.




CHAPTER III.
THE ACADEMY BECOMING  A COLLEGE.
Trustees and Officers —Another Petition to Legislature-Judge Edgar —
Presbytery of Redstone-Old Mr. Patterson's account of Academy in 1798
— Rules and Regulations-Colonel Canon's death and character-Legislative aid-New Mvovement to get College Charter-Act of Trustees, about
conditions of preaching in Academy-Members added to the SocietiesChange of Constitution in 179S-Names of Trustees-Charter of Jefferson
College, in 1S02-Why called after Mr. Jefferson-Good reasons for the
namo-New  Trustees-New  Rules-sr.i.  Watson,  sfst President; his
doeath and character-lsr.. 2Dunlop elected President; his character.
We are now entering upon a period fraught with facts and
incidents of no less interest, in their bearing upon the character and prospects of the rising Academy and future College
than those of any previous period. The trustees, at their first
meeting this year, in April, elected Judge M'Dowell, President, and Craig Ritchie, Esq., Clerk.   The  Board  also
appointed Dr. MH'Millan, President of ti7e Acadevty.  This
seems to have been merely an honorary office, at this time,
and not requiring anything further than a general supervision
of the institution.  It may also be noted, that at the same
meeting, they resolved they would, thenceforward, begin andl
close their sessions with prayer.  This pious resolution, with
all serious minds, will satisfactorily account for the eminent
wisdom and judgment which guided most of their subsequent
deliberations.  They also fixed Professor Miller's salary, at
this time, at ~100; and as the income then was not sufficient
to -make up this sum, the trustees, themselves, pledged various
amounts, from ~10 to ~3, as a loan, to be afterwards refunded.
(45)




46          HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
Dr. M'Millan stands at the head of the list, for ~10. Messrs.
Patterson, HIughs, Moore, Marquis, and D. Smith for from
~6 to ~4; and Messrs. Allison, Edgar and Ritchie, ~3 each.
At their October meeting they appointed Messrs. Findley,
Edgar and Ritchie, a committee to draught another petition
and memorial to the State Legislature, for pecuniary assistance to the institution; which was afterwards reported and
adopted, and being signed by the President, Judge M'Dowell,
was committed to the Hon. William Findley, Judge M'Dowell, and John Wright, Esq., to be forwarded by them to the
Legislature.  This petition, differing materially from  the
former one in its object, contains some new items of interest,
and some arguments very forcibly put, and will repay a
perusal. It is as follows:
"To the Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in General Assembly met:The memorial and petition of the Academy and Library
Company, of the town of Canonsburg, in the county of
Washington, respectfully showeth-That the said Academy
and Library was originated and carried on by the attention
and at the expense, chiefly, of a few public spirited citizens;
residing in the town and vicinity of Canonsburg, and that,
owing to the convenience of accommodation, the low price of
boarding, and the care that has been taken to provide suitable
teachers, this institution has been very beneficial in promoting
the education of youth. In the course of a few years past,
twenty-one young men, who are now employed in the professions of divinity, law and medicine, received the rudiments of
their education at this school; nine others have also completed
their classical education, and are pursuing the studies requisite to qualify them for one or other of the learned professions. Thirty-two are at present employed in learning the
languages, and acquiring the knowledge of the Mathematics
and Natural Philosophy.  One master, and assistant, are
employed in teaching the learned languages, and another




THE ACADEMY BECOMING A COLLEGE.             47
teacher, the other branches. Each of the masters has had a
regular and extensive education; and they are men of fair
character.  The tuition money for teaching the languages,
though the charge is moderate, is nearly sufficient to defray
the expense of that part of instruction. But the profits
arising from  teaching the mathematics and natural philosophy, come far short of the expense, though the teaching
of them  is indispensable to the institution.  We trust
we are warranted in saying, that the said Academy has been
more successful, notwithstanding the want of public aid,
than any or all of the other institutions in the western counties of Pennsylvania. Permit us to add that there is a convenient house erected for the purpose, at the personal expense
of the trustees, with the assistance of private contributions;
but the Library is so small as to be wholly insufficient for the
purpose. From this view of the situation of the Academy
and Library, of which we are trustees, we hope that the
Legislature will, in pursuance of the powers vested in them
by the Constitution, be convinced of the propriety of granting
such assistance to this institution, as they, in their wisdom,
shall judge proper. They will, no doubt, think with us, that
it will be a public injury to suffer it to perish, after having
been productive of so much good, and having its character
for usefulness so well established. We are also sufficiently
warranted in saying, that no place in Pennsylvania affords
cheaper accommodations for students, and that the situation is
central to all the western counties, and very little exposed to
public resort, or such amusements as have a tendency to corrupt the morals of young men, or divert them from their
studies.  We further assure the Legislature, that if public
assistance is not given, the institution cannot be carried on to
advantage, nor the library be rendered competent. We beg
leave to state that petitions in behalf of this Institution, and
a Bill, read the second time, for granting assistance to it, are
on the files of a former Assembly.  Hoping that the Legislature will enable the Trustees to support an Institution which




48          HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
has already been productive of so much good, at the charge
of a few public spirited citizens, your petitioners, as in duty
bound, will ever pray, &e.
" Signed,
"' JOHN  II'DOWELL, President.' Attested by the Secretary."
The Trustees again advanced, on individual loan, various
sums, as before, to secure the continued services of Pr1ofessor
Jiller.  They also elected Judge Eclgar President of the
Board, for the ensuing year, and adopted a variety of by-laws
for their own benefit.  Nothing further as to the doings of
the Trustees seems to claim  attention at this time.  Mr.
Patterson says, as to this period:  "'The Academy appears
to flourish under the tuition of M3Iessrs. Watson and Hughs. "
Again,  October 24, 1798:  r"This morning I am setting out
to attend the examination at Canonsburg.  It is expected that
- 3tr. Watson will continue at the Academy, where the power
of God yet appears among the students."  Again, the next
day:  "Canonsburg Institution here is truly useful."  The,Philo Litera ry Society, report as belonging to the year 1798,
the following additional regular members:  "The Rev. Reed
Brecken, Pa., Rev. James Robinson, Rev. Robert M'Garragh,
Rev. Alexander Boyd, Thos. Vincent, Caleb Baldwin, John
Findley."  The Frankclin LJitercary   ociety, for the same
period, the following:  "The Rev. Messrs. Andrew M'Donald, Nicholas Pittinger, Smiley HIughs, Win. Neil, D. D.,
Ex-President Dickinson College, Pa., Daniel MIilliken, James
Ramsey,.D. D., Ex-Professor Hebrew, Jefferson College, and
MIessrs. Win. Hartley, Thos. MI'Giffen, Esq., Washington,
Pa.; Hon. Geo. Torrence, Cincinnati, Ohio i George Paul, and
Winm. Jones.
In the following year, the Trustees adopted some excellent
regulations, in regard to the course of instruction.  They
prescribed a curriculum of studies, which they would require,
in order to secure their final Latin certificate. They prescribed,




THE ACADEMY BECOMING A COLLEGE.             49
as to the Latin course, besides the common introductory books,
"the three first books of' Selectae e profanis,' six books of
Ovid, the Eclogues and Georgics of Virgil, and the first six
Aeneids; all Horace, and the Orations of Cicero.  Then, in
the Greek, the usual parts of the Greek New  Testament.
The first four Books of Xenophon's Cyropoedia, and four
Books of Homer's Iliad.  In Mathematics, " the whole of
Arithmetic."  "The first six books of Euclid's Elements,"' Simpson's Algebra" to the 50th problem, or the equivalent
in some other author. "Trigonometry, Surveying, Martin's
Natural Philosophy, Astronomy and Geography, comprising
the use of the Globes."  Also "Rhetoric, Logic, and Moral
Philosophy."  But they did not prescribe the authors to be
studied in these branches.  This course, thus prescribed, will
give us some idea of the extent of educational training then
attempted.  Though very inferior, in some respects, and, indeed, altogether wanting in various branches of science, now
considered essential to a thorough college course, it was nevertheless suited to those times, and certainly laid a good foundation of scholarship, which, in many cases, was afterward
matured to a degree of attainment, in no respect inferior to
the liberal education attainable anywhere in our country, at
that period.  We believe there were as large a proportion of
respectable scholars prepared and trained in this way, then as
now.  The Latin certificate ran in this form:
"Proeses et Curatores Academiae Canonsburgiensis, omnibus et singulis, literas lecturis, Salutem in Domino.  Notum
sit, A. B, artibus liberalibus, in hac Academia, datis operam
dedisse, et harum ejus peritiam examine accurato esse approbatam, cujus nomina nostra huic membrana, subscripta sint
testimonium.
" Datum Academiae Canon.              "Nomina Presidis,
6"Octavo Kalendarum Nov.                      " et
"Anno Domini —-"                    " Curatorum.
5




50           HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
The Trustees resolved also to mention publicly the names
of such students as were remarkable for their industry and
accuracy; and also those who should be marked for their indolence and deficiency, at every public examination.  And at
every Fall Examination they determined to designate four.students, whom they shall'think most deserving, as accurate
diligent scholars, two of them  being of the M athematical
School, the other two of the Languages; which students, in
the order in which they shall be mentioned by the Trustees,
as meritorious, shall have the privilege of choosing their
places of speaking, on the day of public exhibition, and of
wearing honorary badges; which privileges shall be granted
to no other students at that time.  These regulations, no
doubt, exerted a salutary influence in those early days of the
Academy.  At a meeting of the Trustees, April 23, 1799,
the Board proceeded to the choice of a Trustee, in the place
of Col. John Canon, deceased; and the Rev. John iMl'illan
was duly elected.  It is thus we incidentally learn the fact
of the recent death of that early friend and patron of the
Academy, whose name should stand high on the roll of its
venerable founders. He lived to see that school, to which
he was so much attached, and to the interests of which he
devoted so much of his care and time and money, fairly on
the way in its glorious career. *  Immediately following the
above minute, it is added: "On motion, adopted as a rule
that any person who receives a salary from this Academy,
shall not be a trustee."  This was entered, no doubt, to show
o* Gel. Canon, the founder of Canonsburg, was an active, intelligent, and
gentlemanly man. He died when but little past the meridian of life; loaving a widow and several children. Mrs. Canon was regarded as the lady of
the place, and deservedly; for she was eminently pious, friendly, and generous. Her house was the seat of hospitality, the favorite resort of Christian
ministers, and serious students. She and all her children are dead, except
Mrs. Patterson, widow of the late Rev. R. Patterson, a lady of ciqiet worth,
and attractive social qualities. "-Dr..NeiUl in? Pea es. MIag. F'eb. 1857, ygae 87.




THE ACADEMY BECOMING A COLLEGE.             51
that Dr. M'Millau's election, though nominally Principal of
the Academy, yet, as he received no salary, was unexceptionable; and could not, therefore, be made a precedent for a
a similar election of a member of the Faculty, unless he was
merely an honorary member.
The ensuing year, 1800, was signalized in the history of
the Institution, by a Legislative grant of $1,000; which, no
doubt, though long deferred, was most seasonable; and for
awhile relieved the Academy from pressing embarrassments.
Besides discharging several debts, it enabled the Trustees to
make repairs and alterations of their house, and to purchase
a small supply of Philosophical Apparatus. It is worthy of
notice, also, that the trustees, with scarcely an exception,
threw up their claims for the several sums they had loaned
the Institution. Though they were almost all of them in
very moderate circumstances, they were a noble, public-spirited set of men, who willingly made great sacrifices for the
Academy. Their names should be had in everlasting remembrance.  A movement was now made (in October, 1800) to
get the Academy converted into a College. The appropriation
which they had received from  the Legislature, encouraged
them to make the effort. They accordingly appointed Messrs.
MI'Millan, Allison, Cook, and Ritchie to draft a petition for
this purpose. Their memorial is not on record; but we can
well conceive, from their former petitions, what was its general
drift. It was not, however, granted the ensuing winter. Not
till January 15, 1802, did the General Assembly pass that
important act. In the meantime, though little of importance
occurred in the history of the Academy, during its short
remai ing existence, we may note a few things.  One item that
now appears rather amusing, is that, in October, 1800, the
Trustees passed an order, " That no minister be permitted to
prea~ch in the Academy, except those of the Presbyterian or
Seceding denominations; and the latter only upon their paying one dollar for each day they are permitted to use it."  At




52          HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
this distant period, we should not be hasty in forming our
judgments of the character of this measure. Such a rule,
were it now adopted, would bring down upon the Board the
charge of being intolerant bigots.  Yet, without any want of
Christian liberality, these good men of those days might have
found it necessary to protect the Academy from Sectarian
attempts at forward and impudent intrusion, to the great annoyance of the place, and interruption of the regular exercises
of the school.  We know, from the earlier history of many
sects, which are now not generally characterized by extravagant irregularities, that the most brazen-faced impudence was
sometimes practiced. We have no doubt the rule of the
trustees was, for those times, wise and seasonable, and sustained
by the good sense and general approbation of the community.
Old Mr. Patterson jotted clown in his Diary, for this period,
" Elisha Macurdy writes,' our school is in a much better situation than formerly."' During the last three years of the
Academy, namely, 1799, 1800, 1801, there was a class of
young men in attendance, that, in respect to their solid worth,
and future distinguished usefulness and influence in various
walks of life, were not exceeded by any similar number from
any other college in the United States.  The Franklin Society enrolled, during these years, the Rev. Messrs. Clement
Valandingham, James Gilleland, James R. Wilson, D. D.,
Cincinnati, Ohio, and Gilbert M'Master, D. D., Cincinnati,
Ohio; and Messrs. Ethan Baldwin, Esq., George Bird, Esq.,
Bedford, Pa.; Nathaniel Giffin, Esq., John White, M. D.,
Abraham Carmichael, John M'Donald, Esq., Pittsburgh; Joseph Patterson, Esq., Washington Parkinson, Daniel Heisler,
Esq., John Bell, John St. Clair, Anthony Rollins, David
Young, Andrew Shannon, David Allerater, Samuel Jenkins,
Eliezer Jenkins, Matthew Williams, and Joseph Dunlap.
The Philo Society, during the same time, claimed the following list: The Rev. Messrs. Thos. Marquis, Cyrus Riggs,
John Harshe, James Boyd, James Scott, Moses Allen, John




THE ACADEMY BECOMING A COLLEGE.            53
Rea, D. D., and Abraham Scott; and Messrs. John Cameron,
James Taylor, Marcus Haglin, Charles Moorland, Isaac Cowden, John Purviance, James Blackstone, David Drennan,
Crawford White, Robert Gordon, James Wilson, Benjamin
Boyd, James Cunningham, James Hoge, James Carr, Peter
Ross, Joseph Colwell, James Walker, Rev. Thomas Hunt,
John Creaton, Benjamin Woods, A. Thompson, John Vandyke, James Veset, William lAI'Tillan, Jr., Rev. Messrs. Alexander Murray, and James Culbertson, D. D., Jared Smith,
and Josiah Scott. These names have not always the proper
designation attached to them. For instance, Andrew Shannon, James Cunningham, and James Hoge, we think were
ministers of the gospel; the last, the Rev. James Hoge, D. D.,
of Columbus, Ohio, the Presbyterian Apostle of Ohio, who,
though he did not graduate at Canonsburg, but perhaps at
lHampden Sidney College, in Virginia, was a student, for
some time, at Jefferson College.  Several of the above named
persons became eminent, in various professional and civil stations.  Jefferson College, in her palmiest days in after years,
need never be ashamed of her Academical history. We have
thought the introduction of these names of students of the
old Academy would be interesting to many, especially as but
few of them occur in the College catalogue, (which will be
found in our Appendix,) as that catalogue begins with the
date of the Institution when it became a College.
We have now reached a very important era in the history
of this Institution.  It was about to emerge from its crysalis
state. It was about to assume the loftier name, and more
commanding position of a College. It had, indeed, passed
through an important change in 1798. Amendments to its
constitution, affecting considerable changes, were secured by
a new charter. The trustees were no longer, under the new
charter, elected annually, but for life; and when vacancies
occurred by death or otherwise, the corporate trustees elected
others to supply the vacancy. In other words, it became a
5*




54           HISTORY OF JEFFERSON  COLLEGE~
close corporation. The number of trustees then amounted to
twenty-one. Of these we find that thirteen were clergymen,
and eight, laymen, although there was no provision in the
constitution designating the proportion, as Was afterwards
the case in the College charter. *  An application, it will be
remembered, had been made by the Trustees to the Legislature, in 1796, that if they were about to establish a college
west of the mountains, as they, the trustees, understood such
a law was in forwardness, the previous year, for that purpose,
they, the Legislature, would have due regard to the claims of
Canonsburg, as a convenient place, and possessing other local
advantages, &c.  But it has been seen that this movement
failed. They now resumed under better auspices, their efforts
with the Legislature, to get a charter for. a college. Accordingly, an Act was passed, January 15, 1802, establishing a
college at Canonsburg, to be called Jefferson College.  Who
had given it this name, whether the Trustees, in their petition,
or whether the Legislature, as some have supposed, is not
clearly ascertained. The memorial to the Legislature is not
on record. Nor have we access to the Journal and papers on
file, of the Legislature at Harrisburg.'t But it is immaterial.
It may have been deemed a highly politic measure to secure
the success of the petition, with that Democratic Assembly,
and also to render their college popular throughout the West.
No name was more respected by the great body of the people
in Western Pennsylvania, than the'name of Mr. Jefferson.: The following are the names of those venerable men who were Trustees
of the Academy from 1798 to 1802: The Rev. Messrs. James Power, James
Dunlap, Jollh M'Pherrin, David Smith, William Swan, John Smith, John
Riddle, Joseph Patterson, Thos. Marquis, James Hughs, Boyd Mercer,
Thos. Moor, Samuel Ralston, WVm. Findley, Esq., John Wright, Esq., Robert
G(albraith, Esq., James Edgar, John M'Dowell, James Allison, John Canon,
and Craig Ritchie.
t An unavailing search on this point has been made at Harrisburg.




TIE ACADEMY BECOMING A COLLEGE.            55
He had been inducted into the office of President of the United States, in March, 1801.  Hiis administration, for some
time, was like a continued ovation.  The party who had triumphantly borne him forward to this high station, were in
the utmost state of exultation. To call this first college in
the West, this first seat of science in the Valley of the Mississippi, after this idol of the people; would be thought, on
all sides, most felicitous. It might have been sincerely
thought by the Trustees a compliment to Mr. Jefferson, which
he deserved. Possibly William Findley, Esq., who then represented a large portion of Western Pennsylvania in Congress,
a Trustee of the Academy, and a warm political partizan of
Mr. Jefferson, may have led the Trustees to adopt this name;
and may have suggested that a douceur might be given by
Mr. Jefferson for the compliment, or he might help them by
testamentary provision.  Gen. Washington had, only a year
or two before, left by his will a noble bequest, in James River
stocks, to Washington Academy, in Virginia, that very institution that had sprung from the action of the Synod of Virginia, when the Synod took measures to found two seminaries,
one in Rockbridge county, Virginia, and the other in Washington county, Pennsylvania.  What so proper, in every way,
as that the Institution which had, in a great measure, owed
its earlier life to the action of the Synod, should become Jefferson C'ollege, now that the other school of the Synod had
taken the name of Wash7ington?  When we take into view
all the circumstances we have now mentioned, we are not surprised thatthis old Presbyterian Institution should take the
name of the man who, to the day of his death, disliked Virginia Presbyterians, and apprehended their opposition to his
Virginia University, (the child and the glory of his old age,)
more than all other sources of annoyance, to his plans of
bilding up a great seat of science, where Christianity should
be ignored. This apprehension from Presbyterian opposition
to his schemes i].e acknowledged to his infidel friend, Dr.




56             HISTORY  OF JEFFERSON  COLLEGE.
Cooper, of South Carolina. *   Dr. Brown, in his unpublished
"Life  of Dr. aI'Mfiillan " thus remarks about the name of
our college:   " It has been a matter of surprise and regret,
that an institution, founded in piety and prayer, and professedly designed to be devoted to religion, should bear the name
- But even if Mr. Jefferson's religious views were objectionable, his services to his country, unsurpassed by any other, except Washington, his
authorship of the';Declaration of Independence," and of the Virginia
"Bill of Rights, " his efforts in the cause of unrestricted toleration, his persevering efforts to overthrow every vestige of religious establishments, his
sympathy for suffering humanity, his contempt for, and internecine war
against all privileged orders and aristocratical distinctions of society, and
especially his opposition to the unrighteous excise laws of the General Government, which had produced so much misery and disaster in Western Pennsylvania, seemed really to entitle him to the compliment of having the first
college in the Valley of the Mississippi called by his name. Again, if he
was the author and originator of the Ordinance of 1787, establishing the
North-Western Territory, as has been affirmed, even for this one service to
his country, and especially to the West, he deserved to have his name
stamped indelibly on the first seat of science west of the mountains. The
following statement will be found in the New York Observer, June 28, 1855,
headed
DID JEFFERSON DIE iAN INFIDEL?
"Your last issue calls attention to the fact that the Congress of'54, distributed three hundred copies of the works of Thomas Jefferson, among several colleges and other literary institutions; and that these works contain
infidel sentiments.  It is much to be regretted that the author of the Declaration of Independence should have ever entertained or published'izifldel
sentilments.' We cannot deny the fact. He so identified himself with infidelity, while he held exalted positions-and his expressed opinions to the
world were such, as to leave no doubt of the fact, that the Patriot, Scholar,
and Statesman, was at one time an avowed infidel. But there is one little
circumstance in the history of Jefferson, which I do not think is generally
known.  It is this:-In his old age, when he had retired to the quiet scenes
of Monticello, he visited one Sabbath, a country church; it happened to be
communion day, and when the invitation was given to the communicants to
come forward and partake of the sacred elements, this man, who had given
the influence of his high name towards extinguishing the light of Christianity, and obliterating the hope of the world;-this man came humbly forward, and meekly kneeling at the altar, received those precious remem



THE ACADEMY  BECOMING A  COLLEGE.                     57
of one, who, though distinguished and honored justly, as a
philosopher and statesman, an advocate of the principles of
liberty, yet must be acknowledged to have been an infidel, a
deist, if not an atheist, and a bitter opposer of the Christian
religion.  It must, however, be recollected that the principles
of Mr. Jefferson, at that time, were not fully developed, as
afterwards. Occasional rumors, respecting his opposition to
religion, were disbelieved and denied. It cannot otherwise
be supposed that these Trustees and conductors of the Institution would have consented to such a name. " But it is a
matter of small account.  "Dce  minimn is nomn curat lex."
"A  rose, by any other name, would smell as sweet. "   One
brances of the death of Christ, which afford so much comfort to believers. It
is something wrested from the powers of darkness to know that a man of Jefferson's mind and firmness of character, should respond to an invitation like
the following:
"'Ye that do truly and earnestly repent of your sins, and are in love and
charity with your neighbors, and intend to lead a new life, following the
commandments of God, and walking from henceforth in his holy ways;
draw near with faith, and take this holy sacrament to your comfort; and
make your huzmble confession to Almighty God, meekly kneeling upon your
knees.'
" I have this fact from a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, now
over three-score years of age, who was born, raised, and spent the greater
portion of his life in Virginia. If my recollection of our interview is correct, he received the account from the servant of Christ who administered
the sacrament.
"Some of Jefferson's old manuscripts were published, I believe, after his
decease, by an infidel relative. Is there not some reason to believe that he
would have retracted them publicly, had he lived a little longer?
"J. W. K.
" Hacckensaclc, N. J., June 16, 1855."
We have no confidence in this whole story; and are very sure it would
not only be discredited in Charlottesville, but would be regarded as reflecting
no honor upon the character of Mr. Jefferson, who, however much he admired
Voltaire, and had his bust in full view of his dying eyes, would not have
imitated him in receiving the sacrament. But we give the account for what
it is worth, unwilling to withhold anything that may be alleged in Mr. Jefferson's behalf.




58          HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
of the names of Ilan.pden Sidney, College, a thorough Presbyterian school, is the name of an infidel, if we may rely on
the testimony of Bishop Burnet.  One of our Western colleges is called after Franklin, and he was hardly a Christian,
though we would not call him an infidel.
The Board of Trustees that were recognized in the charter'
of the College consisted of the following persons: The Rev.
M3essrs. John M'Millan, Joseph Patterson, Thos. Marquis,
Samuel Ralston, John Black, James Power, James Dunlap,
John M'Pherrin; and Mlessrs. James Edgar, John MI'Daniel,
James Allison, William Findley, Craig Ritchie, John Hamilton, Joseph Vance, Robert MIahon, James Kerr, Aaron
Leyle, Alexander Cook, John Mercer, and William  Hughes.
In the original charter eleven constituted a quorum; afterwards the number was reduced to seven. A large majority
of them met on the 27th of April, 1802, and continued in
session, with the usual adjournments, for three days.  Before
they entered upon business, they took the oath prescribed by
the Act; which is in the following form: "You and each
of you do solemnly swear, that you will support the Constitution of the United States of America, and of this State,
and that you will, with fidelity, perform the duties of a trustee of Jefferson College." *  Judge Edgar, being one of the
judges of the court for Washington county, administered the
oath to the trustees, who were present, and then Judge Vance
administered the oath to him.  Dr. M'Millan was chosen
President of the Board, and Craig Ritchie, Esq., Clerk.
Messrs. Dunlap, MI'Pherrin, and Ralston, were appointed a
committee to arrange the number of classes which should be
in the College, and the studies proper for each class; and to
report the following day. Accordingly, their report was
received, and, after debate, and some alterations, was adclopted.
~ No Old Side Covenanter or Reformed Presbyterian could take that oath,
though the students of that body have generally gone to this college.




THE ACADEMY BECOMING A COLLEGE,            59
The following is the substance of it: "The Faculty shall
consist of Ist., a President or Principal, who is also to be
Professor of Moral Philosophy, Rhetoric, Logic, &c. 2d. A
Professor of Divinity.  3d.. A Professor of Mathematics and
Natural Philosophy. 4th. That the Languages shall be
taught, as hitherto, by the Professor. 5th. That the Mathematics be taught, till the Fall, in the manner hitherto, in the
Academy, by the Professor.  6th. That the Professor of
Moral Philosophy, teach all who would wish to apply to it,
Logic, Rhetoric, Geography, &c.  7th. That, in the Fall, all
who, by attending through the session on the Institution,
shall sustain an examination on the Languages, Geography,
MIathematics, Natural and Moral Philosophy, Rhetoric, Logic,
Metaphysics, Roman and Greek Antiquities, and History,
shall receive a degree. 8th. That the Rules and Regulations
hitherto adopted for the good conduct of the students in the
Academy, shall be continued in force till Fall. 9th. That
each student shall pay his tuition a quarter in advance."
The Trustees further agreed that they would now mention
what classes they designed to constitute, and the studies of
each; so that the students may, through the Sualmer, be
making preparation for the class into which they design to
enter. They also determined to support a Grammar School,
or Preparatory Department, in which the usual elementary
books in the Languages were to be used; and also Arithmetic, Composition, English Grammar, and speaking Orations
were to be attended to. They prohibited the use of translations of the Classics. They adopted a general plan of three
classes.  The first class were to read Horace, Cicero's Orations, Xenophon, Homer, Longinus, together with the study
of Greek, and Roman Antiquities, Geography, and some parts
of Algebra.  The second class, to be styled the Mathematical
Class, were to finish Algebra, and study Euclid's Elements,
Practical (Geometry, Natural Philosophy, Rhetoric and Lectures on History.  The third class, to be styled the Philo



60          HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
sophical Class, were to study Logic, Moral Philosophy, and
Metaphysics, and a careful Review of the Languages, and of
the aforementioned arts and sciences.  A strict attention to
Composition and to speaking Orations was to be given by the
students, in all the classes. Two years' connection with the
College, and a sustained examination on all the above studies,
were made the condition of a Diploma.
The Board then elected by ballot, the Rev. John Watson
as Principal, and Professor of Moral Philosophy; Dr.  I'MilIan, as Professor of Divinity, and J/ir. Samuel Miller, Professor of Mathematics, Natural Philosophy, and Geography.
As Dr. M'Millan could not remain a trustee, and at the
same time become a member of the faculty, he resigned his
seat in the Board, and Judge Edgar was chosen President of
the Board in his place.  President Watson was also appointed
Professor of Languages, and he and Judge M'Dowell were
appointed to prepare a system of laws and regulations for the
College, and report them at the next meeting. The Board
ordered a College seal to be prepared, with a device of "a
figure of a Principal presenting a Diploma to a student, Jefferson College in Latin, round the bottom, and this motto,'Deo Duvante omn'ia possumus,' round the top;" to be ready
by next commencement.
The Rev. Dr. M'Millan was appointed Principal during the
absence of Mr. Watson.  Mr. Watson's salary was fixed at
~150, he to provide his Tutors at his own expense.  Professor
Miller's salary was t-100.  The Rev. Thos. Moore was elected
a trustee in place of Dr. M'Millan.
The College now commenced its new and brilliant career.
Great expectations were excited, especially under the anticipated administration of that extraordinary son of genius, the
Rev. John Watson.  But these anticipations were soon to
meet with a sad disappointment, occasioned by the early death
of that gifted man. Hle did not live more than three or four
months after he regularly entered upon his work.  His death




THE ACADEMY BECOMING A COLLEGE.                     61
occurred November 30th, 1802. This mournful event threw
a sombre hue over the rising prospects of Jefferson College.
It was a heavy affliction to the students, the trustees, and the
citizens, and especially to his venerable father-in-law, Dr.
M'iillan. *
"Quis strepitus circa comitum!
Sed nox atra caput tristi circumvolat umbra.
Ostendunt terris hune tantum  fata, neque ultra
Esse sinent."
* The Rev. John Watson was a native of Western Pennsylvania, descended
from poor, but respectable parents, both of whom died when he was about
nine years of age, leaving him a helpless and dependent orphan. A friend
of his father's, who kept a tavern and a retail store, received him into his
family, and with a view to make him useful to him in his business, instructed
him in writing and arithmetic. He early discovered a fondness for reading,
and sought to indulge his tastes by a perusal of every book within his reach.
As the lady of the house was a novel reader, and had many of this sort of
books, she was obliged to keep her book case locked to prevent his access to
them. When he was about eleven or twelve years of age, a copy of the Spectator fell into his hands, which he read with great delight. The Latin sentences profixed tothe various numbers gave him much trouble, and excited
within him an earnest desire to become acquainted with that language. The
only means within his reach of attaining his object, was a copy of Horace,
and an old mutilated Latin Dictionary. With these, however, he went to
work, and by dint of application, and without a teacher or a grammar, he
acquired considerable knowledge of that difficult author. Many of the hours
which others gave to sleep, he devoted to study. One night, the late Judge
Addison, who lodged at the same hotel, upon returning to his lodgings at a
late hour, after the family had retired to rest, found young Watson diligently
engaged in reading Horace, by the light of the fire. Being much pleased
and interested with the lad, Addison promised him that, on his return, at the
next term of the court, he would furnish him with more suitable books for
the attainment of a knowledge of the Latin. This promise was not forgotten by the Judge, but at the time fixed upon, he carried with him the books,
and delivered them into the hands of his young acquaintance, who had been
looking for them with much impatience. His pleasure on receiving them
was very great. "Never," said he, "did I experience a more joyful
moment."  His studies being now greatly facilitated, he made rapid progress. Although he continued his labors at the counter and in the bar-room,
6




62            HISTORY  OF JEFFERSON  COLLEGE.
Yet the College, during its first session, in 1802, made a
very auspicious beginning of its future glorious course.  The
students were, with few exceptions, young men of great promise, who, in after life, were eminently useful and successful
men. There were some who were alumni, during the previous year, and part of the present year, though they did not
graduate * at Jefferson College.  Among these may be mentioned the Rev. John Johnston, of Newburg, New York, a
man of great worth and eminent usefulness, who has long
occupied a high place among his brethren of that State. Also
the Rev. Dr. James Hoge, of Columbus, Ohio, the  Apostle
he employed every leisure moment in the study of the classics, and finally
became an accomplished Latin and Greek scholar. When nineteen years
of age, through the influence of Dr. M'Millan, who had become acquainted
with him, he was appointed Tutor in Canonsburg Academy, in which situation he remained about eighteen months. At the expiration of that period,
he entered the College of New Jersey, where he was sustained in part by
Dr. M'Millan, and where he was graduated, A. D. 1797. HIe studied theology with Dr. M'Millan, and was licensed by the Presbytery of Ohio, at
Cross Creek, October 17, 1798, and ordained at Miller's Run, June 26, 1800.
He was elected President of Jefferson College, August 29, 1802, and was
the first President under the charter. He died November 30th, 1802, only
three months after his accession to the Presidency. lHe was married to Margaret, the second daughter of Dr. M'Millan. By a remarkable coincidence,
he and the Rev. Winm. Moorehead were married to sisters, by their father-inlaw, on the same day, took sick on the same day, died on the same day, and
were buried in the same grave, in the burying ground belonging to the congregation of Chartiers. Mr. Watson was a man of unusual endowments.
The Rev. Dr. John Rea, one of his pupils, to whom we are indebted for
most of these facts, says: "He possessed a mind pure, vigorous, and
enlightened. He could unfold his ideas to others in language simple, clear,
forcible, and not unfrequently eloquent. He was amiable in his disposition,
conciliatory in his manners, of unblemished morals, and real, unaffected
piety. He was esteemed by all who knew him, and beloved by all his students, by many of whom he will be cherished in remembrance as long as
memory remains. " —Dr. Elliott's Life of Mlacurdy, Ap2). p. 281. See also
Chapter 8, of this book, for Dr. Brown's Sketch of Mr. Watson.
*This mode of expression, and not "was graduated," we find now
adopted by the Foreign RevieWss, and good writers in our own country.




THE ACADEMY BECOMING A COLLEGE.                    63
of Presbyterianism  in that State —a man of giant intellect
and ardent piety, whose services in the cause of religion an-i
humanity, have rendered his name familiar in every puart of
our land.  At the Fall Commencement,  Wmi. JI'ilfillCa.,
(afterwards the Rev. Wm. M'Millan, D. D., Ex-President
of Jefferson  College, and afterwards of Franklin  College,
Ohio,) Israel Pickens, (afterwards a distinguished lawyer and
member of Congress, in the South, and Governor of Alabamal,
Johl]nson Eaton, (afterwards the Rev. Johnson Eaton, one of
the pioneers of Presbyterianism  in North-Western Pennsylvani;l,) Johnl Rea, an eminent minister of the gospel in Ohio,
in after life, and Rev. Bracken, afterwards, through a long
life, a useful Presbyterian minister, graduated, receiving their
diplomas of A. B.
The Board, at their Fall meeting, elected the Rev. Samuel
Porter, and James Allison, Esq., as trustees, in place of the
Rev. John Black, deceased, and Mr. A. Cooke, resigned.  No
other record is made of the death of the Rev. 31r. Black,
but simply this incidental mention of Mr. Porter, as elected
to supply his place.  As he was the first Trustee of the College that died, and as he was a man every way worthy of some
notice, we will refer the reader to some further account of
him  in the Appendix to Dr. Elliott's Life of iMacurdy.*
" - The Rev. Johln Black was a native of South Carolina, and was graduated
at the College of New Jersey, in September, 1771, having entered the Junior
Class half-advanced in May of the preceding year. He was licensed to
preach the gospel by the Presbytery of Donegal, October 14th, 1773, and on
the 22d of June, 1774, a call was presented to Presbytery for his ministorial labors, from the congregation of Upper Marsh Creek, in York county.
The next Fall, a call was prepared for him by the united congregations of
Shearmsan's Valley, which he subsequently declined, when presented. Having accepted the call from Upper Marsh Creek, he was ordained and installed
the pastor of that church, August 15, 1775. In 1786, he was set off, with
others, to form the Presbytery of Carlisle.
"Some difficulties having arisen in his congregation, he applied to the
Presbytery, on the 10th of April, 1792, to have the pastoral relation dissolved.




64             HISTORY  OF JEFFERSON  COLLEGE.
The Trustees proceeded to draw up and adopt a set of rules
and regulations for the government of the College. But as
they are not materially different from those usually in force
in public Institutions, we will not here transcribe them.  We
observe, under the chapter " of Dress, " it is recommended to
the students to be plain in their dress, but it is required of them
always to appear neat, and cleanly; and for any gross deficiency in this respect, it was made the duty of the College
officers to admonish them.  It was also recommended to every
student of the college to possess a " Black Gown," agreeably
The Presbytery, after taking the necessary steps to have the congregation
before them at their next meeting, adjourned to meet at Upper Marsh Creek
on the 6th day of June following. At that meeting, the parties were present,
and after some conference between them, Mr. Black informed the Presbytery
that'he had obtained such satisfaction as induced him to ask permission to
withdraw his application for leave to resign his pastoral charge.' This
request, the Presbytery'most cordially granted.' On the 5th of December,
1793, however, he renewed his application to be released from his pastoral
charge, which was granted at a subsequent meeting of the Presbytery, on
the 10th of April, 1794.
"From the time of his dismission from his pastoral charge, until the year
1800, he exercised his ministry chiefly in a congregation of the Dutch
Reforred Church, near to Hunterstown, in -Adams county. His. labors to
them were very acceptable and useful, and he has been heard to say, that
among that plain people, he experienced more pleasure, as a pastor, than in
any former part of his ministry. He there found a docility-freedom  of
spiritual communion, and confiding attachment, by which they were greatly
endeared to him. With the reasons which induced him to leave them and
remove to the West, we are not acquainted. But on the 9th of October,
1800, he obtained a dismission from Carlisle Presbytery to connect himself
with that of Redstone. With this latter Presbytery he was present as a
corresponding member on the 21st of that same month, and upon the application of commissioners from the congregations of Unity and Greensburg,
in which the Rev. William Speer afterwards settled, was appointed a stated
supply to these congregations. He was, moreover, received as a member of
the Presbytery of Redstone on the 24th of December, and continued as a
stated supply to the congregations above named, until April 22d, 1802; when
he declined serving them any longer, and obtained leave to travel without
the bounds of the Presbytery. It was but a short time, however, until he




THE ACADEMY BECOMING A COLLEGE.                    65
to a fashion prescribed by the faculty; and  to make his
appearance no where under two miles distant firom the college
without his gown.  We have never heard wlether this reconlmendation was attended to or not.  We know, if it was, it
fell early into entire neglect, and has, we believe, never been
revived. The rules requiring and enforcing morals, and
attendance upon religious worship, were strict, and were, no
doubt, enforced. The punishments were wholly of a n:oral
kind, addressed to the sense of duty, and the principles of
honor and shame. There were stringent rules also against
wearing women's clothes. How the modern fashion of shawls,
now worn by many gentlemen, would have fared at Jefferson
College, in those days, may be conjectured. The laws were
severe also against secret clubs and combinations, &c., and
against any annoyance to the people of the town, either as to
their persons or their property.
In the Spring of 1803, the Board elected the Rev. James
Dunlap as Principal of the College, and successor of Mr.
Watson, promising him  ~140 per annumi, finding him  also a
house and garden, and he finding his own Tutors.  And as
Mr. Dunlap was thus removed from the Board to the Faculty,
the Rev. Mr. Riddle, of the Associate Reformed church, was
elected a trustee in his place.
was called to his final reward. Hoe died, August 16,1802, in the triumphant
exercise of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. On his death-bed, he requested
his friends to sing the 17th Psalm, long metre, in Watts' version,'Lord, I
am thine,' &c. While they were engaged in this exercise, he united with
them in a manner which showed how fully his feelings were in harmony
with the sentiments contained in this beautiful psalm.
" He was a man of a high order of talent, an able disputant, and fond of
metaphysical disquisitions. He published a discourse in favor of a Noew
Testament Psalmody and in reply to the Rev. Dr. Anderson, of the Associate Church, which is said to have been written with much ability.
"The Rev. John Black, D. D., deceased, late pastor of the Fifth Presbyterian Church, (N. S.) Pittsburgh, who died in Allegheny city, February 13,
1847, was his grandson. "-Appendix to Elliott's Life of Jiacurdy, p. 266.
6*




66          IHISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
At their Fall meeting, in 1803, the Board passed an order
4" That any Trustee, upon his request, shall have any subscription paper, upon which he has collected money, inserted upon
the 3M1inutes of the Board, the names and sums collected."
This seems to us to have been wise and right; but we are
sorry to add that it was not of any avail.  Had it been duly
attended to, it would have been useful, in affording us much
curious and entertaining information.  Almost all the Trustees were more or less engaged, for many years after, in collecting funds for the college much on the same plan with that
adopted by old Mr. Patterson.
The graduates, that Fall, were Andrew  PM'Donald, Cyrus
Riggs, and Alexander Mon-eith, who all afterwards became
ministers of the gospel. The Board also took measures to
provide the Faculty with Black Gowns.  Whether they provided a dressing room, or wardrobe, we know not. Perhaps
these black gowns were perquisites, which each member of
the Faculty claimed as his own, and carried off in triumph
upon resigning, or retiring from office. Had the gowns
remained for successors, awkward fits in garments would have
sometimes occurred; as when Dr. Muir, of Alexandria, a
small man, made Dr. Speece, a tall man of six feet, before he
entered his pulpit, assume his silk gownn which fitted him
somewhat like a hunting shirt.  Students also were forbidden
at this time to board at taverns, without express permission.
The Franklin, -Society enrolled, for this year, (1803,) the
Rev. James Patterson, Washington Robinson, John Marshall,
George Crookham, Stephen Dod, Wm. Dunlap, John Canon,
Hon. Jonathan Jennings, Angus Henderson, James Parkinson, and Jonathan Cox. And the Philo Socitc.y report for
this year, Samuel Culbertson, Rev. George Vaneman, William
Ritchie, James Kerr, Isaac Vandyke, John Phillips, Wm.
Donaldson, Rev. Daniel Stephens, Rev. Samuel Porter, James
Galloway, Rev. John Reed, Rev. James Dinsmore, and Simkins Harriman. In these two lists there were several more




THE ACADEMY BECOMING A COLLEGE.            67
ministers than those designated, and several eminent physicians and lawyers. Indeed, both catalogues need many amendments throughout, to designate the future callings of their
respective members.
The new President, Dr. Dunflap, of whom some account
will be found in the " Life of Macurdy " and " Old Redstone," 
entered upon his important station with much to encourage
him, in the prospects of the College. He had been long settled as a pastor in Dunlap's Creek congregation, Fayette
county, to which place he had removed from the bounds of
the New Castle Presbytery, in 1782.  He was a graduate of
Princeton College, and had likewise been employed as Tutor,
for a short time, in that Institution.  He also gave instruction
to a few young men, principally such as had the ministry in
view, after his settlement at Dunlap's Creek.  His acquaintance with the classics was unusually accurate and extensive,
and as a teacher of languages he excelled. He was about
sixty years of age when he came to Canonsburg. - He continued to exercise his ministry at Miller's Run, five or six miles
from the College, of which church he became pastor. He was
somewhat recluse in his habits, of an amiable, cheerful spirit,
but inclined to despondency.  His person was small, his features pleasing, and his manners popular. His health was not
very robust; but his conscientious diligence in the discharge
of his duties, secured him the respect and affection of the
Trustees and students. We may have occasion to give some
further account of him hereafter. A very large portion of
the students, at that time, were pious, exemplary youths.  A
very extensive revival of religion, which had begun the previous year, prevailed throughout Western Pennsylvania, and
many of the students shared in its blessed influence. They
were accustomed to go in considerable numbers, with the consent of the Faculty, to various places where communions were'
held, sometimes to the distance of ten and even twenty miles.
There was much warmth of piety among them. These excur



68          HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
sions, in order to attend at " Sacraments, " (as such meetings,
where the Lord's Supper was usually administered, were then
commonly called,) the pious and serious young men performed
on foot.  Religious conversation, and sometimes singing of
hymns, beguiled the way.  Many and delightful were the
reminiscences of these young brethren, through all their after
lives, of those seasons of Christian fellowship and spiritual
enjoyment.




CHAPTER IV.
HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE FROM  1804.
Graduates of 1804 —Ross' Lctin Grammar-Account of Ross-Book-case for
the Societies; reminiscences about it-Graduates of 1805 and 1806Presbyterian and Associate Presbyteries successfully appealed to for aidGen. Hamilton's success at Congress-Injunction of the Board upon Drs.
M'Millan and Dunlap —Graduates of 1808-First communication from
Board of Washington College; result-Dr. Ralston chosen President of
Board-Dr. Murdock's Report about conference with Washington Committee-Graduates of 1809-State of Finances-Death and Character
of Judge M'Dowell-Trustees' rule for order of procession at commencement-Description of an "Exhibition," or College Commencement, in
"old times."
There is little of any special interest to relate, in regard to
the history of the College during this and the following year.
The Trustees gave to President Dunlap the use and benefit
of the lot connected with the old stone edifice, and ten pounds,
in addition to his salary, in lieu of the house rent and garden,
and passed an order again, that no student should board at a
tavern; and another that no student shall continue at college
who is two quarters in arrears. Judge M'Dowell was elected
President of the Board. The graduates, in the Fall of 1804,
were Daniel Stephens, who afterwards became an Episcopal
minister, was for a few years a neighbor of the IWriter, in
Staunton, Virginia, whence he removed to the West; a man
of quiet, blameless life, and much esteemed by his people;
John JI'Donald, afterwards a member of the Pittsburgh bar;
John  White, and Clement Valandinqham, a minister of the
gospel, who lived and labored many years in New Lisbon,
Ohio, where he died, greatly beloved and regreted by a people,
(69)




70           HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
among whom his ministerial labors had been eminently successful.  The Board also elected the Rev. James Hughes,
and the Rev. William Swann, trustees in the place of the Rev.
Messrs. Power and M'Pherrin, resigned.  The price of tuition, at this time, was fixed at six pounds per annum. About
this period, Ross' Latin Grammar was introduced.  James
Kerr, Esq., a trustee, who was also a representative of Washington county in the State Legislature, had brought out with
him four dozen of these Grammars, then but recently published; and the Trustees took them off his hands, to be sold
to the students.'It was then, and for many years after, considered the best Grammar extant, greatly in advance of all
its predecessors, as a useful manual for boys, beginning the
study of the Latin language. Brooke's edition of it, we
believe, is still in use.  The author, J.ames Ross, was a graduate of Princeton College, in the Fall of 1766-was a good
classical scholar. His talents lay all in that direction, and
he became a prodigy of pedagogical learning, though his
knowledge of Mathematics and the moral and metaphysical
sciences was but slender.  Like the celebrated Rosseau, he
never could clearly comprehend some of the simplest propositions in Euclid, and it was with some difficulty he succeeded
in obtaining a degree of A. B., though he was, in after life,
honored with the title of LL. D.  He was a classmate of
the Rev. Dr. Power, from whom we had the above account.
IHe became an eminent teacher of the dead languages, * and
in this vocation he continued till he was advanced in years,
and old age disqualified him for his useful profession. But
though of an obtuse mind for other branches of learning, he
was pre-eminent as a linguist. We remember to have seen
him when he was probably eighty years of age, at the first
church in Philadelphia, of which Dr. Wilson was then pastor.
* He was, for many years, a Professor in the University of Philadelphia.




HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE FROM 1804.    71
His seat was in the gallery; and before him he had fixed, on
a little'shelf, attached to the parapet or breastwork of the gallery, nearly a dozen of books —a Greek Testament, a Hebrew
Bible, Concordance, Lexicons, &c.  When  the  Doctor'
announced his text, which happened to be, a Come unto me
all ye that labor, " &c., Mr. Ross immediately took his Greek
Testament, turned to the passage, and seemed for some time
to be earnestly studying it.  Such was the man who wrote
the Latin Grammar that was long used at Jefferson College.
In the Spring of 1805, the Trustees fixed the length of the
vacations at three weeks in the Spring, and four in the Fall.
They also ordered that the Principal or Professor of Divinity,
at every Commencement, should hereafter deliver an address
to the graduates, or procure a clergyman to do it. Dr.
M'Millan was then elected Vice-Principal of the College.
Messrs. Marquis and Macurdy were authorized to procure
donations for the Institution.  Dr. Samuel Murdock was
elected a trustee, in place of the Hon. Wm. Findley, resigned;
and the Rev. John Anderson, in place of the Rev. Mr. Riddle.
Dr. Dunlap's salary was raised to two hundred pounds, he still
finding and paying his assistant. And, if we may note so
small a matter, eighteen Windsor chairs were procured for
the use of the Board and Faculty. Probably stout benches,
with straddling legs, served their turn up to this date. The
Literary Societies, at the Fall meeting, (1805,) petitioned
the Board for charters, and a place in the College building
for their libraries and book-cases. Whereupon it was ordered,
"That the said societies, viz: Franklin and Philo, be recognized as such, and that their respective Constitutions, as they
now exist, shall be the Constitutions of said societies; and
that a majority of either of said societies, adhering to their
constitutions, shall retain the original name of the respective
society; and that the Libraries of said societies are hereby
taken under the care and patronage of the Board."  The
Board also appointed a committee to procure a double book



72          HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
case for these societies, to be placed in one end of the upper apartment of the College.  Well do we remember that old Book
Case, and what we then regarded its inexhaustible treasures
of wisdom and learning. At this day it would cut rather a
ridiculous figure beside many a country minister's library, not
to speak of the widely expanded and groaning shelves of the
libraries of these societies now.
The graduates of the Fall of 1805 were James Wilson,
afterwards the Rev. James Wilson, D. D., a very eminent
minister of the Reformed Presbyterian body; John Trevor,
James Wills, James Patterson, afterwards an eminent and
successful Presbyterian minister in the Northern Liberties of
Philadelphia-a man of great worth and usefulness; Daniel
Hayden, James Scott, Jloses Allen, afterwards an excellent and
useful minister, settled first at Muddy Creek, Green county,
then at Raccoon, and during the l;hst years of his life, at Crabapple, Ohio,-son-in-law of Dr. M'Millan; Carlos A. Norton,
James Galloway, James 1i Comnnell, and James Cunningham, a
Presbyterian minister, who died a few years ago in Ohio. The
Trustees appointed Messrs. Ritchie and Murdock to prepare
and forward to the Legislature a petition for the purpose of
obtaining assistance in lands and money; and also to transmit
to Gen. Hamilton, then in Congress, an account of the state of
the College, for the purpose of aiding him in soliciting donations.  The degree of Master of Arts was conferred on the
Rev. Messrs. John M'Millan, Samuel Ralston, and James
Ramsey, and on Dr. Samuel Murdock, and Prof. Samuel Miller. The petition to the Legislature proved successful. A
donation of three thousatnd dollars to the College was the result.
The Trustees met, March 27, 1806, in order to dispose of this
pecuniary aid to their funds, and passed an order to lend the
money to individuals, in sums not less than $200, nor more
than $600, to any one person, and appointed Messrs. Allison,
Ritchie and Mlurdock, a committee for this purpose.  At their
April meeting, Judge M'Dowell was again elected President




HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE FROM 1804.   73
of the Board, Dr. Samuel Murdock, Secretary, Craig Ritchie,
Esq., Treasurer.  Mr. Miller's salary was fixed permanently
at $400, and Mr. Dunlap's salary advanced. At their September meeting, they conferred the degree of A. B. upon Mr.
James Scott, of New York, and on Messrs. Reed, Leslie, and
Hunt.  The two last afterwards became ministers of the gospel, the last a Presbyterian minister, for several years pastor
of the Second Presbyterian Church, Pittsburgh, and, after
his removal to Ohio, he was pastor, for many years, of the
congregation of Two-Ricdges, Jefferson county.  Here he
ended, a few years ago, his long and useful life- George Vaneman, also, afterwards a Presbyterian minister, and believed
to be still living in Ohio.
We now enter upon the sixth year of this first College of
the West. The whole western country began now to be dotted
over with her alumni. They were found in all the learned
professions, and in Agricultural and Commercial life; in
Courts of Justice, and in Legislative Halls.  But her useful
career was only just begun. When the Trustees met in April,
1807, the same officers of the Board were re-elected. The
first matter of inquiry was in regard to an order of the Board,
made last year, respecting an application for pecuniary assistance to the Presbyteries of Redstone, Ohio, and Chartiers.
This last was the name of the Presbytory of the Associate
body, or Seceders. It appeared that the application was favorably entertained, and strongly recommended by these Presbyteries to the congregations under their care.  Gen. Hamilton
also reported the success of an address sent to Washington
City for pecuniary aid; and paid into the treasury two hundred and ten dollars, which, although given for the purpose
of building a college, could, in the meantime, be appropriated to defray the current expenses of the College.  Mr. Dunlap was, on his application, permitted to retain $100, which
he had borrowed, a while longer, without interest, on condition that he would continue as Principal.  His application for
7




74            HIISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
increase of salary failed, no doubt from the financial embarlassments of the College. A committee was appointed to explain
to him the situation of the funds, &c., and strive to convince
him of the necessity the Board was under to refuse his request;
and also to require from him an explicit answer, whether, and
how long, he will serve as Principal of the College, with the
present salary.
The Principal and Professor of Divinity were required in
teaching, each, in their respective classes, to cause their students, as they proceeded in their studies, to write dissertations
" on the most striking things immediately connected with their
subjects."   Here was certainly something rather singular, so
far as the Professor of Divinity, Dr. M'Millan, was concerned.
It is true, he had been appointed by the Trustees of the College, as their Professor. And that itself seems to us, in these
days, queer.  That a Board, though consisting partly of ministers-always a minority, however-a Board appointed and
incorporated by the Legislature-a secular body, a close corporation, under no ecclesiastical control, should dictate and
prescribe to a man who was engaged in the discharge of one
of the highest and most solemn ecclesiastical functions, the
way in which they would require him  to fulfill the duties of
his office, sounds very strangely in our ears. Dr. M'Millan
was also, at -this time, in some sense, a quasi-Professor of
Divinity, by the appointment of the Synod' of Virginia, and
by the recognition of the Presbyteries of Ohio and Redstone. *
*. Even so late as October 5, 1821, the Synod of Pittsburgh recognized Dr.
M'Millan as Professor of Theology in Jefferson College, and took measures
to enlarge the Theological Library under his care, as appears by the following minute, on page 178 of Printed Minutes:
"Whereas, it appears to this Synod that a number of promising young
men, who are setting their faces towards the gospel ministry, are not in circumstances to attend the Theological Seminary at Princeton-Therefore
Resolved, that this Synod take measures for procuring a library for the
benefit of such, to be under the control and direction of this Synod. That




HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE FROM 1804.   75
But such strange things were not without precedents, in those
times.  The Trustees of Princeton College had, long before,
appointed a Professor of Divinity as one of their Faculty.
And so to this day do the Trustees of Harvard University
and of Yale College.  And if trustees may appoint such Professors, they may rightfully claim to instruct them in their
duties. But we suspect there are few Presbyterians of this
day, who would tolerate such an arrangement. Perhaps,
however, in the case under consideration, the real object was
to get the Principal of the College to attend to this matter;
and then to take off the repulsive feature of their order, by
requiring the same thing of Dr. M'Millan.  Dr. Dunlap would
not take offence by their approaching him in this way. He
was a very sensitive man, easily wounded, and apt to take
offence, as will hereafter appear; though a devotedly pious
and eminently learned man.
Mr. Dunlap declared, as the committee reported, he had no
design of leaving the College.
Messrs. Ralston, Hughes and Murdock, were appointed a
committee to prepare an Address to the Public, concerning
the present state of the College, and the views of the Board,
in regard to the erection of a new and more capacious edifice.
They had, during the preceding year, discussed the subject;
and it was mainly with a view to this they had communicated
with the ecclesiastical bodies around them, and had even
pledged themselves to each other to raise money by subscription; having determined, as soon as funds could be secured,
to raise at least the new shell of a college, large enough to
contain one hundred students. But no considerable progress
had yet been made, though something had been done; and.it be recommended to every member to solicit books or moneys, for this
important purpose, and that this library be located at present in the edifice
of Jefferson College, Canonsburg, and placed under the care of the Rev.
John M'Millan, D. D., Professor of Theology in that Seminary."




76         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
perhaps they felt, from what they had ascertained respecting
the feelings and wishes of the public on the subject, encouraged and assured of ultimate success. The committee above
mentioned were instructed to address the public through the
newspapers. At this time, also, they took upon themselves
to provide assistant teachers, and to pay them, both of which
things they had heretofore devolved upon the Principal.
In September, the following persons were admitted to the
degree of A. B., viz.: James C(ulbertson, afterwards a distinguished Presbyterian minister, who was one of the pioneers
of the gospel in Ohio, who labored for many years in Zanesville, Ohio, where, a few years ago, he died, greatly lamented;
Joseph Stevenson, who also became a very efficient and successful minister, a son-in-law of the Rev. Thos. Marquis, and
settled, for many years, near Springfield, Ohio; John Matthews,
a minister of the gospel also, we believe, settled, at one time,
in the bounds of the Presbytery of Erie, and afterwards,
somewhere in the West; and TYln. Dunlap, of Virginia.
This last person was probably a son of the President of the
College, who, as a minister of the gospel, was settled at Abingdon, near Philadelphia, where he died, comparatively young.
At his house, his father died, a few years before him. The
Rev. Messrs. Swan and James Hughes were also admitted to
the degree of A. 1.
At this meeting, a matter was introduced to the attention
of the Board, which, at various intervals, employed and agitated them for more than ten years afterwards, the effects of
which are felt to this day. For a communication was received
from the Washington College Board, intimating that they had
appointed a committee to confer with a committee from the
Jefferson College Board, if such a committee should be
appointed, for the purpose of devising a plan for the union
of the two Institutions.  Messrs. Ralston, M'Dowell, Hamilton, and Murdock, were accordingly appointed a Committee
to meet the Committee from Washington, and wak' ",1)ort a.




HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE FROM 1804.   77
the next meeting of the Board. Any two of the committee
were authorized to act, in the absence of the others. An
application was directed to be made by a committee, appointed
for that purpose, to the next Legi slature, praying that an
alteration be made in the charter of the College, making nine
instead of eleven members, a quorum.  A committee was also
appointed to make and enforce regulations for keeping the
College clean, and to have it washed out, at least twice a year,
defraying the expenses out of College funds.  Another
address to the public was ordered in behalf of the Institution;
and Messrs. Ralston, Ramsey and Murdock were appointed a
committee for that purpose. Perhaps this was merely a
renewal of an order passed at their Spring meeting, which had
not yet been attended to. It is manifest that neither at this
time, nor in after years, did they suffer communications from
Washington to interrupt their efforts for enlarging their College and extending their building accommodations.
During the next meeting, in April, 1808, Dr. Ralston was
chosen President of the Board, an office to which he was
afterwards annually elected for nearly forty years! Gen.
MIorgan, also, who had been previously elected, was now duly
qualified, and took his seat as a trustee. Dr. M'Millan was
appointed Treasurer, to receive and lend out any money
bequeathed to the College for the purpose of educating poor
and pious youth.
Dr. Murdock, from the committee appointed to meet the
committee from Washington College, to confer about a union
of the two Institutions, reported"That upon meeting with the Washington committee, a
desultory conversation took place upon the business in question,
which finally resulted in the following specific propositions:
"' 1st. It was proposed by the gentlemen from Washington,
that the whole number of members from each Board should
meet, and by a joint vote should determine on the seat of the
UJnited Institution. This was objected to by your committee,
7*




78         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
because a number of the Trustees of Washington College lived
contiguous to their present seat, and were locally interested
in retaining it there, whereas the number of members in this
situation, with respect to Jefferson College, was very small
in comparison.
"2d. It was proposed by your committee that all the mem
bers belonging to the respective Boards, whom it be supposed
from the places where they lived, were locally interested, should
be set aside, and the remaining members, by a joint vote, fix
upon the future seat of the Institution.  This was objected to.
" 3d. It was proposed by the gentlemen from Washington to
exclude all their members actually residing in the town of
Washington, whose number amounted to at least seven or
eight, and exclude an equal number from this Board. But
they alone must be the judges whom  of our number to
exclude. This was objected to by your committee, chiefly
on this ground; because a number of members belonging to
this Board agreed with them as to the future seat of the
Institution, and was disposed to fix it at Washington. If this
were a fact, it was injustice to give such au advantage. And,
indeed, whether it was so or not, your committee thought it
unreasonable that our opponents should be the exclusive
judges who of our number should vote and who not, on this
important question.  Finally, your committee thought it reasonable to propose that all the members constituting the
Boards of both Institutions should agree to set aside any of
their number who were locally interested as to their dwelling
places; and if a greater iiumber of one Board were thus
excluded, the members of the other Board were alone to judge
who of their members to exclude, so as to make the number
of both who were to vote on the question, equal. This proposal, without any reasons satisfactory to your committee,
was also rejected."
Thus the conference ended. The Board approved of the
conduct of their committee, and at the same time expressed




HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE FROM 1804.   79
their regret that the object for which the committee was
appointed was not obtained, recording, however, their willingness, at all times, to express their hearty desire that a union
of the Institutions should be effected, if it can be done on
liberal and equitable principles.
In the fall, the Rev. John Anderson resigned his seat as
a trustee, and the Rev. Winm. M'Millan was elected in his
place. The students admitted to the degree of A. B. were
Stephen Boyer, afterwards a Presbyterian minister, settled at
Little York, where he died some years ago; Joseph S. tHughes,
afterwards an eloquent and useful minister, settled at Delatware, Ohio. He was the son of the Rev. James Hughes, and
grandson of the Rev. JoRseph Sinith, of Buffalo; James
Smith, and Ira Condit, afterwards ministers. The degree of
D. D. was conferred on the Rev. James Power, of Westmoreland county, Pa., and the Rev. John Anderson, of
Beaver county, Pa., (Seceder.)  Dr. Dunlap, the Principal,
asked for the appointment of another Professor.  But the
Board, deeming it inconvenient, no doubt from the state of
the finances of the College, to comply with this request,
appointed a committee to assist in arranging the classes and
studies, in such a manner as to lighten the burden of the
Tutors. Drs. M'Millan and Dunlap, and Messrs. Ramsey,
Ritchie and Murdock, were appointed a committee to receive
any poor and pious youth, and admit them to the benefit of
the funds placed in the hands of the Trustees for that purpose.
At a regular meeting of the Trustees, in April, 1809, it
was found that the funds of the College, at the disposal of
the trustees, consisted1st. Of a donation of the State, at interest, -    -  3,000
2d. The price of land bequeathed by the Rev. Mr. Clarke, 1,600
3d. Money in the hands of Mr. Snowden, of Philadelphia, at interest, -                          1,300
4th. Money at interest in the country, -    -    -  1,290
Making in all the sum of                 -    - $7,190




o80            HISTORY  OF JEFFERSON  COLLEGE.
Dr. MI'MIillan, Judge Allison, Craig Ritebie, and Dr. Mur.
dock, were appointed  a conlmittee to lend  out the money
arising from  IMr. and Mrs. Clarke's estate.  A  complaint was
entered  that too much  time was  allowed the  students for
recreation, &c., and it was ordered that in future, besides the
usual time of vacation between the sessions, there shall not,
for any purpose, be allowed by the Professors more than ten
days in the year; for example, one day in each month. It
is left with the faculty to fix the particular days.
A communication was received, at the Fall meeting of the
Board, from   Isaac  Kerr, Register, intimating  that John
bI'Dowell, Esq., in his last will and testament, had bequeathed
fifty  dollars to the Institution, payable at Mrs. M'Dowell's
death.  * The Rev. Mr. Porter was authorized to call  on the
2 There is no particular minute made in the Records of the Board, E hen
the seat of this great and good man was vacated by death. Judge John
XI'Dowell left few men superior to him, when he was called to his rest. He
is believed to have been born in York county, Pa., about 1737. He probably
reumoved to the West, near the beginning of the American Revolution, and
settled in the bounds of Chartiers Congregation, Washington county, of
which he became a ruling elder; and was eminent for his piety and active
efforts in the cause of Christ. Ilis strong mind and great integrity of character secured to him, at an early period, the appointment of Associate Judge,
in Washington county. I-He was one of the most efficient men in getting up
the Academy at Canonsburg, and was one of the trustees from the first.
After the College obtained a charter, he succeeded Judge Edgar as Presi.dent
of the Board, to which office he was chosen April 27, 1803, and thenceforward for four successive years. IRe died August 12, 1809, in the 73d year
of his age. On his tombstone are the following lines:
"Sleep, sacred earth; but thou shalt soon arise!
Dust turns to dust; but virtue never dies;
M'Dowell lives; blest in immortal youth,
Who lived while here, the advocate of truth.
Firm in the cause of God, he held to view
A character sublime, yet humble, too;
God's word his guide, he bent his eagle flight
On faith's strong pinions, to the realms of light,'! death, where is thy sting;
O! grave, where is thy victory.'"




HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE FROM 1804.   81
executors of John Baird, Esq., of Westmoreland county, and
obtain any money left by him for the use of the College.
The persons admitted to the degree of Bachelor of Arts wereJoseph Scroggs, who afterwards became a minister in the
Secession church, and is now pastor of a church in Ligonier
Valley, Westmoreland county; James JIilligan, (who became,
we believe, a minister in the Reformed Presbyterian body,)
and Christopher Rankin.  The degree of D. D. was conferred
on the Rev. Joseph Clarke, of New Brunswick; and the
degree of A. M3., on the Rev. MBessrs. Samuel Porter, Wnm.
Dunla2p, Alexander MIonteith, and Jonathan Leslie. Mr. Thos.
Briceland was elected a trustee to fill the vacancy, by the death
of Judge M'Dowell. At this time, it was deemed expedient
by the Board to settle the order of procession on commencement day; and they adopted the following, viz:  "That the
Trustees and Faculty meet at the house of Craig Ritchie, Esq.,
(now owned and occupied by James M'Cullough, Esq.,) that
the students shall assemble in front of the same house, and
that they walk two and' two, according to their respective
classes, after the Trustees and Faculty, in the following order:
The President of the Board in front, then the Secretary and
Treasurer, clergy, and other members of the Board, two and
two; then the Faculty, and the procession to be brought up
by the tutor or tutors." This arrangement continued in force
for many years. Those Commencement days were great
events in College life; and that procession, with Dr. Ralston
at its head, and IDr. Murdock and Craig Ritchie, Esq., just;
behind him,-all three very portly gentlemen-and then
brought up by the trustees, faculty and students-the students generally powdered, and sporting flaunting blue or white
ribbons on their arms or coat breasts-appeared to the young
students awfully sublime. The slow and solemn tread of the
procession, away up the middle of the street, if the walking
was good, surrounded by an immense assembly of the people,
who had been for hours before pouring in from the surround



82'HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
ing country, the sound of the violin at the taverns which
were passed, the neighing of horses, far and near, the hum
of the human voice in all directions, the merry laugh, and the
loud giggle, all combined to throw upon the scene an exciting
interest, and to make many a young heart delirious with joy
and gladness.  The younger students, the Freshmen especially, thought that day and place the most delightful and
attractive in all the world. It was a full compensation for
wearisome hours of study, and for the dull, jog-trot pace of
ordinary college life. On went the procession, up street, past
Dr. Murdock's and Neil's corners, and past the crowds about
Wistby's and Emory's taverns, and past Mrs. Canon's beautiful yard, and old Mr. Robert's store and post office, * till
it reached the gate, in front of the old stone College, then
wheeled to the left, at right angles, through the gate, and on
through the yard, and up the outside steps, on the upper side
of the old building, and landed, and disbanded, in the second
story; the Trustees and Faculty scrambling through a front
window, from which the sash had been removed, on to the
stage. Over that window, however, and extending over the
lower end of the stage, was a tent, of white sheets, making a
small room of about ten feet square. From this room. was
the entrance, or rather the exit, on to the other part of the
stage.  This stage or platform was about twelve or fifteen feet
wide, and extended the whole length of the college building,
in front, and about eight feet from the ground, covered with
a substantial rag carpet.  Here were the Trustees and Faculty
seated, with their backs to the college wall, and their faces
to the gathering throng that was fast filling the front yard of
the college, back to the gate, through which the procession
had just passed. After all the Board were seated, the President of the Board rose, and said, in a loud and distinct voice,
X We purposely mention old names and places, as they will serve to renew
pleasant reminiscences in the minds of old people.




HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE FROM 1804.   83
"Let us pray."  All rose, and great silence and order pre*ailed, while the short but appropriate prayer was made.
Then began the business of the day. At this moment, we
believe, it was customary to announce the names of those on
whom they had conferred the degree of A. B., and of those
who received the first and second honors; and then was mentioned the order of their speaking. Programmes had not yet
come into use. Then the exercises of the graduates began.
These sometimes took up the first part of the day; sometimes,
only an hour or two. Then followed the speeches and dialogues of the under-graduates. There was often much fun
and amusement in these exercises. Various dramatis personcc-soldiers, clowns, sailors, drunkards, pedlars, negroes,
&c., &c., were introduced in their appropriate costumes. Sometimes an Act or two from Shakspeare's " Merchant of Venice"
or  "Julius Caesar," or Addison's "(Cato," would be exhibited.
These dialogues were interspersed with single speeches; some
serious, and some ludicrous. The people would roar with
laughter, and even the old trustees would unbend themselves
to many a hearty and healthy laugh.  About one-third of the
audience would be seated. The rest were standing. If the
day was fine, it was full of mirth and enjoyment to the young
people of all the country round. There was not much refinement of manners in those times. The whole affair was
adapted to the state of society; and, for a period in the history of the college, was really of much advantage to its
interests. It made the College popular. It awakened a desire,
in many a lad, to go to college. And though such a feeling
was rather of a low birth, it led to better things. Let us not,
in these times of greater improvement and refinement, despise
these old-fashioned times and ways. The first Exhibition, as
it was then called, we ever witnessed, was in the fall of 1812.
It was a glorious day.  Every thing above and around conspired to make the scene joyous and exciting. Yet it is a
solemn thought that few who witnessed and enjoyed that day,




HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
are now among us.  Not a single Trustee or member of the
Faculty is now living.  Those throngs of gay young ladies
and young country farmers are now in the silent grave, or are
frosted with advancing age. Their children and grand-children now fill their places, and crowd Providence Hall on Commencement days-soon to yield their places to another generation, who will, perhaps, enjoy many a jest, at the expense
of the old fashioned ways of the present race.  Indeed, there
is one feature of our present Commencement days, that the
writer is, perhaps, such an inveterate old fogy, as to disrelish.
We refer to the brass-band accompaniment.  We would much
prefer the music of a piano, or of a bass-viol, violin and German flute, with vocal music, if it could be secured-as more
in unison with the exercises of the day, and with the refinement and dignity of a Literary Institution.  The brass-band
is too loud and military in its character; and, in our view,
throws a coarse, vulgar element into the whole scene.




CHAPTER V.
NEW  PRESIDENTS AND  d COLLEGE WAR."
Dr. Dunlap and the Board-Graduates of 1810-Dr. Dunlap resigns —Graduates of 1811 and 1812 —Dr. Wylie elected Principal-About Ezekiel
Hannah's will-Graduates of 1813, 1814 and 1815-New negotiations with
the Board of Washington College-Various conferences-Final failure in
attempt'to unite the colleges —Much sharp shooting, on both sides, but
none killed, and few wounded-Reflections on the whole case-Rev. R.
Johnston, a trustee for seventeen years-Sketch of his life-Dr. Wylie
resigns-Dr. Winm. M'Millan succeedshim —Dr. Matthew Brown-Remarkable circumstances connected with his election.
When the Board met in April, 1810, the same officers were
continued, viz: Dr. Ralston, President; Dr. Murdock, Sec.
retary; and Craig Ritchie, Esq., Treasurer. A letter was
received from  Dr. Dunlap, intimating his determination to
resign his office as Principal of the College, at the next fall
sessions of the Board.  In this communication it was stated
that if reasons were required, they would be given. Being
called upon by the Board to state them, his answer was that,
though weighty, he was not then altogether prepared to give
them, but designed to communicate them along with his resignation in the fall. However, being urged to mention them
now, as it might- be too late to be of any service in the fall,
he consented, and said that there ought either to be a new
house, or the old one kept in better repair; that the Board
generally, and some trustees particularly, had found fault with
him for not attending closely enough to the business of the
College; that the Board had insulted him, some time ago, by
taking the power of employing an under teacher of the languages out of his hands, and reserving it to themselves; and
finally, that his salary was too small.  A  committee was
8                                           (86)




86          HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
appointed to confer with him, and to strive to remove his
difficulties.  Messrs. Moore, Hamilton and Allison, the committee appointed for this purpose, reported that they had a
free conversation with the Principal, and that all his difficulties were in a great measure removed, except that of salary,
and they conceived that some arrangement might be made as
to this point. Dr. M'Millan was added to the committee,
and they were sent back to lay before Dr. Dunlap a statement
of the finances, and remove his misconceptions concerning
them. But their report was that the Doctor peremptorily
refused to continue longer, unless his salary was increased.
This the Board decided to be inexpedient under the present
circumstances of the College. An extra-meeting in June was
appointed to take into consideration the securing of a successor to Mr. Dunlap.  And the- Clerk was directed to notify
absent members of this meeting.  When this meeting took
place, a letter was received fronom Dr. Dunlap, reiterating his
design of resigning his charge, and asking for the loan of
some money. They agreed to lend him $600, to be refunded
by three annual installments, with interest. The Board being
informed that, besides the reasons which Dr. Dunlap had
given, at the last meeting, for his intention of resigning, a
rule passed September, 1807, by the Board, requiring the
Principal and Professor of Divinity to observe a certain mode
in teaching their respective classes, aggrieved him much,
refused, nevertheless, to repeal their former action on this
subject. - Upon its being intimated that Dr. Dunlap would be
content to continue, if another teacher of languages were
employed to assist him, they voted, however, that this was
inexpedient and unnecessary, at this time. A committee
consisting of Messrs. Hughes, Marquis, Ramsey and Swan;
was appointed to wait on Dr. Dunlap, and after stating to him
the above resolutions, to request of him to give his final determination as to his resignation. Upon their interview with
him, he declared that he had not understood the rule respect



NEW  PRESIDENTS AND  a COLLEGE WAR."                 87
ing the mode of teaching, above referred to, and was sorry for
it; and that he was now satisfied with the action of the Board,
and recalled his notice of resignation. *  At the fall meeting,
the following persons were admitted to the degree of A. B.,
viz:  Andrew   Wylie, afterwards a minister of the gospel,
and successively President of Jefferson and Washington Colleges, and Indiana University; Jaymes Kerr, afterwards an
eminent physician, residing for many years in Claysville, now
in Jefferson or Clarion county, Pa.; John Reed, afterwards a
minister of the gospel, settled at Indiana, Pa., where he died
James Hervey, afterwards the Rev. James Hervey, D. D.,
an able and distinguished minister of the gospel, settled near
Wheeling; William  Hlendrickcs, a distinguished lawyer and
United States Senator; Win. Johnston, afterwards a very useful minister, settled at Dunlap's Creek, Pa.; John  Canon,.md Robert Lus7, ministers of the Reformed Presbyterian
church; and Jonathan Gill.  Several matters of minor interst were transacted by the Board, but nothing of special contern, bearing upon the general character of the College.
At the meeting of the Board, April 25, 1811, the same,,fficers were re-elected.   Dr. Dunlap  insisting  upon  the
~ Let it not be supposed that the above account reflects unfavorably upon
Fr. Dunlap. We must remember that this account is ex parte-taken from
the Records of the Trustees. Again, there is no doubt that Dr. Dunlap's
circumstances were those of almost pinching poverty. He had come to the
rescue of the college during a period when it was almost threatened with
extinction. iHe had stood by it through the most trying period of its history.
He had nobly discharged his duty, and aided most efficiently, in bearing
the college onward in its course; while, all this time, he was receiving a
very inadequate support. Hte had also a small but very pious congregation,
that loved him, and urged hilm not to leave them. Several of the trustees, including Dr. M'Millan, were anxious that he would not now withdraw
from their service. But old age was advancing apace, and he felt, that after
all his past sacrifices, he had a right to have some of his difficulties removed,
and his support increased. Without a knowledge of all these things, the
reader of the anxbove account might be liable to form a wrong judgment about
thaJt worthy old servant of God.




88           HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
appointment of another teacher, and increase of his own
salary, both of which being refused, tendered his resignation,
which was accepted. Dr. M'Millan, the Vice-Principal, was
entrusted with the administration and empowered to employ
teachers, and $226 67 were appropriated out of the College
funds to meet his expenses, in securing the necessary assistance during the Summer session. They also appointed a
meeting in June, to take into consideration the choice of a
Principal.  James Mountain, Esq., who had been elected in
place of Mr. Vance, at the last meeting, was present, and
being duly sworn, took his seat as a Trustee. At the June
meeting, a petition was received from Miller's Run Congregation, praying the Board to re-appoint Dr. Dunlap as Principal
of the College. A motion was then made, and carried, to
postpone the choice of a Principal till the fall meeting.
At the fall meeting, September 24th, the committee who
had been appointed to examine the graduates, reported in
favor of conferring the degree of A. B. on James Wright,
afterwards a Presbyterian minister; George M' Cook, afterwards a distinguished physician, now residing in Pittsburgh;
and James Mitchell. Their report was accepted and adopted.
Dr. M'Millan was again instructed to contract for teachers,
as he had done last session, until a Principal should be chosen; and he was empowered to draw $450 out of the College
funds to defray expenses.  The Rev. Win. Wylie was elected
trustee, in place of Mr. Porter, resigned. A committee was
also appointed to draft an Address to the State Legislature,
praying for a donation to the College.
At the April meeting, in 1812, Dr. Andrew Wylie was
elected Principal of the College by the Board, having eleven
votes from the fifteen members present.  Mr. Wylie was sent
for, and being notified of his election, declared his acceptance
of the office. Dr. Wylie's salary was fixed at the same amount
that Dr. Dunlap received, which was $533 33, he paying his
teachers out of it. In September, the committee that had




NEW PRESIDENTS AND " COLLEGE WAR."            89
been appointed to examine the graduates, reported in favor
of the following, viz:  Wells Andrews, afterwards a Presbyterian minister, first settled in Alexandria, Va., and afterwards in the West; Jose2ph'iX'Elroy, afterwards Rev. Joseph
M'Elroy, D. D., of New York; and James Coe, a highly
esteemed Presbyterian minister in Ohio, lately deceased.
They were accordingly admitted to the degree of A. B.
Whereas it appeared that the late Rev. John Brice had
left sundry legacies for the use of Jefferson College, the Trustees, considering the peculiar circumstances of the case, unanimously relinquished them for the sole benefit and use of said
testator's widow and children, their heirs and assigns. The
degree of A. M. was conferred on the Rev. Joseph S. Hughes.
In the Spring of 1813, the Board, at their April meeting,
conferred the degree of A. B. upon George Miller, formerly
of this College.  He was a son of Professor Miller; and as
he was appointed, or about to be appointed, an Army or Naval
Surgeon, it is probable that this circumstance accounts for
the irregularity of the time when he graduated. A classical
book, called " Collectanea Groeca Minora," was ordered to be
introduced and read in the College; and "Lucian's Dialogues"
dispensed with. It was left optional with the Principal to
continue or dispense with " Xenophon's Cyropoedia." Professor Miller was requested to instruct his class in theprinciples of Chemistry.  The examining committee, in September,
reported in favor of John iifonteith, afterwards a Presbyterian
minister in New York and Ohio; Archibald Johnston, afterwards a Covenanter minister of extraordinary oratorical powers, who lived but a short time; James Rowland, a Presby.
terian minister, settled at Mansfield, Ohio; Jeremiah Wilcox,
and George Junkin, afterwards Rev. George Junkin, D. D.,
a man of great energy, talents and usefulness, President, successively, of La Fayette College, Pa., Miami University, Ohio,
and now of Washington College, Lexington, Va.
When the Board met in 1814, it was found that there had
8*




90          HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
not been a full quorum at the previous September meeting.
But they now sanctioned their proceedings, and gave full
validity to their action in regard to the graduating class. It
was ascertained, at this meeting, that Ezekiel Hannah, of
Indiana county, Pa., lately deceased, had bequeathed his
property, to a large amount, for the use of the College; but
that the friends and heirs of the deceased would contest the
validity of the will. It was necessary that the Trustees should
have the will proven, and take the proper steps for defending
the suit. The Secretary of the Board had obtained satisfactory information from the witnesses of the will, and others,
leading the trustees to determine to sustain the suit in court.
Some of the adverse party came over to Canonsburg, seeking
an interview with the Board, and bringing with them various
depositions, tending to show that the testator was not of a
sound and disposing mind, when he made the will, and wishing the trustees to give up all claim to the property, or leave
it to the decision of some persons in Indiana and Westmoreland counties. The trustees, however, deemed it expedient to
appoint Dr. JItardock and James Kerr, Esq., a committee,
for the purpose of taking the necessary measures for carrying
on the suit. The price of tuition was now fixed at $18 per
annum; but it was understood that the Board would be at
the expense of providing fuel for the College, making of fires,
keeping it clean, &c. John iI'-Dozalcl, Esq., of Pittsburgh,
was elected Trustee in place of Jcames Mlountain, Esq.,
deceased. And the Rev. Elisha  I',Curdy was elected in
place of the Rev. Thos. MUoore, resigned. The Rev. AMessrs.
Ralston and Marquis were appointed a committee to prepare
and present a petition to the Synocl of Pittsburgh, at their
next meeting, praying that measures might be taken for erecting and maintaining a Divinity Hall,, to be connected with
the College.*  In September, 1814, the Rev. James Hughes
* There is no notice of this in the printed Records of the Synod.




NEW PRESIDENTS AND  fCOLLEGE WAR.9"         91
and John Mercer resigned their seats in the Board. The stu.
dents petitioned, complaining of the difficulties they labor
under, in being obliged to provide fuel for the College, keeping the College clean, stage expenses at the Fall Exhibition,
and praying that the Trustees would take charge of all these
matters; and that so much be added to the price of tuition
as would defray all such expenses. Their prayer was granted,
and the tuition raised to $20 per year.  The Rev. YlMoses
Allen, and Abner Lacock, Esq., were elected to supply the
two vacant seats in the Board.  The committee on the subject
of Mr. E. Hannah's will, reported that they had attended at
Indiana, and had gotten the will proven, which, together with
some other testimony, they had transmitted to Mr. Duncan,
the Attorney in behalf of the College, at Carlisle.  At the
meeting of the Trustees, in 1815, it appeared that Mr. Duncan had not received the documents-that they had miscartied; (a suspicious circumstance,) and Dr. Ralston and James
lKerr, Esq., were then appointed to go to Indiana and proceed,
de novo. The Trustees, in view of the defective condition of
the old stone college, resolved to proceed, forthwith, to make
preparations for the erection of a new edifice; and that every
Trustee should exert himself to procure subscriptions for that
purpose. They then resolved to meet again in June, to see
what had been the result, and to take measures accordingly.
Upon their meeting at that time, they could not make a Board,
but from the liberal subscriptions which were produced, they
were encouraged to appoint another early meeting, and to
notify the absent members.  They accordingly adjourned to
meet again August 3d.  But it was again a failure, perhaps
through disaffection to the object, or influence from another
quarter, which may hereafter appear. Those who met, however, examined the subscriptions, and some plans for the new
college, and then adjourned to the usual time in September.
They now, without appointment from the Board, proceeded to
examine the graduates, as no committee for this purpose had




92          HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
been appointed in the spring; and agreed to recommend to
the Board, as entitled to the degree of A. B., Joseph Smith,
(the writer of this history,) T'hos. Johnston, (who died a few
years after, near Mercersburg,) and Janmes Frasier, (who died
also shortly after.)
A letter was received from the Trustees of Washington
Colleges at the meeting of the Jefferson College Board, September 26, 1815, informing them that a committee had been
appointed to meet and confer with a committee from the Board
of Jefferson College, should they appoint such committee,
respecting a union of the two Colleges.  Accordingly, Dr.
M'Millan, and Messrs. Kerr, M'Donald, and Murdock, were
appointed a committee on that business, to meet at Emory's
tavern on the ensuing Friday.  Information was received from
the Rev. Mr. Pringle, that the suit respecting Mr. Hannah's
will, had been tried by Arbitration, and that the decision was
against the Board; but that an Appeal was entered against
the decision; consequently it must take its course in Court.
The Board approved and confirmed the course pursued by a
part of the Board, in respect to the graduates above mentioned,
and conferred on them the degree of A. RB. The degree of
A. M. was also conferred on the Rev. James Wilson, of Philadelphia; Andrew Wylie, Principal of the College; Stephen
Boyer, of Lancaster county; Robert Lusk, of Cumberland
county; and John IMDonald, Esq., of Pittsburgh; all alumni
of the College. Another effort was made to obtain legislative
aid towards the building of the new college, and Messrs.
Murdock and Ritchie were appointed a committee for this
purpose.  Messrs. Ritchie, Morgan, Mahon, and Murdock,
were also appointed a committee to procure materials for
the building, which at that time it was determined should
be erected on the lot of the old college.
The Trustees again assembled, October 25th, upon a notification of the committee appointed to confer with the
Washington committee, to hear their report, and, if neces



NEW PRESIDENTS AND " COLLEGE WAR."           93
sary, to act upon it. It will be remembered this committee
consisted of Dr.'3'Milzlan, James Kerr, E]sq., and Dr. Mlfrdock.  The Washington committee were the Rev. Messrs.
John Anderson and Win. Spear, and Messrs. A. Murdock,
Esq., and Parker Campbell, Esq.  The Jefferson College
committee stated they had called a meeting of the Board to
lay before them the following statement, which seems to have
been jointly agreed upon by the two committees, for it is
dated, "Canonsburg, September 29, 1815," the time when
the committees met   " A difficulty having arisen with regard
to the place of union, which could not be obviated by the
Conferees, it was proposed by the committee on behalf of
Washington College, and agreed to by the committee on behalf
of Jefferson College, that it be recommended by the different
committees to their respective Boards. of Trustees, to select
and appoint three trustees from each Board, in manner following; that is to say: the Board of Trustees of Washington
College to select and nominate three trustees from the Board
of Jefferson College, and the Trustees of Jefferson College to
select and nominate three trustees from the Board of Washington College, whose duty it shall be to meet and confer
upon the subject and place of an union between the two colleges, at the tavern of Mr. Graham, on Thursday, the 26th
of October, and at such other times and places as may be
most convenient to them, until their duty is fulfilled; and
further, to make report of their proceedings and determinations, or that of a majority of them, to their respective Boards
of Trustees, for their approbation or rejection."  After this
paper was read, a difficulty arose in the minds of some of the
members of the Board of Jefferson College, whether the Board
had legally met. It no doubt occurred to them that their
action on this report would be of serious consequence.  And
it was well to be sure whether they could now legally proceed,
in either approving or rejecting the course suggested by the
Conferees. It was carried in the affirmative, however, that it




94          HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
was a legally constituted Board. Then they agreed to the
report, and appointed Messrs. Gwin, Allison, and Stephenson,
trustees of Washington College Board, to meet with the committee which should be selected from their Board, for further
conference.  But they also Resolved, " That this Board is not
prepared to remove the site of the college from Canonsburg,
except the hand of Providence is clearly discernible in such
a measure, either by casting lots, or leaving it to the decision
of the Legislature." President Wylie's salary was now raised
to $700 per annumn; and Prof. Miller's to $500.  Whilst the
Board were still in session, they were informed that the Washington Board had selected the Rev. Messrs. Marquis, Macurdy,
and James Allison, Esq., of the Canonsburg Board, to meet
those above mentioned of the Washington Board; and as that
important joint committee were to meet the next day, the Board
adjourned till then, to be ready to hear their report. Accordingly, on the following day, the Board received the following
paper:
" Graham's Tavern, October 26, 1815.
"The Committees from the Boards, &c., met according to
arrangements of these Boards, last evening; Judge Allison
was chosen Chairman, and the Rev. Thos. Allison, Secretary
of the meeting. After some conversation, in which the design
of the Boards respecting the propriety of uniting the Colleges
was expressed, it was agreed that the commissioners from the
Board of Washington College should state the grounds upon
which they proposed to form said union.  The commissioners
then stated that they were instructed to say that all the present
funds of the college of Washington should be at the disposal
of the United Board, together with five thousand dollars, to
be obtained by the present Board of said College, upon condition that the permanent site of the united college shall be in
the Borough of Washington, which condition is a Sine qua nzon.
The commissioners from the Board of Jefferson College stated
that they were instructed to say that the site of the united




NEW PRESIDENTS AND - COLLEGE WAR."            95
college shall be determined by the mind of Providence,
expressed either by lot, or a decision of the Legislature of
this State.  As it was evident that the two Boards could not
agree, according to the above resolutions, the committees were
of the mind that the object of uniting the colleges should
still be pursued; and from a free conversation, it appeared
practicable, by some further deliberations in said Boards; and
agreed to recommend a reconsideration of the subject, and
give further instructions to their respective committees.
"Signed
"JAMES ALLISON,
" TIOS. ALLISON."
After some conversation on the report, the following resow
lution was moved: "Resolved, that provided the Board of
Trustees of Washington College will not recede from their
sine qua non, but will give five thousand dollars, in addition
to their present funds, half of the Trustees and the casting
vote in the choice of the Faculty, this Board will agree to
give up the site to them, and will unite with them in petitioning the Legislature to effect the object in view."  The consideration of this motion was, however, postponed, for the
purpose of choosing a committee to confer with the Professors
of Jefferson College on the subject.  Messrs. Ramsey, Murdock, and M'Dowell, were appointed that committee; and
after some time, brought in the following report, in writing,
from President Wylie:  "On condition that the Board of
Jefferson College do not see proper to accede to the proposals
that may be made from the Board of Washington College,
and that there should be a unanimity of views, and a coincidence of exertions in supporting the interests of Jefferson
College, I will agree to. continue in my present office, till
means may be put in operation for rendering this Institution
respectable.  If, however, the proposals from  Washington
will be such as to secure the preponderance and priority to




96           HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
the Board and Faculty of Jefferson College, my opinion would
be that they ought to be acceded to, and my conduct shall be
regulated  accordingly.  P. S. —Upon  conversation  with
Mr. Miller, I believe he will agree with the views stated above."
The original motion was then called up, when the vote was
taken, "accept or not?" The votes, when counted, were found
exactly equal, and the motion was lost of course.  "The President having declined voting, made the equality." When the
Board met again on adjournment, January 4, 1816, it was
moved and carried to make the last minute (above given)
read thus, viz: after the word "equality," "the President
was then called upon to vote; for some time he hesitated,
but afterwards he did vote in the affirmative; no reflection
upon the Secretary is hereby intended or designed."  A
petition of the students against the removal of the college
was received and read. The report from the Committee upon
a union of the Colleges was again read.  Then the following
resolution was adopted;  "That the diligence and fidelity of
the committee be approved; but that from a change of circumstances, since the last meeting of the Board, the union
recommended cannot be confirmed and ratified."  This was
approved without any dissent, and gave the final quietus to
the whole business. But it did not release them from further
trouble on this subject. For at their following Spring meeting, in April, they received another communication from
Washington, insisting that the Board of Jefferson College,
having committed themselves to certain conditions of a union,
which had been agreed upon, through their committees, in
accordance with alleged instructions, were now bound in good
faith to carry out their action. A majority of the Trustees
of Jefferson College thought otherwise, and claimed still to
have reserved to themselves the right of confirming or receding from the terms proposed by the committees. It was a
delicate and difficult point in diplomacy.  Some of the very
same questions involved in the case, have often been discussed




NEW PRESIDENTS AND "COLLEGE WAR.?           97
in the Senate of the United States, with immense ingenuity
and argument, whenever the subject of confirming and ratifying treaties has been before them. If any body, on either
side of this subject, thinks it a very plain case, we would
advise him to read over the arguments, pro and con, on the
subject of Jay's celebrated treaty; and he will not, perhaps,
think it is so easy a question to decide. Perhaps the Jefferson Board would have yielded the point to the Washington
Board, had they not been disturbed by other influences, especially the discovery, as they, perhaps erroneously, thought,
that some of the Washington Board had been tampering with
their President, and sormze,members of their Board.  However
this may be, they returned a spirited but respectful answer
to their brethren in Washington.  These papers are on file,
but we think it unnecessary to burden our narrative with them.
The Board, now released from this troublesome affair, went
on, with renewed spirit, in their enterprise of erecting a new
college-purchased from Mrs. Canon her lot, the most eligible
in the town for the site, directed a committee to sell the old
college and lot, and pledged themselves to the amount of $200
additional, if that amount should be necessary, after the proceeds of the sale of the old property, and the collections of
the extra subscriptions should be gathered in, to pay Mrs.
Canon. When the Board met in September, 1816, they
received and confirmed the report of the Examining Committee, recommending that the degree of A. B. be conferred on
Hugh Dickey, Wmn. Graham, and Win. Wallace; who all,
we believe, afterwards became ministers of the gospel in the
Presbyterian church. James Kerr, Esq., was appointed to
attend at Carlisle, employ counsel, and manage the suit respecting E. Hannah's Will, in behalf of the Trustees.  September
24th, 1817, the Rev. Andrew Wylie, D. D., having resigned
his office, the Rev. Wm. M'Millan was chosen in his place.
The Rev. Francis Herron, D. D., and the Rev. Michael Law,
together with Richard Johnson, Benjamin Williams, Andrew
9




98          HiSTORY OF JEFFERSON GCOLLEGEo
Munro, and John Reed, Jr., were elected Trustees to fill the
places of the Rev. Thos. Marquis, Rev. WinVm. M'Millan, John
Morgan, Dr. Samuel Murdock, James Allison, and Abner
Lacock, resigned.  Another meeting was appointed in December, and in the meantime, each member was to use his "A best
endeavors" to collect money to defray the expenses of the
new college. The Examining Committee reported in favor
of the following persons:  Abraham  Anderson, (afterwards
A. Anderson, D. D., a distinguished minister and Professor
of Theology in the Secession Church, recently deceased,)
Daniel IM'Intosh, (a Presbyterian minister of great promise,
from the Scotch Settlement, in Ohio, who went to the
South for his health, and died in Georgia or Florida,) and
Andrew  Todd, who were admitted to the degree of A. B.
Another effort was made to obtain legislative aid. The thanks
of the Board were voted to the ladies of Canonsburg and
vicinity, and the students, who had contributed for the purpose of painting the walls of the college edifce, and purchasing
a new bell for Jefferson College; and the Secretary was
directed to publish it in the newspapers.  This is the first
record of thanks we have met with, to the ladies, for their
kind offices in behalf of the College. But it ought never to
be forgotten that the zealous and efficient co-operation of
the ladies was afforded from the earliest period in the history
of this Institution. Many of our pious mothers and grandmothers offered up their prayers, and devoted a part of the
labor of their own hands, for the support and prosperity of
Jefferson College. Our readers will not forget what facts old
Mr. Patterson's subscription papers prove, about the early
efforts of our mothers, seventy years ago, when they lived in
log cabins, and were not yet free from exposure to the incursions of the Red Men of the Woods.
Another communication was received from the Trustees of
Washington College, informing them that Messrs. Campbell,
Murdock and M'Giffin, were appointed a committee for the




NEW PRESIDENTS AND "COOLLEGE WAR."          99
purpose of renewing the negotiation for the union of the
Colleges, and to report whether it be practicable to effect such
union. To which the Board of Jefferson College returned
the following rather caustic answer-:  " On motion, Resolved,
That as it is the duty of those to whom the education of youth
is committed, to inculcate, both by precept and example, the
virtues of candor, honor, justice and truth; this Board, therefore, cannot, consistent with the duty they owe to the public,
to the youth committed to their care, and to the respect they
owe to themselves, open a correspondence with the Board of
Washington College, until they explain their conduct, respecting the agreement they made with Mr. Wylie, the late Principal of Jefferson College, while in our employ."  They then
adjourned till December 3d, 1817. In the meantime, the
Board of Washington College, upon receiving this answer to
their overture, drew up and published a long and able paper,
vindicating themselves from the charge insinuated by the
Board of Jefferson College, and hurling back, with much
severity, but in very polished style, various charges against
the Board of Jefferson College. To this paper, the Trustees,
at their second December meeting, replied in a mtemorable
answer, that produced a deep sensation in the public mind at
the time. The paper was reported by the Rev. Messrs. Ramsey and M'Millan, who had been appointed a committee (December 3d) for that purpose. We have heard that much of
it was written by Dr. Ralston. But of that we are not certain. This long and able paper was assailed with the utmost
severity from various quarters; and not without partial success. For it had its weak and assailable points, especially in
relation to the origin of the movement against Dr. M. Brown,
in Washington congregation; also in relation to an alleged
secret contract with Dr. Wylie, and in reference to the charge
of disingenuousness on his part.  An able defence was also
made of the alleged conduct of those Trustees of Jefferson
College, to whom Mr. Wylie had made known his purpose of




100           HISTORY OF JEFFERSON  COLLEGE.
resigning his office at Canonsburg. All about the midnight
plotting to destroy Jefferson College was set in a very different
light, by the answers which appeared through the press at
the time. It may suffice to satisfy our readers that there were
two sides to almost every matter in discussion, when they learn
that such men as the Rev. John Anderson, D. D., the Rev.
Thos. Marquis, and the Rev. Elisha Macurdy, differed, almost
in toto, from most of the statements and arguments advanced
in this powerful paper of the Jefferson Board.  Those who
wrote it, and almost all the members of those two Boards, are
now in the grave. There were earnest and eminently pious
men enlisted on each side of that exciting subject. They are
now at perfect peace; and even long before they left the world,
every root of bitterness had been drawn from  their hearts.
We had thought, at one time, of placing in the Appendix
some of the able papers published by these Boards and their
friends, simply as " Curiosities of Literature;" but lest old
fires might again be kindled, we have concluded to withhold
them.
In April, 1818, a valuable accession was secured to the
Board of Trustees, by the election of the Rev. Robert Johnston, who had been a pupil during the times of the old Academy; and who continued a trustee for seventeen years. *  In
M Few men in the Synod of Pittsburgh, for the last half century, took a
more prominent part in its counsels, or exerted a niore beneficial influence,
than the subject of this notice. And Jefferson College had few more valuable and substantial friends. "lobert Joh7Lton was born in Perry county,
(then a part of Cumberland county,) on the banks of the Juniata, in August,
1774,, where he spent the first years of his life. Little is known of his youth,
and his first religious exorcises of mind. It seems probable that about the
beginning of this century, he was a student of Canonsburg Academy, with
a view of preparing himself for the gospel ministry. For, from the records
of the Presbytery of Ohio, it appears that he was licensed to preach the gospel, on the 23d of April, 1802. It is believed his theological studies were
under the direction of Dr. M'Millan. Hie obtained from the Presbytory, at
its next meeting, June 30th, 1802, liberty to itinerate in the bounds of the
Presbytery of Erie until the first of August, and was also appointed to supply




NEW  PRESIDENTS AND  "COLLEGE WAR/"                   101
the fall of 1818, the following students received the degree of
A. B.:  Wma. Blair, Robert Baird, (afterwards the Rev. Dr.
Baird, of New  York, the distinguished European  Traveler
and Lecturer, and at the head of the Evangelical Protestant
gtatedly at Buckskin and Mount Pleasant, Ohio, for two months. The Presbytery of Erie, October 5th, 1803, reported to the Synod that they had
received Mr. Johnston, a licentiate from the Presbytery of Ohio,'who
accepted a call fiom the united congregations of Scrubgrass and Bear Creek;'
and at the next meeting of Synod, they reported. that they had ordained
and installed him.' After laboring with eminent usefulness and success in
this field, where the spirit of God was poured out in a remarkable degree,
during a considerable part of the seven years of his ministry, he was then,
at his own request, dismissed, January 2d, 1811. He then entered a new
and important field, in Crawford county; and on the 15th of October ensging,
he was installed pastor of the united congregations of Meadville, Sugar
Creek, and Conneaut Lake. Here, for six years, and during a portion of
the prime of his life, he was engaged in that laborious and scattered charge.
Thence, at his request, he was dismissed, April 2d, 1817. During the follpwing year, he removed into Westmoreland county, and became a member of
the Presbytery of Redstone, having accepted a call to the united congregations of Rehoboth and Roundhill. He was installed pastor of these churches,
June 18th, 1818. HIere, foi. thirteen or fourteen years, he was laboriously
engaged in his Master's work, and many were given to him as seals of his
ministry. From the congregation of Roundhill, he was, at his own request,
lismissed, December 14, 1831; and, in the following year, from Rehoboth.
Fome time in 1833, we believe, he removed into the bounds of the Presbytery of
Blairsville, and took charge of the congregation of Bethel or Blacklick, an
old and most respectable congregation, whose history dates far back in the last
century. Here Mr. Johnston continued in his ministerial work for a number
of years. Upon rethiing from this field, atnd now becoming infirm through
yeaxs of laborious and self-sacrificing toil, he removed to the town of Indiana, where he resided, without a pastoral charge, with his son, Jcnses Johnaton, Eesq. Upon the removal of his son, a distinguished lawyer, to New
Castle, the county seat of the new county of Lawrence, he and his aged wife
wacompanied hin, to this their last encampment on their way to the Heavenly
Canaan. Mrs. Johnston did not long survive this removal, but died in the
faith about two years afterwards, leaving her bereaved husband to follow
her, after a further trial of his faith and patience. He is now waiting at a
very adva~nced age for his dismission. BEa. Johnston was an able instructor
and faithful preacher of the word. He was a bold and fearless man in the
discharge of his duty; devoid of all fear of man, either in or out of the
9*




102            HISTORY  OF JEFFERSON  COLLEGEd
Alliance,) Samuel Evans, Salmon  Cowles, (now a venerable
Presbyterian  minister in Iowa,) Thos. IiCnncnah, (the Relv.
Thos. Hannah, D. D., a minister of the Associate Church in
Washington, Pa.,) Joshua Mioore, (a Presbyterian minister in
Lewistown, Pa., lately deceased,) WiEn.  W' Ctlure, Alcxander
Willicamson, ff1n. Jeffery, D. D., and Jas. P. MJiller.  Principal MI'Millan's salary was $600 per annumn.  li'r. Abralham
Anderson (late Dr. Anderson) was chosen Professor of Languages.  In the spring of 1819, Principal Mt'Millan was commnissioned to spend two months to solicit contributions for the
College-especially to defray expenses for building  the new
College.  In September, the graduate class consisted of David
pulpit, an excellent pastor, a wise and judicious Presbyter, a valuable Trustee
of Jefferson College, and a faithful champion for Old School theology, and
strict church discipline. He had a cast of manners and a mode of social
intercourse that led many to consider him as overbearing and tyrannical; but
it was altogether his manner, arising, perhaps, from a constitutional temper.
ament. For a more kind-hearted man, and a warmer friend, could not easily
be found. The period of his ministerial and pastoral labors in Scerubgrass,
ZIeadville, Rousndhill, and Bethel, should be long remembered as one of mutch
spiritual prosperity in those churches. Mr. Johnston did much among his
people in promoting the cause of religious benevolence. Nor was his usefulhess in this respect confined to any one field. He was the ardent and efficient
friend of domestic and foreign missions, of our then infant Theological Seminary, and of the cause of education. As a member of Presbytery, and of
the Synod of Pittsburgh, from the latter of which he was not absent a single
meeting for more than forty years, his services in these respects were invaluable. More than once, important agencies were entrusted to him.
"During the great struggle of the church from 1832 to 1838, against the
alarming revolutionary movements of the New School party, Mr. Johnston
stood a firm, unyielding, and efficient friend.and advocate of the doctrines
aLld the ecclesiastical policy of the church of our fathers. May he yet be
spared just so long as his Divine Master has anything yet for him to do ot
suffer for his cause, and may his nunce dentittls find him filled with faith and
hope and love!"
The foregoing notice is taken from the Appendix to a sermon, entitled
"The fear of God, woman's true praise;" preached at Roundhill in IS5n}
aqd published by request. A more extended memoir of Mr. Johnston is iii
ireparation, with a view to insertion in a second volume of " Old lRedstone."




NEW PRESIDENTS AND C"OLLEGEI  WAR."         iQ3
Carson, Adam Coon, Alexander M'Candless, Jno. ]M'Kinney,
Wm. Smith, and Joseph Trimble.  We find here the name
of A. I'Candless, long known and highly esteemed pastor of
Long Run Congregation.  Elie afterwards removed to New
Jersey, where he died some years ago.  Also the Rev. Win.
Smith, D. D., who has been for more than thirty-five years a
Professor of Languages in Jefferson College, and pastor of
3Miller's Run Congregation.  If long and faithful services,
both as professor and pastor, entitle any man to distinction,
Dr. Smith has won for himself lasting honor, and his name
will stand high among the friends and benefactors of Jefferson
College.  The Rev. Joseph M'Elroy, D. D., (then of Pittsburgh,) was chosen a trustee.  A renewed movement for Legislative aid, was also made at this time.  The Rev. MlIessrs.
Ralstonj Ramsey, and Johnston, were appointed a Committee
to select and recommend a system of J et.cphysics, for the use
of the College.  What was the result is no where recorded.We believe that the old scholastic systems of Jffetapiysies were
never much in vogue.  A manuscript Epitome was in use in
Dr. Dunlap's time —perhaps brought by him from Princeton.
Dr. Wylie introduced Reid and Stuart on M3ental Philosophy,
in lienu of the old metaphysics. The metaphysics of the olden
tilme is now entirely neglected, and its entities and quiddities
nearly forgotten.  Requiescat in _pace.
In April, 1820, the Board conferred the degree of A. B.
on Wqin. Nesbitt, John Peebles, WVn. S. Roberts, Chlas. Xi
Gilletts, and Johno Kennecy.  And at their fall meeting, in
September, on Alexander Campbell, Alexander Sharp, Thos.
Williamson, M'Knight'Williamson, and Robt. Crooks.  The
Rev. Elisha P. Swi'ft, D. D., was elected trustee in place of
the Rev. Elisha Macurdy, resigned..
The committee appointed to settle with Dr. M'Millan a/nd
C. Ritchie, executors of the last will and testament of Mri.
Margaret Clark, deceased, reported that they had examinadi
the papers and vouchers in the hands of the executors and




104            HISTORY  OF JEFFERSON  COLLEGE.
found them  correct, and that there now remained in the hands
of Dr. M'Millan, and at his disposal, $4,685.10.  Of this
sum  there belonged to the poor fund, $2,573.50, and to the
Truste6s, $2,111.60.  This report was received and approved.
In April, 1821, Mr. A. Anderson's salary was increased $50.
The Legislature had passed an Act, making an appropriation
of $1,000 to aid the funds of the College, and atthis meeting,
C. Ritchiej Esq., was authorized to draw on the State Treasurer for that amount.  Messrs. Geo. Buchacan~, Win. John..
ston, John Pinkerton, and Levin Rogers, received the degree
of A. B.
In September, Joseph -B. Adams, Lewis IW. Andrews, R~ichk
ard Carnpbell, Jleredith llelm, John Huntcr, TWin. M' Connell)
Dlavid  M'lKinney, S'amuel Reed, and Aaron Torrence, were
admitted to the degree of A. B. *
Mr. Anderson  having resigned his office as Professor of
* We find on the printed Records of the Synod of Pittsburgh, October 6th,
iS20, this minute: "The following resolutions, relating to the establishment
of a Theological Seminary in the bounds of this Synod, were brought before
Synod, viz:
" 1st. Resolved, That it is expedient for this Synod, to take measures te
establish a Theological Seminary within their bounds.
"2d. Rosolved, That the said Seminaiy shall be located in the borough of
Washington, Pennsylvania,, upon the following conditions: 1st. That the
Boards of Trustees of.the' Colleges of Washington and Jefferson, shall enter
into an agreement to unite the said Colleges, with a stipulation, that the
united literary institution shall be established at Casnonsburg. 2d. That the
united College shall agree to appropriate the College premises and buildings
thereon erected in Washingtonl, and also the funds, or a proportion thereof,
for the use of a Theological Seouinary, a Professorship or Professorships, tc
be therein established, with the con-currence of this Synod.  3d, That an
act of the Legislature of Pennsylvania be obtained, should the salne be forid
necessary, to sanction the measures aforesaid. 4th. That these resolutions
be submitted to the Boards of Wnashington and Jefferson Colleges, and, provided tile respective Boards concur therein, that collmmissioners be appointed
to, take measures to prepare the contemplated plan for the consideration of
tho next Synod.
"Resolved, That the motion to adopt these resolutions be postponed, in
order to introduce a,ubstitute, viz: That the first two resolutions, with the




NEW  PRESIDENTS AND  i'COLLEGE WAR."                  105
Languages, iMr. Wm. Smith  (now the Rev. Dr. Smith) was
Ilected in his place.  Upon his signifying his acceptance, the
aisual oath of office was administered to him.  In April, 1822,
she Board recorded that Thos. Byers, one of the executors
)f the last will and testament of John M'Pherrin, deceased,
liad  paid  to  the  Treasurer, $2,033.25, the  original sum
mequcathcd to the Trustees of Jefferson College, the interest
of which is to be applied to the education of poor and pious
youth for the gospel ministry; together with $125, of interest
arisen therefrom.  This money, Messrs. Ritchie and Monroe
were appointed to lend out on sufficient security.  Miss Mary
Armitage presented a gold watch, valued  at $50, to aid the
funds of the College, and:;10 of which were returned to her,
with the thanks of the Board for her valuable gift.
Vacancies in the Board were filled: but as we have now
reached a period when this item of history can possess little
interest, we will not further notice it.
Mr. Ritchie reported  the receipt of the State donation.
Messrs. J.  Claybaucgh, Adab     Gilliland, Johan Pitkin and
Benj. Spillman, were  admitted to the degree of A. B.  The
Board also agreed to confer the same degree on John Closkey,
conditions annexed to the second, be referred to the Boards of tie Trustees
of the Colleges of Washington and Jefferson for their consideration.
" On motion, Resolvedl, That the Rev. Messrs. Thos. Marquis, Thos. iHoge,
James HIarvey, and ATm. Johnston, with James Hare, elder, be a Committee
to confer with the Boards of Jefferson and Washington Colleges on these
resolutions, and report at the next meeting of Synod; and that the stated
clerk furnish a copy thereof to each Board of Trustees, and that it be recommended to this Committee to endeavor to effect a meeting with said Boards
on the subject, in April next, or sooner, if found practicable."
There is no evidence that this paper ever came before the Board of Trustees
of Jefferson College. They have taken no notice of it on their records. It
would, apparently, have been an admirable scheme, could it have been carried
out. Why it was altogether dropped or neglected, we are at a loss to explain.
The Committee made no report at the next meeting, "but by information
received from a member of the committee, it does not appear probable that
such a union can now be effected."  The committee were discharged, and
that was an end of the whole matter.




106        rHISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
James Johnston, John M'Cluskey, Ebenezer Monroe, and
John Smart.
It was also determined at this meeting, in regard to the
two societies, the Philo and Franklin, that should they, at
any time, violate their own laws and regulations, to the aggrievance of any member or members, they shall have a right to
appeal to the Faculty, and the Faculty shall be governed in
their investigation of such appeals by the laws and regulations
of the societies —an appeal still allowed to the Board.
In August of that year, the Board was called together to
hear and investigate charges brought by the Faculty against
several students, for being the authors and promoters of
mutiny, sedition, and rebellion in college; and as having circulated calumny and slander against the character and reputation of the Principal, l3r. Wi. l'I3fillan.  Upon a full
investigation, the charges were not sustained. But the students were severely censured for their rash and precipitate
conduct, especially in their treatment of the Principal. One
student had published in the TWa.shington Revjorter, a publication which, in appearance, burlesqued praying societies and
associations for sustaining pious youth; and upon his disclaiming any evil intention, and making proper satisfaction, andpromising to. state the matter in a true light, in the same paper,
the Board accepted his explanation and promise, and let him
escape any further action of the Board. WVhereupon, the
Rev. Principal M'lMillan publicly declared his resignation,
which was accepted: and the IRev. Winm. Smith was appointed
to take charge of the College, in the room of Mr. M'Millan,
until the next meeting of the Board; and was further authorized, in conjunction with Messrs. Ramsey and Ritchie, to
employ a teacher of languages until that time.  At the September meeting, Messrs. Morrow, Livingston, M1artin, Frazier,
Shellady, and Brown, were admitted to the degree of A. B.
At this meeting, the Rev. MJfatthew Brown, D. D., was duly
elected Principal of the College, with a salary of $800. This




NEW PRESIDENTS AND " COLLEGE WAR."          107
was one of the most important events that ever occurred in
the history of Jefferson College. But we must begin a new
chapter in further proof and explanation of this remark. Dr.
Smith received $50 for his extra labors, and his salary was
thenceforward raised to $300 per annum.  What he then
received from Miller's Run congregation for his faithful min-r
isterial and pastoral services, we have not learned. In the
mean time, before we close this chapter, we deem this the
proper place to state how it came about that Jefferson College
obtained the distinguished services of Dr. Brown —a man who,
but a few years before, was President of Washington College.
This singular circumstance is so well explained by a writer
in the Presbyterian Advocate, January 4, 1854, believed to
be James Veech, Esq., of the Uniontown bar, that we shall
not hesitate to adopt his statement, which is as follows'
"The College War of 1816-1818 had ended.  Dr. Brown's
first wife had died.  The conflict had made him enemies who
seemed to have triumphed.  His usefulness, as pastor of the
Presbyterian church, had seemed to have been impeded.
Strife and affliction had sunk his spirits and marred his haps
piness.  Hle began seriously, though with much reluctance, to
think of a new field of labor. In this state of mind, the late
eminent and estimable Dr. Griffin, who had been invited to
the Presidency of Danville College, on his return from the
West, spent a night with Dr. Brown, at Washington, and
communicated to him the conclusion he had come to, not to
accept; and thereupon suggested the station to his friend, Dro
Brown. The suggestion was favorably received and entertained. Dr. Griffin thereupon wrote to the Centre College
Trustees, recommending Dr. Brown to them in strong terms.
In this he was zealously and efficiently seconded by the late
Rev. Andrew Todd, who was a student of Washington College at the time of the disruption, and a devoted adherent
of the Ex-President.  In due time, the Danville Board offered
to Dr. Brown the Presidency of Centre College. He there



108         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
upon went to the NTest, to Kentucky, to Danville; and
looked into the prospects and position of the new Collegefavorably., This was in 1821 or 1822.  I-He did not, however,
then give a definitive answer to the offer, further than to say
to the Board that he would duly consider the matter, and if
the way was clear, and God and duty pointed him to it, he
would go, if his Presbytery would dismiss him  from his
church at Washington, for that purpose.  Soon after his
return home, he informed, the Danville Board that he accepted
the offered Presidency, subject to the condition last above
named. In this state of things, and preparatory to his
removal; Dr. Brown procured a special meeting of his Presbytery, to be called to meet in the latter part of the summer
of 1822, to dismiss him from his charge. And in confident
anticipation of the desired dismissal being voted for, he,
during that summer, visited the eastern part of Pennsylvania,
to see old friends, and settle some secular business.  On his
return, he stayed all night in the'forks' neighborhood, and
then, for the first, heard of what was called' the Rebellion,'
in Jefferson College, and the resignation of the President,
Rev. Win. MI'Millan.  On his further progress homeward, he
stopped to dine with his ancient and trusty friend, the late
Rev. Dr. Samuel Ralston, * then, and for many years before
and after, President of the Board of Trustees of Jefferson
College.  The exciting proceedings which had lately transpired at Canonsburg, were of course spoken of during the
brief visit. But nothing was said about the Presidency,
directly or indirectly, until just as Dr. Brown was about to
mount his horse for home.  Dr. Ralston, who knew of the
pro re nata meeting, and its object, significantly inquired,'Are you pledged to go to Danville?' Dr. B. replied that
* Whoever has read Dr. Ralston's "Philologus," on the College War, will
be at no loss to discover the Irish strength and fervency of his friendship to
Dr. Brown.




NEW PRESIDENTS AND ~ COLLEGE WAR."         109
he was, if his Presbytery would dismiss him from his church.'Very well, sir,' said Dr. R.,'good bye; I will see you at
Presbytery, God willing.' The meeting of Presbytery came.
Dr. Ralston was there. The request for dismissal was regularly presented. But when the motion to bring about decision came to be made, instead of being'that the request be
granted,' the latter word was, to the surprise of Dr. Brown,
preceded by a' not.' The Rev. Thos. Hoge, then of Washington, Pa., was, I think, named as the mover.  The request
was, however, persisted in, and urged by such reasons as were
pertinent and proper. But the Presbytery was inexorable.
The request was flatly though kindly denied; and thus the
door was shut against Dr. Brown becoming President of Centre College, Danville, Kentucky, which, but for this unusual
action of his Presbytery, he would doubtless have soon become.
The Presbytery having adjourned, the secret, or unavowed
reasons, were explained to Dr. B. by his friends; which were
in substance that he could not be released until after the Board
of Trustees of Jefferson College should have met to elect a
President; which would be in a few weeks thereafter-the
last Wednesday of September, 1822, and if he were not
chosen, then he might be let go. The Jefferson Board met
at the appointed time. On the night of that day Dr. Brown
was elected President of that College-a committee was dispatched for him in the night, who, before breakfast the next
morning, (Commencement day,) returned with the President
elect; who, before nine o'clock, took the oath of office, and
on that day, within eighteen hours of his election, conferred
degrees, and made a brief impromptu Baccalaureate address,
as President of the Faculty of Jefferson College.'In all
this,' said the Doctor, in his relation of it,'events crowded
upon me so fast and so heavy, that I had no time to reflect
and deliberate.  Had time been given me I might have
declined. But I thought I saw in it the finger of Providence,
and I became passive in his arms.' The event was one of
10




110        HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
great joy and gladness to the eighty students then at Jefferson College, and to the friends of that time-honored Institution. It was hailed as an omen of prosperity, and a triumph
of retributive justice. It was an event from which untold
benefits and blessings have resulted, not only to that College
and its hundreds of students, but to thousands of the human
race, to whom, through them, Dr. Brown became, under God,
by his pre-eminent capacities for government and instruction,
and by his piety and prayers, a benefactor of the highest
order to which humanity can attain."




CHAPTER VI.
DR. M. BROWN' S PRESIDENCY.
A new era in the state and prospects of Jefferson College-Dr. Brown's
extraordinary character and qualifications-Connection of Jefferson College with Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia-Jacob Green, Esq.Literary Societies in difficulties-Theological Seminary of the Associate
Presbyterian Church established at Canonsburg-New College building
in 1829-32. Crisis in the life Dr. M'Millan; Death of his old friends,
Prof. Miller and C. Ritchie, Esq.; their lives and character-Agricultural
labor provided for students by a College farm; its ultimate failure; reflections about it-Recent movement by Synod of Pittsburgh for Ecclesiastical supervision-Its failure; reasons-Aids to be sought in investigating
that whole subject-General winding up of the whole subject.
We are now entering on a new era in the history of this
Institution.  Under the administration of Dr. M. Brown,
which extended over the long period of twenty-two years,
the College rapidly advanced in its glorious career. Never
was there, perhaps, a more popular, or a more successful President.  He was peculiarly gifted with qualities of head and
heart that secured to him the affection and respect of the students, both while under his watchful care, and through after
life, however long they might be separated from him, and in
whatever walks of life they might be found. The pious students were generally ardently attached to him; and the wildest
and most reckless respected and venerated him; and, in many
instances, would speak of him, years after their residence in
distant parts of the country, with a degree of affection that
was often surprising.  Yet he was constitutionally of a hasty,
passionate spirit, and would often rebuke the students in the
most unmerciful manner, Yet, somehow, he always had the
(111)




112         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
art of making up his quarrels with them, without losing their
respect, or his authority.  He was certainly the most remarkable man of our day, for the possession of qualities apparently
the most incompatible, but strangely and happily balancing
each other. Into many a scrape, his impetuous feelings would
hurry him; and yet he hardly ever failed to recover himself
with grace and manliness. He had an admirable talent for
governing a college. The success of his long presidential
career was a complete proof of this. But his peculiar talent
for canvassing and electioneering, among the people of all
classes, in favor of the College, was not less remarkable.  In
this respect, he did more for Jefferson College than all others
put together.  He was, in fact, an eccentric man; and yet
never was eccentricity more completely governed by good sense
and sound judgment.  His very oddities and personal mental
peculiarities contributed to his usefulness, and to the success
of the Institution over which he so long and so efficiently presided.  It was an auspicious day, when, on the 24th of September, 1822, Dr. Brown was elected Principal of Jefferson
College.
In April, 1823, the Board granted the degree of A. 13. to
James Arbuthnot, Wells Bushnell, John Cunningham, Boyd
Emory, Sen., Boyd Emory, Jr., James C. Hall, Robt. Henry,
Samuel Jennings, John Lee, George Lyon, IRobt. Moody,
Alex. Macklin, James Nourse, Wm. Pollock, Moses Roney,
Josiah Scott, Andrew Wilson, and Benjamin Yoe.  Many of
these will be recognized as living ministers of the gospel, in
various ecclesiastical connections, or as respectable members
of other professions. We have now reached a period when
we think it expedient to close the further mention of the
graduates, as they are mostly still among the living, and our
cotemporaries.  We shall, however, give their names in an
appendix. In the fall, the Board took Mr. M'Millan's house
off his hands, at $1,000, and took back the old lot, exonerating him from $550, which he was to have paid for it. At




DR. M. BROWN'S PRESIDENCY.            113
this time the degree of D. D. was conferred on the Rev. Messrs.
F. fHerron and Robt. Bruce, of Pittsburgh.
In 1824, the Board was called together in June, to deliberate upon an extraordinary communication just received from
Philadelphia, which led speedily to a new feature in the history of the College, and, for a while, to a new element in her
prosperity.  We refer to the establishment of the Jefferson
Medical College in Philadelphia, under the wing and charter
of our College. The following letter was laid before the
Board:'" Gentlemen:-The undersigned, believing, upon mature
consideration, that the establishment of a second medical
school in the city of Philadelphia will be advantageous to the
public, not less than to themselves, have formed themselves
into a Medical Faculty, with the intention of establishing such
a school, and they hereby offer to the Trustees of Jefferson
College to become connected with that Institution, on the
conditions herewith submitted; subject to such modifications,
as on a full and free explanation, shall be found satisfactory
to the parties severally concerned. The undersigned beg leave
to submit herewith, the plan which they have devised, for
forming the Faculty contemplated, and for conducting the
concerns of the same-open to amendments and alterations
in the manner already proposed.
"; Signed by order of the Faculty,
{"JosEPH KLAPP, M3. D.,
~" GEORGE M'CLELLAND, M. D.,
"PJOHN EBERLEn  M. D.,
"JACOB GREEN, Esq.
"Philadelphia, June 2, 1824."'
After some discussion and due deliberation, the Board
adopted the following resolutions, viz:  " 1st. That it is expedient to establish in the city of Philadelphia a Medical Fac10*




114          HISTO1RY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
ulty, as a constituent part of Jefferson College, to be styled
the'Jefferson Medical College.'  2d. That the Faculty of
the Medical College shall consist of the following professorships:  ist-a professorship of Anatomy; 2d —of Surgery;
3d-of the Theory and Practice of Medicine; 4th-of Materia
Medica, Botany and the Institutes; 5th —of Chemistry, Miineralogy, and Pharmacy; 6th —of Midwifery, and the diseases
of women and children.  3d. That whenever a vacancy shall
occur by death, resignation, or otherwise, it shall be filled by
a gentleman who shall be nominated by the remaining Professors, or a majority of them, and appointed by the Trustees
of the College.  4th. That a Professor may be removed by
the Board of Trustees, with the consent of a majority of the
other medical Professors, after a fair and full investigation of
the alleged causes for the removal; but in no other way.
5th. That the Medical School shall have no claims whatever
on the funds of Jefferson College.  6th. That the medical
Professors shall make arrangements among themselves for the
time and place of lecturing, for examinations, and for the general benefit of the school: the time for conferring medical
degrees shall be determined by the Trustees, on the representation of the medical Faculty.  The same fee shall be paid
to the President of the College by the graduates for a degree,
as for a degree in the arts. 7th. That this College shall use
a suitable influence to send medical pupils to the medical
school connected with it in Philadelphia; and the medical
Faculty shall promote in every way the interest and prosperity
of the College.  8th. That the young men who have attended
one course of lectures, in any respectable medical Institution,
shall be admitted to a standing, in all respects, equal to the
one they had left.  9th. That ten indigent young men of
talent,, who shall bring to the medical Faculty satisfactory
testimonials and certificates, shall be annually received into
the medical school, receive its medical instructions, and be
entitled to its honors, without any charge.  10th. That the




DR. M.L BRnoWNS PRESIDENOY.             115
following persons, duly elected, be and they are hereby
appointed to the following professorships, viz: Doctor George
M' Glellacnd, Professor of Surgery; lDoctor Joseph Klcapp
Professor of Theory and Practice of Medicine; Doctor John
Eberle, Professor of Materia Medica; Jacob Green, Esq.,
Professor of Chemistry, Mineralogy and Pharmacy.  11th.
That the President of the Board be, and he hereby is appointed
to forward these resolutions to the Professors elect, and to
hold any necessary correspondence with them on the subject
until the next meeting of the Board."
Toward the close of the following year, the Trustees applied
to the Legislature, and obtained an enlargement of their charter, authorizing them  to appoint ten trustees in the city of
Philadelphia-not more than four of whom to be ministers
of the gospel-and authorizing any Judge of the Supreme or
District Courts to administer the oath of office to the Professors and Trustees: and then, in 1826, the Trustees, at a June
meeting, elected the following Trustees, in Philadelphia, for
the superintendence of their Medical Department, viz:  Rev.
Ashbel Green, D. D., Rev. Jacob J. Janeway, D. D., and the
Rev. Ezra Styles Ely, D. D., together with Edward Ingersoll,
Joel B. Sutherland, Samuel Badger, Win. Duncan, and James
Broom; and they were directed, as soon as qualified and
organized, to inquire into the state of the Institution, and
report to the Board at Canonsburg. They also created another
Professorship of the Institutes of Medicine and Medical Jurisprudence, and elected Dr. Win. C. P. Barton to fill that chair.
Two months after, in August, the Board elected Messrs.
Edward King, Samuel Humphreys, and Charles C. Cox, additional Trustees for the Medical College, and six of the whole
Board was to form a quorum.  Dr. Green also was appointed
chairman.  In 1828, the Board surrendered more entirely the
whole concern to the Philadelphia Board, and agreed that
their decisions, in all cases, should take effect without waiting
for the confirmation of the same at Canonsburg; and only




116          HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
retaining the right of reversing their proceedings, if, in their
judgments, the interests of the Institution required it.  One
important result, which grew out of this matter, was, that an
arrangement was made in 1828, to secure the services of "one
of the Professors of the Medical College, Jacob Green, Esq.,
to come out to Canonsburg and deliver a series of lectures on
Chemistry, Mineralogy, &c., during a part of the summer
sessions.  And certain perquisites, arising principally from
matriculation fees at the Mledical College of Philadelphia,
were appropriated as a compensation for his services.  The
interest of the last appropriation from  the State, was also
employed to purchase chemical and philosophical apparatus,
and enlarge the College Libraries.  And $300 also front the
funds of.the Board, were employed for the same purpose.
In 1833, the Board appropriated $100 for the payment of
Prof. Green's services, as Professor of Chemistry, &c.  Thus,
through successive years, was this arrangement continued.
The Chemical Laboratory and Apparatus were enlarged from
time to time, and much advantage to the College and to the
interests of science was the result.
But to return. The Board, at their meeting, April, 1825
provided that the students should be allowed to occupy thvacant rooms of the new College edifice, as lodging rooms -
that the education funds should be appropriated for the accommodation of their Beneficiaries, in this way; and that Ben.
jamin Williams and John Philips should be a committee, in
connection with the Faculty, to arrange these matters.
It appears that up to the year 1826, the decisions at the
contests, held by the two Literary societies, were made by the
Trustees. The Philo Society asked, by petition, at this time,
that the Board should hereafter discontinue this usage. The
Board advised the Philo Society to invite the Franklin Society
to a friendly conference by committees, and get the whole
matter adjusted in whatever way they should mutually determine upon, in regard to this point.  In January, 1827, the




DR. M. BROWN' S PRESIDENCY.              117
two societies applied to the Board to settle this difficulty, and
establish some order or rule about the matter.  The Board
informed them that they had never, by any formal act of the
Bo%,rd, heretofore acted in the case, and suggested to the
societies that hereafter it would best comport with the harmony of the College, and the peculiar nature of these literary
exhibitions, that the comparative merits of the respective performers should rest upon the impartial decision of the spectators generally.  Whether the societies adopted the course
suggested, and how long, we are not informed. They soon
agreed upon the plan of selecting judges of the' Contest, each
society choosing a certain number, and they, perhaps, choosing
an umpire. And on this plan the thing is managed to this
day.
In 1827, the State Legislature granted another appropriation of $1,000, and the same amount for each of two or three
successive years. There is also a notice on their Records,
March 27, 1833, of $2,000, " as an installment due from the
Legislature on the first of the ensuing May."  It would seem
that the Legislature had passed an act, some years before,
granting an appropriation, by yearly installments. The whole
amount we do not know.
In 1828, the Rev. Robt. Baird, D. D., was appointed Professor of Languages, and Dr. Smith was transferred to the
Mathematical chair.  But as Dr. Baird declined the appointment, Dr. Smith was continued in his former chair. In 1829,
the Associate Body, or the Seceders, as they are commonly
called, located their Theological Seminary at Canonsburg;
and as they had not, for some time, the requisite buildings,
the Trustees resolved "that the two rooms on the north-west
corner of the College be appropriated to the use of the Associate Church of North America, for their Library and Theological Hall, until they shall have time to provide other buildings; and that public ground be afforded them, if they wish
to build in this place." This body, however, did not avail




118         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
themselves of this last proposal-judging wisely that the
Theological Seminary should be, on many accounts, removed
to some distance from the College buildings.  They chose an
eligible site on the left side of the Washington road, near a
quarter of a mile from the borough; and there the Seminary
has long flourished. They have recently removed the Institution to Xenia, Ohio.  The above arrangement, afforded to
them for their temporary accommodation, was not only for the
interest of the College, but was justly due to a church whose
memhers had always been the staunch friends of Jefferson
College from its earliest days.  Old Mr. Henderson, we have
already seen, was actively concerned in fixing the Academy at
Canonsburg, and in watching over its interests in the days of
its childhood. The Chartiers Presbytery of that body likewise united with the Presbyteries of Ohio and Redstone, in
vigorous efforts to sustain the Institution, when, but for their
united efforts, it must, in all probability, have gone down to
rise no more. Dr. Ramsey, also, the successor of Mr. Henderson, in the pastoral charge of that large and respectable
Seceder congregation, in the vicinity of Canonsburg, was,
through a long life, a most devoted friend and patron of Jefferson College-always an active member of the Board, whilst
in it, and for many years the Hebrew Professor in College.
Jefferson College owes much to Dr. Ramsey and the respectable body of Christians of which he was a greatly honored and
respectable minister. He was also one of the first Professors
in their Theological Seminary. In the Appendix will be
found some further notice of him from the pen of Dr. Bevridge.
In 1829, the Board took measures to erect a new building,
so as to afford a spacious hall, and also a sufficient number of
rooms for recitation, library, apparatus, &c., and having the
basement story so constructed as to furnish accommodation
for a refectory and dining room.  Measures were also adopted
to raise the necessary funds. Dr. Brown was appointed agent




DR. M. BROWN'S PRESIDENCY.             119
for this purpose, and his salary increased.  The Board determined that $1,000 should be the endowment, for a perpetual
scholarship, for the education of a poor student, designed for
the- gospel ministry. This arrangement was adopted, perhaps,
with a view, in part, to invite contributions towards the new
building contemplated.  The tuition, also, was raised this year
to $25 per annum. In the fall of this year, having received
an encouraging account of Dr. Brown's success in raising
funds, and having appointed the whole Faculty as agents for
further efforts, authorizing them to appoint sub-agents, with
subscription papers, the Trustees now felt themselves warranted
to appoint a building committee, (Messrs. Williams, Philips,
_Monroe and Allen,) to examine as to the site and dimensions of
the building, the propriety of purchasing additional ground, the
expense of erection, &c., &c., and to receive proposals. Early
in the following year, the Board received their report, and
proceeded forthwith in this important enterprise. In the
course of less than two years, this building was ready for use.
The Trustees held their first meeting in it, March 27, 1833,
and called it, at the suggestion of the Rev. Moses Allen,
Providence Hall.  This is a spacious edifice-sixty feet by
ninety in size-furnishing a magnificent hail, where now Commencements and Contests are held, and where public worship
is also conducted every Sabbath; and it serves as a house of
worship for the Presbyterian congregation of Canonsburg.
Whether Dr. M'Millan ever preached in Providence Hall, we
are not informed. His death occurred November 16, 1833.
He had lived, however, to see this building finished and occupied.  It does not appear that he was present at the meetings
of the Board for the last few years of his life. He had been
Secretary and Treasurer for ten years, from 1817 to 1827.
There is no record of his having resigned his seat as a Trustee, and it is probable he did not resign. But his age and
growing infirmities, perhaps, prevented his attendance at the




120       IHISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGU
meetings of the Trustees for some time before his death. But
he lived to see this last edifice completed. And now, when
from his home in the country he would visit Canonsburg,
how contrasted the view of the College buildings and the
town, with that scene which he first beheld when descending
the hill east of Chartiers creek in 1775, or 1776. Then a
single log cabin occupied the site of Canonsburg, with, perhaps, a few acres of cleared ground around it. Now his aged
eyes rested upon that thriving village, and its home of science
and literature. How often had his heart throbbed with anxiety for its interests, and even for its continued existence, more
than once in imminent peril. And when he remembered
how many had been trained already there, who were now
preaching the everlasting gospel, far and wide over the West,
and how some who, in poverty and in russet garb, had once
been there, and had struggled on through many difficulties,
till they were prepared to go forth as heralds of the Crosshad early sunk to the grave, and been called home to their
rest; when he remembered how God had blessed with complete success, the efforts and struggles of himself and his fellow-laborers, in the cause of that College, he would, perhaps,
exclaim, " what hath the Lord wrought!"  The remembrance
of these early associates in this noble enterprise, would perhaps bring before his mind the names and persons of many
of those that were sleeping in their graves, before Providence
Hall was built. He would recollect Henderson and Canon,
and M'Dowell and Anderson, and Allison and Brecken, of
those earlier times. His early friend and step-brother, Prof.
Samuel _Miller, had but recently been dismissed to his heavenly home, in a good old age, beloved and respected by all
classes, and almost idolized by all the students that had ever
been at Jefferson College. One of the first records of that
first meeting of the Board in Providence Hall, reads thus:
" On motion, Resolved, That the Treasurer be authorized to




DR. M. BROWN' S PRESIDENCY.                     121
pay C. Ritchie six dollars, for the College expenses on the
funeral of Prof. Miller, deceased." *
I-*' "Mr. Miller's course through life was like that of the rivulet, winding
its gentle and noiseless and healthful way among the spreading elms which
line its margin, and serve in part to hide its surface from the vulgar gaze.
it was very rarely that his own history formed the subject of his conversation
with others; and the only record which now remains is that inscribed in the
hearts, which once greeted his presence and profited by his instructions."
" Samuel l.iller was born on the 4th of March, 1757, at Barrow.Water, in
the county of Derry, Ireland. His great-grandfather emigrated from Scotland during the persecutions under Charles II, at which time his estate was
confiscated, on account of his attachment to the principles of civil and religious liberty, and bestowed on a younger and more pliable member of the
family. The subject of this memoir came to America when he was eleven
years of age, in company with his widowed mother, two sisters, and a brotherin-law. Until his sixteenth year, he resided with his mother, in Chester
eounty, Pa., prosecuting his education in the academy of a Mr. Law, of
whom he always spoke in a tender and respectful manner. At sixteen, he
began to teach in Chester county, and for fifty-seven years, with but two short
intervals, he was employed in giving instruction. His first temporary abandonment of his post had in it something of the romantic. He had been occupied in teaching about two years. An old acquaintance appeared at his
school-house, commissioned as a recruiting officer.  Our teacher, and every
pupil of a suitable age, were induced to enlist as common soldiers for one
year. Mr. Miller remained in the service during eighteen months. He
tbrmed one of the' Pennsylvania Line,' in the regiment of Col. (afterwards
qen.) Wayne, and breasted the shock of war at Brandywine, Germantown,.nd in several less important engagements. It is believed that Mr. Miller
night have obtained a pension for his revolutionary services, but he never.aw fit to apply for one. On retiring from the army, he had recourse to his
old employment. At the close of the Revolutionary war, he revisited his
native country. The estate which now fell into his hands induced him to
think of a less laborious mode of life. On his return, he married into the
family of Mr. John Nesbit, a ruling elder in the Presbyterian church of
York, Pa. He soon after embarked in mercantile pursuits at Carlisle. His
speculations, however, proved disastrous. Our merchant was constrained to
resume his former employment, and was doubtless, much more useful, and
probably more happy, than would have been possible in the line of life previously contemplated. The mathematical chair being at that time vacant in
Dickinson College, Mr. Miller was persuaded to be a candidate for the situation. His application was unsuccessful, but he expressed himself to be fully
satisfied with the decision, and uniformly spoke of his successful rival (Mr.
11




122             HISTORY  Of1 JEFFERSON  COLLEGE.
M'Cormick,) in respectful and affectionate terms. This professorship was in
his offer at an after period, but was then declined by him, Providence having
given him an allottment elsewhere, with which, though less inviting in some
respects, he was very well satisfied.  In 1791, he came to the West, and
taught an English school in the neighborhood of Canonsburg.  lie was
appointed Professor of Mathematics in the Academy, in 1792; and this
appointment was renewed in 1802, after the College charter had been obtained.
From this time, until his resignation, in the autumn of 1830, his histbry is
identified with that of Jefferson College. He was its friend in times of trial,
and contributed a full share to its prosperity. In grateful remembrance of
his fidelity, he was appointed honorary Professor for lifer after he had become
unable longer to discharge the active duties of the station.  From the time
when he ceased to officiate in the College, his physical and mental faculties
were visibly on the wane; and on the 8th of June, 1832, he departed without a struggle, aged 75 years, 3 months and 4 days. In token of respect to
his memory, the ordinary duties in College were suspended. The trustees,
faculty and students, walked in procession to the grave; and on the evening
following, an address suited to the occasion was delivered by the President,
in the College Hall. Some portrait will be expected of the person and character of our deceased friend. To begin with the less important, we will give
our views of him as a man. His personal appearance and address were prepossessing, notwithstanding the disadvantage of a stature a little below the
ordinary size. His features were prominent and expressive; his eye lively,
and always lighted with the smile of benignity; his health, as the result of
striot temperance and regular exercise, was remarkably vigorous, until he
resigned his professorship. His manners were obviously the spontaneous
effusions of a spirit which breathed good will to all around. An intelligent
lady made the remark, that she was never in his society without a livoly
impression of the beauty and utility of courteousness. He was naturally a
gentleman, and his manners, originally amiable, were still further softened
and sanctified by kindly and Christian principle. No one was ever heard to
speak disrespectfully of Mr. Miller; and while this may be ascribed in part
to his seclusion, it was no doubt owing mainly to his suavity of temper and
manners. In Mr. Miller, as a Professor, we find talents of a very high
order. He attained to considerable eminence without the advantages of a
thorough academic or collegiate education. His attainments in mental, moral
and theological science, were creditable; but the exact and physical sciences
were those best suited to the original bias of his mind, and those to which
his studios were chiefly directed.  His acquisitions in this department, were
not so extensive as those of learned Mathematicians of Europe, or perhaps
of some few in our own country; but as regards aptness and accuracy, he
was second, we think, to no one. There was one faculty he possessed, which
generally occasioned no little surprise to his pupils.  We refer, if the mental
analyst permit, to his capacity of attending to several exercises simultane.




DR. M. BROWNI'S PRESIDENCY.                       123
ously. Pupils not unfrequently came to the Professor for instruction onsome
point, while he was occupied in solving some difficult problem; and for fear
of distracting his attention, would be disposed to defer their inquiries. Mr.
Miller would apprise them very pleasantly that he had two; and without in
the least degree turning off his eye, or at all lessening the rapidity of his other
calculations, could hear and answer every question that might be propounded.
This faculty, though not often necessary to professors, was of the greatest
advantage to the then condition of the College, on account of the number
of branches in the department, and the injudicious multiplication of classes.
His acquaintance with what are termed Natural Sciences, was equally accurate, during the vigor of life, although it is not likely that his knowledge,
during the last ten years of his life, kept pace with the improvements in some
of these branches, particularly chemistry. His mode of communicating
instruction was peculiarly happy, and his explanations of abstruse points
remarkably lucid and satisfactory. He never read lectures, but his extemIyere remarks and illustrations, were always entertaining, and sometimes
highly valuable. Original theories, in explanation of natural phenomena,
were not unfrequently suggested, and insurmountable difficulties presented
to the adoption of existing theories. Many of these are safely deposited in
the memories of his pupils; but as some of them might have led to valuable practical results, it is much to be regretted that his extreme diffidence
prevented him from communicating them in a less perishable form. His
manners in class were not less decorous and winning than in private life.
His punctuality was proverbial. During the thirty years he was Professor,
he spent, on an average, about five hours daily in the recitation room; and
though he resided about a mile from College, he was never known to disappoint a class, until within two years of the time when he resigned his chargoe
Mr. Miller's failing, as a Professor, was an undue lenity to delinquents.
The diligent student had every facility for improvement, and, as a consequence, made rapid progress in science; but those of an opposite character
were ferreted out of their lurking places, and goaded with too sparing a hand.
Faculty meetings, at which unpleasant business was to be transacted, were
the only meetings at which Mr. Miller's seat was ever vacant; but this was
perhaps the infirmity of age, rather than the defect of the man; for our
animadversion is to be understood of the decline of life and not of its
meridian.
"Finally, we refer to Mr. Miller as a Christian.  The commencement of
his Christian course is dated about the time of his arrival in the western
country. Of his early religious exercises, the writer knows nothing; but
the genuineness of these may be safely inferred from the after fruits of holy
living. At the fireside, in the recitation room, and in the sanctuary, the
Christian was pre-eminent over the man, and the scholar. His religious character partook of the defect already alluded to. He was over timid, and
therefore less prominent, and, in some respects, less useful, than many of not




124            HISTORY  OF JEFFERSON  COLLEGE.
The second meeting of the Board, but a few months after,
(September 25, 1833,) tells another memorable incident.
"The Board proceeded to elect a member in the room of
Craig Ritchie, Esq., deceased." -* Thus, within a few months
half his moral worth. He sought first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, under the healthful conviction that all things else which are necessary
will be added therewith. This was a principal reason of his attachment to
the College which he served for so many years. He always regarded that
Institution as eminently the offspring of faith and prayer. His salary, during
a great part of his life, was exceedingly small, and ho is known to have
declined several professorships when the emoluments were far greater than
those he actually enjoyed.
6" Our deceased friend's Christianity was the result of intelligent, as well as
heart-felt conviction. His accurate mind weighed soberly the arguments in
favor of the divine origin of Christianity. The evidence he saw to be
equally fair and irresistible, though of a different nature, as that in support
of any proposition in Geometry. The system, if true, he perceived to be
infinitely momentous, laying claim to the homage of his heart and the service of his life; and these were accordingly yielded to its influence. He
was attached to the Presbyterian church, and for many years a ruling elder:
a Calvinist in doctrine, exemplary in the discharge of every duty, and yet,
when all was done, deeply sensible that he was but'an unprofitable servant.'
The benevolent operations of the day received his cordial support, and though
a strictly temperate man, he readily gave his pledge and his heart to the
blessed reform now in progress in our land.
"He conversed about his decease calmly, expressed his deep sense of his
own sinfulness, and his exclusive reliance for pardon and salvation on the
atonement of his Divine Saviour. Shortly before his decease, he experienced
a'fiery trial,' from an apprehension that he would be' a castaway.' This
lasted for nearly two days. He subsequently enjoyed great tranquillity, and
finally fell asleep in Jesus, without a struggle, trusting in the mighty
Saviour's name.'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, for they rest
from their labors, and their works do follow them.'"'-Th  Rev. John H..Kenned/y.
* Craig Ritchie, Esq., was born in Glasgow, December 29, 1758. When
only fourteen years of age he emigrated to this country, in 1772. He early
evinced extraordinary talents for business, and soon succeeded in working
his way to the position of a successfulmerchant, in Canonsburg. At the age
of thirty, he secured to himself the possession of a most estimable and valuable wife, by marrying Miss Mary Price. This excellent lady, who became
the mother of % hI  e family, pro-eminently adornedher station, and greatly




DR. M. BROWN'S PRESIDENCY.                    125
of each other, immediately after the erection of this last fine
building, were called away from  earth, Prof. Samuel Miller,
Craig Ritchie, Esq., and Dr. John M'Millan.  They had been
closely united for more than forty years, in their efforts to
conduct Jefferson College up from feeble infancy to sturdy
manhood.  When Providence Hall was finished and occupied,
contributed to Mr. IRitchie's happiness and success in life. She sympathized
with him in his toils and struggles to sustain Jefferson College, through its
earlier history; and her name oiught ever to stand with those of Mrs. Canon,
Mrs. M'Millan, and other noble women who labored and prayed, and made
such sacrifices for this Institution.
Mr. Ritchie's energy of character, business habits, integrity of principle,
and general intelligence, secured to him a widely extended reputation. He
was early elected to the Legislature, and served his country for some years
in this capacity. During the "Whisky Insurrection," he took a decided
stand on the side of law and order; and rendered himself so unpopular with
some of the leaders of that unhappy affair, that he was in danger of their
vengeance. Indeed, nothing but his absence, in attendance at the General
Assembly of the State, saved his property from the torch of the incendiaries.
at the time that Gen. Neville's house was burned to the ground; as some of
the party told the family. Ile enjoyed the confidence and special friendship
of Gen. Washington, who often visited him, and corresponded with him, and
availed himself of Mr. Ritchie's aid, in the management of his landed interest, so far as Washington county was concerned. He not only lodged with
Mr. Ritchie, and often dined with him, but took many a walk with him along
the banks of Chartiers, conferring with him, not only about his own private
interests, but the public concerns of the country. He also enjoyed the
friendship and confidence of Dr. M'Millan, who made Mr. Ritchie's house
his home, whenever he was in Canonsburg. For more than fortyyears, there
was an unbroken intimacy between these good men.
It, would be hard to say how much Jefferson College is indebted to Mr.
Ritchie for its successful struggles in its most perilous times. He was one
of its first Trustees, and the Secretary of the Board for a long time. He
also was appointed Treasurer, at various times, and managed the financial
affairs of the College with great judgment and success, often paying large
sums in advance, from his own pocket. He was by far the most business
man they had, and did more in devising ways and means to sustain the College, than perhaps all the other Trustees together, even including Dr. M'MilIan himself. He gave a large portion of his time and personal attention in
superintending the progress of the new building, and providing from his
pwn resources, whatever mightbe temporarily wanted by the workmen. And
11*




126           HISTORY  OF JEFFERSON  COLLEGE.
they might well consider their work on earth as done.  And
the remarkable Providence of God so ordered it that these
three  nen should all successively die immediately after the
completion of this work. It was a circumstance of almost as
striking a character as the deaths of Adams and Jefferson,
the one the author, the  other the eloquent advocate of the
Declaration of Independence, just fifty years after that national
birthday, on the 4th of July, 1826. But we return to notice
one or two matters that ought not to be passed over in silence;
and which belong to the few years which precede the last dates
we have been giving. We have often had occasion to notice
the generous benefactions which poured from time to time
into the College Treasury, to aid poor and pious youth in preparing for the gospel ministry. Indeed, it is believed the
guardians of the Institution never turned away a worthy
young man, destitute of means, who sought their doors,
whether he was a professor of religion or not. It had long
when, in 1817, every other Trustee seemed to despair of the further existence
of Jefferson College, Mr. Ritchie was unmoved and immovable, and took
such energetic steps as reanimated the friends of the Institution, and secured
its continuance.
He died, June 13th, 1833. He was a gentleman of the old school. His
dignified and somewhat aristocratic manners, and his fine personal appearanco, commanded respect wherever he might be found. For honesty of
principle, goodness and charity, and for self-sacrificing efforts in behalf of
Jefferson College, the church of his choice, and the country of his adoption,
Mr. Ritchie had no superior in our Western country. To have so long
enjoyed the confidence and esteem of Gen. Washington and Dr. M'Millan,
is a high honor to which few, living or dead, can lay claim. He left behind
him a large and well educated family, of uncommon intelligence and refinement. Their offspring are scattered over the land, from B3atimore to Now
Orleans. The Rev. Dr. Andrew Wylie, President, first of Jefferson College
then of Washington College, and lastly of Indiana University, married hig
oldest daughter. Rev. Samunel eF. Leake, also married a daughter. The
Rev. Joseph T. Smith, D. D., of Baltimore, is married to his grand-daughter,
His oldest living son, John Ritchie, Esq., resides in New Orleans. The
Hon. David Ritchie, of Pittsburgh, is perhaps his third son. His youngest
son, Craig Ritchie, Esq., is a merchant in Canonsburg.




DR. M. BROWN'S PRESIDENCY.           127
been a subject of serious conference amongst the members of
the Board, Faculty, and other patrons of the Institution,
whether a better system could not be devised to aid poor, but
talented and promising young men, through a college course.
The plan of a self-sustaining Institution had not then been
much heard of. But in some parts of the country, attempts
had been made to unite the manual labor system with schools
and academies. The scheme was becoming popular, and
exciting much attention in the public mind. Some had read
about what Pestalozzi and Fellenberg were doing in the old
world. Could something like this be done, in whole or in
part, at Canonsburg? If half the glowing declamation that
was beginning to fill the public press on the subject was
founded in truth, it was worth the trial. Surely Jefferson
College, that had been sustained, through its earlier life, by
the hard earned and humble offerings of the comparatively
poor, all over Western Pennsylvania, as we have already seen,
was now, in her better and more prosperous days, peculiarly
bound not to forget " the rock whence she was hewn and the
hole of the pit whence she was digged"-was bound not to
forget the poor. It was worth the trial, at any rate, to see
whether facilities offered for agricultural labor, could be
secured to young men who were willing to work their way to
a, diploma, by the toil of their hands.  Accordingly, at a
meeting of the Board, September 30, 1830, the following
preamble and resolutions were adopted:
" Whereas, it has pleased the Great Head of the church, eminently to own and bless the instrumentality of this College, in
preparing men for usefulness in the gospel harvest, as well as in
other professional and public stations, and whereas the Board
cherish the hope that his kind and benignant Providence may
still continue to watch over it for good, and to increase the
amount of its usefulness to the cause, and the kingdom of Christ,
and the public welfare; and whereas they feel it incumbent on
them to use every measure in their power to facilitate the acqui



128         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
sition of classical education on the part of indigent and promising young men of our country; therefore,
"Resolved, That in order the more fully to attain the objects
above adverted to, it is expedient to connect with the College
premises, a farm of such location and size as may give to all
such students as may be disposed, an opportunity to employ a
part of their time in mechanical, horticultural and agricultural
pursuits, with a view to the decrease of their expenses, and for
other purposes, on such plan and under such regulations as may
hereafter be adopted by the Board.'"
Messrs. Williams, Johnston, and Logan, were appointed a
committee to take measures to obtain the requisite funds for the
purchase of a farm, and were authorized to select and purchase
the same, whenever the requisite funds shall have been subscribed or guaranteed.  In April, 1831, the committee made a
report, unfavorable to the purchasing of a farm at that time.
But while the subject was under consideration, Messrs. Allen
and Williams stated to the Board that they had made a purchase
of a farm, adjacent to the town, for the sum of $3,000, which
they would tender to the Board, if they would accept of it,
on the terms purchased. The Board agreed to the termsthese gentlemen pledging themselves, at the end of one year,
to take back the farm, provided the Board should be disposed
to give it up, and that they would, in that case, refund the
money now advanced by the Board, without interest. We
find but little subsequently recorded about this farm.  It is
stated that on September 28th, 1831, "A request was laid
before the Board, by Mr. L. Streit, a student of the College,
for a lease of three or four acres of ground, on the College
farm, with the privilege of erecting a house and making certain improvements thereon.  His request was granted, and
Messrs. Moses Allen and Benjamin Williams were appointed
a committee to contract with Mr. Streit, and make such
arrangements with other students desirous of residing on the
farm, as shall appear expedient. We know but little more




DR. M. BROWN'S PRESIDENCY.              129
of this enterprise. We believe, however, that after the trial
and experience of a few years, it was deemed expedient to
abandon it, not having fulfilled the expectations of those who
were at first very sanguine in its success. A similar fate has
attended such  schemes almost everywhere else.  And we
hear but little now of manual labor Colleges and Academies.
A real agricultural school, however, is a different affair.  Our
State Agricultural Society is about to make the experiment
of such an institution. But though we should rejoice in its
success, if conducted on right principles, we fear it will be a
failure. For how shall moral and religious instruction be
provided that will be worth any thing, and at the same time
be acceptable to all the parties interested? If it be entirely
left out-if an open Protestant Bible and scripture lessons be
excluded,, what guarantee can we have for its moral influence,
and even for its successful management? But this is aside
from our present purpose. We cannot yet think that a plan
of manual labor in mechanical departments, in connection
with Jefferson College, would be necessarily a failure, if some
of the faculty, or some suitable person employed by them,
could take the direction of it.  Most students would labor
with more advantage in rooms or shops, than on farms, often
exposed to scorching suns, or drenching rains; for these
could not always be avoided.  And young men or boys, reeking with perspiration or discomforted with soiled clothes, feel
little taste or fitness for study, or the lecture room.  This has
been our experience, and that of those with whom we have
conversed.  If, indeed, a professor of agricultural chemistry
could be sustained, and a sufficient amount of land could be
secured to afford an opportunity of illustrating the various
scientific improvements in the cultivation of different soils,
in sub-soil plowing and spading, and in the preparation of
manures, it might be rendered a valuable acquisition to Jefferson College, and to Western Pennsylvania. Perhaps, after
all, the great difficulty is to provide, in the same institution,




130         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
for those who are willing to work, and also for those who have
no need, or are not inclined to work. Those who being poor,
are willing to work their way to a diploma, or even to acquire
a part of a college education, by the labor of their hands,
will perhaps always prefer to perform that labor elsewhere, or
to resort to such institutions as require all, without distinction,
to work certain hours of the day.  Work, to a certain amount,
must be made the rule for all alike, perhaps, in order to secure
complete success, whether it be mechanical or agricultural
labor.
We have now brought down our history to a period sufficiently near our times to justify a winding up of our narrative, by a very summary statement of what belongs to the
remaining period. Dr. Brown, after a long and prosperous
career in his office, resigned, in 1845.  He had been, during
the greater part of his residence in Canonsburg, also engaged
in pastoral and ministerial labors, in connection with Dr.
M'Millan.  And when, in 1830, the church in Canonsburg
was organized, he became its stated Supply. That church,
along with the College, was favored with many refreshing seasons of divine influence. No college in our country has, perhaps, been more highly favored in this respect. There were
especially two very remarkable revivals, both in the College
and in the town, during his presidency; and before he died,
he had the happiness of knowing several scores of ministers
laboring through the wide land, and some who had gone to
heathen lands, that first, as they believed, drew the breath of
spiritual life while at College in Canonsburg.
The Rev. R. J. Breckenridge,  D. D., was his successor.
He continued in office, however, only till June, 1847-not
long enough to fulfill the great expectations that were raised
by his eminent abilities-but long enough to give a new
impulse to the interests of the College.  He was succeeded
by the Rev. A. B. Brown, D. D., son of Dr. Matthew Brown.
He had been a member of the Faculty some time before, and




DR. M. BROWN'S PRESIDENCY.              181
stated supply or pastor of Chartiers congregation.  This
charge he of course surrendered, upon accepting the Presidency of the College. For he was about the same time
unanimously called to the pastorate of the church in Canonsburg. After his entrance on this new and arduous field of
labor, he soon evinced eminent and peculiar talents for his
station. The College continued to flourish under his administration, assisted as he has been, by an able and efficient Faculty.  Though it was thought the loss of Prof. Samuel
Williams, and the Rev. H. Snyder, both eminent in their
departments, could not be easily repaired, the Trustees were
fortunate in securing the services of Prof. Jones and Prof..Frazer-one from the Emerald Isle, the other a North Britonboth well educated and experienced men. Still further, they
have now also the faithful services of the Rev. A. Williams,
D. D., whose long experience as a Professor in Athens University, had fully prepared him for his present office and
labor.  He is also co-pastor with Dr. Brown, of the church.
It was hoped this arrangement would afford such relief to Dr.
Brown as his feeble health required.  But he has found the
labor and confinement too oppressive for him. This, together
with the feeble health of part of his family, has led to his
removal to the country, and to his resignation of the Presidency, much to the regret of the Board, and of all the friends
of Jefferson College. The Board, however, on the 7th of
January of the present year, (1857,) have unanimously elected
the Rev. Dr. Alden, late Professor at La Fayette College,
Easton, Pa. And he has recently entered, with great acceptance, upon the duties of his responsible office.  The Institution is now in a state of great prosperity. The number of
students is as great as at any former period. The plan of
raising by scholarships $60,000, for a permanent endowment
fund, has succeeded. The effort to raise another endowment
of a Greek Professorship, is in progress, and it is hoped will
be completely successful. There is still much need of an




132          HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
enlargement of the College Library, of a more extended Chemical and Philosophical Apparatus, of an improved Natural
History department, and, above all, of a good Astronomical
Observatory, with a full supply of Optical Instruments.  The
honor is yet reserved for some generous friends of science to
afford the requisite funds.
There is one other matter connected with the more recent
history of our College, that may be briefly stated. A movement was made in the Synod of Wheeling, a few years ago,
with a view of getting up an Institution under ecclesiastical
supervision; and a committee was appointed to confer with a
similar committee, to be appointed by the Synod of Pittsburgh,
with the hope that a plan might be devised by which they
might act conjointly in this measure. Nothing, however,
resulted from this, so far as the Synod of Pittsburgh was
concerned. In the course of another year, a negotiation was
opened between the Trustees of Washington College and the
Synod of Wheeling, which resulted in the transfer of that
College to the control and supervision of that Synod. Believing that many ministers and churches in the bounds of the
Synod of Pittsburgh, would be glad to lend their co-operation in'avor of this Synodical College, that Synod sent delegatC:; t to her sister Synod to invite such action and friendly
response, in regard to this enterprise, as might be deemed proper. Many members of the Synod, though declining any synodical relation to the Institution, expressed their hearty good
will in the cause, and their willingness that agents in behalf of
Washington College should visit such of their churches as
were favorable to the enterprise of the Synod of Wheeling,
and invite such aid to endowment funds as could be obtained.
When the Synod of Pittsburgh met in 1853, it was moved
by the late lamented and eloquent young brother, the Rev.
Mr. Cook, and seconded, we believe, by the Rev. L. M'Aboy,
that a committee be appointed to confer with the Trustees of
Jefferson College, in order to ascertain whether that Institu



DR. M. BROWNE'S PRESIDENCY.           133
tion could be placed in a relation to the Synod of Pittsburgh,
similar to that of Washington College with the Synod of
Wheeling, and to report to the Synod at its next meeting.
Their report was as follows:
"0 tober 20th, 1854. The committee appointed to correspond with the Trustees of Jefferson College, as to the expediency and conditions of its being placed under the ecclesiastical supervision of this Synod, or in case the General Assembly divide it, the joint supervision of the two Synods report,
That in accordance with their instructions, they diligently
and faithfully attended to the duty enjoined, and were respectfully and cordially received; but, for reasons assigned by those
who were entrusted with the management and control of the
Institution, your committee failed to accomplish the object
contemplated in their appointment."
DAVID KIRKIIPATRICK,
L. R. M'ABOY,
T. H. NEVEN.
No further action has been subsequently taken by the Synod
of Pittsburgh, in reference to this matter. Even on the supposition that those who moved in this affair expected the result
which occurred, we suppose their desire was that it might
be seen that they, as well as a majority of the Synod, were
not hostile to ecclesiastical supervision; and that the churches
and the world might see that the position of Jefferson College was such as to render it impracticable, or, at least, altogether unadvisable that any nearer relation with the Synod
of Pittsburgh should be effected than such as already existed,
and that, notwithstanding this, the present status and historical antecedents of the College, entitled it to the undiminished
confidence and patronage of the whole Presbyterian church.
From this report of the committee to the Synod, it does not
appear what the reasons were that led the Trustees of Jeffer12




134         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
son College to take such ground, as led the committee to
report the failure of the object of their appointment. The
Board, however, took care to publish to the world, in the
Presbyterian Advocate, and several other papers, during the
month of April, 1854, their action in relation to the proposals of the Synod of Pittsburgh, which was as follows:
"After maturely considering the important communication
of the Synod of Pittsburgh, the Board feel constrained most
respectfully to decline the proposed ecclesiastical connection
with the Synod, for the following, among other reasons, viz:
1st. Fidelity to the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, from
which we hold our charter, and from which considerable donations in money have, from  time to time, been received, preeludes us from the right to transfer to other hands, and for
other purposes than those originally contemplated, a trust so
important, and assumed under the solemnities of an oath.
The very terms of our charter would be violated, in their
spirit at least, by surrendering the exclusive control of the
Institution to any one religious denomination. 2d. The
interests of other religious denominations, especially of those
which have, from the beginning, been largely concerned in
the patronage and control of this College, forbid the transfer
of its management and supervision to any single denomination. It is true that the Institution has always been predominantly Presbyterian in its character, from the fact that it
was originally planted in the midst of a population almost
exclusively Presbyterian, and has always been dependent
chiefly on Presbyterian patronage.  This character it is
expected still to maintain. Its Presbyterianism, however,
has never been exclusive or sectarian. At least three branches
of the great Presbyterian family, all holding'the like precious faith,' have always been united in its support. For one
of these denominations, largely in the majority, to usurp the
exclusive control of an institution in which the others are




DR. M. BROWN'S PRESIDENCY.              135
alike interested, in proportion to their numbers, would be a
gross violation of good faith and Christian courtesy. 3d. The
past and present prosperity of the College, on its existing
basis, satisfies us that the proposed change is not called for.
God has been graciously pleased to bless the Institution with
the smiles of his Providence, and the frequent effusions of
his spirit, so that it has been enabled to send forth an unusually large number of laborers into the spiritual harvest field
in our country, and in foreign lands; and to furnish hundreds
of men for posts of distinguished honor and usefulness, both
in Church and State.  We have, therefore, no inducement to
abandon our old foundations, and especially to have recourse,
in the midst of prosperity, to a measure which we could not,
in good faith, adopt under any circumstances. 4th. We see
no necessity for the proposed change, on the alleged ground
of a demand for'a more sanctified education;' or for the
greater security, as to the faithful and unperverted use of
our funds, in future years. There has always been as large
an infusion of the religious element into the educational appliances of this College, as we think is proper or practicable, in
a literary Institution. It would be obviously improper and
unwise for us to subvert the very foundations of the Institution, in order to secure for it an advantage which it already
enjoys, in as high a degree as any Ecclesiastical College in
the land. And whatever may be the apparent necessity for
adopting the principle of ecclesiastical supervision in the
founding of new institutions, in those parts of our country
where all other denominations are pursuing the same course,
we believe that in our case there is no such necessity. We
are happy, moreover, to be able to afford an example of harmonious Christian union and co-operation on common ground,
at a time when the Providence of God seems to call so loudly
upon all the true friends of Christ to combine their efforts
in opposition to common enemies. In regard to the security
of funds from future perversion, we believe that the peculiar




136         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
constitution of this Board, as consisting of members belonging to four different Presbyterian denominations, affords a
more ample guarantee for the safety of funds, than if they
were under the exclusive control of any one of these denominations. The history of endowments proves that they are
as liable to perversion in ecclesiastical as in other hands.
But while we do not feel at liberty, for the reasons already
stated, to place the Institution under the direct control of the
Synod, yet, in order to satisfy those who think that the church
is the safest depository for funds, we are perfectly willing, and
would propose, that any funds which the Synod may see proper
to raise for the endowment of a Professorship, or for scholarships in this Institution, shall be held under the care and
control of the Synod, and be subject to withdrawal, whenever
applied in a way that does not meet the approbation of that
body. We are likewise willing to enter into a similar arrangement with the other ecclesiastical bodies represented in this
Board.
" In thus declining the proposals of the Synod, we wish it to
be distinctly understood that we do not undervalue the patronage and the maternal care of that venerable body. We trust
that the reasons we have assigned for our course will commend
themselves to the approbation of all the friends of the College, and to the Christian public generally; and we feel
assured that the Synod of Pittsburgh will not withdraw its
confidence and favor hitherto enjoyed, from the Institution
under our care, so long as we adhere to the principles and
policy by which we have hitherto conducted it, and to which
the Synod itself has recently given the strongest and most
unqualified approbation.  We should deprecate, above all
things else, the withdrawment from us of the sympathies and
prayers of the people of God. We shall still be dependent,
in a measure, on their pecuniary patronage, but much more
upon their prayers, for a continuance of the prosperity which
we have heretofore enjoyed. Trusting that God and our friends




DR. M. BROWN' S PRESIDENCY.           137
will not desert us, we decide to go forward, on the old basis,
on which the fathers of this Institution placed it. Adopted
unanimously at a meeting of the Board, held March 29, 1854.
"JAMES M'CULLOUGoHI Sec'y."
The reading of this paper was not called for when the
synodical committee made their report, as it had been previously published, and was doubtless read by most of the members of the Synod.
It is not out of place here to state, simply as a historian,
that the minds of the friends and advocates of the old system
of government were about this time enlightened, or mystified,
by an elaborate paper that appeared in the iSouthern Presbyterian Review, on the subject of denominational education.
It is said to be from the pen of the Rev. R. J. Breckenridge,
D. D., and was published in a separate pamphlet, and put
into the hands of some of the Trustees of Jefferson College.
Those who wish to examine the whole question about ecclesiastical supervision, should read the very able Annual Reports
of the Secretary of the General Assembly's Board of Education, for the last few years, and also this paper of Dr. Breckenridge, together with several able articles published by the
Rev. Drs. Thornwell, Dabney and Hope, and also an excellent paper from the pen of the Rev. Mr. Vaughan, of Virginia. Those written by Thornwell and Vaughan, are
considered as strong on that side of the question as any that
have been written.  But we hasten to close this chapter, with
but a few remarks.
It is not easy to state with any precision what Jefferson
College has done for the cause of literature and science
throughout this country. There are some facts, however,
that are interesting to every man who loves his country and
his race.  She has had the honor of training twenty-four Presi12*




138          HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
dents of Colleges, * in ten different States. More than fifty
Professors in Colleges were once sitting at her feet.  A large
number of Professors in Theological Seminaries, and in
Academies and Female Seminaries and Institutes, are amongst
her alumni.  About six hundred  ministers of the gospel
received their literary training, in whole or in part, at this
seat of science. The number of lawyers, physicians, judges,
governors of states, legislators, and public men, cannot be
told with any certainty.  We will not venture our conjectures.
The whole number, however, is vast.  When Messrs. Henderson, M'iillan and Smith stood in the shade of the sassafras
bushes, in July, 1791, to inaugurate the Institution in its
humble form of academical life, how little did they dream of
the glorious career that awaited their humble protege! MIay
successive generations witness a still brighter halo of glory
gathering  around the brow  of Jefferson College, until its
brightness shall mingle and blend and melt away with the
glories of the millennial morn!
i The present Principal of Washington College, now under the core of
the Synod of Wheeling, the Rev. J. W. Scott, -D. D., graduated at Jefferson
College, in 1827; and the President of Washington College, Lexington, Va.,
that Institution which owed its origin to the same action of the Synod of
Virginia, in 1791, that helped forward the Canonsburg Academy, (".par
nobile fratrum,") the Rev. George Junkin, D. D., graduated also at Jefferson
College, in 1813.




CHAPTER VII.
SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LITERARY SOCIETIES OF JEFFERSON
COLLEGE.
History of Philo Literary Society-And of the Franklin Literary Society.
Our work would be incomplete without some notice of two
important institutions that have been connected with the
fortunes of the College, for about sixty years. We begin
with
Aoe'Pito  fittra,: %ocitttt.
This Society is a few months older than its rival sister,
being founded August 23d, 1797.
Its founders were the Rev. John Watson, first President of
the College, Rev. Samuel Tate, Rev. Robert Johnston, Rev.
James Satterfield, Rev. John M'Lain, Rev. Elisha Macurdy,
Wm. Fowler, Rev. John Boggs, Rev. Robert Lee, Rev. Winm.
Moorehead, Rev. Winm. M'Millan, D. D., and Joseph Smith.
Of these, only Messrs. Johnston and Satterfield still survive.
Most of them were eminently useful men in their day; and
some of them will long be remembered in Western Pennsylvania.
The object of the Society was the cultivation and promotion
of science and literature, and of friendship and morality
among its members. The first meeting was held in the garret
of the old stone edifice, where they continued to assemble for
several subsequent years. They labored under every inconvenience. Their seats were benches; their great coats were
(139)




140          HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
used for window blinds; and their table was but a stool.
Yet, with a laudable ambition, they surmounted every obstacle, and laid the foundations of an institution that has passed
through the trying scenes of sixty years.
The government was substantially the same with that of
the rival Society; and both resembled those of the literary
societies of Princeton College, and of other Institutions.
Indeed, their constitutions were, to some extent, copied from
those of the Whig and Cliosophic Societies of Nassau Hall.
The details will not be expected in our brief narrative.  Suf
fice it to say, they were well suited to secure the objects in
view —their mental and moral improvement, mutual friendship, and habits of system and good order in their exercises,
deliberations, and business transactions. They met weekly,
during the sessions of College,-the Philo Society, generally
on Friday evening. In earlier days, their exercises were
spelling, speaking select orations, debating, and reading compositions. The first of these was, after some time, laid aside:
whether wisely or not, is not, perhaps, so clear. Though it
might seem rather humiliating and undignified, such an exercise could not fail to be profitable, through all future life.
Strange as it may appear, graduates of colleges are not always
good spellers, or thoroughly grounded in orthography. Perhaps the end might be attained, in such societies, without
adopting a school-boy method of drilling. The Society was
opened and closed with prayer. The presiding officer was
required, upon his induction into office, to read an original
composition. The members were divided into three classes,
which alternately engaged in debating, select speaking, compositions, recitations on history, and reading and spelling.
Four debaters were chosen by the presiding officer, from the
class that read and spelled, for the debate of the ensuing
evening or meeting. One of these had choice of sides as to
the question, another, choice of assistant.  Translations were
sometimes allowed from some one of the classics, in lieu of




THE PHILO LITERARY SOCIETY.            141
select orations. This was considered of great advantage to
the younger members, to promote their accurate acquaintance
with the classical writers. But this was during the earlier
history of the Society. If a student failed to perform his
proper exercise, he was required to do it at the next meeting,
in addition to what was then tasked. One of the earliest
items recorded is a resolution of March.30th, 1798, requiring
two persons to be appointed to speak orations before the Trustees, at the following examination. Again, on the evening
of March 18th, 1799, it was resolved that three persons should
be elected to speak orations, two of which were to be delivered before the Trustees, and one " on the last night of the
singing school 1"  These were the first public exercises of
which there is any record.
On September 5th, 1799, a proposition was received from
the Franklin Society, to contest with the Philo Society, before
the Trustees, at the following examination, in select speaking,
composition, and debating; which proposition was agreed to.
Thence originated those Contests which have so long been
annually sustained by these literary societies, at the close of
each Spring session. It is unnecessary to enlarge upon the
influence of this remarkable feature of Jefferson College history, upon the improvement of the members, and upon the
development and cultivation of the talents of the students.
The first question discussed was, " Whether the mathematics, or the languages-Latin and Greek —be more necessary?"  The question is sufficiently vague to allow of a wide
range in its discussion; and perhaps, for that reason, was
better adapted for the purpose. The next question discussed
was, in substance, " Whether the immediate emancipation of
the slaves would be right?"  But as we purpose to give a list
of the questions, down to the present time, we shall not further notice them here. For the first four years, they had no
library. They then began by purchasing a pronouncing dictionary. This was their first book, and is still retained in




142        HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
their library, as a venerable piece of antiquity. It was their
only book for four years more; when some member happily
hit upon the idea of a subscription by the members, and
patrons of literature in the town and country around, to raise
a fund, with which they might begin a library. Twenty-four
volumes were thus secured. About $60 were raised in this way.
In 1806, with their two dozen of books, and a treasury containing $29.181, and an outstanding subscription for $120,
they also required of each member, on dismission, $1, to be
devoted exclusively to the purchase of books. They also
petitioned the Trustees for a suitable repository for their
books. In those early days, they adhered to the old style of
reckoning, by pounds, shillings and pence.
The questions discussed in the Society in those early days
were adapted to their circumstances. Having no library of
any account, they did not often venture on discussions that
required much book research; preferring such as were of a
practical nature, and about which they had some experience,
or could gather opinions that were floating in the community
around them, in those days. A few specimens may be given:
" Is it right to inoculate for the small-pox?"  Decided in the
negative. " Is the farmer or the student the more happy?"
"Whether is it naturally immoral to have more wives than
one?"  " Is it right for a student to marry while at learning?"  Decided in the negative.  "Whether is it right, in
public worship, to give out more lines than one?"  "Or to
give out two lines of a Psalm at once, in this congregation?"
Decided in the negative.  " Whether would the State of Pennsylvania be better with, or without lawyers?"  "Is it as proper
for young ladies to make proposals of marriage to young gentlemen, as for young gentlemen to make proposals to young
ladies?"  "Have we any good reason to say that a black
skin, flat nose, and curly hair, are uglier than the color, noses,
and hair, we have among us?"  " Whether is activity, joined
with sharpness of speech and temper; or good humor, joined




THE PHILO LITERARY sOCIETY.           148
with indolence, to be preferred in the character of a young
lady?"  "Is it right to drink whisky in a tavern?"  Decided
that it is right in certain cases. "Should a married couple
continue to cohabit, when they become odious to each other,
and desire to separate?" " Does marriage weaken the powers of the mind?" To debate this question, two single persons were appointed, upon the affirmative, and two married
upon the negative; but the latter, having the advantage of
experience, found little difficulty in sustaining the negative,
before a body who little regarded all theoretical views, when
they could receive the evidence of practical men. Indeed, to
account for several questions above stated, it must be remembered that in those days, there were always several married
students at College, and the others found amusement in teasing and roasting them by such discussions.  "The above
questions," says the Philo historian, "were all, doubtless,
debated with that gravity and dignity which their importance
demanded." Even so late as 1823, the following question
was discussed:  "Suppose a young man, bred a farmer, but
without any fortune, has it in his power to marry either of
two women; the one, a girl of large fortune, but neither handsome in person nor agreeable in conversation, and can manage
the household affairs well enough; the other, a girl every
way agreeable *in person, conversation and behavior, but
without any fortune; which of the two should he choose?'"
From the minutes of the next meeting, it appears that the
decision was in favor of the girl without fortune. From the
ludicrous length of the question, one might think that the
proposer of it had been recently reading " Pike and Haward's
Cases of Conscience."
Of the founders of the Philo Society, Dr. M. Brown, who
was requested to furnish some reminiscences to a committee,
in 1837, gave the following brief account:  "Of John Boggs,
I am not certain; but believe he is the same who was, for
some time, pastor or stated supply, in the Second church,




144         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
Pittsburgh; and teacher of a female academy-being a
respectable scholar and preacher, and a man of piety, taste
and eloquence. Of WTm. Fowler, I know nothing. Robert
Johnston is well known as a distinguished preacher, and very
useful man. He was for some time pastor of the Presbyterian church in Meadville. Afterwards settled in the Forks of
Yough-several years a member of the Board of Trustees of
Jefferson College-a punctual and useful member, who has
ever taken a deep interest in the concerns of the College.
He is now (1837) pastor of a church in Indiana county, Pa.
He received the best education this Institution could afford,
while an Academy. He left before it received a charter for
a College; and of course is not numbered among our graduates. Robert Lee became a preacher, and was settled in Westmoreland county, Pa. Of his history, I know  nothing.
John.M'Lain was a preacher of high standing for a considerable time; was settled at Montour's, near Pittsburgh-a
man of talents; but was charged with intemperance, and
silenced. He afterwards practiced medicine. Elisha Macurdy,
well known as one of the most respectable laborers and useful ministers in this country. He was settled at Cross-Roads,
when first licensed, where he remained until infirmity of age
admonished him to resign. He will be remembered especially
for his missionary spirit, and the friend of the poor Indians,
having done more in that cause than any other man in our
region. Macurdy's education was very limited, having been
advanced in years before he commenced.  Win. M'Millan,
formerly President of the College —a man of solid, rather
than splendid talents; a substantial, rather than polished
scholar.  He was nephew to Rev. Dr. Millan-succeeded Mr.
Wylie. Unhappy differences having occurred, he resigned
the office of President-was afterwards President of the College of New Athens, Ohio, where he died.  Wm. Moorehead
was the same whose name is associated with Watson. He graduated, as I believe, at Princeton, at the same time with Wat



THE PHILO LITERARY SOCIETY.            145
son-licensed to preach the same day. They were marriedc
to two sisters, (daughters of Dr. M'Millan,) at the same time,
died on the same day, and were buried in the same grave.
This singular coincidence is engraved on their tombstone, on
the hill, (Chartiers graveyard,) as most of the students may
have seen. James Satterfield.-He was a respectable clergyman; still living-one of the first pioneers west of the
Allegheny river.  He was located somewhere in Mercer
county, Pa., or Trumbull county, Ohio.  Samuel Tate, a'
pioneer, very early settled in the town of Mercer, where he
has been greatly useful: known over all that region as an
excellent man, whose labors have been blessed extensively.
He is still living, (1837,) and honored as a father. John
Watson. —His history is very remarkable and interesting.
He was a poor lad, employed as a clerk or bar-keeper, to a
Mr. Purviance, who kept a public house in Washington.  He
possessed an uncommon eagerness to acquire knowledge.  He
began to read the  "Spectator," and finding so many Latin sentences as mottoes, he was determined to understand them,
and somehow to learn Latin.  He procured a grammar and
dictionary, and without any teacher, commenced the process.
He was brought to notice by the celebrated Judge Addison,
an admirable scholar himself, and patron of learning.  Addison, being at Washington, at court, returned to his lodging in
the tavern, late at night, after all had gone to bed except Watson.  Him he found at his books.  He had a Horace, and
was laboring at it.  Addison, surprised and delighted, furnished him useful books. And, after some time, he was
brought to the knowledge of some benevolent persons, who
agreed to send him to the Canonsburg Academy.  He became
truly pious; as was exhibited by his Christian life and happy
death.  His talents were of the highest order. He was sent
to Princeton College, where he sustained himself by teaching
a class, as tutor; and prosecuted his studies with such success,
that no hine pret'ended to rival him for the first honor.  Yet




146         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEOGEhe, for various reasons, modestly declined it. He was the
Kicrke White of Nassau Hall. The Hon. Charles F. Mercer,
of Virginia, was his classmate; and in the address which he
delivered, a few years since to the Societies in Princeton, he
spoke of Watson in language of the strongest eulogy.  Modest and retiring, yet clear in intellect as a sunbeam, he was
sent to Princeton, with a view to preparing him for the Presidency of this College.  After his return, he was licensed to
preach the gospel, and chosen President, August, 1802, the
first President after the College received its charter.  He died,
November 30th, 1802, about three months after his appoints
ment. His constitution was radically effected by study, and
a laborious sedentary life before he left Princeton. I had the
pleasure of seeing him and hearing him preach but once. It
may be observed that none of the above list except Wm
M'Millan, are among the list of graduates. The reason is
that they completed their education in the Academy, and
before the first regular Commencement. Watson and Moorehead graduated at Princeton."
Thus far Dr. Brown, whose account we preferred to give
just as he wrote it, being a valuable paper, which he designed
simply as brief notes, to aid an historical committee. Had
Dr. Brown lived to write the history of Jefferson College, as
he designed, he would doubtless have given a much fuller and'more accurate account of these founders of the Philo Literary
Society.  We throw it into our brief narrative, as worthy of
preservation, coming from his pen.
Of the subsequent fortunes of the Society, its various times
and scenes of excitement, its internal reforms and revolutions,
its ups and downs of prosperity and adversity, we shall not
attempt a tedious recital. Like their sister Society, they were
more than once on the brink of dissolution from internal factions. Indeed, it appears that something like extinction of
the old Society did occur in 1808.  For, during that year, so
terribly did faction and division reign among them, that the




THE MPILO LITERARY SOCIETY.             147
Iric-nds of order actually re-organized themselves under the
n,-ame of the s" Reformed Philo Society;" adopted an amended
constitution, and set out on a fresh career, receiving members,
dfe novo and ignoring the former organization altogether; thus,
like a Phoenix, rising from the ashes of the old one, plumed
its pinions for a fresh fight.  Thus the elements of faction
were eliminated from the body; and the society thenceforward
held on its noble pathway to honor and renown.  After some
time, we believe the new name was quietly dropped.  In subs.equent years, as the College became more prosperous, under
the long and successful administration of Dr. Matthew Brown,
this Society continued to flourish in every way. With a spirit
of almost lavishing liberality, they provided for themselves a
magnificent Hall, and a splendid library, of many thousand
volumes.  Indeed, the halls and libraries of the two Societies
are an honor to Jefferson College, and reflect great credit upon
the liberal and generous impulses of their members. A
stranger would be struck with astonishment, after winding
his way up through the rather gloomy and dingy passages
and stairways of the old College, to find himself suddenly
ushered into either of the rooms of the Societies, and would
be apt to recall Sir Walter Scott's description of the luxurious
splendor of some of the inner apartments, in the shabby and
repulsive-looking houses of the Jews in the middle ages.  He
would remember Rebecca's home, described in Ivanhoe.  As
their library increased, and their means of investigating truth
on all subjects were enlarged, the questions discussed became
more philosophical and metaphysical-such as, a" Is emulation
commendable?"'  "Is there any such thing in human nature
as disinterested benevolence?"  " Do we sin in dreaming?"'Is it an abridgement of the liberties of freemen to pay
license for marriage?" It is no longer necessary to discuss
this question in Pennsylvania.  But it would be worthy of
attention in several of the States, where the license system




148         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
prevails, especially-in Maryland, where the tax is enormous,
and really oppressive to the poor.
The Contests between the Societies underwent some changes
in process of time. The " original oration" was introduced
without dropping the " select."  The decision about the
" original oration," must often perplex the judges, if they
must decide both upon the merits of the speech and of its
delivery.  As "c composition" is still retained, where the question turns exclusively upon the intrinsic merits of the pieces,
we cannot perceive the wisdom  of retaining the' original
oration." The debates were allowed to occupy a longer time.
The Trustees were no longer the judges, as was the case at
first. After some trouble and various conferences, it was at
length settled to adopt the plan of each Society selecting two
judges, and these an umpire.
One of the historians of the Philo Literary Society has
given the following account of the first ten years of the Society:
" In taking a view of the state of Society, during the first
decade, we find several things in addition to what has already
been stated, worthy of special observation. And first with
regard to the Enmber of members.  The chief difficulty under
which the Society labored, for a number of years after its
formation, was the fewness of its members. It commenced
its operations with twelve; and for several years, this number
increased but very little.  If, therefore, very many of the
members were absent, through sickness or otherwise, it was
felt by the Society.  And we find the epoch in the first report
ever presented to the Society, mourning over the fact that
several of the members were prevented by sickness from
attending to their duties.  In May, 1798, Society adjourned,
on account of two members being absent.  And on April 4th,
of the same year, the members convened, but did not proceed
to business, on account of the greatest number of them being
sick with the mumps.  In July, 1708, Society adjourned two




THE PHILO LITERARY SOCIETY.            149
weeks during harvest. During the year 1799, we also find
Society on the decline, from the fewness of members. The
office of Orthographists was, at that time, combined with
that of Eparch and Clerk, in order that there might be two
more performing members.  This, however, was only to continue in force until the necessity would be removed by an
increase of members.  In 1801, Society was in a more prosperous condition.  The number of members had increased to
twenty-seven; and consequently the exercises were attended
upon with more regularity, and with more profit. From this
period until the close of the first ten years of the Society's
existence, the number of members seems to have varied but
little."
A historian of a later period, mentions the fact that, for a
considerable time, they refused to receive any more new members, in order that the other Society might be recruited, and
brought up to something like an equality with them, in point
of numbers. A similar course we -believe was pursued by
the Franklin Society, in later years.  Our former historian
proceeds:  "At the formation of the Society, ~1 2s. 6d. was
contributed by the members; which amount, it appears from
the report of the Eparch, was expended for the immediate
wants of the Society, except one shilling and one half penny.
For several years the pecuniary fund never exceeded one
pound at any one time. In 1801, (being about the time they
commenced calculating in dollars and cents,) there was in the
treasury three dollars and seventy-one cents. The treasury,
however, did not remain long empty; yet at no time did the
funds amount to five dollars, until an effort was made to establish a library.  Closely connected with the funds of the
society, is the subject of fines.  All breaches of order, at the
present time, were punished in this manner; though it appears,
much to the honor of Society, that the officers were seldom
called upon to impose fines upon the members. We find the
Eparch repeatedly congratulatin'g Society upon the fact that
13*




150         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
no fines had been assessed during his term  of office. When
such happened to be the case, Society was considered to be in
a good state. And we think, justly. The first fine ever
assessed was one sixteenth of a dollar, upon Mr. M'Millan,
for not obtaining permission to speak an oration."
The highest importance was attached to the observance of
secrecy. Society was not esteemed in a prosperous condition
if members were in the habit of revealing secrets, through
carelessness, or otherwise. In May, 1798, on account of some
of the transactions of Society having been divulged, a committee of five persons were appointed to investigate the matter;
and on the next meeting, make such a report as their evidence
would justify, and the real good of Society demanded. This
committee could not obtain evidence enough to convict any
member. Yet the motion to appoint such a committee stands
as a memento of the desire of the Society to keep all their
transactions from being known to any except Philos. This
feature of Society was very objectionable to the good people
who inhabited Canonsburg at the time Society sprung into
existence. One of its founders, (Mr. Tate,) in a letter which
was written in answer to some inquiries, remarks on this
point:  "There was much excitement in town, and even in
the country, because we kept the doors shut against all but
Philos, and would not tell what we were doing: and to keep
our doings secret, we made window blinds of our great coats,
(we had no cloaks,) at the time. These proceedings gave
alarm; and some supposed that we held a Free-Mason lodge,
and others that there was about to be a resuscitation of witchcraft," &c.
"At this day, perhaps, it is impossible," the historian
continues, " to form an entirely correct opinion on the state
of feeling between the two Societies; as we have nothing but
the records of the Society to guide our judgment. It is very
evident, from the reports of the several Eparchs, that a spirit
of rivalship generally existed between the two Societies; and,




THE PHIILO LITERARY SOCIETY.           151
perhaps, it was sometimes accompanied by rather bitter feelings. In the report of June, 1802, the members of the
Franklin Society are spoken of as competitors, and charged
with' having vainly and falsely boasted that the Philo Society
had lost its dignity and honor.' On another occasion, the
Eparch urges the members to persevere in the discharge of
their duties, stating that' thereby they would be able to withstand the most powerful attacks of their rivals i'" This spirit
of rivalship owed its origin, no doubt, to the institution of
Contests; as we find but little reference to any thing of the
kind, by the Eparchs, previous to their existence. We suppose that, at the present day, no one will be disposed to deny
that such a spirit of emulation had a tendency to advance the
welfare of society. The members esteemed it a privilege to
belong to the Society.  "To us," says this judicious writer,
"surrounded as we are with so many advantages which were
denied to them, the benefits to be derived from our Society,
during its earlier days, may appear small indeed. But such
was not the opinion of the primitive Philos.  They thought
they were highly favored, indeed, in being permitted to enjoy
the advantages of such an institution. One of the Eparchs,
in his own peculiar style, remarks:'We ought, no doubt,
to muse upon the kindness of our Heavenly Benefactor, in
giving us a seat in such a Society, where we may have our
minds, which are deeply immersed in ignorance, cultivated
and prepared, in some measure, to answer the great end of
our creation.' This opinion, of course, had a very beneficial
tendency. It made the members more attentive to the exercises of Society, and assisted in forming that attachment for
it which never leaves the breast of a true Philo."  " It
was esteemed an indispensable part of the duty of each member to use every exertion to advance the dignity of Society.
It was supposed not sufficient, merely to adhere strictly to
those laws which related to the exercises of Society; but that
those which had a reference to the conduct of members, both




152         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGEo
in and out of Society, should be observed with great strictness. Especially were the members urged to have a particular
regard to their conduct out of Society; knowing that, if it
was becoming, it would reflect honor upon Society.  They
were frequently advised to pay strict attention to the duties
of the Academy, as, in that way, the character of the Society
might be greatly advanced..  Neatness of dress and suavity
of manners, were considered requisite in Philos. One of the
Eparchs, in alluding to these particulars, remarks:'The students of this place have often been remarked for their rusticity. Let this never be remarked of Philos. As rusticity
is neither virtuous nor honorable, let each one endeavor to
excel in the elegance of his manners.'
"Such is an imperfect picture of the Philo Society during
the first ten years of its existence. When we reflect upon
the circumstances under which it was formed, and the difficulties which it had to encounter in its progress, we cannot but
admire the wisdom and perseverance of its founders. In the
laws which were formed for its government, we discern the
traces of no inferior minds; and in overcoming the obstacles
which retarded its advancement, we see a zeal which an ardent
thirst of learning, and the hope of being useful, could alone
have inspired. Besides these motives, we can conceive of but
few others which would have induced persons to attach themselves to Society. For it was not in a hall hung with gaudy
tapestry, and spread with the richest carpet; it had no fortydollar chair in which the Archon might sit at ease. The members had no other seats but long sawed planks, with stool feet;
no desks, no plastered walls, nor ceiling over their heads.
The love of literature, and a desire of being useful, therefore,
was the stimulus which enabled them to overcome every obstacle, and to found the Philo Literary Society-a Society to
which many have since been proud to belong."
The writer of the above sketch, as found in the historical
records of the Philo Society, is the Rev. William  Eaton,




THE PHILO LITERARY SOCIETY.            153
now pastor of the Presbyterian church in Morgantown, Virginia.
We have little more to add. In 1831, the Societies got
their new and beautiful halls. The Philo Society seems to
have spared no pains nor expense in adorning and beautifying
their room. After a costly outfit of chairs, desks, rich tapestry, candelabras, &c., they took formal possession on the 23d
of June, 1832. The amusing style in which they record their
defeats and triumphs, at the Contests, during those times, is
the last thing we shall notice. In 1829, when the Franklin
Society obtained most of the honors in the Contest, the Philo
historian remarks:  " At this Contest, our defeat was almost
as the last. Our champions went forth, armed with mail and
spear, only to be borne back, wounded, upon their own shields.
The Composition was taken by the Franks: the Debate and
Oration were divided. These disastrous consequences were,
doubtless, to be traced to the spirit of indolence and misrule,
to which the minutes of last year bear lamentable evidence.
Success was impossible, and our household gods were left to
the mercy of the Goths i"  But when, in 1832, they could
record their triumphs, the style is equally amusing: "The
spirit of the Philo Society was on the ascendant.  Victory
perched upon her banners, not again to take its flight till the
noble sons of the Philo Literary Society had swept the entire
field, and struck astonishment and dismay into the ranks of
our rivals.  Mr. R., our Composer, and Mr. DR., our Debater,
were crowned as victors, while the Franklins took only their
favorite, the honor in select speaking."  This style is really
rich and amusing, and reminds us of many a passage in
Weem's Life of Washington and of ilarion.  The insinuation
about the favorite of the Franklin Society, is highly diverting, in view of signal triumphs of that Society in the other
exercises, during some of the previous years, which the Philos
were obliged to record. But who would begrudge them their
chuckle, when their historian read this passage?




154         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
We now proceed to give the history of
tte franktin flterrar,$fOrictq
From an Address of the Rev. W. A. Passavant, delivered before that Sooiety, ad its
Sem. Centennzial Anniwsary, November 14, 1847.
The origin of the Franklin Society may be recorded in
a few words.  The place-the Canonsburg'Academy; the
time —November 14th, 1797; the hour-seven o'clock in the
evening-Sunday evening last, fifty years ago; the foundersnine students —James Carnahan, Cep7has Dodd, James Galbraith, Thomas Hughes, David Imbrie, Jacob Lindly, Stephen
Lindly, WilliaC   Wood, and Williamv  Wick.  Of this first
meeting, it has been truly remarked-" Many a larger assembly has had a less lasting influence!"'
The early laws and regulations of the Society are unfortunately lost.  Some Solon, zealous in the collection of institutes, has probably abstracted them  from  the minute-book.
The original constitution, however, did not materially differ
from the present one, and the objects which convened the first
assembly-" Scientia, Agnicitia et Virtus,"  have weekly
assembled its members for half a century.
It is a fact worthy of notice, that the first resolution ever
passed by the Society was, that " The members be required
to keep its business a profound secret."  So fearful were they
of any violation of this, that members were not permitted to
read an essay in the Academy, which had already been read
in Society. Subsequently, when leakages were discovered in
certain quarters, married students were not eligible to membership. The principle of secrecy then laid down, has ever
since been sacredly recognized; and though its application
has been occasionally carried to an excessive degree of strictness, the wisdom of this regulation must be apparent to all.
Of the nine members who founded the Society, five were
officers-a Chairman, Clerk, Inspector, and two Correctorso




SHqE FRANKLIN LITERARY SOCIETY.           155
The duties of the Inspector answered to those of Vice President, but it was made his duty " in particular, to watch over
the morals of the members, and their diligence and attention
to the business of the Academy."  Judging by the number
of citations on the minutes, this duty was faithfully performed.
It was one of the duties of the Correctors, "G to see that the
minutes were well written, and to give out the words for the
members to spell." The Society was divided into three classes,
and these performances are thus recorded on the minutes" One class offered compositions and translations; another
spoke select speeches; and a third read and spelled."  Every
one was required to read his essay carefully over before
attempting it in Society, and if found to have neglected this,
he was fined,  Members from the lower classes of the Academy were allowed to present translations from some Latin
author, in lieu of a composition of their own.'Those who
debated were not exempt from the performances of their
class —-a fact which indicates the low estimate in which this
exercise was then held.  This order continued until 1810,
when important changes were made in the constitution and
by-laws. In 1817, the constitution was again revised and
amended; and from that period the minutes wear a more
modern dress.  The subjects of the essays are no longer transcribed-the Chairman becomes a President, the Inspector a.
Vice President, the Clerk a Secretary, and the Correctors were
dignified as Reviewers. At that time, too, a distinction was
first made between the merits of an argument and those of
the question.  Debate was made the exclusive performance
of one class, so that as many as eight members would participate in the discussion. After this year, the exercise of spelling is no longer mentioned, and the'"spelling class" was
remembered only with a smile at the simplicity of early times.
And here we pause and direct your attention to the character of these exercises.  Would that the power were given
us, to wake again the long silent echoes of former years.




156         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
But the breathing energy, the living voice is gone, and its
earnest tones have passed away with those who gave them
utterance.  The glow of impassioned eloquence hath left no
traces of its power; and the flashes of wit, like the drops of
morning dew, cannot be gathered again.  The grace, the
sparkle, and the form are gone! To them, as to us who succeeded them in later years, the Society was a world in miniature.
Its circle bounded the sphere in which they moved. It had
its chiefs and subordinates-its parties and divisions-its
objects of ambition and objects of jealousy-its ardent friendships and bitter animosities-its noble strifes for intellectual
mastery, and its topics of deep and all-absorbing interest.
To them, as to us who occupied their places, the observance
of its laws and the performance of its duties, seemed as vitally
important as though the destiny of an empire depended on
the issue; and, like us, they entered into its exciting life with
the whole ardor and enthusiasm of youth. We cannot pronounce on the merits of these early performances, or institute
a comparison between them  and those of the present day.
The age and manners of the people were widely different from
ours; and these often gave character to the exercises of Society.
But, while we at times involuntarily exclaim- O sancta silnplicitas! oftener can we discover, in the subject of an essay,
or the wording of a question, the presence of a secret power,
which, in after years, made itself felt in the councils of the
nation, or the churches of God.
In perusing the annals of the Society, in the first years of
its existence, we are struck with the tone and character of
its decisions on some of the great questions which now agitate the frame-work of American society.  To select one
instance only, from many-as early as 1798, the question —
" Would it be politic in the Southern States to abolish Negro
Slavery?" was discussed and decided in the affirmative! A
vigorous writer, of the last century, in speaking of the Universities of Europe, remarks, Ad Colleges have always been




THE FRANKLIN LITERARY SOCIETY.             15~
the cradles of liberal principles." The truth of the observation is strikingly confirmed in the history of this Institution.
The atmosphere of freedom floated over and around it-inspiring its sons with a quenchless love of liberty, and impelled
them to write upon the monstrous system of human slavery,
" delenda est!"  They fervently sympathized with the manly
utterance of Thomas Jefferson, on this subject, and in the
hopefulness of truthful hearts, anticipated the hour
" When Heaven upon our ransomed race
Her bounteous gifts shall shower;
And every land and every sea
Proclaims the blissful JubileeAll bonds are broke, all men are free 1"
On other moral subjects, some of their decisions are
strangely at variance with the common verdict of society at
the present day. Thus, the question, " Would it not be more
advantageous to cease the distillation of rye and raise more
wheat?" was unanimously decided in favor of " the Rye!"
Some time after this decision, a similar question was discussed-"- Is not the use of spirituous liquors more injurious
than beneficial to a country?"  This, also, was decided "in
favor of spirituous liquors!" These decisions throw a strong
light on the popular sentiment of that day, and may be
accounted for without difficulty. The business of distilling
was considered as respectable in that day as making flour, and
the use of whisky was as universal as coffee or tea at the
present time.  No one was' Sessioned,' whether Minister,
Elder or Member, for taking as much as could be comfortably
carried about their persons-though drunkenness was universally discountenanced and denounced!
A rich vein of humor often ran through the early performances of the Society.  A wider latitude, in this respect, was
given to the members, than at present; and if we may judge
from the subjects of debate and composition recorded on the
minutes, they made good use of their liberty. Thus, for
14




158         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
instance, one member read a dialogue between " A Student
and a Tailor,' while another presented a dialogue between
"A Spider and a Fly." A youth who had, doubtless, tasted
sweeter dews than those of Castalia, edified Society with an
eloquent essay on "Kissing."  Brunot graphically described
"the pleasure of having  a clean pocket handkerchief."
White convulsed the Society with laughter by a "'description
of a Country Singing School." Like the individual commended in the English Bards and Scotch Reviewers, for his
happy selection of a subject suited to his capacities —a stupid
fellow read, as an essay,  a description of an Ass."  BlacIA
enlightened Society "on his own weakness," while Wills feel.
ingly described "the Itch."
If we may judge from the same records, the days of Chiv,
alry were not yet over. There was a remnant of the old spirit
which kindled into enthusiasm at woman's name, and fervently
knelt at the shrine of her beauty, or broke a lance in defence
of her charms.  Thus the question-" Is female modesty
natural or artificial?" being debated at one of the first meetings of the Society, it was decided, by acclamation, to be
natural.  The question " ought a man to whip his wife on
any occasion?" was gallantly decided in the negative. The
interesting question, "Is it proper that ladies should be
deprived of courting, of which they are deprived by custom
in this country?" was discussed "' with much warmth," as
the faithful Secretary informs us, and this custom of our
country was strongly condemned! It has been hinted that
if ladies would only take the invitation given by Franklins
of tried and sterling worth, the rooms of Collegians would
undergo an entire transformation. The gloomy old cloisters
would smile and brighten, to enclose such angelic visitants.
The chivalry of'96, in the very face of the constitution,
politely decided' that the fair sex of Canonsburg should be
admitted into the Franklin Society," while her ungallant sons
of 1847 show no mercy to the poor unfortunate who has




THE FRANKLIN LITERARY SOCIETY.            159
launched his bark on the sea of matrimony-and, for this one
offence, debar him from membership!
The subjects of many of the essays, read in Society at this
early day, strongly bring out the same sentiment. Thus, it
is recorded, that Mitchell gave "a description of a beautiful
damsel;" M'Donalcd, "an argument to prove that the female
sex is the life of society;" Jenmings wrote " on the romance
of a lady;" Bates " on preserving a medium in visiting the
fair sex;" Roberts "on female efficacy;" Chaplain " on the
choice of a wife;" Sturgeon " on the felicity of the married
state;" while Clayton brought the whole Society to the highest pitch of indignation by "a love-letter," purporting to
have been written by an injured and broken-hearted fair one I
A solitary individual, Caldwell, had the fortitude to stem the
popular current of opinion, and chose for the subject of his
essay, "' the horrid practice of dancing with the girls!"
We resume the thread of our history. In this age of golddust and dollars, when Mammon rules most imperiously over
the thoughts, feelings, and conduct of men, it will not be
uninteresting to state a few facts concerning the financial history of the Society. Of this, little can be said, so badly has
the business been managed, and so disordered are the old
accounts.  Students have never received much credit for business habits, and are far more worthy of a diploma for their
spending, than their saving propensities-as the good people
of these parts are duly aware! Like the country apprentice,
just opening a shop of his own, the Society, at first, " kept
no books;" and, in the reports of the Inspectors, no mention
is made of expenses.  Each member, in turn, furnished candles, brought water, and kept the door, at the meetings of
Society.  "Lifting  a collection," was the usual method
resorted to, when funds were needed. Six years after the
organization of Society, the  rule was adopted requiring
entrance moneys. The first initiation fee was only twenty-five
cents I From 1811 to 1823, it was one dollar; in the latter




160         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
year it was raised to two dollars, and in 1832, a further addition of several dollars was made. What it now is, those who
have paid it know already; while those who are curious, on
this point, are invited to make the discovery as the speaker
did.
It has been truly remarked, that the doctrine of fining has
always been kept alive, with religious fervor, in the Franklin
Society. Some of the early punishments, and the ludicrous
manner in which they are recorded on the old minutes, will
serve to illustrate the manners of the primitive Franklins.
The following are selected, as specimens, from many. Sinclair
and Wilson were fined one cent each, " for laughing and talking without permission." Henderson was fined five cents,
for " a ridiculous composition," and two cents additional,
"for frequently changing his own seat without permission."
Moore was excused from performance " because he had no ink
to write his composition."  Graham was punished with a fine
for e"a continuation of cachinations." Knott was find six
cents, for "' offering a nocturnal sacrifice to Somnus;" and
Wallace the same sum "for holding the poker in his hand
while debating."  Among the delinquents, at a later day, the
name of the Rev. Dr. Win. Smith occurs, whose book-worm
propensities, even at that early period, led him into the temptation of keeping books out of the Library beyond the
constitutional time!
The jurisdiction of the Society extended over the conduct
of'its members, not only while in session, but also during the
intervals. The early minutes contain many curious records
in proof of this fact. Members were tried for profanity, playing cards, and becoming intoxicated —and, on conviction, were
fined, suspended, or expelled, according to the aggravation of
their offence.  One member was found guilty of' acting disorderly in the streets of Canonsburg," and fined accordingly.
The no-punishment doctrine, so popular at the present day
with a certain class of self-styled Reformers, was utterly




THE FRANKLIN LITERARY SOCIETY.           161
eschewed by the original Franklins.  All deviations from law,
both in and out of Society, were dealt with according to their
just deserts. The Society soon became a terror to evil doers,
and a praise to those who did well. Its moral influence over
the students, was, in the highest degree, salutary, and often
drew from the Faculty and Trustees of the College, a public
acknowledgment of its worth.
An interesting page in the history of the Society, contains
the account of its judicial proceedings. The strictness of the
early regulations, savor rather strongly of the celebrated Bluelaws, and the zeal with which they were enforced, reminds
one of the activity displayed by the good people of New
England, in burning witches and banishing Quakers, and
other heretics, out of their coasts.
Three lists were kept of the members.  One contained the
names of the regular members; a second, the honorary; and
the third, called "The Black List," the names of those who
were under the censure of Society. The first case of suspension occurred some months after the organization  of the
Society, and was for " long continued neglect of the duties
of a member."  The next trial was that of M'Giffin, "for
having left Society in a disorderly manner." When his trial
came on, " he acknowledged his fault, and, on account of his
youth and inexperience, was restored, with no other punishment than reproof." Such instances of leniency were not
rare. A few weeks after the above, another M'Giffin was
cited by the Inspector to answer the charges of " disrespect
of Society, gambling for money, and violating the Sabbath
day."  Each of these crimes he confessed, but, on appearing
sorrowful, was continued a member, as usual.  In spite of
sorrow and forgiveness, however, these M'Giffins again wandered from Franklin rectitude. One was punished with expulsion from Society "for absenting himself"-and the other
"for profanity," was, deprived of " acting the Dialogue at the
Contest 1"
14*




162          HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
The next trial of consequence, was on the impeachment of
James Lytle. The impeachment itself, is an amusing instance
of legal precision. Several charges were made. 1st. That
he, the said James, being a member of said Society, on the
16th of February, A. D. 1803, vi et armis-did beat, and in
other respects evilly entreat Joseph Henderson, of said
Society, without resistance being made, or actual assault given
by said Joseph.  2d. Also, that the said James, notwithstanding he was honored with the office of Clerk of said Society,
did, some subsequent time to said 16th of February, willfully
drink, spirituous liquors, by which he, the said James, was
very much intoxicated, and being so intoxicated, did not conceal himself from public view, but did act in a very disorderly
manner."  The third charge was for betting for liquors —" to
wit, whisky and cider."  The fourth charged him with " acting riotously at Miorrow's Tavern, and bantering James Smith
to fight, either in a lot or even in the streets of Canonsburg!"
The fifth charge was for neglect of his duties as a student and
as a member of Society. On this multifarious impeachment,
Lytle was tried and found guilty. For the four first crimes,
he was fined heavily-and for the fifth, received an admonition before Society.  He was, also, required to confess sorrow
for his past conduct, and to promise reformation for the future.
The minutes, about this period, are crowded with such cases,
and citation and impeachment appear to have been the order
of the day! In 1808, the Chairman was impeached for not
opening and closing Society with prayer. A member was
admonished, before Society, for saying "by Ned!"  Fulton,
who reported Morgan to the proper authority, for profanity,
was himself convicted of profanity, saying "by  George!"
This appears to have been a profane period in our history.
Several were fined for swearing, while some were suspended,
according to the aggravation of the crime.  Two members
were found guilty of' card-playing and dice-casting," for
which they were suspended four weeks.  Hunter was tried




THE FRANKLIN LITERARY SOCIETY.           163
on the charge of " having himself shaved on the Sabbath day,
in his room, at the house of Joshua Emery." Of this he
was acquitted, but another member convicted of the same
offence was suspended 
The darkest page in the history of the Society occurs about
this time. An unhappy spirit of dissension had found its
way into the brotherhood, and the fine feelings of friendship
were turned into the bitterest hatred.  Accusations were
signed by the members against each other, and few, if any of
the officers escaped impeachment. A member, named Wills,
who had previously been convicted of profanity, and severely
punished, was again cited to answer the charge of a similar
offence. With this accusation, opened the stormiest period in
the history of the Society! Having been found guilty of
the crime alleged, a punishment was annexed by the officers,
not only unnecessarily severe, but in the highest degree
arbitrary.  The Society, however, sanctioned the decision of
its officers, and refused to entertain a motion to reconsider the
whole matter.  Wills refusing to submit to the punishment
imposed, was expelled on the following evening, immediately
after the opening of Society. Smarting under this treatment,
and evidently wishing to create a disturbance, he sought readmission into the Society; but his request was refused.  His
perseverance, however, overcame all obstacles; and two weeks
later, having again asked for admission, his request was
granted. The question then arose, whether he should be readmitted without taking the promise to obey the constitution,
usually administered at the entrance of new members. Owing
to the difference of opinion on this point among the members,
a motion was made that the Rev. Mr. Dunlap, then President
of the College, should have a vote in the settlement of this
question.  This proposal excited the indignation of a portion
of the members to such a degree, that when the motion was
put to vote, it instantly occasioned the disruption of the SocietyI
The Secretary of that meeting, in recording these disgraceful




164         HISTORY OF JEFPERSON COLLEGE
proceedings, mentions that "the vote was carried;" but a
"Nota Bene" is here inserted by the President, in these
words —"' Here is a positive falsehood, for a vote was refused
to Mr. Dunlap, in the case of Wills, and upon this refusal,
the supporters of order and morality withdrew."   "But
when it was determined," continues the Secretary, " that Mr.
Wills should be admitted without taking the usual promise,
the Society, after having spent the whole evening in warm
debates, dissolved, sixteen declaring themselves to be no more
members."  This occurred in December, 1803.  To the minutes of this meeting the name of the Secretary is not attached;
but the Chairman gives the reason why the above N. B. was
added —" To give a true idea of matters to future readers."
A week passed by, and the difficulty remained unsettled.
The usual evening of meeting arrived, but no Society convened. In reality, it no longer existed; and members considered themselves free from all obligations to obey the
constitution.  At length the Faculty of the College took the
matter into consideration, and a reconciliation was effected
between the two parties.  A meeting was held, two weeks
after its dismemberment, and through their intervention the
Society was again re-organized.  Of this meeting, however,
two distinct and contradictory statements are contained in the
minutes. One of these asserts, that it was the unanimous
opinion of the Faculty, that the Society should not be dissolved, but should continue to meet as usual, some amendments being made in its constitution.  The other account
states, that "the proceedings of the former Franklin Society,
having been for some time disorderly and immoral, a number
of the members, deeming the end for which it was instituted
defeated, protested against the proceedings and withdrew."
After this an entire cessation of business took place.  The
Faculty of the College took the state of the Society into consideration, and agreed that it should be dissolved, and a new
one instituted by such of the old members as they should




THE PRANKLIN LITERARY SOCIETY.            165
nominate. Some of these having been called together, agreed
to obey the constitution, with various amendments, and to
constitute a new Society, bearing the name of the former.
None who were members of the old Society were made
acquainted with the business of the new, previous to their
becoming members of it; and it was resolved, that the new
members should not have access to the minutes of the old
Society.  "It was also resolved, that the minutes also be
written from that time, without any reference to the past." *
With these distinct and contradictory accounts to perplex and
embarrass the mind of the Franklin historian, it becomes a
matter of no small difficulty to date the origin of the Society.
As, however, the new Association was composed of a majority
of the old members, met for the same purpose, and governed
by the same constitution, in the main, we shall not hesitate
to trace back our origin, as we have always done, to November
14th, 1797.  Few of the present members know anything of
this unfortunate dismemberment.  So strong is the golden
chain of friendship, which now binds all hearts together,
none would have imagined that it had been rudely broken!
During the first years of its existence the Society was without a library. The want of books does not seem to have been
seriously felt, and no efforts were made to procure them. It
is a singular historical fact, that the present library originated
in the want of a standard of appeal, by which the merits of
the class in spelling might be tested.  To remedy this, a propoposal was made on the 10th of September, 1799, "that a collection be lifted for the purpose of purchasing such a Dictionary
as may be thought necessary for the Society."  This proposal,
after lying on the minutes for one week, was duly considered
and adopted the succeeding evening.  Walker's Dictionary
was selected as the standard, and for many years was used by
*We are indebted for the above account to the manuscript history of the
Franklin Literary Society, already referred to.




166         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
the officers as the final arbiter, "when the class came out to
spell i" This was the first work purchased by the Society,
and the first volume in the library. Around this nucleus the
fine collection of books, which now adorns the hall of the
Society, gradually clustered.
As early as 1813, the members imposed upon themselves
the payment of a certain sum each session, towards the purchase of useful books and the increase of the library. Since
then, it has been almost exclusively from the contributions of
the regular members. The present library numbers nearly
3,000 volumes, and comprises many of the most valuable
standard works in the English language, in History, Poetry,
Philosophy, Theology and the Natural Sciences. The admirable order in which they are kept, and the fine appearance
they present, never fail to call forth the commendation of
strangers who visit the College; while the literary treasures
they contain, and the advantages they afford, can be appreciated only by those who enjoy them.
At first, the duties of the present Librarian were attended
to by the Secretary. The Library was opened every third
week on the evening of Society. This order continued as
late as 1829, when it was resolved to open it one hour every
Saturday afternoon.  Owing to the increase.of members, and
the taste for reading among the students, it is now opened
several times a week.
For many years the two Societies had their book-case in
common. In 1821, the share of the Franklin Society was
transferred to the Philos, after much financiering on both
sides, and the appointment of numerous committees to settle
this important transaction. The Society then procured a
" standing library case, made of pine, and painted green, having the words The Franklin Library painted in a right line
along the door." This elegant piece of furniture continued
in use until the erection of the new College, and as it could
not be sold, was gratuitously presented to the Faculty!




THE FRANKLIN LITERARY SOCIETY.           167
The custom of appointing Library Committees every session, has existed ever since there was a library.  A report of
such a committee, in 1832, of which Washington M'Cartney,
Esq., was Chairman, still remains. This report is particularly interesting for the information it contains, concerning
the library, and the facetious style in which it is written.
The number of volumes in the library, at that time, was
676; and no less than 300 are reported as having been lost.
The committee deprecate in the strongest terms the habit of
lending books to the ladies-to which custom they ungallantly
attribute the loss of many of the volumes! This caveat did
not, however, produce the desired reformation, and through
the gallantry of the members, the library opened its treasures, as before to the fair readers of Canonsburg and vicinity.
As contests between Literary Societies were formerly peculiar to Jefferson College, it becomes a matter of interest to
inquire into the origin of this custom, which has been introduced into the principal institutions of learning in the South
and West. From the minutes of August, 1799, it appears
that a proposal was brought forward by W. Neile,-" That a
challenge be given to the Philo Literary Society for four members to be chosen out of each Society, for the purpose of read-;ng compositions, speaking select orations, and debating at
the Fall Examination, before the Trustees, and that they publicly give their opinion which Society has gained the victory."
Neile's proposition was received with enthusiasm by the
chivalrous Franklins, and a challenge to a Literary Contest
was forthwith sent to the Philo Society, who at once accepted
it. Such is the origin of Literary Contests in the United
States!  The honor of their suggestion belongs to a member
of this Society; and the honor of their introduction, to the
Society itself!  It may well be asked, "What results may
not be traced to that simple proposal on an obscure page of
our Minutes?" Who that has breathed the inspiring atmospheroewhich this custom has infused into College life, but will




168         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
acknowledge its commanding influence on the minds of young
men.  Doubtless, it has blasted many ambitious hopes, and
occasioned the bitterest disappointments.  Its victories, too,
have sometimes been more fatal to character than defeat. But
these are not necessary evils, and, at most, are confined to
few, while its advantages are enjoyed by all.  They elevate
the standard of:lierary excellence-discover and develop
latent talent —exercise the judgment-correct the taste, and
furnish the mind with proper incentives to exertion. We
hesitate not to make the assertion-and its truthfulness will
be confirmed by those who are acquainted with the factsthat in the Contest performances of these Societies, there are
specimens of as rare and classical beauty, as can be found in
the pages of the Spectator, the orations of Burke, or the
debates of Pitt, Sheridan, and Fox i
The Contest had not, at first, precisely the same features as
at present. One composer, one select orator, and two debaters
were annually chosen. We are not informed how the debate
was managed, whether the honor was conferred on an individual contester for superiority, or on two of them for their
Society —as would appear from the wording of the proposal.
At the third Contest, a composer and orator were elected, and
two members from each Society, "to act a dialogue," while
at the next Contest, two were selected to speak, one to read
a composition, and one to take part in a dialogue. The following year, the order of exercises was again changed, and
the dialogue gave place to debate.  At the suggestion of the,
Trustees, the Societies, in 1814, made further alterations in
the Contest.  The debate was limited to two persons-one
from each Society, who were allowed to occupy twenty-five
minutes.  This arrangement, excepting, perhaps, the limitation in the time of performance, continued until 1832, when
the original oration was added to the other exercises. It
would appear, that the honor of composition was, at first,
considered the highest.  This is probable, from the fact that




THE FRANKLIN LITERARY SOCIETY.           169
one member having resigned on composition, another who had
been elected debater, was chosen to fill his place, and a re-election held for debate.  The old minutes contain the questions
discussed at these Contests. Some of these would puzzle
older and wiser heads than young shoulders usually carry.
Such, for instance, is the question debated at the contest of
1810: "Is the soul created immediately at the time of its
infusion into the body?"
The primitive manner in which the Contests were conducted,
may be conjectured from various amusing details recorded on
the minutes.  So late as 1817, a committee was appointed
"' to build the stage, hold the candles, snuff them, carry water,
and do all the little drudgeries implied in the nature of their
office!".Their successors-the honorable "Committee of
Arrangements," who now do the honors of Society to Judges,
and fare sumptuously with these dignitaries, at its expense,
may congratulate themselves on this evidence of progress.
Offices half a century ago, were no sinecures, and " the little
drudgeries" of the above resolution, would now be considered
too formidable an affair for any committee to undertake.  It
was then, however, an honor " to hold the candles, snuff them,
tnud carry the water," which was conferred only on members
of the more advanced classes!
The collection and transcription of the Contest performances
is of comparatively recent origin, and it is to be regretted
that many of these are irrecoverably lost. No decisions have
been preserved further back than the Contest of 1809. In
the thirty-one years which elapsed between that time and
1840, (since which we have not the decisions,) our sister
Society has gained four more debates and even one more select
speech than we; while the Franklins have borne away the
palm nine times more for composition, and once more for
original oration. We take it for granted, that there has been
no falling off since then, and the old Franklin is still excelsior i
The history of the Contest would be incomplete, unless




170        HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
reference were made to the Articles of Convention between
the two Societies. In 1818, at the suggestion of the Franklin Society, the first articles were formed. These were very
incomplete, and had little resemblance to those in force at a
later period. The correspondence of the Societies previous
to this, was marked by little of the high and honorable bearing which now characterizes their mutual intercourse. They
regarded each other not as friends, engaged in a generous
rivalry, but as almost enemies, in conquering whom, it was
lawful to employ any species and means of warfare. This
unhappy jealousy often led to mutual recrimination, and,
sometimes, even resulted in open ruptures between the Societies. It is amusing to read the series of terrific resolutions
forwarded from one Society to the other; which at the time,
smoked with wrath, but now lie before us like spent thunderbolts! Happy as has been the influence of these conventional
Articles upon the Societies, it must be confessed, that there
has not been always calm and sunshine. Difficulties connected
with the Contest, and other subjects, have sometimes thrown
their dark shadows over our sky. One of these, occurring
in 1827, remained unsettled until 1830, when the Articles of
Agreement were annulled by our sister Society.  The annual
Contest was held as usual, but, owing to this difficulty, no
decisionswere made. Other Articles were afterwards agreed
upon, and these again, in the memory of some now present,
became in turn, "a bone of contention."  But kindness, and
the spirit of mutual concession, finally removed every difficulty,
and Friendship has bound her golden chain more closely and
firmly around these Brother bands!
We now come to a period in our history when old things
passed away, and all things became new! The erection of
the new College, and the dedication of the present hall, was
the advent of our Augustan age. We have seen the Society
in its infancy and youth, we now behold it entering upon its
manhood. The name and features remain the same, but how




THE FRANKLIN LITERARY SOCIETY.           171
great the change which hath passed upon its spirit! It hath
put away childish things.  Its step is firm  and steady, its
voice, the voice of a man, and its deliberations, though warmed
by the fervor of youth, are tempered by the wisdom of riper
years.
Both the literary Societies of this Institution delight to
refer back to this interesting period. Never was there a
brighter era in our common history.  The enthusiasm of the
members was raised to the highest pitch.  To furnish and
adorn the new hall, in a style worthy of the object to which
it was devoted, was the great ambition of the members. Commnittee after committee was appointed, and resolutions upon
resolutions were passed, with reference to this matter. No
expense was to be spared in its decoration. It was resolved
that the floor be covered with the best imported carpets; that
the room be furnished with settees and sociables; that the
walls be painted a light blue, with an appropriate border;
that the name of the Society be inscribed, in gilt letters, above
the door; that the windows, together with the stage and rostrum, be hung with handsome drapery; and the hall and
library room be heated by suitable stoves. These, with a
variety of minor arrangements, indicate the feelings of Society.
The expenses of these numerous outlays, were nobly borne
by the members, who vied with each other in their devotion
to the Society. It has been beautifully and appropriately
said.' They seemed to bend every thought and purpose to
adorn the Nuptial Hall, where they were to wed Literature;
as the young bride will visit often the destined chamber, disposing and arranging its furniture; smoothing the pillow till
it is free from wrinkle as her own brow, and as she leaves,
still lingers and blushes at the strange flutterings of her heart."
The spirit of activity, which was called into life at this
period, did not confine itself to the decoration of the new hall.
The minutes, and other papers of Society, were collected and
arranged; the Legislature was applied to for an Act of Incor



172         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
poration, (which was almost obtained,) and the whole internal
frame-work of the Society was new-modeled,  The struggle
of Greece for liberty from the grievous thraldom of the Turk,
at that time, called forth an enthusiastic address from  the
Society, and resolutions were adopted to aid the revival of
Literature on its classic soil, and the establishment of a College at Athens!
On the 22d of June, 1832, the new hall of the Society was
dedicated. The record of this event on the minutes, is as follows:  " The Literary Societies of the College convened on
the banks of the Chartiers, and, accompanied by the Faculty
and a few Honorary members, walked in procession, to excellent music, through the streets of Canonsburg, and entered
their respective halls."  The Dedicatory Address before the
Franklin Society was delivered by Washington M' Cartney,
Esq., after which the beautiful hall was devoted to the sacred
purposes of Literature, Friendship and Virtue, with appropriate ceremonies.
The history of the Society, since this interesting period,
has been one of constant and increasing prosperity.  Within
a twelve-month after the dedication of the new hall, the roll
of regular members numbered eighty.  With each succeeding
year, the proportion of members from the higher classes in
College increased; and thus the Society grew with the growth
and strength of our Alma Mater. There was also a corresponding improvement in the character of the exercises. The
standard of literary excellence was greatly elevated, and a
higher tone and character imparted to it, by the scholarship
and talent of numerous gifted minds. The influence of the
Society on the literary tastes and habits of its members became
more marked and decided. It dignified and made honorable
the pursuits of knowledge, and all who sat under its refreshing shade felt the magic of its power. From this period, too,
the Society seems to have directed its energies to the cultivation of Science and Literature. as its proper objects, leaving




THE FRANKLIN LITERARY SOCIETY.            173
to other institutions the correction of moral delinquency and
the reformation of moral character. And finally, since the
same period, the spirit of partyism and narrow clannish feeling
has gradually become weaker and fainter in both Societies.
The time is forever past, when we stood like
Heights-whose mining depths so intervened
That they could meet no more."
The recollection of that day is fast fading from memory, and
we would not renew it.  Perish the hand which would again
throw the apple of discord among brethren of Friendship's
firm-knit family!
Our work is done. The history of the Society in later
days, and its present flourishing condition, are as familiar to
many of this audience, as household words. We have only
to regret the incompleteness of our information, and the imperfection of our own labor. If, occasionally, we have indulged
in digression, so has Homer, in his veracious narrative of the
adventures of Ulysses. If we have been prosy, so at times
is Herodotus, the Father of History, whom we have endeavored to imitate, in being the faithful chronicler of the times.
On a soiled and almost illegible page of the old Minutes,
the following prophetic passage occurs. It bears the date of
January, 1798, and concludes the report of James Carnahan,
one of the first Inspectors.  "The Franklin Society promises
to exceed our highest expectations: we trust it will be an
honor to the members, a benefit to the Academy, and will
extend its happy influence throughout America!" The venerable President of the College of New Jersey has lived to
see his prophecy fulfilled!
Go where we may, throughout America, we meet with students of Jefferson College, and the members of this Society.
The graves of our departed brethren cover the land;
"Their spirits wrap our dusky mountains,
Their memory sparklos o'er our fountains."
15*




174         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
Many, also, have gone to the Missions beyond the seas. Consecrating themselves to the work of the Apostolate, they have
fallen with their armor on, in the holy conflict for souls. The
Indian, the Ethiopian, the Scythian, the Persian, the Chinaman, have heard and obeyed their word. Christianity and
Civilization, with the blessings of Science, Virtue, and the
holy influences of Friendship, have followed their steps.  And
in those lands of darkness, an unknown force of moral regeneration has appeared, which will develop and perpetuate itself
in all coming time, and live indestructible in the midst of
revolution and ruin. But they have died. And now, after
life's fitful fever, they sleep well!
Our living brethren, and their name is legion, are every
where. They fill all oflices, and are found in every department and situation of life. They occupy the bench of the
Judiciary; the halls of the Legislature; the seats of Congress and the Senate; the high places of Government, and
the higher places of the Church. They are Instructors, Pastors, Professors and Presidents of Institutions of Learning,
in three Continents. They are Ambassadors at Foreign Courts,
and Members of the Learned Societies of Europe and America. They seem to be possessed of the power of ubiquity.
Though eight years have elapsed since we left these sacred
walls, we have never taken a journey, either long or short,
without meeting the face of some brother Franklin! In the
stage coach, on the steam boat, in the rail road car, on ship
board, in the French "diligence," in the German "eilwagen,"
every where, and under every variety of circumstances, we
have met and recognized the members of this Society.  How
sweet to meet in later life the companions of our youth. Tender recollections are awakened by looking again upon well
known features. But few recollections are more sacred than
those called up by meeting with some companion of College
hours. A mysterious brotherhood unites the sons of the same
Institution. And should that companion be a class-mate, the




THE FRANKLIN LITERARY SOOIETY.            175
connection is still closer. The hours spent in the same pursuits, over the same volume, in the same company, and at
the same recitation, are dear to the remembrance.  They were
once thought tiresome, but we ever recur to such friendships,
as green spots in the journey of life. But should this companion and that classmate be a Franklin, the mutual satisfaction would be complete. To meet with such a one, would be"To grasp the hand
Of brother in a foreign land I"
Distance could not remove such remembrances, nor time efface
the impression which such a meeting would renew. The frosts
of age would melt from round the heart, and the affections
flow again, in the long forgotten channels of early years! *
How gladly would I linger among the labyrinths of memory, and impress upon your minds the lessons of wisdom which
it teaches! But the lateness of the hour forbids any lengthened remarks. The topics which have been suggested by the
record of the past, are too numerous to refer to, and too intimately connected with our internal history to enlarge upon.
But if the voice of the past, speaking to us through the history of this Society and College, has given utterance to one
fact more certain and prominent than all others, it is, that
the truth of God is the appointed instrumentality for the regeneration and civilization of the world.  That truth, which God
has revealed in his word, and written in living characters over
the broad face of nature-two volumes, but one book-constitute the stone and the sling, to smite with death the gigantic forms of wrong, under which the whole creation groaneth
and travaileth in pain until now. Simple weapons, yet how
effective! None other is needed. The truth, in its illustrious simplicity, in its harmonious proportions, in the strength
of its native energy, in the sublime consciousness of its own
rectitude, is omnipotent. It must and will prevail!
eMS. History of Franklin Society.




176           HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
To the study and advocacy of that truth-which is mighty
and which maketh free —consecrate the years and energies of
your whole life. It will lead you to its great Author, and
standing in His presence, you will look forth over the broad
field of the world, with the holy resolution, to live, labor,
suffer, do and die in the service of humanity, and to stamp
upon society the impress of truth, in characters which shall
remain when sun and moon are no more!
We have met on this occasion to renew the recollections of
the past, and to exchange the signs and words of friendshiplike ships on the ocean, which exchange signals and then pursue their different courses upon the pathless deep. But ere
we part, and "mingle with the universe," from  which we
have escaped to participate in the solemnities of this night,
let us again unite the Student's song, and, with heart and
soul, give a " vivat" to our Alma Mater! Then —
Gaudeamus igitur
Juvenes dum sumus,
Post jucundam juventutem,
Post molestam senectutem,
Nos habebit humus!
Vivat Academia,
Vivant Professores,
Vivat membrum quodlibet,
Vivant membra qua3libet,
Semper sint in Flore!
Vivat et respublica,
Et qui illam regit,
Vivat nostra civitas,
Maecenatum caritas,
Quoe nos hie proteget.




QUESTIONS DEBATED IN CONTESTS.
It will doubtless afford interest and amusement to see a
list of the Questions which were debated at the Contests, since
they began. They are as follows:
1799. Whether the Mathematics or the Languages, Latin
and Greek, be more necessary?
1802. Whether is luxury or war most ruinous to Nations?
1801. Should a Governor, when elected into office, under
our present form of government, fill all the offices under
his jurisdiction with men of the same political sentiments with himself?
1805. Are the natural talents of men superior to those of
women?
1806. Would it be policy in the United States immediately
to emancipate their slaves?
1807. Can the immortality of the soul be discovered by the
light of nature?
1808. Would it be policy for the Americans to join in -alliance with France, should a war take place between
America and Great Britain?
1809. Are animals, inferior to man in the order of creation,
possessed of immortal souls?
1810. Is the soul created immediately at the time of its infusion into the body?
1811. Should a system of religion, which is contrary to the
Holy Scriptures, be tolerated by civil governments?
(177)




178         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
1812. Should capital punishment be inflicted in a well-regulated government?
1813. <Should conscience be the ultimate rule of duty?
1814. Is the Deity discoverable by the light of nature?
1815. Is the human understanding naturally right?1
1816. Does the belief of moral truth necessarily incite to
the fulfilling of moral obligations?
1817. Is a high degree of refinement favorable to the Christian religion?
1818. Is war naturally lawful?
1819. Is there any such thing in human nature as disinterested benevolence?
1820. Suitable provision being made for the comfortable
settlement of the blacks of this country in Africa, and
for transporting them thither, would the Government
of the United States, at any time of peace and common
prosperity, be justifiable in passing a law, compelling
them to colonize?
1821. Is a high degree of sensibility conducive to our present happiness?
1822. Is language a human invention?
1825. Would a community of goods contribute to the happiness of a people?
1829.  Should Ecclesiastics have a vote in National Councils?
1830. Is utility the rule of moral action?
1831. Should a Republican government support a standing
army in time of peace?
1832. Does a paucity of laws, as amnong the American Savages, subject man to greater. evils than a superabundance
of laws, as among the civilized Europeans?
1833.  Should the power of pardoning those who commit
offences against the laws (the military excepted) exist
in a republican government?
1834. Should capital punishment be inflicted by civil governments?




QUESTIONS DEBATED IN CONTESTS.           179
1836.  Should the Government of the United States discourage, by powerful restrictions, immigrations from Europe
-not including that of paupers?
1839. Should provision be made by law for the maintenance
of the poor?
1840.  Should emulation be encouraged as a stimulus in
education?
1841. Is our present Constitution more likely to terminate
by the encroachment of the State Governments on the
powers of the Federal Government, than by the consolidation of the powers of the States in the Federal Government?
1846. Is the human mind always active?
1855. Should our judicial officers be chosen by the people
directly?
1856. Is there in the human mind a principle of disinterested benevolence?
1857.  Should emulation be encouraged in common schools,
as a stimulus to education?
N. B. For the years omitted, the questions could not be obtained; and in
some instances, there was no Contest.




BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH
OF THE LATE
REV. MATTHEW BROWN, D. D.
The former President of Washington and Jefferson Colleges.
BY REV. DAVID ELLIOTT) D. D.
The words "the memory of the just is blessed," express an
aphorism sanctioned by the spirit of inspiration. Accordingly,
the Jews, whenever they named an eminently just man who was
deceased, were in the habit of adding, "let his memory be
blessed."  This practice of preserving the meiuory of good
men, seems to fall within the scope and teachings of God's
word on the subject:'The righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance."  "The elders, by faith, obtained a
good report." And of the woman who poured the precious
ointment upon the head of the Saviour, he -himself declared
that " Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole
world, there shall also this that this woman hath done, be told
foJr a memor'ial of her."  By thus recording and preserving
the memory of good men —their sayings and their actionsthey are made to live over again, and to furnish lessons to
surviving generations.  "He being dead yet speaketh," is an
affirmation of the spirit of God, respecting Abel.  And so it
may be said of any other good man, on whom the grave has
closed, and whose memory has been preserved. His good
deeds live in history, and what he said and did while living,
(180)




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH  OF DR. BIROWN.        181
re said and done by him, in the records of his life. The
dlemands of duty, therefore, as well as the promptings of
friendship, require that there be some recorded memorial of
a venerable and distinguished man, well known throughout
the Church, who has lately been removed to the eternal world.
The Rev. Matthew  Brown, D. D., has closed his earthly
labors, and gone where neither the applause nor the censure
of mortals can reach him. He was a man of strongly marked
character. With certain inequalities of physical temperament, he was distinguished by many high attributes of a religious, intellectual, and social kind. Occupying as he did,
during a large portion of his life, posts of public observation
and influence, which brought him into contact with various
classes of men, and in conflict often with their passions and
prejudices, it is not surprising that he sometimes incurred
their censure, and was subjected to harsher judgments, than
a calm and dispassionate review of his whole life will accord
to him. And we doubt not but that when his defects and
eccentricities shall have been forgotten, or remembered only
to be excused, the high moral attributes of his character will
remain- deeply embalmed in many a Christian heart.
Dr. Brown was descended from pious and respectable ancestors.  His paternal grandfather, John Brown, was a native
of Ireland, but of Scottish descent. He emigrated to this
country about the year 1720. Not long after his arrival in
Pennsylvania, he died, leaving five sons, all of whom were
distinguished for their religious character.  His son iliactthevw,
the father of Dr. Brown, was born in 1732.  He resided
some years on Conodoquinnet creek, in the vicinity of Carlisle, Pennsylvania.  From thence he removed to White Deer
Valley, Northumberland county, of which place he was one
of the early settlers.  He was a ruling elder in the Reformed
Presbyterian Church, to which the family of Brown belonged.
He is reported to have been a man of talents, and of great
sprightliness and wit. He took an active part in the early
i6




182         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGEo
Etages of the Revolutionary struggle for independence, and
was a member of what was called the " Flying camp."  In
this service he contracted a fever, of which he died, in 1778,
at the age of forty-six. IHe left eight children, of whom
Matthew, the subject of the present notice, was the youngest.
He (Matthew) was born in the year 1776, two years before
his father's death.  Upon the demise of his father, young
Matthew and his brother Thomas were adopted by William
Brown, his father's brother, who had no children of his own.
This William Brown resided in Dauphin county, near to Harrisburg, and, as Commissioner of that county, assisted in
laying out the town which is now the seat of government of
the State of Pennsylvania.  He was much in public life, and
being a man of reading, as well as public spirit, he was frequently called upon to serve his fellow citizens in posts of
honor and trust.  He was repeatedly in the Legislature of
Pennsylvania, and, as a member of that body, in 1776, it is
said that he was the first who proposed the gradual emancipation of the slaves within the Commonwealth; a measure
which, though not favorably received at the time, was afterwards adopted. He was, moreover, a member of the Convention which formed the Constitution of the State in 1790.
His name appears among the signers to that instrument. He
was also sent at one time as a Commissioner to Ireland and
Scotland, on behalf of the Covenanters, to procure for them
a supply of ministers. In this mission he was successful,
and on his return brought with him Messrs. Lind and Dobbin, the former of whom was settled and preached for some
time in a church erected on Mr. Brown's farm. We have
other particulars of an interesting nature, respecting this gentleman, but which are reserved for the present. They may
appear in connection with a more extended notice of Dr.
Brown, at some future day.
It was with this uncle that the subject of this notice was
placed after the death of his father. There, in a school in




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH  OP DR. BROWN.         183
the neighborhood, he received his elementary education, preparatory to his being sent to college.  In due time he entered
Dickinson College, at Carlisle, where he was graduated on
the 5th of May, 1794, during the Presidency of Dr. Nisbet,
for whom he always entertained the very highest regard.
Among his classmates were the Rev. Drs. Herron and Laird,
of Western Pennsylvania, and the Hon. Alexander Nisbet, of
Baltimore, son of Dr. Nisbet, President of the College.  After
his graduation, he was engaged in teaching a classical school
in Northumberland county, near the place of his nativity,
where he became intimately acquainted with the celebrated
Dr. Priestley, and other distinguished men in that region.
This was probably before he commenced the study of theology
— when he made a public profession of religion, we are not
at present able to state; nor are we informed at what time he
commenced his theological studies. It was probably about
the year 1796, as he was licensed October 3d, 1799; and the
Presbytery of Carlisle, by which he was licensed, are known,
for a long period, to have exacted a three years course of
study of their candidates before licensure.  His theological
studies were pursued in part with Dr. Nisbet, and in part with
Dr. King, both of whom were learned and able men, and
sound theologians.  T.wo years after he was licensed, he
accepted a call from the united congregations of Mifflin and
Lost Creek, within the bounds of the Presbytery of Huntingdon, and on the 6th of October, 1801, he took his dismission
to that Presbytery, and was by them ordained, and installed
in due time as the pastor of the above named Churches. Here
he labored faithfully for several years, in the midst of a good
deal of reproach and opposition, on the part of a few disaffected persons, who were connected as pew-holders with the
congregation of Mifflin. Finding his situation uncomfortable,
and having a call from the congregation of Washington, Pennsylvania, and an invitation from the Board of Trustees of
Washington Academy, he accepted these offers, and having




184        HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
obtained a dismission from his pastoral charge, he removed to
Washington in the spring of 1805. There he labored in the
double capacity of pastor and principal of the Academy, having an assistant to aid him in the business of giving instruction. During the spring of 1806, the Academy of which he
was the principal became merged in Washington College, a
charter for that purpose having been procured from the Legislature of Pennsylvania. It was eminently through his influence, and that of one or two others, that this charter was
obtained. Of the new College, Dr. Brown was elected President, on the 13th of December, 1806, retaining, at the same
time, his pastoral connection with the congregation. This
imposed upon him duties of a very arduous kind; and to
meet the responsibilities of his situation, he was obliged to
labor with unceasing assiduity. Nor did he labor in vain.
The results of his efforts were soon rendered visible, in the
growing prosperity of the Church, and in the healthful and
extended reputation of the College. It is true that, owing
to the proximity of Jefferson College, which was only seven
miles distant, and which was then, as now, extensively patronized, the number of students at Washington increased rather
slowly, and the number of graduates, during his administration, was not very large. But among those who were graduated, during the ten years of his incumbency, there were
many who have since risen to stations of eminence in the
different learned professions, and a few who have acquired
considerable distinction in the political world. During the
progress of events, and from causes which, in a sketch of
this kind, need not be investigated, some dissatisfaction arose
in the minds of some who were intimately connected with
the College, against Dr. Brown. This led to the adoption of
measures in the Board, having for their object the separation
of the duties of the College from those of the congregation.
After various conferences on the subject, and some conflict of
opinion and of feeling, Dr. Brown, on the 16th of December,




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. BROWN.          185
1816,-tendered to the Board his resignation of the Presidency
of the College, preferring to retain his pastoral charge of the
Church, to which he was bound by many solemn and tender
ties.
The reputation which Dr. Brown acquired, as the President
of Washington College, attracted attention to him abroad,
and in different directions.  The Trustees of Centre College,
at Danville, Kentucky, tendered to him the Presidency of
that Institution.  This he declined.  And we know that at
one time, though at a later period, his name was prominently
before the Board of Dickinson College, for the same station.
In 1822, however, he was elected to the Presidency of Jefferson College, at Canonsburg, which he accepted, and shortly
afterwards entered upon the duties of his office. By his accession, new vigor was infused into that Institution, and during
the whole of his administration, a period of twenty-three
years, it continued to enjoy a high degree of prosperity. As
evidence of this, it may be noted that the aggregate number
of those who were graduated under his Presidency was seven
hundred and seventy, making an average number per annum
of fully thirty-three. This fact truly attests the skill and
vigor with which the College was conducted. And it is
worthy of special observation, that of this large number of
graduates, not less than three hundred and fifty became ministers of the Gospel, the greater portion of them in the Presbyterian Church. It is due also to truth to state that of the
ministers now in the Presbyterian Church, (Old School,) there
are more who have been graduated at Jefferson College than
at any other single College in the United States. During
Dr. Brown's incumbency, also, the College shared frequently
and largely in the renewing influences of the Spirit of God,
which were poured out upon it from time to time. This is
to be attributed to a great degree, under God, to his faithful
labors, and those of his colleagues, not only in the pulpit,
but in visiting the students in their rooms, and conversing
16*




186         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
and praying with them in private. Few Presidents of a Cold
lege have been more faithful or assiduous in this department
of labor than he was, and few Colleges have been more largely
blessed in the visible fruits of such labor than that of Jefferson. For several years after Dr. Brown removed to Canonsburg, he preached by invitation a part of each Sabbath in
conjunction with Dr. M'Millan, at Chartiers, of which Dr.
M'Millan was the pastor. After some time, a separate organization was effected in the town of Canonsburg, in connection
with the College, and Dr. Brown became their regular pastor,
and continued to serve them in that capacity until he resigned
the Presidency of the College, when the pastoral relation
ceased. For a number of years before his retirement, it had
become evident to his friends that his physical strength was
giving way, and that the labors of the College and of the
congregation were becoming oppressive to him. He himself
felt it, and often referred to it. And he would have doubtless
retired much sooner than he did, but from the apprehension
that if he ceased from active labor he would be in danger of
sinking into a state of imbecility. At length, however, he
was constrained by his rapidly increasing infirmities, to seek
repose from his too arduous labors, and in the year 1845 he
tendered to the Board his resignation. In accepting it the
Board evinced their appreciation of his long and faithful services, by conferring on him the honorary degree of Doctor of
Laws, (that of Doctor of Divinity having been conferred on
him by Princeton many years before,) and by the adoption of
resolutions expressive of their deep feeling of regret at the
necessity which led to a dissolution of the ties which had
bound them so long and so happily together. The people of
Washington were not insensible to the loss they had sustained
by the removal of Dr. Brown to Canonsburg.  Occurrences,
also, connected with the history of the College in Washington, subsequent to his resignation of the Presidency of that
Institution, had convinced the Board that they could not better




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. BROWN..    187
subserve its interests, than by recalling him.  Accordingly,
some six or seven years after he had left Washington, he
received a united call from the congregation and College to
return to his former position.  This occasioned him  great
perplexity. His attachment to his old congregation, among
whom he had labored seventeen years, was very strong.  The
College, too, which had sprung into existence under his hand,
and whose early growth had been the object of his watchful
care, made a strong appeal to his sympathy and regard. But
while his feelings led him strongly in that direction, he finally,
after full deliberation, and consultation with friends, decided to remain at Canonsburg, much to the gratification of
the people of that place, and the friends of Jefferson College.
With what untiring devotion to the interests of that Institution he continued to labor for her prosperity until, through
infirmity, he was constrained to retire, is well known and
amply attested by the facts already recited, and by the whole
current of her history. From the time that Dr. Brown retired
from the Presidency of the College and the pastorate of the
Church in Canonsburg, he embraced every opportunity of
preaching the Gospel to his dying fellow-men. In this work
he took great delight.  He never appeared more in his element than when proclaiming the riches of God's grace to lost
sinners; and, notwithstanding the decline of his bodily powers, it was surprising to observe the vigor with which he continued to preach till near the end of life. It is due to the
memory of Dr. Brown to state that, for a few years before
his death, he suffered much from morbid bodily excitement.
This acted unfavorably on his mental perception, and induced,
in many cases, an eccentric and anomalous form of action,
which subjected him to unfriendly remarks by those who
were unacquainted with the cause. Those who were familiar
with his true condition, knew how to make allowance for these
peculiar forms of opinion and of action by which some portion
of the latter part of his life was marked, In the midst of




188         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
all his infirmities, however, he evinced the same strong and
unwavering attachment to evangelical truth, and the same
deep sensibility in relation to the prosperity of the Redeemer's
kingdom, which distinguished his more favored years of health,
and of bodily and mental vigor. Some weeks before his
death, alarming symptoms of disease made their appearance.
Of these his physicians informed him, intimating at the same
time that he might die very suddenly. In communicating
this report of the physicians to the writer, in a brief note,
he added, in this laconic manner, " The story is soon toldmay go off in a few days. But my trust is in God: He will
not forsake me in the trying hour." He was not taken away,
however, for some time; but he continued gradually and
slowly to decline until death did its work.  On the Monday
preceding his death, his disease (gangrene of the right limb)
so changed its character as to mitigate and almost entirely
remove that singular irritabiilty of his physical frame which
had so painfully characterized his latter years, and the previous stages of his illness. From that time he appeared to
be a different man, and like to what he was in his former and
better days. He was himself again. His affections once
more went forth with full flow towards his children and relatives; from whom, through the disturbing influence of his
nervous complaints, they appeared at times to be almost withdrawn.  Having summoned his son and daughter to his bedside, he reminded them of the dying scene of their dear
departed mother-how she had committed them to the faithful
care of a covenant-keeping God, and expressed her confident
hope of meeting them in heaven. He desired now, he said,
to do the same thing.  He exhorted them  to " love one
another"-to be kind to each other; and then referring
to his absent daughter, he added: "And oh that my dear
absent child were here also, that we might altogether renew
our mutual pledges of meeting in heaven." Then clasping
his son in his arms, he said, " I have sometimes dealt roughly




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. BROWN.         189
with you, my son, but let all be forgotten and forgiven now."
With much calmness, he spoke of the disposition he had made
of his property, and expressed a hope and belief that it
would be entirely satisfactory. He referred, also, with great
composure, to his approaching dissolution, saying, " Death to
me has no terrors: I have long looked him in the face."
He desired his friends to conduct his funeral as quietly as
possible-" no parade;" he indicated the spot where he
wished to be buried-" in the graveyard at Washington,
between my two wives" —" a place reserved for my poor body;
I have long looked at it-a pleasant spot."  When asked
about an inscription, his reply was, "Ah, take care! There
I am afraid of you; pride come in-in the fewest possible
words — a sinner saved by grace."' Howard's motto was suggested: "Christus mea sjpes."  "Yes," he replied, "that
would do; it would honor learning, to which my life has been
devoted — multum  in parvo' —what you please."  After
drinking some water which was given him, he exclaimed,
with inexpressible pathos and energy-" Water! I shall soon
be drinking of the pure river of water of life." His heart
seemed to be full of love and kindness to all around him.
When he received any refreshment, or when his bed was
smoothed, or his pillow adjusted, he frequently said in a most
winning and affectionate manner: "That will do;" "very
well;" a all right." These were the genuine expressions of
a Christian temper, now that the irritability and restlessness,
superinduced by complicated disease, had been removed. In
conversation with a ministerial brother, two days before his
death, he made the following emphatic observation in reference to himself:  " I have one evidence; yes! one thing, the
devil himself cannot persuade me out of it: I have been a
friend of revivals. I have always loved to see sinners converted. I would die happy if ministers and Churches were
baptized with the Holy Spirit."  When asked by his son-inlaw if he thought the Presbyterian Church would be again




190         HIISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
united, "Yes, certainly," he replied, "God can do it; he
will do it. I shall not see it; but you will." He fully realized the approach of death; and to his son-in-law, on one
occasion, he said with great solemnity: " And this is death!
death!" But in death itself, when it came, there was no apparent pain, no convulsive action or groan; but peacefully as a
child, he fell asleep in Jesus.  His children, though watching
round his pillow, knew not the precise moment of his departure, and could scarcely realize that it was death.  He died
on the 29th of July, 1853, at the house of his son-in-law,
Rev. Dr. Riddle, in Pittsburgh.  The night after his decease,
his body was conveyed to Canonsburg.  The next morning
it was placed in Providence Hall, which was clad in mourning; and where a funeral discourse was pronounced by the
Rev. Dr. Swift, of Allegheny. This service was touching
and solemn. The population of the village were largely
present. The shops were closed. Many a face was wet with
tears. The citizens seemed to feel that Canonsburg and Jefferson College had lost their best friend, and the poor their
benefactor. At the close of the religious services, the funeral
cortege passed through the ranks of students, as it proceeded
on its way to Washington.  There it was met by a procession
of the faculty, trustees, and students of Washington College,
and many citizens. The members of the old session of the
Washington church requested the privilege of bearing the
corpse of their former pastor and friend to the grave, which
was cheerfully granted. In this particular, his closing scene
was like that of Stephen-" Devout men carried him to his
burial, and made great lamentation over him." The Rev.
MIr. Brownson, the present pastor of the Washington church,
offered prayer at the grave; and the crowd slowly retired,
leaving his cold remains in the tomb, there to sleep until the
morning of the resurrection.  Dr. Brown was twice married.
By his first wife he had two children, one of whom, the Rev.
Alexander B. Brown, D. D.) is now the President of Jeffer




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. BROWN.          191
son College, and the other, Elizabeth, is the wife of the Rev.
Dr. Riddle, of Pittsburgh.  By his second wife he had one
daughter, Susan Mary, now the wife of Henry Alexander,
Esq., of New York.
In the foregoing brief narrative, the reader will doubtless
have obtained some glimpses of the character of Dr. Brown.
It was intended by the writer to have attempted a more formal
delineation of his character, in its various forms of development. But further reflection has induced him to defer it, for
the present, from a conviction that, when the records of his
personal and public history shall have been more fully written,
such a delineation being sustained by incontrovertible facts,
will be received with more favor, and will better vindicate
his claims to a place in the affectionate remembrance of the
friends of learning and of religion.




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
OF THE
REV. SAMUEL RALSTON, D. D.
President of the Board of Trustees of Jefferson College.
The Rev. Samuel Ralston, D. D., was born in the county
of Donegal, Ireland, A. D. 1756.  His family were of the
most substantial and respectable yeomanry of that part of
Ireland. Some of them were engaged in agricultural pursuits,
and others in trade and merchandise. Judging from the letters he received from various relations, after his arrival in this
country, we infer that there could have been few more thrifty
or influential people in the northern part of the province of
Ulster, than the Ralstons.  Probably of Scottish descent
originally, they were all thorough Presbyterians. His religious education, and his early training in catechetical instruction, were carefully attended to. It is probable that the
rudiments of a classical education were afforded him, in the
neighborhood of his birth; and, like the Irish Presbyterian
schools of that day generally, his must have been thorough
in its pedagogical drilling, if we may judge from his accurate
and extensive classical attainments, for which he was afterwards distinguished. As some of his father's family were
business men, engaged in trade and commerce, he was probably, at an early period, employed occasionally in their service.
His careful, methodical habits, in reference to his financial
concerns, through afterlife, seem to have been formed in this
(192)




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. RALSTON.    193
way. There is evidence from his papers that he would have
become a thorough business man, had Divine Providence given
this direction to his life. But his mind, which, from his
boyhood, seems to have been thoughtful and serious, received,
through divine grace, a decidedly religious tone; and his
thoughts were early turned to the Gospel ministry. In order
to become qualified for this important work, so far as human
instrumentality was concerned, he was sent to the University
of Glasgow, in Scotland. After completing an extensive
collegiate course, he entered upon his more immediate preparation for preaching the Gospel, and was in due time licensed
by his Presbytery.  He at once attained to a very respectable standing among his countrymen, as an able and instructive preacher.  He was engaged for several years at Donaughmore, and adjoining places, either as a regular stated supply
or assistant preacher. But his mind having early received
a strong bias towards the new Western World, he seems to
have declined all thoughts of settling, as a pastor, in his native
land. Dark political clouds, portentous of future troubles
and disasters, were then beginning to gather over Ireland.
The American Revolution, which had been brought to a successful issue a few years before, was soon followed by the
terrible Revolution in France.  Many in Ireland, both of
Protestants and Catholics, fondly conceived that the day of
their country's release from British thralldom was at hand.
Many young and ardent minds among the Presbyterian min.
istry, caught the patriotic infection, and were full of zeal for
their country's freedom. Though young Ralston was a warm
patriot, and earnestly longed to see his country free, he was
too wise to commit himself to rash measures. But he began
to foresee that the country would soon be convulsed by the
coming struggle.  He had consecrated himself to the Gospel
of Peace.  He saw little prospect of pursuing his Master's
work much longer in Ireland, without compromising his conscience or his safety. He determined to withdraw, and to
17




194         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
seek a field of labor in the New World, across the Atlantic.
Accordingly, he emigrated to the United States early in 1794.
Soon afterwards, he put himself under the care of the Presbytery of New Castle; and under the direction of that fruitful mother of our early Western ministers, he labored for
about eighteen months, in portions of Eastern Pennsylvania,
Delaware and Maryland. This period of his life, no doubt,
was spent with much advantage to himself, as well as benefit
to others. It was the very kind of life adapted to acclimate
him, both physically, intellectually, and morally. And no
better region could have been selected, perhaps, in order to
trim up a young Scotch-Irishman, prune off his excrescences,
and refine, or at least Americanize his manners. And Mr.
Ralston would not be wanting, on his part, to avail himself
of the advantages afforded him. He had been early accustomed, in his own family circle, to a manly and refined tone
of society. His vigorous mind, and his quick penetration of
men and of society in all their various phases, Would facilitate his progress in this new school of life. His intelligence,
wit and conversational powers, would give him a welcome
passport to every social circle. And his dignity and commanding personal presence would always command respect.
He has left no journal of this period of his life.  We remember but one incident which he related, connected with it.
He was itinerating on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. On
a warm summer day, a congregation were seated in an unfinished log meeting-house, the floor not entirely laid-some of
them sitting on the sleepers, and their feet on the ground,
listening to the young Irish missionary. All at once, a row
of ladies, sitting next the wall, rose, in apparent agitation,
and pressed forward from their places, some of them casting
their glances up the wall just above their seat. There was
quite a sensation through the whole house, though not a sylla.
ble was uttered. It was all a mystery to young Ralston. He
paused for a moment, but he was soon relieved. A gentle



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. RALSTON.    195
man, armed with a large horsewhip, advanced to the wall, and
struck up against it with his whip several times, most vigorously. Ralston yet saw nothing. At length, by a successful
stroke, a large snake, more than a yard long, was dislodged,
and came tumbling down, and was instantly killed and carried
out of the house.  It. was the first snake he had ever seen in
his life.  For every body knows there are no snakes in Ireland-St. Patrick, according to a popish legend, having,
many centuries ago, driven both snakes and toads out of the
island into the sea.*  Mr. Ralston and his congregation soon
recovered their composure, and there was no further interruption to the services of the day.
In the fall of 1795, Mr. Ralston crossed the mountains
into Western Pennsylvania, and spent some time, perhaps
two months, preaching in several vacant congregations, in the
Presbyteries of Redstone and Ohio. Hle then returned and
spent the winter in the bounds of New Castle Presbytery.
Thither calls were sent to him, through that Presbytery, from
Bethel and Ebenezer, now in the bounds of Blairsville Presbytery, and also from Mingo and Horse-shoe Bottom, in the
Presbytery of Ohio. Early in the spring of 1796 he returned
to the West, and attended a meeting of the Presbytery of
Redstone, at Laurel Hill, April 19th, of that year. He was
received as a licentiate, upon his certificate of dismission from
the Presbytery of New Castle. The call which he had
received from Bethel and Ebenezer, he informed the Presbytery he was not yet prepared to accept.  He, moreover,
requested and obtained leave to spend some part of the summer in the babnds of the Presbytery of Ohio.  There were
several supplies assigned him, however, through the widespread territory of the old Presbytery of Redstone. He was
X The writer has seen a fine engraving in the house of a Catholic friend,
representing snakes and toads in great numbers, retreating and plunging in terror into the sea, before the advancing Saint, armed with his crozier.




196         ]HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
sent to Glade Run, Bethel, and Ebenezer on Blacklick, Ebenezer on Puckety, Tyrone, Morgantown, Clarksburg, and CrabOrchard. Whether he traveled over this whole field, indicated by these places, we know not. It appears that he visited,
at least, some of those in Virginia. For it is a tradition yet
remembered, that once, when near Morgantown, he was at a
house-raising, lending his powerful frame in that laborious
operation. He was up on the top of the building, which had
reached a considerable height, when a man, newly arrived
amongst the throng below, was indulging in excessive cursing
and swearing. Ralston, though aloft, heard and rebuked him.
The man became enraged, threatened vengeance, and dared
him to come down. Mr. Ralston hastened down and advanced.
But when the profane fellow saw what a herculean, six-foot,
brawny Irishman he had challenged, his wrath forsook him
in a moment-he became as humble as a lamb, begged pardon
of-his reverence, and sounded a masterly retreat. An uproarious laugh burst from the whole company, and re-echoed
"s over the hills and far away."
In the course of the week next ensuing after the meeting
of the Redstone Presbytery, above mentioned, he had repaired,
before entering on the above appointments, to a meeting of
the Presbytery of Ohio, April 26, 1796; and obtained from
that Presbytery leave to visit some of their vacancies, especially Mingo Creek and Horse-shoe Bottom. Whether he
visited these places before or after the appointments given him
by the Redstone Presbytery, we are not informed. We only
know that, by the fall meeting of that Presbytery, he informed
them that he had concluded to decline the call to Ebenezer
and Bethel, and to accept that of Mingo and Horse-shoe Bottom; and as these were in the bounds of Ohio Presbytery,
he was dismissed to that Presbytery, and was duly received,
October 26, 1796. Measures were immediately adopted with
reference to his ordination and installation at Mingo. An
adjourned meeting was held at that place. The Presbytery




BIOGRAPHIOAL SKETCH OF DR. RALSTON.    197
was opened with a sermon from Mr. Ralston, on a subject
previously assigned, as a part of trials. On the following
day, November 30, 1796, he was ordained and installed, Mr.
Patterson preaching the ordination sermon, on I Thess.
5: 12, and Mr. M'Millan presiding and giving the charge.
As we have no record of any subsequent installation at Horseshoe Bottom, it is probable that this service at Mingo was
intended and appointed for both congregations; the people of
the other congregation being present in part, either by commissioners or representatives, or by the session, or part of the
congregation. Horse-shoe Bottom was situated some miles
up the Monongahela river, and included a 1"settlement,'
extending for some distance up and down the river, and wide
Dut from it, having taken the name from the figure made by
the curve of the river around the "settlement."  These
places, constituting the joint pastoral charge of Mr. Ralston,
extending along the west side of the Monongahela, and ten
or twelve miles off from it, all within the limits of Washington county, formed the wide and laborious field of Mr. Ralston's labors, through a large portion of his protracted life.
He entered at once with vigor and unsparing diligence on his
work. The pastoral fields of all our first ministers were very
extensive, and quite indefinite in some directions.  Mr. Ralston's was one of the largest, and one of the roughest, at least
as to its physical, if not its moral features.  Let any one
now, with all the advantages of modern improvements in
roads and modes of conveyance, start at the western boundary
of Mingo, traverse the hills and hollows, constantly occurring,
as he crosses successively the Mingo and Pigeon creeks, and
Pike run, and Maple creek, and persevere till he reaches the
eastern limits of Horse-shoe Bottom congregation; and he
will wonder that any one man could ever undertake such a
wide-stretching scene of pastoral and ministerial labors. But
Dr. Ralston not only undertook it, but held on to this entire
field for thirty-five years. It is true that for some years,
17*




198        HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
towards the close of that period, the Presbyterian population
of the Horse-shoe Bottom  "settlement," having become
greatly reduced by emigration to the West, were brought into
connection with the members in and around Williamsport;
and that place became the principal field of that part of Dr.
Ralston's labors which had formerly been devoted to the " settlement" farther up the river. We need hardly state that
Williamsport has, for some years past, taken the more ambitious name of Monongahela City.
The subject of this memoir soon afterwards sought and
obtained the hand of Miss Ferguson, of Pigeon Creek, who
proved a valuable help-mate to her husband, sustaining and
cheering him amidst his toilsome and exhausting labors.
Mr. Ralston had not yet become an American citizen, in
due legal form. But next to the Church of Christ, he loved
his adopted country. He was a thorough Republican in sentiment, and took a deep interest, all his life, in the cause of
human liberty. In due time, he sought and obtained his legal
rights of American citizenship, according to the form then
required. The official document lies before us, and will, perhaps, by some, be read with interest. It is rather a curiosity
to those who have not seen such a paper. It is as follows:
c' I, Edward Burd, Prothonotary of the Supreme Court of the
State of Pennsylvania, in the United States of America, hereby
certify, that at a court of Nisi Prius, held at Washington, for
the county of Washington, on the thirtieth day of May, in
the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninetynine, before the Honorable Jasper Yates and Thomas Smith,
Esqs., two of the Justices of the Supreme Court of the said
State, Samuel Ralston, a native of Ireland, but now of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, exhibited a petition, praying
to be admitted to become a citizen of the said United States;
and on his solemn oath on the Holy Evangels, did declare, in
the said court, that he had resided, two years at least, within




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. RALSTON.    199
and under the jurisdiction of the United States, and one year,
at least, within the State of Pennsylvania: that he was a
resident within the limits, and under the jurisdiction of the
United States, on the twenty-ninth day of January, in the
year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety-five;
that he had never borne any hereditary title, or been of any
of the orders of nobility, in any country whatever, and did
absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and
fidelity to any foreign Prince, Potentate, State or Sovereignty
whatever; and particular to the King of Great Britain, of
whom he was heretofore a subject: and that he would support the Constitution of the United States. And the facts as
aforesaid appearing to the satisfaction of the said Court, in
full proof; and, moreover, that during the said term of two
years, the said Samuel Ralston had behaved himself as a
man of good moral character, attached to the Constitution of
the said United States, and well disposed to the good and
happiness of the same. The said court, thereupon, admitted
the said Sanauel Rilston to become a citizen of the said
United States, and of the State of Pennsylvania aforesaid,
and ordered all the said proceedings to be recorded by the
Clerk of the said court, which record was made accordingly.
" In witness, I, the said Edward Burd,
have hereunto set my hand and affixed
the seal of the said Supreme Court, at
ISljL.C B  Philadelphia, this twenty-third day of
September, in the year of our Lord
MDCCXCIX.
"oEDW. BURDn Prothon'y."
Dr. Ralston resided within a few miles of Mingo church,
shortening, somewhat, the distance to his further place of
preaching. After his settlement and marriage, his laborious
but peaceful life wore pleasantly away, amidst much domestic
happiness, and much to cheer him in his labors as a minister of




200         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
Christ. In process of time he had a lovely circle of children
around him. He had, in all, three sons and six daughters. But
two of these daughters, and two of his sons, he lived to see
passing to the grave before him. -One of the sons had just
completed his preparatory studies for the ministry, with bright
promise of distinguished usefulness, when he was removed
by death.  All these children gladdened their venerable
father, by a seasonable and hopeful connection with the visible Church. In his long loneliness, after the death of his wife,
whom he survived twenty-four years, his children, and especially one daughter, who remained unmarried, cherished his
life and health with more than ordinary filial faithfulness
and tender care.
His pastoral charges shared largely in those remarkable
effusions of Divine influence which were witnessed and felt
so extensively in our Western Zion, during the years 1802-3,
and'4.  The writer remembers, when quite a small boy, to
have accompanied his parents (then residing in Rehoboth,
Westmoreland county,) over to EHorse-shoe Bottom.  It was
in May or June, 1802. There was a great assembly of people, for those times; and great religious excitement. Public
meetings extended through much of several successive days.
And, at night, many again collected at the meeting-house,
and the services were continued to a late hour.  It was a
very solemn time. The writer's father was assisting Dr.
Ralston; and he faintly remembers how they both preached,
and prayed, and exhorted. This was nearly, if not quite, the
beginning of the revival in Dr. Ralston's charge. It was
believed that many were awakened and converted, at that
sacramental meeting. There were similar meetings at Mingo,
for several years, beginning about that time.  Such a season,
it is supposed, Dr. Ralston never witnessed before.  But he
was ready to welcome it, and to co-operate with his brethren,
with all his might, in their now increased and abounding
labors, during this spiritual harvest.  Though Dr. Ralston




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DRo. RALSTON.    201
had not the advantage of a smooth mellifluous voice, or of
much niatural pathos, he made all the amends in his power
for these defects by his earnestness and plainness, and strong
and faithful appeals to the reason and consciences of men.
Though he could not be said to be a popular preacher, the
people of God, and indeed all people of good sense, were
always pleased to see his presence at the great revival meetings, and to hear his voice, amidst those scenes, when multitudes were inquiring for the way of salvation, overwhelmed
with sharp conviction and deep distress, or melted into penitence and contrition at the foot of the cross. In those days,
there was little of that critical and fastidious taste that now
prevails. People seemed to hunger for the bread of life;
and they did not turn away from it with indifference and contempt, if the voice that directed them to it did not always
fall on their ears soft as the gentle murmurs of Siloah's
brook: or if the poor earthen vessel, that bore to them the
provisions of God's house, did not always remind them of
"apples of gold in pictures of silver."  Dr. Ralston was
called to take his full share in assisting his brethren, especially Dr. M'Millan, on sacramental occasions. For many
years, these were memorable seasons in the history of Western
Presbyterianism. But as we have spoken of them somewhat
at large in our former work, "Old Redstone," we will not
here attempt further remarks. The great revival, to which
we have referred, has been so well described by Dr. Elliott,
in his ".Life of Macurdy," that we will not attempt another
account. We are sure that it would be no improvement upon
his interesting narrative, though indeed many things might
be told -which he has omitted; and the materials are not
wanting, or difficult of access, for this purpose. But we think
it much better, on the whole, to refer our readers to the "  Life
of Macurdy."  It is true, nothing may be found there about
the great work in Mingo or Horse-shoe Bottom. But the
reader has only to transfer, at least to some extent, what he




202         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
wpll there find related of the several scenes in the pastoral
charges of Messrs. Anderson and Marquis, and Macurdy and
Patterson, and M'Millan. But Dr. Ralston was called to
render a peculiar service to the cause of religious revivals,
in those times. That remarkable work had not long progressed, before it excited dissatisfaction and opposition among
some other denominations, and especially the Seceders. Many
of their preachers, as early as 1802, began to warn their people against the work. They denounced it as fanatical, and
of Satanic origin. Many of their people, however, could not
be kept away from those solemn scenes. In some instances,
they became subjects of the revival. In other cases, they
knew not what to say; their mouths were stopped. The ministers of that body became more and more alarmed.  At
length, in 1804, they prepared and published a sort of pasto.
ral Letter and Testimony, and sent it out, far and wide, over
their Churches, and among their people; and even sought
every opportunity to obtrude this publication into our houses
and families. This was, however, perhaps, the course pursued
only by some of the weaker, yet well-meaning brethren of
that body.  The sophistry and misrepresentations of the
pamphlet were easily answered by our ministers, from the
pulpit, and on other occasions. But something more formal
and better suited for parrying the attack, and for silencing
the enemy, seemed necessary, and loudly called for. Dr.
Ralston undertook it. In 1805 there issued from  the press,
in the town of Washington, a pamphlet of sixty-one pages,
with the anonymous signature of "A Presbyterian." But
it was well known to be the production of Dr. Ralston; and
was popularly called "The Currycomb."  How that name was
given to it, we have never heard. The title-page is as follows:  "Letters addressed to the Rev. Messrs. John  Cree,
John, Anderson William Wilson, and Thomas Allison, members of the Associate Presbytery of Pennsylvania, in answer to
their pamphlet entitled' Evils of the work now prevailing in




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OS DR. RALSTON.    203
the United States of America, under the name of a revital
of religion.' Wherein their objections to this work ae examined, and shown to be unfounded; and the work vindicated,
as being agreeable to the Word of God. Prov. 17: 17,'He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his
neighbor cometh and searcheth him."'
The first letter is dated November Ist, 1804, and begins
thus:
" Gentlemen:-It may be a sufficient apology for addressing the following letters to you, that I believe the work now
prevailing in the United States of America, under the name
of a Revival of Religion, to be a gracious work of the Spirit
of God; but which you, in a late pamphlet, to which you
have affixed your names, style in your title-page, " an evil
work," and elsewhere, "a work of delusion;" " a work of
enthusiasm;" nay, "a work of the devil."  My design in
these letters is to examine your objections to this work, and
the testimony on which these objections are founded; and
then to assign the reasons which have induced me to believe,
and attempt to defend it, as a work of the Spirit of God, for
the conviction and conversion of sinners, and for building up
believers in their most holy faith."
We shall not attempt an abstract of this able production. He takes up the several objections, or charges brought
against the revival, as,-" that it is a work upon the bodies
of men;" —"that it cannot be a work of the Spirit of
God, because bodily affections are not means of grace;"" that it tends to bring the subjects of it under such an
influence of their imagination and feelings, as is inconsistent with a due regard to the word of God, as the only
ground of faith and rule of duty;"-" that it savors of
enthusiasm, because the subjects of the falling exercise are
opposed to any medical applications;"-" that it tends to




204         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
the burial of a faithful testimony for many of the precious
truths of God's word, that are denied by various religious
denominations at the present day;"-"' that bodily exercises
are rather to be deprecated, as a judgment, than prayed for
as benefits;"-" a judgment," it is insinuated, rather than
expressed, "for singing Watts' Psalms and Hymns;" and
lastly, "the gross disorders of it."  Dr. Ralston takes up
these several charges, meets them fairly, and candidly makes
many admissions, in perfect consistence with a full and conelusive refutation of the several grounds of objection.  "The
Currycomb" must be carefully read to be fully appreciated.
We cannot withhold a passage towards the close of the discussion, that may serve as a sample of its power:  "Having
thus examined your pamphlet particularly-more particularly
than I at first intended, or than it, perhaps, deserved-I will
now leave it with the reader to decide whether your objections
to this work are well founded or not. That they are not supported by the evidence and arguments you have produced for
that purpose, I think I may say, without vanity, I have
clearly shown; and, therefore, before you overthrow it, you
must take some other ground than that you have taken. I
will now, as I have promised, assign you a few of the reasons
which have convinced me that it is a gracious work of the
Holy Spirit.  In the first place, this work was begun and
carried on, in this country, (for I do not choose to take my
testimony from mangled scraps of foreign letters, for which
no person or persons are accountable but their authors,)
under the preaching and influence of the following doctrines,
viz: the doctrine of the infinite guilt and total depravity of
the human race, by the first sin of our first parents, in consequence of being represented by them in the covenant of
works: the doctrine of the election of part of the human
race to eternal life, through sanctification of the Spirit and
belief of the truth: the doctrine of justification through the
imputed righteousness of the Lord Jesus; of regeneration




BIOGRAPIIAL SKETCH  OF DIR. RALSTON.    205
by the almighty power of the Spirit of God alone; and of
the certain perseverance of all believers, by virtue of the
complete satisfaction of Christ, and the unchangeable promises
of God; together with the other doctrines of grace, depending upon and connected with these leading doctrines. You
cannot but know, gentlemen, that these doctrines are contained in the Confession of Faith of the Presbyterian Churches
in the United States of America: and I can say, that they
are preached by the ministers of this Church, in this country.
It is not true, then, as you say, in the eleventh page of your
pamphlet,'That they insist perpetually upon the sanction
of the law, to the exclusion of other doctrines no less necessary in their place;' and'that they preach the terrors of
the law to the people, as if they had nothing else to preach
to them.'  That you meant them  in that paragraph, I
believe; and I think you have so much candor left as to
acknowledge it, -if you were interrogated. You cannot say
so, from your own personal knowledge; for your doctrine
respecting'occasional hearing' has prevented you. Your
ground, then, for saying so, is taken from hearsay, or the
reports of enemies; as was the case respecting the work we
have been considering. No wonder, then, that you mistake
and blunder, when you depend upon such vague and indefinite
evidence. But not to insist upon this: Secondly, that this
is a gracious work of the Spirit of God is apparent to me,
from the effects it has produced. It has arrested the attention of the careless and unconcerned. It has aroused the
stupid sinner to a sense of his danger, and induced him to
cry out,' what must I do to be saved?' It has discovered to
the ignorant and self-righteous, that they are not only guilty
before God, but also that' their hearts are deceitful above all
things, and desperately wicked;' and that they need the
righteousness of Christ, in order to justification and acceptance with God. It has caused those who seldom  or never
bowed the knee to God, or attended on the ordinances of the




206         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
gospel, to cry,' God be merciful to me, a sinner;' and to
attend diligently on the means of grace. It has reclaimed
the wicked and the profligate, and transformed the lion into
a lamb. It has brought professed deists to become professed
Christians, and turned their cursings into blessings, and their
blasphemies into praises. Many who could not relish any
religious conversation, are now only delighted when talking
about the plan of salvation, and the wonders of redeeming
love; and many, very many, give evidence, by their life and
conversation, that they are born of God. And to this I would
add, that it has had this effect on many of all ranks, ages,
sexes, and colors; the African as well as the European and
American. And the combined hosts of deists, hypocrites
and formalists are generally opposed to it. Some also have
fallen away: but this is no objection, but rather an evidence
that it is a work of the Spirit of God; for Christ informs us,
in the parable of the Sower, (Matt. 13,) that the seed, or
the Word of God, fell by' the way-side,' upon' stony places,'
and' among thorns,' as well as into' good ground.' "
This able pamphlet was most seasonable and effective. It
completely silenced the hostile party. Their pamphlet was
written with great plausibility, and evinced pre-eminent talent.
It was far from being a weak or scurrilous production. Indeed,
the greater part of it is admirable; especially the first twelve
or thirteen pages, in which the nature of the Holy Spirit's
operations, in convincing and converting sinners, is described.
This part of the Seceder pamphlet deserves to be republished,
as a tract. Nothing that we have ever read, is better suited
to warn the Church against fanatical errors. Being placed in
the outset of the pamphlet, it is well suited to gain the confidence of the reader. No one can doubt the piety and deep
experience of the writers. But all this rendered their attack
on the revival so much the more mischievous.  It reminds us
of the plausible manner in which certain brethren would begin
their speeches in the General Assembly, twenty years ago.




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. RALSTON.    201
They were so pious and meek, and peace-loving, so earnest in
deprecating strife and contention, &c., and then they would
pour out the bitterest invectives and sarcasms, and pelt their
brethren of the opposite party most unmercifully. But, in
regard to these Seceder writers, we believe they were sincere
and honest, and truly pious men. But they were misled by
prejudice. They were misinformed. They relied too much,
as Dr. Ralston told them, on hearsay.  The giant among
them  was Dr. John Anderson, of King's Creek, a man of
profound literary and theological attainments, and of eminent
piety, but a perfect recluse in his habits, as ignorant of the
world as a monk, or Goldsmith's parson in the Vicar of
Wakefield; and easily misled by others, as to what was going
on in the world around him.
Soon after the "Currycomb" was published, Dr. Ralston
wrote to his countryman and ministerial brother, the Rev.
Samuel Porter, and sent him a copy of his pamphlet, asking
his remarks upon it.  He received in due time the following
highly characteristic and entertaining answer:
" Westmoreland, March 24, 1805.
"Rev'd. Brother:-I received your letter and pamphlet,
and have taken up my pen to make observations, to which
nothing could have excited me but the urgency of your request.
Few clergymen can bear anything but flattery; and I despise
the want of candor. Therefore, silence is generally best.
Your piece is a good desultory defence and attack, and looks
more like the fortunate opening of a campaign than the battle
which terminates a war. You have, with propriety, made
excursions into the territories of your enemies; and have
treated them as they deserved, and with the very same kind
of delicacy with which they have treated the Presbyterians;
except that you have given them some fal, lal, about your
friendship to their Church, and hopes of their reformation.
You charge your antagonists with the crime of assigning par



208         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
ticular causes for the judgments of God, and, although you
use qualified language, yet you are, in fact, strongly guilty of
the same practice. It will give you some trouble to defend
your reasoning from Hebrew 12: 5.-' Strengthen the hands
of Voltaire.' Voltaire is dead: what figure in rhetoric will
support the expression? Pages 13, 14, you insinuate that it
is not strange for those who have been educated in America,
or in the backwoods, to be ignorant of logic and destitute of
common sense.'Sucked the breasts of the Universities,'
is not, to my recollection, sanctioned by any of the English
classical authors. Your criticism on the difference between'suffer' and' experience,' as applied to convulsive spasms, is
ingenious, but it will probably be thought to belong to the
wire-drawing system.'Is the work in question a work of
the Spirit of God, and can Anderson's theological pills prevent
the Almighty Spirit froni extending the work?' Page 37.
Your reasoning respecting Peter's hearers is liable to criticism. I am not certain' that the work has neither impaired
the bodies nor the minds of any of the subjects of it, in the
smallest degree.' Page 48. I do not see how the absurdity
in question, nor any other absurdity of the Seceders, can
afford a strong proof that the work is a work of the Spirit of
God.' Falling away' is not a very strong evidence of a work
of the Spirit of God. You may be able to defend what you
have advanced respecting a concert of prayer, but I could not.
It is probable that the eye of criticism will discover, in several
places, that your assertions are stronger than the evidence by
which they are supported. On the whole, you are able to
defend the main ground. And you will understand my idea
of the piece generally, when I inform you that since I read
it, I have determined that I will not deliver my sermon before
the Synod, but will take some common-place subject, for the
reason that I think the Seceders are in good hands, and they
have got, and will get so much beating, that it would be
unmanly and cruel for me to fall upon them too. Therefore




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. RALSTON.              209
I shall transcribe my sermon, make some alterations and additions, and leave it among my papers for the use of my children, when I am gone. I am, &c.,
"SAM'L. PORTER.
" Mr. Ralston.
"P. S.  On reading your pamphlet, I committed the above
observations to paper, and intended to correct and enlarge
them, and send them to you by post. But just as I had
finished my outlines, Mr. M'Millan, Jr., came in; and I
now send them in their original dress. I have read the piece
a second time, and am more strongly convinced that your
comment on Heb. 12: 5, will not stand the test of sound criticism. Your criticism on the expression' some ministers,' &c.,
page 32, may possibly be traced to the hair-splitting system.' Ye,' instead of   you,' has become in a great measure obsolete, with good writers. Your excursions to Noblestown, &c.,
&c., &c., are deservedly severe; but I. am afraid that men
who are not acquainted with the treatment we have received
from the Western Seceders, will think that they were written
in the old exploded polemic spirit. In a word, your pamphlet
will please the majority of the friends of the work; and it
will bring the coldest Seceder under heaven, who reads it, to
experience warm, lively feelings. You are undoubtedly able
to fight the Seceders, up and down, crooked or straight, rough
or smooth, and with their own weapons, too.
" S. P."
On the back of the letter is written, "Send me two dozen
copies of your Spirits of Vitriol." *
~ It will be seen from this letter, that Mr. Porter twice refers to Mr. Ralston's inference from Heb. 12: 5, " The Word of God is quick and powerful,"
&c. "Not only," says Dr. Ralston, "is it evident to me, from this passage,
that the Word of God, in the hand of the Almighty Spirit, acts sometimes
as instantaneously on the soul as an electric shock on the body, but that
when applied with power, the body, or what the Apostle styles' the joints
and marrow,' is affected as instantaneously also, by virtue of its union with
18*




$210           HISTORY  OF JEFFERSON  COLLEGE.
Upon a review of the positions taken and the course pursued
by the Seceders, in reference to the great Western revival, at
this distant point of time, we are by no means certain that,
after all, they did not exert a wholesome  conservative influence during that period. We are not sure that but for them,
there was not some real danger, in certain quarters, of the
friends and subjects of the " falling work," as it was called,
running into fanatical and pernicious excesses. Nor, on the
other hand, were the Seceders cut off from all benefit of that
mighty outpouring of the Spirit. For many years past,
dating back nearly, if not quite, to that period, this section
of the Presbyterian body has been growing into a more evangelical spirit, has been becoming increasingly active, in the
various causes of Bible and Tract distribution, of Sundaythe soul; and this passage satisfies me with respect to the bodily affections
so prevalent in the present day, which seem to be a stumbling block to so
many."  Most readers will, perhaps, concur with Mr. Porter in doubting the
soundness of this reasoning. Mr. Porter's remark that Dr. Ralston had
insinuated that "it is not strange that those educated in the backwoods
should be ignorant of logic and destitute of common sense," is altogether a
mistake. Dr. Ralston's language is this: "That those of you who have
been educated in America, or in the backwoods, where, as I have been told,
some of you say there is little learning to be found, especially among the
Presbyterian clergy, should reason in this manner, would perhaps not be
strange; but that two of you, who have sucked the breasts of the most
renowned Universities of Scotland, and one of you, the father of a whole
volume, besides several pamphlets, should thus reason, is to me truly astonishing." It is plain that Mr. Porter's criticism is without foundation. He
excepts also to the classical purity of the expression, " sucked the breasts of
the Universities," forgetting the language in Isaiah, 60: 16: "Thou shalt
also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings."  We
shall not, however, examine all Mr. Porter's remarks and criticisms. As in
the foregoing specimens, some of them appear to be sound, and others of
little force. We cannot concur with Mr. Porter in his remark that Ralston's
pamphlet "seemed more like the fortunate opening of a campaign than the
battle which terminates the war." Though it was doubtless open, in many
places, to successful assault, yet as a whole it was the closing battle, as it
certainly proved in fact.




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. RALSTON.    211
schools, and of foreign and domestic missions. Their preaching, always instructive in matter, is, of late years, improving
in manner.  Their sermons, considered as exhibitions and
vindications of "the faith once delivered to the saints," were
generally superior to those of most of our ministers. But
their preachers lacked animation, pathos, and unction. They
seemed to eschew all natural eloquence.  It was certainly
right for them to cherish an abhorrence and contempt of all
appearance -of playing the orator, or making rhetorical flourishes in the sacred desk.:But from some unaccountable cause,
they seemed to run to the opposite extreme.  We have heard
many of them  making able speeches in their judicatories,
with natural tones of voice, in an easy, fluent and graceful
manner. But when they entered the pulpit, they left all this
behind them, and seemed to think it a sin to preach in the
same easy, natural way in which they made their speeches.
But we are satisfied that there is a great improvement, as we
deem it, in all these respects, of late years. And we cannot
but rejoice that this branch of the Presbyterian family, to
whom the church at large is more indebted for its conservative influence than we have ever, perhaps, been willing to
acknowledge, abounds with many of the most eloquent, as
well as the most sound and orthodox ministers in our Western
Zion.
For several yaers, Dr. Ralston pursued the even tenor of
his course, as a diligent and faithful country pastor. Soon
after his settlement at Mingo, he became a Trustee of the
Academy at Canonsburg. His name first appears on the
records of the Board, April 24th, 1798. When, in 1802, a
charter for Jefferson College was obtained, his name is found
in the Act of the Legislature, among the list of Trustees.
He was chosen President of the Board, April 26th, 1808, and
re-elected to that office every year for nearlyforty years!  His
attendance at the semi-annual meetings of the Board was
almost constant.  Regularly in March and September, he




212         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
would be found wending his way from his home, through all
kinds of weather, fourteen miles, to Canonsburg.  Over the
interests of that rising institution he watched with parental
solicitude and care. And richly was he rewarded by its growing prosperity and success, and especially by the great number of ministers of the Gospel that were conducted through
their collegiate course, during his long administration as President of the Board. It may not be out of place, or uninteresting to some, to observe that as President of the Trustees
he succeeded Judge John M'Dowell, who had been chosen
April 27th, 1803, and re-elected four successive years, till his
age and infirmities compelled him to resign. When, in 1802,
the Academy was raised to a College, Judge James Edgar
was chosen President. It is true Dr. M'Millan was chosen
the first President of the Trustees of the College; but two
days afterwards, when he was appointed Vice President of
the College, and Professor of Divinity, his seat as a Trustee
was necessarily vacated, and Judge Edgar was appointed
President in his place, and another person was elected to fill
the vacancy in the Board. Having already, in " Old Redstone," given some account of this very eminent man, we
will add nothing further respecting him here. But the first
President of the old Board of the Academy, whose name
appears on their records in 1796, was another man, perhaps
not much inferior to either of those above mentioned-Judge
James Allison, who, like the others, was also a ruling elder
in the Church.  These three men were all very eminent for
their piety and great influence in the Church.  They were all
of Scotch-Irish descent-all emigrated from Eastern Pennsylvania about the same time, and lived to exert a blessed
influence on the cause of education and religion in the West.
Dr. Ralston might well be gratified by having such a noble
set of men as his predecessors in office.
It is a little out of chronological order to notice here a
circumstance in the life of Dr. Ralston, which properly




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. RALSTON.    213
belongs to the summer of 1801 or 1802. He took an excursion to Ohio, and was engaged for some weeks in preaching
the Gospel, visiting destitute " settlements" and organizing
churches.  Among the churches he organized were Mount
Pleasant and Buckskin, not far from Cincinnati.  In these
churches, shortly after, began that mighty work of grace, the
first revival of religion west of the Ohio. This was in the
summer and fall of 1802. These, and several other churches
in that region, had applied to the Presbytery of Ohio, at their
April meeting, in Washington, for supplies: and the Rev.
Robert Johnston, then but recently licensed, was sent out by
the Presbytery to supply these churches for two months.
While he was there, the revival, which had spread extensively
during the previous year, through the southern and western
part of Kentucky, seemed to cross the Ohio, and make its
first beginning and gather its first fruits in those churches
which Dr. Ralston had previously organized. We may well
conceive how this circumstance would fill him with rejoicing
and gratitude; and perhaps it greatly contributed to deepen
his interest in that mighty work, which he was, three years
afterwards, engaged in defending against the assaults of its
enemies. For the greater part of the above statement we are
indebted to the Rev. H. S. Fullerton, of South Salem, Ohio,
and to the Rev. Dr. William Wylie.
We pass over a considerable period of Dr. Ralston's life,
which, though filled up with arduous labor, and with many
interesting incidents, in his various relations of pastor, presbyter and trustee, yet scarcely possess sufficient importance
to find a place in our limited biographical sketch.  We come
next to notice his second debut, as an author, in 1824. A
few years previous to this time, there appeared in Western
Pennsylvania and Virginia, a young Scotch-Irishman, Alexander Cam2,pbell, accompanied by his father, the Rev. Thomas
Campbell. The elder Campbell had been a preacher before
he left his native land, and came out from Ireland some time




214            HISTORY OF JEFFERSON  COLLEGE.
before the son. He preached in one or two vacant Secession
churches in Washington County, without leave or authority
from the Presbytery. And when he subsequently sought
admission into the Presbytery and was rejected, he still continued to preach in some of their vacant churches, to the
serious, though temporary distraction and confusion of those
churches. Upon the arrival of his son, they both sought
ecclesiastical connection with the Associate Presbytery of
Chartiers, and with the Presbytery of Ohio. But failing to
attain the position they sought, they soon obtained notoriety
by a new and bold path they made for themselves, in connection with the Baptist church.*  It was but a short time, before
the novelty of their principles, and the revolutionary tendency
of their discourse, threw them out of fellowship with that
body. But they drew after them an immense number of followers, principally from  the Baptist persuasion.  In respect to
the ordinance of baptism, they were thorough Baptists, both
as to the subjects and mode of that Christian rite. But they
discarded the old doctrinal system of the Baptists, in almost
every other respect.  When they reached this point in their
career, the younger Campbell became the great leader and
champion. According to their new creed, to be immersed
* " They first appeared before the Redstone Association, in September, 1813,
with one or two others, as delegates from a recently organized church on
Brush creek, about twenty miles west of Washington; asking for themselves
and the church which they represented, the fellowship of the Association.
They had recently been baptized on a profession of their faith in Christ, by
the Rev. Matthias Luce, pastor of a Baptist church on Ten-mile creek.
The Messrs. Campbell, father and son, had recently come from Ireland,
where they had been connected with the Secession church, of which the
father had been a distinguished minister. They then maintained with firmness and ability the leading doctrines of the Calvinistic school, but refused
to acknowledge any Confession of Faith; but at the same time agreed to submit to the most rigid examination of their doctrinal principles that the Assoelation, or any of its members, might think proper to make. A careful
examination was made and they were received into the fellowship of the Asso.
ciation." —" Two Discourses," by Dr. Estep.




BIOGRAPRHIAL SKETOH  OF DR. RALSTON.    215
was to perform the act of faith; and baptism, by immersion,
secured the remission of sins. There was no need of a special agency of the Holy Spirit to regenerate the sinner. The
doctrine of regeneration, as we, in common with orthodox
Baptists, hold it, was utterly repudiated by Alexander Campbell. These, and a few other less important points, together
with a furious assault upon all creeds and confessions, made
up what is now extensively known by the name of " Campbellism." Mr. Campbell, Jr., eagerly sought public discussion, and challenged the clerical world to furnish a champion.
The Rev. John Walker, of the Secession church, took up the
gauntlet and met Mr. Campbell. They discussed the subject
of baptism for several days. This debate Mr. Campbell soon
after published; giving of course his own version of it, very
much to his own advantage. He claimed a complete victory.
He and his friends were active in giving a wide circulation to
the pamphlet.  The adroitness of Mr. Campbell was particularly displayed in making this debate turn mainly on the
subject of baptism, its mode and proper subjects; and under
covert of this pretended triumph, more successfully propagating his more vital doctrinal errors, and gaining proselytes,
especially from the Baptists, to his party. This was, indeed,
the result, beyond, perhaps, his most sanguine expectations.
Great pains were taken to throw this pamphlet over the entire
field of Dr. Ralston's labors.  The Doctor found it necessary
to buckle on his armor and prepare for battle.  This he did
in his pulpit. But in this way alone, he knew he could not
fully reach the evil. He wrote and published in the Presbyterian Magazine, a series of letters, reviewing the debate.
These letters he soon after published in a pamphlet of 300
pages. He had carefully revised and enlarged the letters,
and added two more, addressed to Mr. Walker.  The work
is entitled "A Review of a Debate on Christian Baptism,
between Mr. John Walker, a minister of the Secession, and
Mr. Alexander Campbell, a Baptist minister, published by




216         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
Mr. Campbell-in a series: of letters addressed and dedicated
to the united congregations of. Mingo creek and Williamsport:
by their affectionate pastor, Samuel Ralston. To which is
now added a reply to objections made by both Mr. Campbell
and Mr. Walker."  This little book was published in Washington, 1825.  It is certainly a masterly performance.  It
carries us over the entire field usually occupied by the Baptist
controversy. The reader will find every argument of essential importance fully and fairly brought forward, on both
sides of the subject. It is a valuable storehouse, an excellent
arsenal; where any one who may have occasion, will find all
he wants, in discussing the subject of baptism. There is,
however, one feature of this valuable work, which not a little
mars it, in our estimation.  He contends that the Abrahamic
covenant, recorded in the 17th chapter of Genesis, is a mere
ecclesiastical covenant-that as circumcision was its seal
under the former dispensation, so baptism is now the seal
merely of the external, visible church-that a profession of
saving faith is not necessary to admission, through the ordinance of baptism; in other words, that an historical faith, a
moral life, and professed subjection to the discipline of the
church, are sufficient to entitle any one to admission into the
visible church by baptism, and to bring with them also, of
course, their children. Yet he would not, on these terms,
receive them to the ordinance of the Lord's Supper.  In order
to admission to this seal of the covenant, satisfactory evidence
of evangelical repentance and saving faith, should be required.
In this way he would distinguish, in regard to the two ordinances of the Gospel. His views of the true construction of
the commission " to disciple all nations," are of course modified by his positions, as to the qualifications requisite to admission, by baptism, into the visible church.  He believed that
not only infants, but others who are willing to place themselves under the culture of the church, are, by baptism, taken
out of the visible kingdom of Satan, in which all are born,




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. RALSTON.    217
as the children of a degenerate parent, and planted in the
vineyard, or church of God, the usual birth-place of the children of grace; and become entitled, by the divine promise,
to what Christ calls, " digging about and dunging," or such
instruction, by the Word and Spirit, through the instrumentality of their parents, and of the church, as is calculated to
make them " trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord,
that he might be glorified."  Through various portions of
the work, Dr. Ralston maintains, with great ingenuity and
force of argument, his peculiar views. He endeavors also to
meet every objection. He is very far from defending any
lax or latitudinarian system, as to the discipline of the church,
or as to admission to the Lord's Table.  He is no advocate
for any mincing or softening down of the terms of the gospel,
or the humbling truths of man's total depravity, and entire
dependence on the sovereign grace of God, for a new heart
and a right spirit. Yet we think he entirely breaks down,
when he attempts to show a distinction between the conditions of the two seals of the covenant; or rather, to show
that one is a seal of an ecclesiastical covenant, and the other
the seal of the covenant of grace. And when he attempts
to explain away the cases of Lydia, of the Jailor, and of the
Eunuch, in every one of which it seems to us clear, that not
a mere speculative or historical faith, but a true, saving faith
was professed, we think there is what Mr. Porter calls much
" wire-drawing." It is not our purpose, however, to discuss
this subject. We must admit that Dr. Ralston has put forth
the strength of a mighty mind in maintaining his ground.
And we would advise any one who may ever meet with this
work, to read over Turretine's " De foedere gratin," especially
his "Locus duodecimus," before he decides the question,
which Dr. Ralston so ably discusses.
The progress of "' Campbellism" in Western Pennsylvania,
we have no doubt, was greatly checked by Dr. Ralston's
work. That bold, eloquent, talented, but unscrupulous here19




218          HISTORY OF JEFFERSON  COLLEGE.
siarch, was shown up in his true colors, and his influence was
crippled. Except in a few localities, where there was little
opportunity to enlighten the people, his erroneous tenets
gathered but few disciples. And so matters remain to this
day. So far as we have been able to learn, that form of error
is on the decline in Western  Pennsylvania, and evangelical
Christianity should honor the memory of Dr. Ralston.*
In 1842, Dr. Ralston published "A  brief explication of
the principal Prophecies of Daniel and John, as they regard
the Church of God;;" to which was added "An Appendix,
containing an inquiry into the propriety of using an Evangelical Psalmody, in the worship of God."  Of this work, though
we have read it with great satisfaction, we prefer to let Dr.
Magill speak:  " Here, at the age of eighty-six, when retired
from pastoral life to a quietude and seclusion from the world,
which would have relaxed to second childhood many another
man of sixty years, we have a display of power to observe, and
generalize, and investigate profoundly, which very few, in the
vigor of their prime can ever attain.  Volumes of useful
information are compressed in a duodecimo, of some one hundred and eighty pages.  Faber, Newton, Croly, Scott, Keith,
&c., dissected with a master's hand; their merits indicated,
and their defects ascertained, with a brevity and fidelity which
compel our admiration. Indeed, the student of philosophy
can scarcely find a better history of criticism on this great
>Dr. Magill, in his beautiful obituary of Dr. Ralston, speaking of this
work on baptism, says: "When Campbellism began to agitate the country,
and the founder of the sect was glorying in his victory over Walker and
others, whom he encountered in oral debate, Dr. Ralston published a book
on baptism, comprising a review of the debate with Mr. Walker, and letters
in reply to an attack of Mr. Campbell on this Review. This little work is
one of remarkable force and erudition. No subsequent debate with Campbell, however triumphant and deservedly popular, has evinced greater skill
or cogency in exposing his protean sophistry. Whatever diversity of opinion
may exist among us respecting some positions taken by the author, all must
concede that in originality and power, this book is one of surpassing merit."




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. RALSTON.    219
subject, with any volume of moderate size. And as a key of
interpretation, it is precisely such as was inevitable to a gigantic mind laboring without a library. Connected with this
publication, and bound up in the same volume, is a pungent
examination of a Mr. Reid's book, entitled " The Seven Last
Plagues." The sixth vial of this book is poured out on all
Christendom, excepting the sect to which the author belongs,
with special aim to overwhelm the churches in which Christ
is sung expressly, as having already come in the person of
Jesus of Nazareth.  His strictures on Mr. Reid brought Dr.
-Ralston into the Psalmody controversy, and occasioned the
next and last publication from  his pen, "A  Defence of
Evangelical Psalmody."  Manly discussion, inflexible determination to keep his antagonist to the true point at issues
and a calmn dignity of manner, which no misrepresentation
or abuse could disturb, eminently characterize this last effort
of his life to be useful through the press. It was made in
the eighty-eighth year of his life. The whole history of
modern polemics cannot produce a parallel instance, perhaps,
of such fresh activity, quick perception, spirited reply, and
powerful concentration, beyond the limits of four-score years.
We heartily unite in this testimony. Though there are portions of this work that we think Dr. Ralston would not have
written in the full vigor of his intellectual powers, there are
other parts that we regard as admirable. Nothing that has
been written, on this rather unprofitable controversy, is more
to the point, in our judgment, than Dr. Ralston's "No. V.,
containing Scriptural precedents for an Evangelical Psalmody."
The part of the volume which we regard as least interesting, and most assailable, is what he says about "Human
Inventions," and "Human Composure."  The writer, we
think, is betrayed into a species of logomachy, of little
importance to the issue of the case.
This last work of Dr. Ralston was well received and extensively circulated. It was perhaps more generally read than




220          HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE..
any thing which he had previously written.  But his pilgrimage on earth was drawing to a close.  He had, in 1836, given
up the charge of Williamsport church; a few  years after he
resigned also that of Mingo.  In his quiet residence on his
farm, he waited with patience the coming of his master. He
continued till near his last days to attend the services of God's
house-though increasing deafness must have greatly diminished his enjoyment in the sanctuary. He generally attended
the  Presbyterial and Synodical meetings of his brethren.
But he had witnessed the successive departure from this life
of all his first fellow-laborers in the gospel ministry.  In
1832, he had been called to preach a discourse at Chartiers,
in reference to the death of Dr. M'Millanu, his earliest and
most intimate Western friend.*  But his own sojourn was
protracted far beyond the usual limit of human life.  For not
till September 25, 1851, did he receive his dismission.  Then,
in the bosom of his family, in great quietness and peace, he
gently sunk into the arms of death, and fell asleep in Jesus.
We cannot better close this memoir, than by giving the
concluding part of Dr. Magill's obituary notice of this aged
servant of God:  " It was a matter of regret to this venerable father, as he once said to the writer, with manifest emotion, that nearly all his writings were controversial; that he
had been a man of war from his youth. It had been his duty.
It was not his natural disposition: his temper was peculiarly
bland, and genial and courteous.  As a remarkable illustration of his pacific turn, as well as honorable and delicate sensibility, his successors in the pastoral charge always loved
him, more than feared; and always found him  scrupulously
-No one can read that discourse without feeling a deeper sentiment of
veneration and respect, for the character of Dr. M'Millan. It will also,
perhaps, exalt the talents and piety of Dr. Ralston more than anything he
has ever written, while it cannot fail to throw a new interest upon the past
and future of Jefferson College. It deserves to be read "twice through
without stopping."-J. S.




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. RALSTON.              221
careful to hold up their hands, and strengthen them  in the
respect and affections of their people. It is rather a sad commentary on the frailties of retiring ministers, that we must
hold up this trait of Dr. Ralston as anywise remarkable and
singular. It is true, we have other beautiful illustrations of
such magnanimity among us; but it is to be lamented greatly
that some men contrive, without exactly designing it, to
embroil the people they can no longer feed, and take a perverse care that no one succeed to the confidence and love in
which they were once embosomed. This noble patriarch in
our Zion lived only to cheer and bless the young brethren
who followed him, in one branch of his charge, twenty years,
and in the other fifteen years, after his retirement.'He
loved peace,' writes the pastor of Mingo Church, where Dr.
Ralston continued to reside and worship,  and the business
of peace-making was his great delight.* And all his influence went to establish the pastor in the affections of the people.   There was much that was truly generous and kind
in the elements of his soul. His friendship was ardent and
constant.' As a preacher, he was eminently didactic and distinctive; clear, copious and profound in the exposition and
defence of saving truth. And yet, like every man of truly
gifted mind, he was full of strong emotion; which led him
to earnest and strong appeals of a practical kind. Perhaps
his manner of treating subjects h-lad too much of a controversial air: but with him there was no bitterness of spirit.
I-e was the very opposite of that modern picture of Christian
*When asked once in Presbytery for his session-book, he replied, "We
have had nothing to record." "Do you never have any judicial proceedings?" was asked. "We never had but one case, and that many years
ago; and I was determined then that we would nedver have another. We
get such matters settled without a judicial process!" And yet he did not
neglect discipline.-J. S.
19*




222         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
love which hates nothing so much as honesty and earnestness, in maintaining one's own conviction of truth and duty.
What he stoutly claimed for himself, he heartily granted to
others.  He was therefore truly catholic in his feelings, and
utterly remote from bigotry and rancor. He loved with broad
and deep affection all that differed from him; just in proportion to the enlightened zeal with which he vindicated the
distinctive tenets of his own profession. As an ecclesiastic,
he was ever distinguished for punctuality and faithfulness
in attending church courts. Always attentive and interested
in the business of a judicatory, he acquired such a ready
apprehension of matters usually transacted there, that even
when he ceased to hear the ordinary tones of speech on the
floor, he could discern what many others who had ears to hear,
failed to perceive; and mingle the expressions of his own
opinion with a pertinence which often excited the wonder of
his juniors.  Indeed, until he was over ninety years old, and
his infirmities absolutely hindered him from travel, he was
among the most regular, useful members of the Presbytery
and the Synod. He possessed pre-eminently that triple element of Christian courage, which the Apostle describes as'the spirit of power and of love and of a sound mind.' Ardent as were his feelings, constitutionally, and ready as they
were to be zealously affected in every good thing, (as in the
great revival, where bodily affections were strangely intermingled,) he was exceedingly discreet and sober, and well balanced in his estimation of a. popular rage or fanatical excitement.  Long before the General Assembly was brought to
rebuke the technical Abolitionism of the day, and before the
Princeton Review, or any other conservative journal, spoke
out on the subject, Dr. Ralston was well known to inculcate
the very same principles of scriptural truth and practical wisdom that now govern, with almost universal consent, our
favored Church on the agitated subject of slavery.  Resem



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. RALSTON.    223
bling these solid attributes of his understanding, was the type
of his personal piety.  It was remarkably free from irregular
impulse'and distressing variation. Tender and humble, and
self-abasing, it was yet almost uniformly serene and cheerful.
Few men exhibited a more delicate and lively appreciation of
God's favor, in the smallest mercies of his Providence or
grace.  Gratitude, then, fiducial gratitude, which will, under
any circumstances,' thank God and take courage,' which so
beautifully distinguished the piety of David, and with which
he ever imbues even the saddest song-' Because thou hast
been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I
rejoice' —was the prevailing characteristic of Dr. Ralston's
personal piety.  Upon this beautiful adornment of a calm
and thankful spirit, he wore the gem. of consistency, which
no man could ever impeach. Temptation to swerve was
not only repelled by the dignity of his peculiar character, but
far more was vanquished by a conscientiousness, which a fitful
and variable experience of personal religion lamentably wants.
His powerful mind. active, unclouded and strong, till the
very last, grappled with the last enemy, death, as it had been
wont to do with sin and error, for almost a century of time.
lHe was cheerful and happy in the prospect, girded and roused,
yet tranquil, and even sublime, in the near approach.  On the
day of his death, he looked out once more on the visible militant Church, that he had loved so much, and watched with so
great solicitude-reading with fresh interest a late number of
the Presbyterian.  Then as the struggle came on, he calmly
felt his own pulse, found it sinking away, and exclaimed,
without faltering or agitation:'I am ready; I am a sinner
saved by grace.  Tell my brethren-tell the congregation
that I die in the faith I have so long preached. I die relying
upon the meritorious righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ:
What a blessing to have such a rock!'"
The congregation of Mingo and Monongahela City erected




224           HISTORY  OF JEFFERSON  COLLEGE.
a beautiful marble monument over his grave, in the Mirngo
creek burying ground, with the following inscription:
REV. SAMUEL RALSTON, D. D.,
BORN
IN IRELAND, 1756.
DIED
SEPTEMBER  25, 1851.
He was educated in the University of Glasgow, Scotland.
Emigrated to the United States, A. D. 1794.
Ordained pastor of the United Congregations of Mingo Creek and
Monongahela City, 1796.  On this field he sowed the good seed
of the word, for nearly half a century.  Distinguished as
a scholar, a profound expositor of sacred truth, a
faithful watchman on the walls of Zion, and a
devoted servant of God, he was intimately identified with the advancement of literature,
religion and religious liberty, in
this Western country.
"And he, being dead, yet speaketh."' The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance."
The following discourse, delivered on the death of Dr.
M'Millan, contains so much that is worthy to be read, that
we cannot doubt its insertion here will be acceptable to many
readers:
A FUNERAL SERIMON
Osn the occasion of the death of the Rev. John M'Mtllaan, D. D., late of
Ciharties 8. By Sanmuel Ralston.
"My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof."
2 KINGS, 2: 12.
These words are the strong and fervid exclamation of the prophet Elisha,
when he saw his spiritual father and beloved master ascending to heaven in
a chariot of fire. To understand the full import, and feel the force of these
words, it will be necessary to recollect that, in those days, the principal
strength of a nation for defending themselves, and repelling their enemies,
consisted in their chariots of war, and cavalry or horsemen. From the days
of Abraham to the coming of Christ, the visible church, the usual birthplace




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH  OF DR. RALSTON.                   225
of the children of grace, was confined to the descendants of that patriarch,
in the line of Isaac and Jacob; who, on account of his prevalency with God,
by prayer, was surnamed Israel. In the days of Elijah, true religion, which
consists in the knowledge and sincere worship of Jehovah, the true and the
living God, had experienced a woeful decline in the Jewish nation, especially
in that portion of it comprehending the kingdom of Israel. We are told in
the 19th chapter of the 1st Book of Kings, that in all that kingdom there
were only seven thousand men, with the prophet Elijah, who had not bowed
the knee to Baal, one of the idol gods of the surrounding idolatrous nations.
Elisha was doubtless acquainted with this woeful degeneracy; and it was
doubtless this circumstance, with other mournful considerations hereafter to
be mentioned, that constrained him to exclaim, when his beloved master was
removed from him, "My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the
horsemen thereof:"  It was as if he had said, "what will become of the
church of the true and living God, when thou, my father, the unbending
advocate of the truth and of true religion, the honest preacher of righteousness, and the undaunted reprover of error and immorality, even in kings,
art taken from us. May we not expect still more degenerate days, unless
Jehovah will, in mercy, raise up another, or others, who will vindicate the
truth, and endeavor to put a stop to prevailing error and irreligion?" And
the King and Head of the church dil so, in the person of the mourning and
almost distracted Elisha himself: he received a double portion of his master's spirit. The doctrine evidently deducible from this affecting incident is,
that the death of good men, though to them unspeakable gain, is a most
serious public loss, to both Church and State, but especially to the church;
and ought to be deplored and improved by survivors, by being followers of
them, wherein they followed Christ. "Be not slothful," saith the Apostle,
" but followers of them, who, through faith and patience, inherit the promises."  Our design, then, on the present occasion, is to show in what respects
the death of good men is a public loss, especially to the church; with a special reference to the loss which we have experienced in the death of our
father and friend, the late Dr. John M'Millan, whose decease we are assembled this day to deplore.
1st. All good men are lovers of the truth, especially of the truth as it is
in Jesus. They love it not only for its own sake, but because they know
that it is by the truth, and by the truth only, that man, immersed by sin in
thick moral darkness, and the slave of vice, can be led to see his danger,
and to feel his deep moral maladies, and be persuaded to accept of that remedy which God has provided in his Son, as a Redeemer from wrath and
from sin, and who is able and willing to redeem all who will go unto him.
Yes, it is by the mournful and Scriptural truth, that man is now a guilty,
morally defiled, and morally helpless creature, that he can be convinced of
his danger, and constrained to inquire, " what he shall do to be saved." It




226            HISTORY  OF JEFFERSON  COLLEGE.
is also by the gracious and glorious truth, that God so loved the world, guilty
and rebellious and wicked as it is, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth on him, should not perish, but have everlasting lifethat the aw-akened sinner is preserved fromu sinking into despair, and from
rushing against the bosses of Jehovah's buckler, and to cry, "Lord, save
me, I perish;" and who never suffered any to perish who have cried to him
for salvation from wrath and from sin. And it is by the truth that there is
an all-sufficiency of grace in Christ, that the humble and honest believer is
supported and sanctified.  " Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is
truth," is one of the last and gracious prayers that Christ offered up to his
Heavenly Father in behalf of his church and people. Need I tell a single
individual present how distinguished our father and friend, whose decease
we are met to deplore, was in teaching and preaching these radical truths
and fundamental doctrines of the religion of Jesus. Many of you remember how you.felt, perhaps trembled, when that man of God, for the purpose
of awakening you to a sense of your danger, and showing you your need
of the SaLvour, portrayed in his own peculiarly strong but scriptural terms,
the indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, that await all who live
and die without an interest in that blood that was shed for the remission of
sins. As just now observed, this is a radical principle in the Christian system, and should be an indispensable element in every sermon; and in
preaching it, our departed father and friend exceeded all men we have ever
met with or heard pyeach.  What avails it that a preacher unfolds to his
audience in the clearest manner the character and offices of the Saviour
whom God has provided, if at the same time he neglects, or but faintly points
out the wretchedness and danger of the wicked, or of the thoughtless and
unbelieving? They are not morally sick, but whole, in their own estimation.
Therefore all that can be told them of the wisdom and grace of the plan of
redemption, through Christ, is in the nature of things confined to the intellect,
but can never pierce the conscience, nor affect the heart.  Not so, however,
was it. with the late pastor of this congregation. Knowing the terrors of the
Lord, and knowing also that Christ came into the world, not to call the
righteous, or those who suppose they are righteous, but sinners, or those who
feel they are sinners, to repentance, he spent his strength and life endeavoring to convince them that they were morally wretched and poor, and miserable, and blind and naked; for the purpose of persuading them to go to
Christ, "for gold tried in the fire, that they might be enriched; for white
raiment, that they might be clothed, and that the shame of their nakedness
might not appear; and to anoint their eyes with eye salve of his grace, that
they might see"-see at the same time their inveterate disease and gracious
remedy. He did not tell you, as, alas! some preachers within even the pale
of the Presbyterian church tell their hearers, that conversion is an easy
work; as easy as to rise from their seats and walk out of their pews, and




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH  OF DR. RALSTON.                  227
that they had sufficient ability so to do; but he told you, from the word of
God, that you were without strength-that your ability and strength to turn
from sin to holiness, was to be found in Christ, and Christ alone, through
the agency of his Holy Spirit, given to all who honestly ask that gift in his
name, or for his sake-that to obtain this strength you should cry unto him;
and that while you were crying, y9u should endeavor to cast yourselves upon
him, who is made of God, to all who do so, "wisdom and righteousnses and
sanc atfication and redemption."  I-e never told you, as some falsely charge
those who hold that salvation is altogether of grace, as telling their hearers
to wait God's own time to convert you; and if he converted you, well and
good, and if not, you were not to blame; but he impressed upon you in the
strongest manner, the obligation you were under to believe that record which
God has given in his precious Word, respecting his Son, that in him, and in
him alone, there is life; and exhorted you while you acknowledged and
bevwailed your deep moral imbecility to conceive even a good thought to
plead his precious promises, "to take away the heart of stone and to give
you an heart of flesh," or an humble, tender and believing heart to put his
Spirit within you, and to cause you, "to walk in his statutes and keep his
judgments and do them."  And when you had ground to hope, that God had
graciously heard your cry, you remember well, we trust, that in exhorting
you to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, he told you that it
is God who works in his children to will and to do of his good pleasure;
and directed you at the same time to look unto and to depend on his a1sufficient grace.
And here let me further call up to your remembrance the glowing fervor
with which he held up to your view the blessed Jesus, as the only city of
refuge, where the sword of inflexible justice can neither reach nor punish.
Do not many of you remember how your hearts burned within you, when
he exhibited him in all his transcendent loveliness, as God-man-Mediator,
the Brightness of the Father's glory, and the express image of his person,
and in -whom all the fullness of the Godhead substantially dwells? And
when he depicted the love of Jesus in dying, the just for the unjust, and
receiving the sword of inflexible justice into his own spotless bosom, to prevent its being sheathed in your guilty hearts, did not your trembling,
and, at the same time, exulting souls, exclaim with the Apostle, "It is a
faithful saying, or a saying worthy of all credit, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ came into the world to save sinners, even the chiefest of
them?" And have you not felt a willingness to be saved by this Jesus; to
be washed in his blood from all your guilt, td be clothed upon with the spotless robe of his righteousness, to be sanctified by his Spirit, to be governed
by his Word, and to be guided by his wisdom? With the Apostle Paul, this
"Christ and him crucified" was the constant, and to himself, the delightful
theme of all our departed father's ministrations; because he knew, from his
own experience, and we trust that a number of you know from your expe



228            HISTORY  OF JEFFERSON  COLLEGE.
rience also, that this theme, and this theme alone, is, in the hand of the
Divine Spirit, the power of God, and the wisdom of God to the salvation of
sinners. How jejune and empty and profitless are the abstruse speculations
and metaphysical disquisitions of many of our published sermons in the
present day, when compared with this apostolical theme, which ran and
shone like a golden thread, in all the pulpit exhibitions of our departed
father and friend, as all who have ever heard him ca.n testify. The one is
what the Apostle calls " philosophy falsely so called:" the other is the true
philosophy sent down from Heaven, recorded in God's own book, and embodied in this heavenly.theme, for the purpose of saving perishing sinners.
The one is called by the Apostle James, " the wisdom that is earthly, sensual,
and devilish;" or of human invention; calculated to please the blinded
mind and depraved heart of man; and the invention of the father of lies
and of error. But the other came down "from above," and " is pure, peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercies and good fruits, without
partiality and without hypocrisy." And yet it was not merely to instuct
the ignorant in the knowledge of the plan of redemption, through a crucified
Christ, that he dwelt so much and so often on this, to him, delightful theme.
Hlo had another highly important object in view, to bring it to operate with
its designed power and sanctifying influence on the heart. He knew he
taught that man was at the same time a guilty and morally defiled creature,
and that " without holiness no man can see the Lord."  And he knew that
nothing but the doctrines of the cross are in themnselves calculated, and by
God blessed, to subdue the proud heart of man to the obedience of faith,
and to produce that repentance unto life, not to be repented of. Hence,
then, as you can all testify, he inculcated, more or less, in every sermon, the
indispensable necessity of experimental religion; or, as Christ expressed it,
in his conference with Nicodelnus, that unless a man is born again, or from
above, he cannot see, he cannot enter the kingdom of glory hereafter. And
in this, as well as for awakening the careless, thoughtless sinner to a sense
of his danger, his sermons equaled, if not exceeded any I have ever read or
heard on these subjects. You all remember how particular, close, clear,
pungent and various were the questions for self-examination which he pressed
upon you in every sermon on this highly important point. And here I would
remark what I think many of you must have remarked, that scarcely a head
of his discourses was dismissed without a particular application of the doctrine contained in that head to the hearts and consciences of his hearers.
In this he had a peculiar talent and happy facility-that while the understanding of the hearer was admiring the wisdom, the mercy and the grace
of God, in devising and executing the plan of redemption through a crucified Christ, he was constrained to ask himself, "am  I in Christ and interested in this gracious and glorious plan? or am I yet in my sins; in the gall
of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity?"  Under the divine blessing this,
to myself, has, in a great measure, accounted for his great sMccess in winning




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH  OF DR. RALSTON.                     229
souls to Christ; for it is God's plan of redemption, and the way he requires
that plan to be exhibited to sinners, that God blesses and ever will bless.
And yet there is another and very important part of ministerial duty; in
the discharge of which I have often admired the tact and talent of our
departed father and friend, as much as in these which I have mentioned.
This, in theological language, is termed casuistriy; and consists in pointing
out the specific difference between real and counterfeit graces, if graces the
latter may be called, and also in pouring the balm of divine consolation into
the perplexed and distressed heart.  Experimentally acquainted himself
with the devices of Satan, and with the influence which remaining corruption, in the hearts of God's people, has, in weakening their faith, lessening
their love, and repressing their hope, he unraveled with a skillful hand all
the snares and stratagems of the wicked one; held out in such captivating
colors the many precious promises of needed grace, to all Christ's humble
but fainting followers, as dispelled their doubts, strengthened their faith,
expanded their love, and reani-mated their hope, and disposed them to forget
the things thllt are behind, to reach forth to those that are before, and in
bolTrowed strength to press forward toward the mark for the prize of the high
calling of God in Christ Jesus, the Lord. Frequently have I observed, under
his preaching, many of the children of God hanging their heads like a bulrush; and if they lifted up their faces, they were covered with clouds and
mental distress: but no sooner did he address himself to this delightful part
of his public ministrations-no, sooner did he begin to exhibit the grace of
Christ in its exuberant riches, unbounded fullness, and unlimited freeness,
than the accumulated clouds began to scatter before the lrays of the sun of
righteousness arising upon them with healing in his wings; and I thought I
saw the resolution of Paul, when in similar circumstances, written on their
countenances: " I will glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may
rest upon me."  Such was our departed father, as a man of God and minister of, Christ, in handling the word of God, for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and instruction in righteousness. And now, when we consider his
soundness in the faith, and well-earned influence in this part of our Western
Israel, on the church, when we consider that the enemy of truth and of
righteousness is pouring a flood of error into our church, with a new set of
means of grace, or "measures," as they call them, suited to these errors;
and although we have reason to bless God that there are more than seven
thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal, or adopted those errors
with their corresponding -measures, yet when we consider how great the loss
of such a man is at such a period, have we not considerable reason to
bewail it in the language of our text, and say, " Our father, our father, the
chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof?"
2d. There is another point of light in which our departed father should
be viewed, both to do full justice to his character, and that it may be profit20




230            HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
able for our imitation.  All good men, as good men, are necessarilypossessed
of a spirit of philanthropy, or a desire to do good unto others. And where
they have been blessed with a liberal education, there is nothing which they
desire more than to communicate its advantages to others.  They know well
that civil liberty, although obtained at a large expense of treasure and of
blood, as was our own, can never be stable, nor perpetuated, but by the diffusion of useful knowledge among the people.  Ience, then, they have ever
been the supporters of schools and colleges, while demagogues and disorganizers discourage them, as far as they can do so, with safety to their own
interests.  Good men also know that as knowledge is indispensably necessary
for thc health and prosperity of the State, it is still more so for the health
and welfare of the Church; while literature is cried down by errorists and
heretics, that have, in every age, marred the beauty of the daughter of Zion.
Now there are names enrolled in the different Encyclopedias, as benefactors
of mankind, and patrons of useful arts and sciences, who, in their sphere,
have not done as much for the support of useful literature as our lamented
father has done. When he first came to this country, it was an awful moral
waste. The country was filling up rapidly, and the settlements extending
on every side. But himself and two others excepted, there were none to
preach the everlasting gospel to them-the only means of salvation, and the
only effectual barrier against the prevalency of vice and immorality. Well
knowing that an ignorant ministry is as apt to do as much evil as good: "for
if the blind lead the blind they must both fall into the ditch"-he did all
that could be done. le built a small log house near his own; and as few
men were better judges of others than he was, he there collected such men
as Porter, Marquis, and M'Cready, whom some of you knew; and gratuitously instructed them so as to be useful in the ministry. And few were
more useful in their day. And that little log academy was the germ of all
the Academies and Colleges that adorn and fructify our country at present
with the streams of science and useful literature. When the increasing
demands of the church required an enlargement of this useful little academy,
it was transferred to Canonsburg, then a young and rising village.*  Through
* It appears that Dr. Ralston, in several particulars, has given an account respecting the Log-Cabin School, and its transfer to Canonsburg, in harmony with the current
popular traditions about the whole matter. It will be remembered that Dr. Ralston
came out to Western Pennsylvania in 1795, and could not have known personally
anything about the movements of Messrs. Dodd and Smith, ten or twelve years before
that time. It will not be forgotten also that he was not personally cognizant of what
transpired in 1790 and 1791. The statements of Messrs. Robert Patterson and Darby,
and the language of Dr. M'Millan himself, as quoted in " Old Redstone" and in the' History of Jefferson College," are slightly at variance with some of the above statements of Dr. Ralston. But we do not regard these statements as essentially derogating, in the least degree, firom the just claims of honor and praise here given to Dr
M'Millan.-J. S.




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH  OF DR. RALSTON.                  231
the influence of our lamented father, a house was erected suitable to the
existing demands, teachers provided, among whom was the late amiable,
modest, scientific, pious and lamented Professor Miller, and a charter of
incorporation obtained from the Legislature of the State. I had then the
honor of becoming connected with it as a Trustee; and well do I remember
the difficulties with which we had to struggle in keeping it in operation.
The greatest number of students were pious but not wealthy young men,
and consequently unable to contribute that remuneration for their tuition
that was necessary for the support of the professors. And here I should not
omit to mention what may not be known to many here, or to the public at
large, but is known to myself, and some who hear me, that our lamented
father, whose liberality and philanthropy knew no bounds, when the interests of literature and of the church were concerned, for many years gave
ten pounds yearly, out of a salary of one hundred pounds, Pennsylvania
cmurency, for the support of the Academly. And there is no doubt but that
he considered himself more than repaid, from the consideration and fact that
in that Academy were taught most, if not all, those who have planted the
churches beyond the Allegheny and Ohio rivers. In process of time, from
causes not necessary to mention here, that Academy, then changed into a
College by an act of the Legislature, suffered not only a great depression,
but its very existence was jeopardized. Although I knew that it had been
a child of prayer, and although I knew that many a fervent prayer for its
success and stability were sent up daily from the family altars of the faithful around, yet I confess that my own faith for its continued existence failed;
and I once thought that I saw it draw its last gasp. But not so was it with
the faith of our deceased father. It was like that of Abraham when required
to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac, unflinching and unfailing; and he, like
that distinguished Patriarch, "hoped even against hope."  To continue its
existence, a new and extensive College must be erected; and there was not
a dollar in the treasury of the Trustees. At the suggestion of our father,
a statement of our wants and an appeal was made to a generous public. It
was not made in vain; and such generous donations flowed into our treasury
from all quarters, as justified the Trustees to commence building a second
College edifice. And I need scarcely say that the extensive influence of
our father, and the veneration in which he was held abroad, had no small
influence in procuring those donations. The foundation of the second building was laid deep and solid by our deceased father, by a fervent prayer of
faith, and which, like every prayer of faith, is enrolled in the Archives of
Heaven. Should Jefferson College, in the lapse of time, be brought to the
same state of depression in which we have seen it, I think that there is
neither fanaticism nor presumption in believing and saying, that the prevalency of that heaven-recorded prayer will prove the means of its resuscitation.
The public donations for the erection of the second College edifice, though
generous beyond expectation, were not sufficient to complete it, on account




232            HISTORY  OF JEFFERSON  COLLEGE.
of its size and extensiveness; and a second appeal to the public was not
judged prudent or expedient. In this dilemma, the public spirit and generosity of our venerated father, with that of the late Craig Ritchie, Esq., of
Canonsburg, were brought into action and came to our aid. Each of them
advanced some hundreds of dollars; nor were their purses shut until the
building was completed, and fitted for the reception of the students. And
not only so, but both of them spent a considerable portion of their time in
providing materials and superintending the work during its progress. These
acts of generosity and public spirit are, perhaps, not known to many here;
but are known to myself and to the Trustees of the College, some of whom
are now under my eye. True, they were repaid the money which they
advanced, after some years, out of a donation given to the College by the
Legislature of the State; but it is as true that the prospect of their being repaid,
when they advanced the money, was very doubtful. For the Legislature
were not in the giving mood to colleges at that time, nor for some years after.
We have already observed that the Prophets of old were preachers of
truth and righteousness, as well as predictors of future eveuts. We are told
that there were schools of the prophets in the days of the prophet Samuel,
where the principles of the true religion were taught. We are also told that
there were sons of the prophets, in the days of Elijah, and it is to be presumed that there were schools where they were taught; and that Elijah was
a distinguished patron and supporter of those schools; and we think it a
rational and fair inference that a consideration of the loss which those
schools would sustain, by the removal of Elijah to Heaven, entered into and
formed a principal element of Elisha's exclamation, " My father, my father,
the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof!"  And now, when we reflect
upon the many hundreds of men who have been educated in Jefferson College-that many of them have filled, and are now filling respectable and
useful stations in the departments of law and medicine —when we also reflect
upon the numbers who have gone forth from it, as preachers of Christ and
of righteousness; (some of whom are respectable presidents of other colleges, and some are gone as missionaries of the cross, to announce pardon
and peace through a crucified Christ-that delightful theme of our lamented
father's ministrations-to those who are lying in the thickest shades of mental
and moral darkness in Africa, in Hindostan, and in our own land,) —and
when we reflect that our departed father was its sole founder, that he watched
over its interests with paternal care for half a century-that he spent much
of his precious time in promoting its interests-and that his purse was always
open for the supply of its manifold wants-that next to the Church of Christ,
it was the dearest object of his solicitude and supplications at a throne of
grace-as I know from many conversations with him on the subject; and
that the primary design of erecting Jefferson College, was to train young
men for the gospel ministry-when, I say, we reflect upon these things,
would it be a perversion of our text to substitute Jefferson College for Israel,




BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH  OF DR. RALSTON.                 233
and say, " Our father, our father, the chariot of Jefferson College, and the
horsemen thereof."  I risk nothing, nor will I offend a single individual of
my brethren in the ministry, when I say that, for soundness in the faith, for
unwavering love of the truth as it is in Jesus, and for opposition to the
errors and innovations that have crept into our church-for an ardent love
for the salvation of souls, and unwearied labors and endeavors in the support
of literature, as the handmaid of true religion, our father has not left a
superior, if an equal, behind him, in the Synod of Pittsburgh, perhaps in
the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church. Oh! when shall our
church be blessedwith another Dr. John M'Millan! Buthe has rested from his
labors, and his works have followed him, as evidences of his love to Christ,
and untiring labors amidst infirmities and the waste of old age, in promoting
the interests of true and undefiled religion. And now, how shall we, whom
he hath left behind, in this land of sorrows and valley of tears, profit by
this afflicting dispensation of Providence? By being followers of him
wherein he followed Christ. And those of us to whom the ministration of
the gospel is committed, ought to improve this dispensation, by maintaining,
like him, an unwavering love of the truth, as embodied in the standards of
our church, whatever opposition we meet with in so doing; or whatever
contempt may be thrown upon us by those who have swerved from.the
truth, or who are indifferent to the true interests of our church. Not many
months ago, in this place, he raised his warning voice, and we might almost
say his dying voice, to the watchmen on Zion's walls, directing them to the
enemy, who has been coming in like a flood, and pointing out their duty in
opposing that enemy of Christ, of truth, and of righteousness. Let us,
then, as good soldiers of Jesus Christ, set our faces as flints against this
enemy; and in reliance on the Divine Spirit, endeavor to keep the standard
of Christ floating on the walls of our Zion, should we even perish in the
attempt. Let us also, like him, be instant in season and out of season, in
preaching Christ and him crucified, and in reproving, rebuking and exhorting, with all long-suffering and doctrine: and, like him, we will obtain a
crown of life!




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCOi
OF THE
REV. MATTHEWV HENDERSON,
First Pastor of the Associate congregation of Chartiers, Washington
county, Pa., and one of the three ministers who united in the
ceremony of inaugurating thile Canonsburg Academy
in 1791, under the Sassafras bushes.
[Abridged from the " Evangedical Repository."]
The Rev. Matthew Henderson was one of the earliest missionaries of the Associate Church of Scotland to the United
States, and was the pioneer of that church in what was then
regarded as the western wilderness, embracing the western
part of Pennsylvania and the unknown region beyond.  As
no account of his life has hitherto been written, and the few
survivors who have any recollection of him were but children
at the time of his decease, and are now far down in the vale
of years, it is difficult to obtain a sketch of his life and character which will be either full or satisfactory.  The following
particulars have been gleaned partly from incidental notices
of him in various publications, and partly frolu the recollections of some aged survivors of his family.
Mr. Henderson was born in Scotland, in the year 1735.
His children suppose that his birth-place was Glasgow, and
that his classical education was obtained at Edinburgh.  He
entered at a very early period of life upon the study of theology, under the Rev. Alexander Moncrieff, one of the four
first Seceders; a man whose own theological course had been
pursued under the celebrated John Mark, of Leyden, and
(234)




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF REV. M. HENDERSON. 235
who was himself eminent in his day for learning, piety, courage, and generosity.  Mr. T3Moncrieff was called the lion among
the fathers of the Secession; and his pupil, 1Mr. HIenderson,
appears in this respect to have imbibed the spirit of his preceptor.  He was licensed at the early age of twenty-one, a
thing very uncommon in Scotland, where the course of training both for mechanical and professional business is much
more tedious, and, at least intended to be, much more thorough
than with us.  He was ordained two years afterwards, in the
summer of 1758, by the Presbytery of Perth and Dunfermline,
and was immediately sent across the Atlantic to strengthen
the hands of the brethren who were laboring in Pennsylvania. He was the third permanent missionary sent by the
Associate Church to these then British colonies; his predecessors being Messrs. Alexander Gellatly and James Proudfit.
Mr. Andrew Arnot, of Midholm, was sent with Mr. Gellatly,
but not obligated to remain except for one year, and accordingly, at the expiration of that time, returned to Scotland.
Mr. Henderson's acceptance of this missionary appointment
speaks highly in favor of his zeal and self-denial in the cause
of Christ. At this time a missionary appointment to the
wilds of America was regarded as nearly equivalent to a banishmnent to Botany Bay.  It was with the utmost difficulty
that one or two out of a large number appointed could be
prevailed on to accept of such a mission. The most rigorous
measures were frequently employedcl, and even deposition from
the ministry threatened, yet all in vain.  There is, however,
no account of any reluctance on the part of iMr. Henderson,
or any resort to coercive measures.  He appears to have been
willing for the work assigned him, and to have possessed the
adventurous, fearless, and hardy spirit which fitted him so
peculiarly for a pioneer of the gospel in the wilderness.[M'Kerrow's History of the Secession, pp. 259, 274.]
Soon after his arrival in America, 3Mr. Henderson was settled at Oxford, Chester county, Pennsylvania, where he appears




236           HISTORY OP JEFFERSON  COLLEGE.
to have labored in the ministry for about -twenty years. It is
not improbable that he had the pastoral care of at least one
other place; as several of his sermons written at this time
are marked as preached at " Pen," but what place is intended
by this contraction it is difficult to ascertain. About three
years after his arrival, the Rev. Alexander Gellatly, the father
of the Secession in the United States, died, in the forty-second year of his age, having exercised his ministry eight years
in Middle Octorara, Lancaster county, not far from  Oxford.*
By this event, which took place in 1761, Mr. Henderson is
said by Dr. M'Kerrow to have been left with only two associates in the ministry-Mr. James Proudfit, of Pequa, and
Mr. Mason, father of the late Dr. John Mason, of New York.
It is, however, probable, that about this time Mr. Annan had
also arrived, and Mr. Smart, though the latter only remained
for a short time in this country. These at this time constituted the Presbytery of Pennsylvania, the only court of the
Associate Church in the United States.
Mr. Henderson appears to have continued in the pastoral
charge of Oxford till the year 1781. During this time he
was married to Miss Mary Faris, and became the father of
several children. His name appears up till about this time
in the minutes of the Presbytery, and of meetings held with
a view to the union of the Associate and Reformed Presby* The Rev. J. P. Miller, in his " Sketches and Sermons," has fallen into
some mistakes respecting Mr. Gellatly. HIe says that his arrival in the
United States was in 1754, whereas it was in 1753. He mentions correctly
that he died in 1761; but adds —"A little less than five years after his arrival," whereas, according to his own statements, it must have been seven.
It was in reality eight. Mr. Miller is also mistaken in saying that Mr.
Arnot's mission was for two years. It was only for one. He speaks of the
mission of Messrs. Henderson and Mason as having been at the same time,
and of Mr. Smart's as near the same time. Mr. Henderson was sent in 1758;
and three years afterwards, (1761,) Messrs. John Mason, Robert Annan, and
John Smart. [See Sketches, &c., pp. 11-14; compare M'Kerrow's History,
pp. 259, 274.]




BIOGRAPHICAL SEETCH OF REV. M. HENDERSON. 237
teries.  In the measures adopted to effect this union, he took
a decided part with Messrs. Marshall and Clarkson against
what he considered the loose and ambiguous terms in which
the union was at last consummated; and it is not unlikely
that had he been present when the union was effected, he
would have joined with these brethren in refusing to accede
to it. But he had in the mean time been removed to a great
distance, where he had not full opportunity of knowing the
true state of things, and he and his people for a time acceded
to the union.  This union took place in 1782; and in 1789,
having become dissatisfied with the newly-organized church,
he made application to his former brethren of the Associate
Presbytery of Pennsylvania, acknowledging his sin in having
withdrawn from their fellowship, and was restored.  The proceedings of the Presbytery on this occasion were published,
together with a letter to Mr. Henderson, and another to the
congregations of Chartiers, Mingo Creek, and Mill Creek.
These proceedings evince a candid and ingenuous spirit on the
part of Mr. Henderson, and a spirit of tenderness and faithfulness on the part of his brethren.  This pamphlet of eight
pages was republished in 1836, with some prefatory remarks
by the Rev. J. P. Miller, in the Religious Monitor, vol. xiii.,
pp. 209-13.
Mr. Henderson was at this time pastor of the Associate
congregations of Chartiers and Buffalo, Washington county,
Pennsylvania.  To these places he had removed, in compliance
with a call in the year 1782. These places he had visited as
early as 1779. In a manuscript volume of his sermons he
marks some as preached at Chartiers and Buffalo, in April
and May of that year. It appears, however, that on his way
to the West with his family, the reports of disturbances
caused by the Indians were so alarming that he left his family
by the way at Canigoeheague, and proceeded alone to his new
charge.  The family remained about a year at Canigocheague,
and then followed him to Chartiers. Their situation, when




238          HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
left behind, was far from  comfortable, as they had no better
habitation than a rude cabin, or kind of shanty; nor was
their situation greatly improved when they reached their journey's end. But the hardships of pioneer life are so well
known that it is not necessary to reiterate the many descriptions given of them.  Perhaps, however, in Western Pennsylvania these hardships were greater than in most other
places. This region is separated from the Atlantic coast by
vast ranges of mountains' intersecting the country for upwards
of a hundred miles.  Salt, iron, and all kinds of merchandise
had to be transported over these rugged mountains upon pack
horses all the way from Chambersburg to Pittsburgh.  There
was at this time no railroad, canal, turnpike, or even carriage
road, making but a rough and often precipitous path for
horses.  The products of the land were abundant, but there
could hardly be said to be any market for the surplus.
Money was of course exceedingly scarce, luxuries were out
of the question, and even some of the necessaries of life only
to be obtained with the greatest difficulty.  The settlement
of Mr. Henderson in Chartiers took place in the year 1782,
and for some years he was the only minister of the Associate
Church west of the mountains.  In consequence of this, he
had not only the care of his own widely-scattered flock, but
of several vacancies in his neighborhood.  Among these were
Mingo and Mill Creek, to which congregations, as we have
seen, letters were addressed by the Presbytery at the time of
his restoration to their fellowship.
His life was evidently one of much labor, as well as hardship.  He appears from  some of his papers preserved by his
children to have written his sermons regularly, though not
altogether in full, and in a hand not easily legible. The
inscription on his tombstone bears witness that he never for
once disappointed his people on the Sabbath.  He attended
diligently to the duties of catechising and visiting from house
to house. And as he abounded in labors, so an evident bless



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF REV. M. HENDERSON. 239
ing attended his ministry.  Mr. Daniel Houston, who took a
very conspicuous part with Messrs. Marshall and Clarkson in
opposition to the afore-mentioned union, received his first religious impressions under the preaching of Mr. Henderson
when assisting Mr. Smith at the dispensation of the Supper.
No doubt the case was the same with many others. The
Presbytery, in receiving him back to fellowship, bear honorable testimony to the fruits of his ministry from the very
commencement of his labors. They say:-" As your ministry was not without acceptance and usefulness at the time of
your entering into the public service of the gospel, we pray
God that it may be made more so now when the evening of
your day draws nigh."  [Proceedings, &c., pp. 5, 6.]  Mr.
Marshall, in defending him from  an attack made upon his
character by the Rev. Robert Annan, in consequence of his
having withdrawn from  the communion of the Associate
Reformed Synod, observes: —" It might have been expected
that Mr. Henderson's gray hairs in the service of Christ, his
usefulness in the ministry, and his weakly and infirm state of
health, would have gained better treatment than ]Mr. Annan
has given him."  Mr. Marshall proceeds to quote from letters,
Mr. Henderson's answer to the charges made against him,
and closes with Mr. Henderson's expression of his confidence-" That after all Mr. Annan's bluster, he hopes his
character stands as fair in the eyes of the Christian world as
Mr. Annan's."  Such, too, was the general reputation of Mr.
Henderson, that Mr. Annan's abuse of him was reprobated
by his own brethren, notwithstanding his having withdrawn
from their communion.  [Marshall's Vindication, pp. 89, 90,]
The generation which enjoyed his ministrations has chiefly
passsed away; but the continued flourishing state of the congregations in which he finished his labors has no doubt been
owing, in a great measure, to the character which his ministry
had impressed upon them.
Mr. Henderson's voice was remarkable for distinctness and




240           HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
power.  In the summer season he usually preached in a tent
at the foot of a hill now occupied as the grave-yard of the
congregation of Chartiers.  The place of the tent was near
the grave of the late Jonathan Letherman, M. D.  From the
bottom to the top of the hill is about forty perches; and yet
not only the sound of his voice, but his words, could all be
heard distinctly at that distance.  Neither in conversation
nor in the pulpit, did he make any attempt to lay aside the
broad vernacular of his country.  His manner of addressing
his people was also according to the custom of his country,
plain and fLamiliar.  He called them all simply by their proper
names, like a father addressing his children.  IHis reproofs
of vanity and ill-behavior, especially in the sanctuary, were
sometimes exceedingly pointed and scathing, but not ill-tempered.  It has been related, that on one occasion, nwhen a young
lady had made her appearance at the church in a new calico
dress, which in those days was regarded as the height of
female extravagance, and when she had frequently risen from
her seat, and gone to different parts of the assenbly, Mr.
Henderson having noticed her movements, and observed her
rising from her seat a fourth time, said to her very calmly" That is the fourth time, my lass, that you have left your
seat.  You can sit down now, we have a' seen your braw new
gown." The young lady, of course, did not wait for a second
invitation to do as she was directed.
In appearance, Mr. Henderson was of a very swarthy complexion.  He had very keen dark eyes, was of a large size,
of an erect and majestic figure, and possessed uncommon muscular power.  An anecdote has been related of him, and
sometimes erroneously attributed to others, which illustrated
his physical powers, and also the treatment to which even
ministers of the gospel were exposed in those early times.
On one occasion, when traveling over the mountamins to meet
with his brethren in Presbytery, he happened to lodge at a
tavern where two men took the liberty of treating him with




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF REV. M. HENDERSON. 241
great rudeness. This he endured for some time with much
patience. His patience, however, was mistaken for timidity,
and only encouraged their impertinence, till at last nothing
would do but he must fight. This, of course, he was disposed
to decline; but, whether he would or not, they were determined upon an assault.  Finding that he could not otherwise
evade rough usage, he arose and deliberately stripping off his
black coat, laid it aside, saying-" Lie there, the Rev. Mr.
Henderson, and now Matthew defend yourself." So saying,
he seized one of the ruffians, dashed him out through an open
window, and was preparing to send the other by the same
road to keep him company. But this one, seeing the kind of
man they had to deal with, was in no hurry to put himself
in the way of such rough usage. Mr. Henderson having thus
taught them somewhat after the manner of Gideon's teaching
the men of Succoth with the thorns and briars of the wilderness, passed the rest of the night in peace and quietness.
Another anecdote of a different character has frequently,
though not correctly; been related of him. It has been said
that he was very fond of tea; and, as it was seldom to be
met with among the early settlers of the country, that he was
accustomed to carry a paper of it with him in his travels.
On one occasion, having brought it forth to be prepared by
the lady of the house, when he sat down at the table, not
seeing anything like his favorite beverage, he inquired what
had been done with it. The lady directed his attention to a
plate having the appearance of greens, nicely buttered and
peppered. This was his dish of tea. "0 madam," said he,
"what have you done with the broth?"  "Why," said she,
" I threw that away." The individual whose tea was cooked
for him in this manner; was not, however, Mr. Henderson, but
the Rev. Mr. Howlitson, an intimate friend of his who was
of feeble health, and died in his youth. No mention is made
of such a person in the account of the missions of the Asso21




242          Ir6TOn'iY OF JEFSERl{SON COLLEGE,
diate Church in America. It is probable that he came to this
country.without any appointment; and little more is known
of him than that he lies beside Mr. Henderson, but with no
stone to mark the place of his grave.
Mr. Henderson was of a peculiarly affectionate disposition
towards his family, and in all his intercourse with society.
His numerous and scattered charge rendered it necessary for
him to be often absent from home, and frequently for a week
or more at a time. But he would surmount almost any difficulty rather than cause uneasiness to his family by an absence
beyond the appointed time. He expected a like punctuality
on their part; and if the return of any absent member were
delayed, would ride a journey of ten miles or more to ascertain whether any accident had happened. The day before
his death he had been disappointed by the continued absence
of Mrs. Henderson and two of his daughters, who had been
detained while on a visit to some friends at a distance. His
daughter Elizabeth, however, returned during the day. He
appeared to be much gratified at meeting her; and having
walked out with her to the place where he was killed the
next morning, he gave her repeated charges, in case of his
death, to be kind to her mother. This, and some other occurrences, seemed almost to indicate a presentiment that his end
was at hand.
At the age of sixty he had become somewhat infirm, but
not to such a degree as to interfere with his labors. His
infirmities were no doubt occasioned by the hardships to which
he had been exposed, and from which he took but little pains
to protect himself. An aged member of the church,? who
heard him once in his youth preaching in a tent without any
covering during a shower, recollects that when some one was
so kind as to hold an umbrella over his head, he repectfully
M- r. James Thom, of Pigeon Creek.




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF REV. M. HENDERSON. 243
declined the proffered favor, and proceeded in the services
regardless of the rain. But, though fearless of other evils,
he had been much troubled with the fear of death, —not so
much with the fear of leaving the world, as of the pains of
dying; and it pleased a kind Providence, in taking him away,
to exempt him from the evil which he so much feared.  He
was killed by the falling of a tree, upon the 2d of October,
1795, at the age of sixty, and in the thirty-seventh year of
his ministry, reckoning from the time of his ordination.
The circumstances of his death, as related by the daughter
who was with him at the time, are as follows:-On the evening of October 1st, he had expressed to his children a wish
that they would fell a bee-tree which had been discovered on
his farm, and preparations were accordingly made to proceed
to it early in the morning. He had acquainted his daughter
Elizabeth, then a child of ten years of age, with their purpose, and told her that if she could get up in the morning
without awakening her younger sister Jane, she might go
with him. Accordingly, the next morning he went quietly
to her bed, and touched her gently to awake her without disturbing her sister. She was soon up; and'having dressed
herself for the expedition, hurried into her father's room,
supposing him also to be ready. She found him on hisiknees
engaged in secret prayer, and immediately withdrew. Soon
after this she observed him going down to the spring with a
basin and towel to wash himself, as was his custom in the
morning. Some time after he had returned she again ventured into his room, and again found him engaged in prayer.
Soon afterwards he came out, and taking her by the hand he
led her to the place where his sons Ebenezer and Robert had
been for some time engaged in felling the tree. The tree
stood upon a bank, and it was supposed would fall down the
side of it. Mr. Henderson and his daughter approached
towards it on the higher ground, where it was thought there




244          HISTORY OF JEFFE.RSON COLLEGE.
was no danger.  Here they stood for a little time, at some
distance from the tree, awaiting its fall. It proved to be
decayed in the centre, and fell much sooner than had been
anticipated, and also in an opposite direction from what had
been calculated.  Mr. Henderson, notwithstanding repeated
cautions given him, would always, when a tree began to fall,
run from it in a direction opposite to that in which he
supposed it to be falling. On this occasion, as usual, he ran,
but in the same direction with -the falling of the tree.  His
daughter followed his example, but varied somewhat in her
course, and escaped any injury.  Her father had run to such
a distance that it was 6nly the branches which reached him,
and his body was but little mutilated.  Only a slight flesh
wound was discovered on his head; yet he appeared to have
died instantly, not having been observed to move or breathe
by his sons, who were immediately beside him.
H3:i. Ienderson, and some of his brethren of other societies
who first planted the gospel in the West, were anxious to promote the cause of literature in connection with religion, and
from  the first turned their attention to the establishment of
literary institutions.  The venerable Dr. M'Millan, who preceded him in his settlement a few years, appears to have led
the way, but he found Mr. Henderson an earnest and efficient
coadjutor.  As early as the year 1780,* a "Latin school," as
it was called, was taught in a small log cabin, erected by the
Rev. Dr. M'Millan for his study.  The teacher was Mr., afterwards the Hon. James Ross, of Pittsburgh.  This log cabin,
which may justly be considered the germ of Jefferson College,
is still standing, and has been carefully preserved as a memorial of the past. Some years ago it was removed to a spot
at a little distance from the original site, and its foundation
* The writer has adopted this date from the prevailing popular but, as we
think, erroneous tradition.-J. S.




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF REV. M. HENDERSON. 245
renovated, so that it is supposed it may yet last a century.
The number of classical scholars having increased, it was
judged necessary to fix upon a permanent place, and erect a
more spacious and suitable building, Previous to this important measure there was a solemn meeting for consultation by
the Rev. Dr. M'Millan, the Rev. Mr. Henderson, and other
venerable fathers, who spent a great part of the day in prayer.
Canonsburg, so called from Col. Canon, on whose ground the
town had been built, was selected as the site; and a tolerably
comfortable stone building was soon erected, and ready to be
occupied.  The Canonsburg Academy was then organized,
and respectable professors appointed in the various departinents of literature. The following account of the commenceMent of this institution is chiefly extracted from a letter
written by one of the first pupils of the institution to the late
1Rev. Matthew Brown, D. D., LL. I., for many years President of Jefferson College.
In July, 1791, a meeting was called to see the Canonsburg
Academy opened, the site of the institution having been
agreed upon the day previous.  At 10 o'clock, Tuesday morning, many citizens were upon the ground to witness the opening of the first academy on the west side of the Allegheny
mountains.  Among them was the Rev. Matthew Henderson,
of whom  the writer gives the following account: —" Mr.
Henderson was a Scotch Scceder clergyman, blessed with
Scotch talents, Scotch education, Scotch theology, and Scotch
piety.  His memory is still highly cherished as a worthy contemporary of Messrs. M'Millan and Smith.  These three
ministers, with MIr. Johnson, (the teacher,) and two pupils,
William  Riddle and -Robert Patterson, (the writer of the
letter,) took their position in the shade of some, sassafras
bushes growing in (the corner of) a worm  fence near the
English school-house, which could not be vacated for a short
time. And here, under the pleasant shade of the green
21*




246         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
bushes, protected from the rays of a July sun, —the two pupils
were about to commence their recitation, when Mr. M'Millan,
addressing his two brethren, remarked in substance as follows:'" This is an important day in our history, affecting deeply
the interests of the church and country in the West —affecting our own interests and welfare for time and eternity,-and
the interests, it may be, of thousands and thousands yet
unborn."  Then turning to Mr. Henderson, he asked him
to engage in prayer, seeking the blessing of' God on the institution now to be opened. "And," continues the writer, " I
must say, the broad vernacular pronunciation of the Scotch
tongue never could be more delightful or impressive than it
was while every thing proper to the occasion appeared to be
remembered in prayer by this good man."
The Academy having commenced under these circumstances,
was incorporated as a college in 1802, and is the oldest institution of the kind west of the mountains.
Mr. Henderson was blessed with a numerous family-in all,
fourteen children.  Of these, four died in their infancy. Five
sons and five daughters lived to maturity. Matthew, his oldest
son, was licensed during the time of his father's connection with
the Associate Reformed Church, and remained in that society,
of which he was a very respectable minister.  He was for
many years pastor of a congregation in the Forks of Yough,
and died a few years ago at an advanced age.  Ebenezer, his
third son, was a minister of the Associate Church. He was
settled for a short time at Pittsburgh, in connection with a
small congregation in the country. From this place he was
called to Philadelphia, and was about to be removed. Pre.
vious, however, to his settlement, he died at a public house
while on a journey. He had given promise of much eminence
in the ministry; and his death was much and long lamented
by the congregation whose call he had accepted, and by the
whole church. Robert, the fourth son, still survives, and has
for many years been an elder of very respectable standing in




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF REV. M. HENDERSON. 247
his father's congregation.  John, the second, and Joseph, the
fifth son, have been dead for many years. One or more of
the descendants of the former are at this time ministers of
the Associate Church. Mary, the oldest daughter, became
the wife of Mr. White, a member of her father's congregation. She died a few years ago, at a great age, leaving a
numerous family of children, and children's children, to the
third and fourth generation.  Ellen, the second daughter,
was married to the late Samuel Murdock, M. D., and died
young, leaving but one child, Ellen, the wife of Joseph Templeton, M. D., of Washington, Pennsylvania.  Ann, the third
daughter, was married to the Rev. Thomas Allison, of Mount
Hope, Washington county, Pennsylvania.  She also died a
few years ago, leaving several children. Elizabeth, the fourth
daughter, was married to Alexander Murdock, Esq., of Washington, Pennsylvania.  Jane, the youngest, was married to
Mr. Clark, of Buffalo, Washington county, Pennsylvania.
These last two both survive.  The most of Mr. Henderson's
children had numerous families; and these again have
increased till it would be difficult, or perhaps impossible, to
reckon up the number of his descendants. They are mostly,
if not all, with the exception of Ebenezer's family, dispersed
through the various regions of the West, though probably the
larger part are in the region of their father's labors.  In this
case we see verified the promise that the generation of the
just shall be blessed. Very few have left so many children,
and children's children, who have so generally done worthily,
and held such a respectable standing both in civil and religious society.
Mr. Henderson was among the first buried in the graveyard of Chartiers over whose remains a stone was erected.  It
has now for sixty years been exposed to the corroding tooth
of time; and the inscription will soon, if not renewed, become
illegible.  The following is a copy of it.  The poetry is not
unexceptionable, yet is pretty well for those early times:



248           HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE,
"'In memory of the Rev. MATTHEW HENDERSON, who departed this life
October 2, 1795, aged 60 years, and in the 37th of his ministry.
"In heavenly toils, 0 Henderson, grown gray,
Thy earthly frame was hastening to decay.
Thy growing languor threatened to detain
Thee from thy loved employment, but in vain.
For in thy course no Sabbath failed t' attest
The love of souls which burned within thy breast 
Till by one transient stroke which gave release,
Thy Saviour bade thee enter into peace.
Great and (most) happy change from battered dust
Unto the glorious mansions of the just I
Let us prepare to measure that bright road,
The best of all our friends is there-our God."
T. B.
As the writer of the above article had not access to the
minutes of the Associate Presbytery of Pennsylvania, we
have, at his request, given them a cursory examination, as the
result of which we present the following additional facts.
The name of the congregation over which Mr. Henderson
was placed, in connection with Oxford, was Pencader, or Pen
Calder. It is spelled both ways in the minutes. It seems to
have been a place of little importance.  We know not where
it was located.  It no longer exists as a congregation.  The
congregation of Oxford, however, still lives and flourishes.
It was from this place that the first petition for preaching was
sent to the Synod in Scotland, and we believe it is the place
where the first Associate Presbyterian congregation in America was organized.  It has for a long time been under the
charge of Rev. Win. Easton, in connection with Octorara and
Muddy Run; but about two years ago he resigned that portion of his charge, and in February last it was placed under
the care of Rev. J. H. Andrew, it present pastor.
We find that Mr. Henderson -was very punctual in his
attendance on the meetings of Presbytery; although in those
days of magnificent distances and bad roads, this was no easy
matter.  Whoever was absent, the name of Mr. Henderson




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF REV. M. HENDERSON. 249
is at the commencement of the minutes of each meeting about
as invariably as the date.
The statement in regard to the ministers who composed the
Presbytery in 1761, after the death of Mr. Gellatly, is correct.
Mr. Annan was ordained by Mr. Henderson and Mr. Proudfoot, on the 8th of June, 1763.
During all the time of Mr. Henderson's settlement in Eastern Pennsylvania, he, in common with his brethren, had to
spend a great portion of his time away from home, traveling
long, wearisome, and dangerous journeys, to supply the many
places, in different parts of the country, which, at every meeting of Presbytery, were sending in urgent calls for divine
ordinances. To give some idea of the state of things at that
time, we give the following extract from a letter written by
the Presbytery, in 1764, to the Synod in Scotland, asking for
more missionaries:
"We hereby, in the most earnest manner, supplicate this
Reverend Synod for more assistance in the weighty work
among our hands; and if it be not sent us, the buddings of
reformation work on this Continent of America will be in
danger of being blasted, and the work mar altogether, and
the constitutions of members of Presbytery worn out with
the great fatigues they of necessity undergo, in watering, not
only their own congregations, which are all divided into two,
and some three parts, in this Province, but also are far distanced from one another; and this is not all; for they must
go much abroad, and preach, and dispense the sacraments, in
vacant congregations.  One minister, with a probationer, frequently dispenses the sacrament of the Supper in congregations, sometimes two Sabbaths successively, in different places;
and sometimes a minister has done this without any assistance
at all. This has been done twice this last summer by one
member; and two of our number have this year been in North
Carolina, which is five hundred miles distant from this. So that
our deplorable situation cannot miss to have a loud language in




250          HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
the ears of our dear brethren, for to influence them to send
us more supply of probationers, and that speedily."
At the meeting of Presbytery at Oxford, November 17th,
1779, was read " a call for Mr. Henderson, and *a petition
containing reasons for the transportation, and craving his
admission, from Chartiers and Buffalo."  This call had been
moderated at Chartiers, by Rev. John Murray, on the 18th
of October.  The members of session present at the moderation were James Scott, John White, Nicholas Little, and
David Reed, of Chartiers, and John and James Brownlee,
and Andrew Scott, of Buffalo. The result of the vote was
for Mr. Henderson, thirty-four, and for Mr. Smith, then of
Octorara, twenty-two. Seven of the latter signed the call.
No action was taken in regard to it by the Presbytery, till
their meeting at Muddy Creek, March 16th, 1780, when, in
connection with this call and petition, was presented one from
Oxford, containing answers to it, and praying for their minister's continuance. The matter was considered for some time,
both privately in committee of the whole, and afterwards publicly in the Presbytery in their judicative capacity, and
"6 nothing of disaffection to Mr. Henderson, in Oxford Church,
nor the want of a support appearing to the Presbytery, they
agreed to take the matter in this point of light, whether Mr.
Henderson's continuance at Oxford, or his transportation to
Chartiers, appears most for the ends of general edification in
the church of Christ?  Hereupon a long course of reasoning
ensued on this subject." After prayer " for direction in this
weighty business," the question was put, transport or not?
On this the Presbytery was equally divided; "whereupon
the Moderator, (Mr. Henderson himself,) with great tenderness, and assigning various reasons, gave his casting vote in
favor of the transportation," &c. At the same meeting we
find it recorded that "the Presbytery consider the relation
between Mr. Henderson and the people in Chartiers and Buffalo, to commence from this day, and that his salary also now
commence; and that these people should be at the expense




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF REV. M. HENDERSON. 251
of removing him, his family, and effects thither; and as they
agreed to pay him one hundred pound hard money annually,
or 400 bushels of wheat, the Presbytery agree he shall have
it in his option to take either as it may best suit him," &c.
Some difficulty, the nature of which cannot be clearly ascertained, seems to have existed between Mr. Henderson, his
congregation, and the Presbytery, in regard to his transportation.  He seems to have been hurt at some things said on
the floor of Presbytery in the course of the discussion in
regard to his removal, in consequence of which he addressed
a letter to the Presbytery (April 5th, 1781) which they characterize as " containing injurious reflections, &c.-with a vein
of irony running through the whole," &c. He afterwards,
(September 6th,) made acknowledgments for the offensive
things contained in the letter, and the whole matter was satisfactorily adjusted.
Before Mr. Henderson's departure for the West, which
took place in the latter part of the year 1781, several petitions were received from Canigocheague, desiring the Presbytery to send him there. And at the meeting, October 31st,
1781, their petition being called up, the Presbytery, "after
much reasoning on the subject, agree that Mr. Henderson be
recommended to prosecute his call to Chartiers-that these
people be addressed in a letter by Mr. Murray, to make suitable provision for moving Mr. Henderson's family and effects
thither in the spring, and remove every cause of just complaint of deficiency on their part-and that Mr. Henderson
be appointed to supply some Sabbath at Canigocheague (pronounced Canigojig) before next meeting."  From the circumstance that he was absent from the next meeting, which took
place April 10th, 1782, we conclude that Vhe had, in the mean
time, removed to the West, his departure having been thus
delayed in consequence of the Indian war, which also rendered it necessary, as stated in the preceding sketch, that he
should leave his family at Canigocheague, where they remained
for a year.                                    T. H. B,




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
OF THE
REV. JAMES RAMSEY, D. D.
A Trustee of Jefferson College, and Professor of Hebrew.
B3Y REV. DR. THOMAS BEVERIDGE.
[Abridged fron the "v Euangelical Repository."]
The Rev. James Ramsey, D. D., was born March 23d,
1771, in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania.  His parents,
Robert and Mary Ramsey, belonged, at the time of his birth,
to the Reformed Presbyterian Church, or Covenanters, and
sustained throughout their lives a good reputation for intelligence and piety.  Mr. Robert Ramsey, after his removal to
the West, was for many years an elder of respectable standing in the Associate congregation of King's Creek, Beaver
county, Pennsylvania, under the pastoral care of the venerable
Dr. John Anderson.  Both parents lived to an advanced age,
and had the satisfaction of seeing their children, and many
of their children's children settled around them, and generally following their footsteps in the ways of righteousness.
James, the subject of this notice, was the first born of fifteen
children, the larger number of whom he survived. About
two years after his birth, his parents removed from Lancaster
county to what was then known as the western wilderness,
and resided about two years at Williamsport, on the Monongahela river. At this time (1773) the settlements in this
(252)




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. RAMSEY.           253
region were few and scattered.  The Indians were frequently
troublesome, and rendered the protection of forts necessary.
Mr. Ramsey pursued his labors in the vicinity of one of these
forts. His custom was to take his gun with him into the corn
field, and place it at the root of a tree or against a stump.
He would then hoe around the place to the distance of fifteen
or twenty yards.  This done, another resting place for his
gun was selected, and his labor around it performed in the
same manner; thus keeping himself always ready for defence
against any sudden attack.  It was amidst these scenes of
danger, and those of the revolution which immediately followed, and amidst the hardships and privations of a pioneer's
life, that James first formed his acquaintance with the world;
and these things no doubt contributed in giving to him that
patience, that power of endurance, and that energy of character, for which he was afterwards distinguished.
At the end of two years, the family removed from  Williamsport to Pigeon Creek, then within the bounds of the
congregation of the venerable Dr. M'Millan, so distinguished
in the history of the Presbyterian Church of the West, as
one of its first and most eminent pioneers.  With this church
the parents connected themselves.  Their son James was also
admitted as a member at a very early period of life; and
though afterwards connected with another branch of the Presbyterian Church, he always entertained a very great regard
for his former brethren, and especially for Dr. M'Millan, whom
he considered as his spiritual father.
When Mr.  Ramsey became a member of Dr. M'Millan's
church, he must have been under twenty-one years of-age, as
this was his age when he removed to another part of the
country. Yet young as he was, he exerted himself actively
and faithfully in the cause of Christ, both in relation to the
interests of truth -and of practical godliness. Many of the
young people were very careless as to spiritual things, and
indulged freely in promiscuous dancing, and other practices
22




254         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
inconsistent with a religious profession. To promote a better
spirit and put an end to these practices, he had the prudence
and address to collect them into one or more societies for prayer
and religious conference. In this way he exercised a happy
influence upon the religious character of the congregation,
and gave an early indication of that spirit which he manifested
in his future life. During his connection with this congregation, a controversy arose among the people, in relation to what
have been called the Marrow doctrines, i. e. certain doctrines
taught in a book called the Marrow of Modern Divinity; such
as that there is a gift or grant of Christ in the Gospel to sinners of mankind as such; that believers are delivered from
the law as a covenant of works; and that holiness is not a
federal means or condition of life. SIr. Ramsey and others
of the congregation warmly advocated these doctrines. Dr.
M'Millan at first appeared also to favor, but at last rather
opposed them. This laid the foundation for Mr. Ramsey's
ultimate separation from that church, and accounts for the
zeal which he ever afterwards showed for these precious truths.
According to the recollections of his nearest friends, it would
however appear that he had not formally withdrawn from the
communion of the Presbyterian Church till after his removal
to Mill Creek.
At the age of twenty-one he made a joint purchase of a
farm, two miles from the village of Frankfort, Beaver county,
Pennsylvania, and removed to it with his brother William.
This was within the bounds of the Presbyterian congregation
of Mill Creek, and here, after some time, other circumstances
occurred which issued in the change of his religious profession. About this time there was in the Presbyterian churches
of the West a very general substitution of hymns of human
composition in the room of the Psalms, which had hitherto
been employed in the worship of God.  Mr. Ramsey endeavored for some time to reconcile himself to the use of these
hymns, and, in his own language, had " tried to sing them."




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. RAMSEY.         255
But this either was from the first, or soon came to be against
his convictions of duty, and his conscience would not let him
alone. However different the views of Christians may be on
the merits of this question, none who knew him will have
any doubt as to his conscientiousness in the decision to which
he came to give the preference to the Psalms over all human
productions. Indeed, few things in his life manifested more
clearly the power of his convictions of duty, than the change
which he felt constrained to make in his profession.  He was
at this time a young man somewhat ardent in his temperament, and much more likely to be seduced by the love of
novelty than those advanced in years, who so often become
the slaves of prejudice and habit.  Being an excellent singer,
and passionately fond of music, (which he occasionally taught,)
he was the more liable to be captivated by the improvements
in singing with which the introduction of the hymns was
accompanied. But most of all, he was of a peculiarly affectionate disposition, and was in high esteem among the brethren with whom he was connected. Although a youth, and
remarkable for modesty and diffidence, he had been taken into
the society of ministers, elders, and such as were in the highest reputation for piety.  He was treated by them as an equal,
and enjoyed their confidence.  He was accustomed to speak
of the change of his religious profession under these circumstances as one of the sorest trials of his life; and has frankly
owned to his intimate friends that when he left the Presbyterian Church he left his heart behind him. He always regarded
that Society as very exemplary in their affectionate treatment
of each other, and thought them, in this respect, commendable
beyond many others, of whom equal, if not better things,
might have been expected. As a proof of the high esteem
in which Mr. Ramsey was held among his Presbyterian brethren may be mentioned the language employed by Dr. M'Millan
to induce him to remain in their communion: "James," said




256         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
he, " you will be a minister some of these days; yes, and you
will be a bright star in the West."
The account which he was accustomed to give of his separation from that branch of the Presbyterian Church with
which he had been connected was substantially this. Various
expedients had been employed to reconcile him and others to
the introduction of the hymns; such as employing them on
more private occasions, and using them alternately with the
Psalms in the public worship of the church. On the last
sacramental occasion which he attended in that church the
hymns were sung at tables occupied by those who preferred
them, and the Psalms at one or more tables set for those who
were opposed to the hymns. This, instead of satisfying,
rather disgusted him, and he came to the resolution that he
would use the hymns no more. During the occasion he lodged
at the house of Mr. George M'Cullough, in company with a
number of others, among whom were the Rev. Mr. Marquis
and Mr. Jackson, an aged elder of the church. When the
time for worship in the family arrived, Mr. Jackson was called
upon to lead, and the Bible and hymn-book were laid down
before him. Mr. Ramsey, who, as we have said, was extremely
modest and diffident, was much perplexed. The elder was
accustomed, when Mr. Ramsey was present, to call on him to
lead in singing, and would no doubt do so now. But he had
come. to a fixed resolution that he would not use the hymns.
Yet he was very unwilling to bring either himself or his scruples into notice before the company. He had watched with
a keen eye and an anxious heart what was passing, and as
soon as MSr. Jackson sat down at the table, he stepped up to
him as quietly as possible, and whispered, that if he called on
him to sing, he wished him to use the Psalms, as he did not
feel at liberty to join in singing the hymns. However, the
elder, much to the annoyance of the modest youth, spoke
aloud of the difficulty, and observed that he believed there




BIOGRAPHIICAL SKETCH OP DR. RAMSEY.          257
was no Bible with Psalms in the house.  Mr. Ramsey immediately produced his own pocket Bible containing them, of
which the elder made use. After worship, the Rev. Mr. Marquis observed that it was not a suitable time to enter into any
controversy on the subject of the hymns. He would, however, make one remark for Mr. Ramsey's consideration.
" Very many," said he, " who have had scruples at the first
about singing the hymns, after having used them for awhile
have overcome their scruples, and become quite satisfied."
MIr. Ramsey, however, could not feel at liberty to venture on
such an experiment for obtaining relief.  He soon afterwards
united with the Associate congregations of Service and King's
Creek, then and for many years afterwards under the pastoral
care of Dr. Anderson, professor of theology in the Associate
Church.  His change of ecclesiastical connexion, as it originated in no strife or ill temper, so it was attended with nothing
of this kind. On the contrary, the most friendly feelings
continued between him and his former associates.  He was a
man who could, both in his private life and public ministrations, be faithful to his convictions of duty without being ill
tempered or censorious.
At what period of his life his thoughts were turned towards
the ministry is not known, but before his connection with the
Associate Church, he had been preparing the way for obtaining an education with a view to that office. He had sold his
interest in the farm os which he had lived with his brother,
to his father, who afterwards removed to it, and resided on it
till his death.  IHe also engaged in teaching schools of different kinds; and by these means obtained sufficient money to
meet the expenses of his education, and had when licensed
enough left to equip himself for traveling.  It is thought
probable that he commenced his classical studies under his
minister, IDr. Anderson, about the twenty-fifth year of his
age.  He afterwards studied at the Jefferson Academy, since
incorporated as Jefferson College. Soon after its incorpora22*




258         ntSTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
tion as a college, he received from this institution the second
degree in the arts.  This was in the year 1805; and some
time about the year 1824, he received, probably from Dickinson College, Carlisle, the honorary degree of doctor of divinity, a title which would be in higher repute if always as
meritoriously conferred.  After completing his classical studies, he pursued the study of theology under Dr. John Anderson; this must have been between the years 1800 and
1803.  I-e was peculiarly beloved by his professor, and the
warmest attachment continued between them, until the decease
of Dr. Anderson, April, 1830.
Dr. Ramsey was licensed by the Presbytery of Chartiers
at the same time with the late Rev. David Imbrie, December
14th, 1803, at the house of Mr. Ralston, in Buffalo.  As he
was at this time within a few months of completing his thirtythird year, and his preparatory course of study had not
been hurried, but as thorough as the circumstances of the
country would well admit, he entered on his ministerial labors
with more maturity of mind, with more enlarged Christian
experience, and better preparation, than are common to those
beginning this work, and his ministry from the first proved
every where highly acceptable to the intelligent and godly.
Hie labored, during the months of December and January
after his licensure, in the Presbytery of Chartiers, and then
for the greater part of the remainder of the year 1804 in the
Presbyteries of Cambridge and Philadelphia.  At the close
of this year he returned to Chartiers, and labored in the
bounds of that Presbytery till his settlement. A unanimous
and pressing call was given to him to take charge of the Associate congregation of Cambridge, New Yorks then left vacant
by the removal of Dr. Banks; and the people were exceedingly grieved at their failure to obtain him  as their pastor.
For years afterwards they were accustomed to lament their
disappointment, and they continued to cherish his memory
with peculiar fondness.  Shortly before his return to the




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCII OF DR. RAMSEY.         259
West, a petition from  the congregation and Presbytery of
Philadelphia, was laid before the Presbytery of Chartiers,
earnestly soliciting that he might be continued in Philadelphia till the next meeting of the Synod, which request, however, the Presbytery, owing to the urgent demand upon them
for supplies, found themselves unable to grant. At the meeting of this Presbytery, April 17th, 1805, four calls were
presented to him, or rather three, and notice given of a fourth;
one from  the united congregations of Mount Pleasant and
Burgettstown, one from Beaver and Brush Run, one from
Cambridge, New York, and one from Chartiers.  The last of
these was accepted, although the worldly advantages connected
with some of the other calls were much greater. HIe was
ordained and settled as pastor of the Associate congregation
of Chartiers on the fourth of the following September. The
Rev. Thomas Allison preached on the occasion from  2 Cor.
viii: 23,-"- Our brethren-the messengers of the churches,
and the glory of Christ." He also, as was the custom of the
times, gave the charge to the pastor, elders, and members of
the congregation.  Dr. Anderson preached in the evening
*from Ps. cii: 16,-" When the Lord shall build up Zion he
will appear in his glory."
When Dr. Ramsey commenced his pastoral labors in this
congregation, not only the people but the Presbytery were in
a very distracted state in consequence of dissensions which
had arisen in Clhartiers between the people and their former
pastor, the Rev. John Smith, and also between the people of
Buffalo and their pastor, the Rev. Robert Laing.  These
troubles had occasioned frequent and protracted meetings of
the Presbytery, and some stormy debates.  At the very time
that Dr. Ramsey was licensed, the Presbytery continued four
days in session, and such protracted meetings were not uncommon. These contentions had divided the people into parties,
and the issue was the separation of some valuable members
from both congregations.  These and other things had also con



2G0        HIISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
tributed to weaken, in those who remained, their attachment
to their profession; so that the commencement of the Doctor's
labors was in the midst of difficulties. But his prudence and
faithfulness soon surmounted them, and in a little time he
was established in the affections and confidence of the people,
to an extent altogether uncommon. The hearts of the minister and people were so knit together that it seemed a thing
impossible that they could ever be sundered.  Soon after his
settlement he was married to Miss Margaret Paxton, a lady
in the neighborhood of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.  They
became the parents of two children, the Rev. James P. Ramsey, pastor of the Associate congregation of Deer Creel;,
Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, and Maria, wife of the Rev.
William M. M'Elwee, D. D., pastor of the Associate congregation of Frankfort, Beaver county, Pennsylvania.  These,
together with Mrs. Ramsey, still survive.
After Dr. Ramsey's settlement he applied himself diligently
to the duties of his pastoral office, not only preaching regularly upon the Sabbath, and occasionally on other days of the
week, but catechizing and visiting from house to house, which
latter duties he attended to in the winter, in order to interfere
as little as possible with the worldly business of his people.
This, considering the size of the congregation, the inclemency
of the season, and the almost impassable condition of the
roads during much of the winter, rendered these duties exceedingly laborious.  But he was not one of those who much
regarded exposures of this kind.  If it ever occurred at all, it
must have been very rarely, that he was seen with an umbrella
over his head to protect him either from heat or rain.  Even
when quite aged, he would rise long before day, and set out
upon a journey, in the coldest weather, and very often without even taking the precaution to button his overcoat.  He
was particularly faithful in visiting the sick, and had many
calls of this kind to attend to among his own people and
others. Until quite disqualified by age, he was very punctual




BIOGRAPHICOAL SKETCH OF DR. RAMSEY.         261
in his attendance upon the meetings of his Presbytery, and
of the Synod; anl in these courts his zeal in the cause of
truth, tempered as it was by kindness, his readiness in forming a correct opinion upon the merits of questions, the clearness with which he was able to express himself, and his
peculiar talent for exposing wrong doings, rendered him a
most useful member.  For more than forty years after his
ordination, he never failed attending the meetings of Synod,
whether near or remote, except once or at most twice, when
providentially hindered. The last meeting he attended was
at Allegheny, in 1852, and his infirmities at that time obliged
him  to return home before the close of the session.  His
salary was small, the journeys frequently tedious and expensive, but such was his interest in the cause of Christ, that he
could not feel satisfied to neglect the meetings of the courts
of his house, when it was at all practicable to attend.
In the sixteenth year of his ministry he was called to a
post of increased responsibility.  In 1819, Dr. Anderson,
owing to the infirmities of age, felt the necessity of resigning
the professorship of theology, which he had held for about
twenty-five years.  His resignation being accepted, the Synod
at their next meeting, at Huntingdon, 1820, agreed to establish two seminaries, to be called the Eastern and Western.
The Rev. John Banks, D. D., was unanimously elected professor of the Eastern Seminary, and the election of a professor
of the Western was postponed till the next meeting at Pittsburgh, when the western members would be more generally
present.  At this meeting, 1821, though another candidate
was named beside him, Dr. Ramsey was elected by a large
majority; and in the ensuing winter entered upon the duties
of his new office, being at this time fifty years of age.  This
post, in connection with his pastoral duties in a large congregation, no part of which he remitted, rendered his subsequent
life very laborious. To his other offices was added the professorship of Hebrew in Jefferson College, which however did




262         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
not occupy much of his time and attention. The Doctor at
this time resided on a farm about a mile from Canonsburg,
and read lectures to his students at his own house, and in
consequence of his situation he was obliged to receive all or
most of the students into his house as boarders. They had
thus not only the advantage of his public instructions, but of
his excellent example and instructive conversation in private,
which was by no means inconsiderable.  It is well known
that his remarks in private, made in his own peculiar way,
were highly entertaining and useful. In some instances they
have been known to produce on the minds of young men
impressions causing a happy change in their whole course of
life. It was by one of these remarks, serious in import, but
made in something of a jesting manner, that the late Rev.
D. C. was cured of a tendency to excessive liberalism in his
religious views; and the cure proved to be thorough and permanent. The conversation at the table among the young
men, chiefly college students, had turned upon a late revival
which had taken place at Baltimore.  The Doctor, who had
for some time been silent, att last inquired about the people
who were the subjects of it. One of the young men, a Presbyterian by profession, replied that he believed they were
chiefly Methodists.  " Oh!" said the Doctor, "I am glad to
hear of a revival, and especially among the Methodists; we
know that some of their doctrines are erroneous, and no doubt,
when a revival takes place among them, they will renounce
their errors.  I hope," added he, "' they have all joined the
Presbyterian Church." The young man, considerably confused, was obliged to admit that they had not. The Doctor
pursued the conversation no further, but it at least led Mr.
C. into a train of reflections which had an important influence
upon his future course of life. The late Rev. Professor K.
also attributed to Dr. Ramsey his first serious impressions.
He had lived in the neglect of religion, and perhaps was somewhat more than commonly careless about spiritual things, till,




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. RAMSEY.        263
while a student in the co!iege, he became a boarder in the
Doctor's family.  Here the example, prayers, and conversation of the Doctocr convinced him that there were a truth,
power, and xcx ellence in religion which he had not before
perceiveol
Asf the number of the students increased, the boarding of
so many became oppressive to Mrs. Ramsey, and the Doctor
removed from his farm into Canonsburg. He also added to
the house which he had purchased an apartment built at his
own expense for the use of the students. Still a number of
them continued to board with him, but his situation now freed
him from the necessity of taking more than suited the convenience of his family. After the death of Dr. Banks, in
1826, the Synod agreed, in 1828, to unite the two theological
seminaries; in 18'30 they fixed upon Canonsburg as the place,
and the next year elected Dr. Ramsey professor in the united
institution. At this time the Synod engaged in the erection
of a suitable building for the seminary, which was completed
about the year 1834. The site selected was a beautiful one,
on a level tract of ground half a mile west of the village.
The building was sufficiently large and substantial, but not
well arranged, nor constructed with good taste. Soon after
this the congregation found it necessary to erect a new church,
instead of the old and delapidated stone building which had
been occupied for about fifty years by the Doctor and his predecessors. This new church the Doctor and his congregation
entered in the beginning of the year 1836. Some years before
this the Synod agreed to establish a second professorship,
which however was not actually filled till the winter of this
year. As this professorship embraced branches of study not
taught by the Doctor, it did not materially lessen his labors.
he continued to attend to the duties of his professorship till
the meeting of the Synod at Washington, 1841, when he
gave notice of his intention to resign. This was in conformity with a resolution adopted by him long before. Having




264           IISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE
noticed that public men, when far advanced in years, and
failed both in body and mind, would often cling with childish
fondness to an office for which they had become totally unfit,
he had formed and often expressed his resolution, that' if he
were spared in life, and retained in office till the age of seventy, he would then resign.  He had made a kind of covenant with himself to pay no regard to his opinion on this
subject at seventy, but to act according to his previous, judgment and resolution.  There was indeed no perceptible failure
of his mind at this time, and but little for years afterwards.
To the very close of his life, with occasional exceptions, caused
by.bodily debility, he retained in an uncommon degree his
judgment, his memory, and the life and energy of his earlier
years.  Yet he considered it best to adhere to his resolution,
and agreeably to the notice given at Washington, he presented
the resignation of his office to the Synod at Xenia, 1842.
His resignation was accepted, and the Synod testified by a
resolution their "sense of the high obligations they were
under to him for his long and faithful services as professor."
He still continued in his pastoral relation, and was able for
several years more to attend to all his ministerial duties.
Instead of any failure, it seemed as if his zeal and power in
preaching the gospel increased with his years. Some of the
sermons preached towards the last of his days were of uncommon excellence, and were delivered with great fervor of spirit.
He felt himself, and made his hearers feel, that he was speaking as one upon the brink of the eternal world. In June,
1849, owing to his increasing infirmities, he felt it necessary
to urge the acceptance of the resignation of his pastoral charge,
which had been previously offered, but the consideration of
which had been delayed by the Presbytery in compliance with
a petition from  the congregation.  They had requested the
continuance of the pastoral relation, and that arrangements
might be made for the supply of his pulpit, so far as his
declining health might render-necessary.  At the time referred




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. RAMSEY.            265
to, he howevcr urged the acceptance of his resignation, and
was accordingly released from his charge.  The congregation,
in signifying their acquiescence, testified their high appreciation of his long and faithful services among them.  lHe had
been their pastor for something more than forty-four years.
He had never spared himself in his labors among them.  He
had been with them. as a sympathizing friend, a wise counselor,
and an able comforter in all their troubles. The reputation of many of his people for intelligence and piety had long
borne honorable testimony to the faithfulness of his instructions. The larger portion of them had been brought up under
his ministry from their youth.  He had buried their fathers.
He had in many cases baptized and married parents and their
children after them. He had been as a father among them,
feeling any injurious reflections cast upon them, or any evil
befalling them, as a parent would feel in like cases for a child.
Andl, notwithstanding the occurrence of some things trying
to his affections, he cherished to the last the liveliest interest
in their welfare. It would be strange, and far from a favorable indication of the religious character of a people, if such
t man should not be long held in the most honorable and
grateful remelmbrance.
Some time after resigning his professorship the Doctor
returned to the farm which he had left for the sake of the
students, and continued to reside on it till about eighteen
months before his death, when he and Mrs. Ramsey, becoming
too frail to attend to their domestic affairs, removed to Frankfort, and resided with their son-in-law, Dr. M'Elwee, near the
scenes of the Doctor's youth, the abodes of many of his relatives, and the grave of his father, beside whom,,during the
last years of his life, he had repeatedly expressed his desire
to be interred, He still continued, though in his eighty*fourth year, to exercise his ministry occasionally in the pulpit
of his son-in-law; and though feeble in body, was still cheerful and even lively in conversation. Three weeks before his
23




266    ~     ISTORY 0G   EJRESOUN COLLEGE.
death, he was taken with cholera morbus when about to lJie
down for the night. Hle was able to be up in the morning7
but complained of headaches and appeared very dull and
feeble.  After a few days he recovered front this attack, but
wasted away under an infirmity from which he had suffered
for many years, On the last Sabbath of February, which
proved to be a very severe day, he attended! church, and in
common with many others took a cold, which rendered him
exceedingly hoarse.  On Thursday morning he arose somewhat
betterr and Mr. Duncan, a gen tleman from Pittsburgh,, being
a visitor in the family, he joined in conversation, and was
quite lively and cheerful. But between nine and ten o'clock
of that forenoony he was seized with a chill followed by fevers
which soon prostrated him both in body and mind, and occa
sioned some apprehensions of immediate death.  On Saturday
morning about the same time of day, he had another attack
of the same kind, and became unable to speak intelligibly,
He continued to sink rapidly till five o'clock Sabbath morning, when the family were called together to witness his death.
It was thought he would not live till the hour of public worship, but about nine o'clock he revived, and appeared pretty
clear in his mind, and more vigorous in body throughout the
remainder of that day and the following night.  On Monday
morning he appeared more dull, and without any known cause,
at nine or ten o'clock he became visibly worse, and, in despite
of stimulants, continued to sink, till at five o'clock, Tuesday
morning, March 6th, when he breathed his last.'He lacked
but a few days of having completed his eighty-fourth year.
On the Sabbath morning immediately preceding his departure,
he called for the reading of Isa. xlvi., in which that precious
promise occurs, " And even to your old age I am He, and
even to hoar hairs will I carry you," &c. The friend who
has communicated these particulars of his last illness, has
not related any thing of the exercise of Dr. Ramsey's mind
in the immediate view of death; and it is very probable that




BI0IGRAPHICAL SKETCTI O0  DR. RAMSEY.        267
owing to the feeble and wandering state of his mind, he was
unfitted for much conversation.  Besides, had it been otherwise, it would not be inconsistent with the Doctor's general
character to suppose that he said but little on this subject.
His modesty appeared in his religion as well as in every thing
else.  For several years he had been calmly awaiting his discharge, and spoke of it frequently and freely, and with the
utmost quietude and contentment of mind, even as he would
have spoken of a journey homewards; but he was so far from
a spirit of boasting, that he even seemed to be altogether
reserved in respect to his own religious experience.  He had
evidently made himself familiar with death, and was prepared
to meet him, not as an enemy, but as a welcome messenger
of Christ. His holy life was better evidence of preparation
than any death-bed professions.
On the Thursday after his decease, his mortal part was laidin
the grave-yard of the Associate congregation of Frankfort.
Notice of the time of his funeral had not reached his late
congregation in season; otherwise, no doubt, a large number
of them, notwithstanding the distance, bad weather, and bad
roads, would have attended.
The reader may easily infer from the preceding sketch of
Dr. Ramsey's life, that he was a man of more than common
excellence, and may also perceive what many of his particuiar excellencies were. Yet it is hoped that it will neither be
without interest or profit, to exhibit some of the traits of his
character more fully than. could well be done in the mere
detail of the events of his life.
Somne of these traits of character were strikingly exhibited
in his countenance and general appearance.  He was quite
tall and slender, and not altogether graceful in his movements,
but it is rarely that a countenance meets our view in which
are indicated, with such distinctness, and in such agreeable
harmony, quickness of discernment, mildness of temper,
affectionateness of disposition, and contentment of mind.




268         HISTORY OF-JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
Few persons, even in their youth, have countenances so little
marked with the lines of care, anxiety, and passion, as he
had, even in extreme old age. Little children, of whom he
was very fond, were attracted to him at once by the kindness
and cheerfulness so apparent in the expression of his countenance, in his conversation and whole deportment. There
were also blended with these indications, such seriousness and
gravity, as ensured respect and gave force to his ministry.
The Doctor had a natural amiableness of disposition which
had been much improved by grace.  In some the chief
work of grace appears to be to contend with corruptions, and
its power and excellence appear in the victory gained over
them. In him there seemed less for grace to effect in this
way than in ordinary cases. His mind did not appear so
much like a field grown over with thorns and briars, to be
rooted out before the good seed could be sown, as like a field
ready to receive at once the good seed and bring forth fruit.
A singular remark once made by an acquaintance may be quoted here, as indicating the opinion entertained of the Doctor's
natural disposition.  In a company where his character had
become the subject of conversation, and much was said in
praise of his many excellencies, to the surprise of every one,
a young man remarked that he did not think the Doctor had
any virtue at all.  When asked to explain himself, he observed
that virtue was generally considered as consisting in the struggles of a man's better part against his corruptions.  " Now,"
said he,;" I don't believe that Dr. Ramsey has any corruptions
to contend  with."  No doubt the Doctor had different
thoughts of himself, and had grounds for them.  But though
depravity be inherent in all, it has different degrees of power,
and in few did its natural power appear to be weaker than in
him.
In his intercourse with society he always showed himself, as
to all the substantial qualities of that character, to be a true
gentleman. He was not, as has been admitted, distinguished




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH O' DR. RAMSEY.          269
for gracefulness in his movements.  In this respect he
appeared, both in the pulpit and in the parlor, to have no
thought of his personal appearance.  His mind was too much
engaged about other things.  Yet few could be compared to
him in their talents for entertaining and instructive conversation.  His mind was not only well stored with religious truth,
but well informed on almost every subject of importance.
He was not disposed to engross the conversation, or direct
attention to himself, but in his own modest way, could express
his mind freely and appropriately on all common topics.  He
was not rude, dogmatical, or overbearing, but remarkably
affectionate, and ever ready to yield all due deference to
others. While he abhorred duplicity and flattery, he was yet
careful not causelessly to wound the feelings of any; but
rather to say things which would be agreeable and useful.
His friendships wtere warm, almost unbounded: and though
he was capable of dislike, he knew how to treat even an
enemy with decent courtesy.  In a word, if the reader will
turn to Rom. xii: 9-21, he will there find the truest and best
rules of politeness ever penned; and few individuals ever
lived up to these rules more faithfully than Dr. Ramsey.
The consequence of this was, that he was always a most
welcome guest in the houses of his acquaintances; he was
usually the centre of attraction in the social circles with
which he mingled, and his society was courted equally by
young and old, rich and poor.
Perhaps no trait in his character was more prominent, more
aniversally admitted and admired, than his strict unbending
integrity. In this respect it would be hard to find his equal,
and it is believed it would be impossible to find his superior.
Such was his reputation for honesty and integrity, that not
long before his death a gentleman of the highest standing in
the county remarked, in reference to a question affecting his
character for veracity, that if Dr. Ramsey were convicted of
falsehood, he could never again believe himself.  His honesty
23*




270        IHISTORY OF JEPPERSGN COLLEGE.
in his dealings was such that persons who could not comprehend his conscientiousness were ready to accuse him of simplicity. Few could be as watchful to take the advantage of
others in a bargain as he was to avoid it. He has been often
known at auctions to bid up articles where there was no competition, through an unwillingness to obtain them dunder their
true value.  A gentleman who had sold or traded away a
horse for the Doctor, came to him- and boasted that he had
gained for him an advantage of ten dollars, supposing that
this would be highly gratifying.  The Doctor never signified
whether he was pleased or not, but upon the first opportunity
quietly handed over ten dollars to the person supposed to be
the loser in the bargain.  Not long before his death, finding
himself unable to ride on horseback, an exercise of which he
had always been particularly fond, he proposed his horse for
sale. The animal was somewhat aged, but still sound, vigorous, and in good condition-(the Doctor's horses were always
well kept.)  A friend to whom he had intrusted this business
being asked by a gentleman the price of the horse, replied,
forty dollars. The horse was without any hesitation purchased
for this sum. Soon afterwards the gentleman met the Doctor
in the street and mentioned the purchase he had made.
" Ah," says the Doctor, 1"you can't have the horse at that
price." The purchaser, not a little surprised at the refusal,
reminded the Doctor that this was all that had been demanded.
"' True," said the Doctor, "but I can't sell him for forty dollars; you may, however, have him, if you choose, for twentyfive." It is hoped the reader will excuse these anecdotes, as
they serve better to illustrate the Doctor's character than
whole pages of abstract description.  MIany others of the
same kind might be repeated, exhibiting the G.ame stealing
honesty for which he was, throughout all his tile Land in ali
his transactions, so eminently distinguished.
In connection with this may be noticed his disregard of
wealth; his indifference in this respect, if not indulged even




BIOGRAPHICAT SKETOE  OP DR. RAMSEY.       271.
to a fault in himself, was certainly in some cases the occasion
of faults in others.  It encouraged imposition.  He was far
from being ignorant of worldly things. Hie knew even better
than the most of men what was just and proper in worldly
transactions; he knew as well as others when he was defrauded,
but would rather submit to injustice than contend; hence,
unprincipled persons often took advantage of him  in their
dealings, presuming that it might be done with impunity.
In a few, and but very few instances, his indignation against
the meanness of individuals in their extortions, prompted a
resistance to which the love of money could never have moved
him. In the early part of his ministry, he had some difficulties to contend with in providing for his family, but the blessing annexed to liberality attended him, and for the remainder
of his life, though not what would generally be regarded as
a rich man, he had not only a competence, but an abundance.
His salary was small, only a trifle over $300 per annum, a
sum far from sufficient to support his family, but by the prudent management of Mrs. Ramsey, who proved in this as well
as in other respects a help peculiarly meet for him; by means
of what he inherited through her, by the increase in the
value of the property which he had acquired, and by other
means, Providence so favored him, that he had enough, and
to spare; and he was ever ready to spare liberally of what
the Lord had given him.  When elected professor, he received
an addition to his salary of $300 per annum from the Synod:
a large portion of this, however, was expended in contributions to aid the Synod in the erection of a suitable building
for the seminary, and in other public benefactions.  He
always, through an excess of modesty, opposed any movement
of his congregation to increase his salary, although their
ability so far exceeded what they paid, that some of them
frankly acknowledged that they had felt for years as if guilty
of stealing preaching, what they gave being so nearly nothing
at all.  At the time of his resigning his professorship in the




272         HISTORYt OF JE PFE'SON COOLLEGtE
seminary and the salary connected with it, he even opposed a
small increase of his salary from the congregation, though in
this instance his opposition was not successful.  We may add
the following illustration of the Doctor's indifference about
the world, and of his generosity of disposition.  About the
year 1821, articles of produce were reduced to an exceedingly
low value; wheat was only twenty-five cents a bushel, flour
one dollar per barrel in Pittsburgh.  To relieve the poor of
his congregation, the Doctor announced, and to save the feelings of the poor announced without making any discrimination, that he would receive, at the mill in Canonsburg, wheat
at fifty cents per bushel, in payment of salary. The consequence was that his granary was soon filled and overflowing.
Several times when the congregation had fallen behind in
their payments, he forgave their arrearages.  These, however,
they in a very honorable spirit, liquidated by a donation of
equal value a few years before the resignation of his charge.
Dr. Ramsey was very celebrated for a peculiar kind of wit,
which derived much of its power from  his gravity, and was
so far from detracting from his ministerial character and usefulness, that it rather added to both.  His wit was altogether
remote from levity; neither was he addicted to malicious and
biting sarcasm; but he abounded in a species of wit of the
most innocent and inoffensive character.  His remarks were
often so unexpected, uttered with so much apparent seriousmess, and exhibited things in such a ridiculous light, that
their power in provoking laughter was altogether irresistible.
Something of his wit often appeared in the pulpit, but so
restrained and connected with his seriousness, that it seldom
if ever had any tendency to produce a smile, but often smote
upon the conscience with great power.  As an example of
this may be mentioned a remark made in a sermon preached
not many years before his decease.  IHe had heard, as was
~thought, an unfavorable report respecting some young people
whose parents were members of the church, and took occasion,




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCIH OF DR. RAMSEY.        273
without any allusion to individuals, to describe in a very
striking manner their course of conduct, and its consequences.
He closed by observing that such young persons were in the
broad way that leadeth to destruction; "Yes," said he,
" going to the pit as fast as their feet can carry them;'unless,"
he added, as if correcting himself, " they take Judas's road."
He often introduced observations of this kind in a manner so
unexpected and yet so appropriate, that the hearers were at
the same time agreeably surprised and powerfully impressed.
He seldom preached without saying something which either
in itself, or in the peculiar and pointed way in which he
uttered it, was calculated to take a firm hold of the conscience,
and excite serious reflections. To borrow one of his own
expressions, sometimes used respecting the performances of
others, " His sermons had teeth."
Something has been said already of the Doctor's conversational powers, which were much beyond the common standard.
His power of discrimination and independence of mind, rendered his views of many things singularly just and original;
and these he was accustomed to express in a brief and pointed
way, often including in a single remark the substance of what
others would have expanded into a long dissertation.  For
instance, the subject of conversation being ecclesiastical establishments, he observed, that though he had read many very
plausible arguments in their favor, one thing had always
appeared to him against theme —they had never worked well.
In remarking upon a book relating to the proprieties of clerical manners, he observed that it was an excellent work, and
calculated to be useful; "but," added he, "Thomas Boston
would never have written it."  He was of late years apprehensive that judgments were impending over our country, and
having heard that one of the most pious members of his congregation was at the point of death, he inquired respecting
him, and being told that he was recovering, " I am glad of
it," said he, " I hope Methusalah will not be taken away yet,"




274         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
referring to the opinion that the flood was not to come tili
3Methusalah's death.  A student proposing himself for the
study of theology, whose mind was too much occupied about
matters of dress, having inquired of him what dress he thought.most suitable for a student, he very gravely recommended to
him the long jacket of humility.  Another youth of a very
different spirit,'having asked him whether he thought it consistent in Christians to indulge in laughter, he replied, that
he thought it about equally criminal with sneezing.  This
was said in a way so droll, that if laughter were sinful, the
remark proved a sad stumbling block to the company.  A lady
in one of our eastern cities having observed to the Doctor
that she had understood that our ministers in the West were
not favorable to Sabbath Schools, he assured her that this was
a great mistake. l" We," said he, " endeavor to have a Sabbath School in every family of the congregation."  Many
remarks of this kind are still recollected by the Doctor's
acquaintances, which, if they could be collected into a volume,
would not compare unfavorably with other books of table talk
which have found their way to the public.
As a preacher the Doctor would not be ranked among the
most popular by a certain class, though by some of the best
judges he was considered as one of the greatest orators.  He
undoubtedly possessed many and great excellencies.  His general acceptability when commencing his ministry is evident
not only from the number of the calls which he received, but
from the respectable character of the congregations giving
them. Three of these at least were at this time among the
most numerous, intelligent, and pious congregations of the
Associate Church. As he advanced in years, his application
to study, and the increase of his religious experience rendered
his ministerial labors still more valuable.  The first impression with strangers was seldom favorable.  He spoke slowly,
though without any painful embarrassment.  His style was
plain, and his manner not altogether graceful. But after a




BIOGRAPHICALT SKETCH OF DR. RAMSEY.          275
little familiarity with his manner, the hearer not only became
reconciled to it, but it seemed even to add to the effect of his
preaching. It was obvious to every one that he had no
thought of what he was doing with his hands or feet, or how
he appeared in the eyes of the people-that his whole soul
was engaged in his Master's work.  Though slow, and not at
all boisterous in speaking, he was always earnest, sometimes
burning with zeal. The method of his sermons was clear and
logical.  His subjects remarkably appropriate to the occasion.
His illustrations were scriptural, and often exceedingly pertinent and striking.  He generally comprehended much in a
few words, so that those who looked more to the thoughts
than the volubility of the speaker, had no cause for weariness.
He would weary intelligent people less by a sermon of an
hour and a half than many rapid speakers would in half an
hour.  Looking merely at the thoughts, he would say more
in a few minutes than many would say in a whole day,, or
perhaps in all their lifetime.
He had a just perception of things and a lively imagination, and hence excelled particularly in description.  He made
a frequent and unusually-happy use of the figure called Personification.  His example was once quoted by the Professor
of Rhetoric in Jefferson College to illustrate this figure; with
the observation that a distinguished member of Congress,
who happened to hear him in passing through the village,
had spoken of him as one of the few pulpit orators he had
ever heard. Some of his descriptions, though they could not
now be given in his own words or accompanied with his manner, will be long remembered by the hearers.  Such, for
instance, is his account of the descent of Moses from the
mount, to which he on one occasion referred at the close of
the dispensation of the Supper, expressing to the people his
fear that, like Israel at that time, some of them would soon
be found singing and dancing about the golden calf, applying
his remarks to the sin of inordinately seeking after wealth.




276         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
lHe has been known to give a most life-like picture of worship
as observed in some families at a late hour in the evening,
making the hearers to imagine that they could almost see
some of the children in bed, and the rest of the family ready
to drop asleep, the father taking his seat by the Bible, and
after yawning over it, looks out a psalm, singing a few verses,
then hurrying through a chapter, and going to his knees to
repeat over the same old prayer-the wife snoring in one corner and the children in another, and then as soon as the service was over all tumbling into bed without so much as a
thought about what had been sung or read or prayed.  On
one occasion, when speaking of the approach of death, and
warning people that it might be sudden, he observed that
many lived in the confident anticipation that this approach
would be gradual, so that there would be abundance of time
to prepare; that death would come to them like a traveler
who would just make his appearance at the end of the lane,
and whom they would see riding up at a slow pace towards
the house. After awhile they would see him alighting and
fastening his horse; then making his way to the house,
opening the gate, and coming through the yard; then again
they would hear him knocking at the door, and knocking
again and again before he would enter. In this way they
thought he would come rather than as a thief in the night.
Among the last times that he preached at Chartiers, he
introduced the services of the day with a few remarks on
Ps. xviii; the hint leading to which he mentioned as borrowed from Rutherford, but the manner of exhibiting the
truth was evidently his own. He observed, in substance,
that it was with the children of God, as it was in our families
when a child was sick.  Everything in our houses must be
regulated with a reference to the sick child till it is recovered.
Business must be suspended, quiet must be observed, servants
sent here and there, physicians must be called, nurses employed,
some must be running up stairs, some down. Nothing else




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. RAMSEY.         277
is regarded compared with the safety and comfort of that
child. Just so, said he, it is in the case of God's children
when any of them is in trouble. The earth is made to tremble, the foundations of the hills are moved, the heavens are
bowed, the Lord himself comes down, the clouds are gathered
and again dispersed, the thunders roar, the channels of the
waters are seen, the foundations of the world discovered-all
the elements are put in commotion, and all the proceedings of
God in his kingdom are managed with a reference to the case
of that child, till he is delivered.  When he described the
management of the house where there was a sick child, one
could hardly avoid imagining himself in the midst of the
scene, so strongly did it appear impressed on the mind of the
speaker, and so vividly was it portrayed.
Another peculiarity in his preaching was the method which
he often employed to gain and fix the attention of his hearers.  He would, without any appearance of having studied
this as an art, begin with some remarks, the particular object
of which the hearers would not readily perceive. After he
had excited their curiosity as to his design, fixed their attention, and prepared the way, he would make the application to
the purpose intended so unexpectedly and so appropriately,
that they were taken by surprise, and convinced almost before
they were aware of it. He seemed in this to have copied the
spirit without following the form of some of our Saviour's
parables.
Upon a Sabbath which happened to be the first day of the
year, the Doctor read for his text, John iii: 16,'"For God so
loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son," &c.;
and after looking around for awhile upon the congregation,
as his habit was, he commenced by observing that this was
New Year's day, and then enlarged upon the practice of making it a time for giving gifts.  After keeping the minds of
the people for some time in suspense, as to the connexion of
such remarks with the solemn work of the ministry, he added,
24




278         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
that the text revealed to us the greatest and best of all giftsGod's gift of his only-begotten Son.
The subjects on which he delighted to dwell were those
which constitute the substance and life of the gospel: the love
of God in giving his Son, the all-sufficiency of Christ in his
righteousness and grace, the gift of him to sinners as such in
the gospel, the duty of appropriating faith, and the believer's
deliverance from the law as a covenant. IHe seldom preached
without introducing some of these topics; very often they were
the main points discussed. The doctrine and duty of covenanting, both public and private, were also frequently brought
into view. There was, however, nothing like a wearisome
sameness in his sermons; even when he repeated themn, as
towards the close of his life he sometimes did, it was with
many variations. The books which he delighted to read, and
which gave character to his discourses, were those written by
the Puritans of England, the Marrow men of Scotland, and
others of a kindred spirit. Marshall on Sanctification was a
particular favorite, and it was his regular custom to read this
work once every year. Not that he confined himself to these
writers and despised others of the present time.  He often
purchased and read with avidity modern productions, but generally came to the conclusion that the old wine was better.
Some of his people imbibed so much of his love of books, and
books of a like character, that not many ministers are furnished with libraries of equal value with those which they
have collected.
All the Doctor's acquaintances agree in opinion that in no
part of his ministerial duty did he excel more than in prayer.
His manner in this duty, like that of his preaching, was slow
and deliberate, almost hesitating; yet few could be compared
to him for appropriateness, propriety and fervency. His theological students often remarked how apposite his prayers
were to the subjects under discussion. The afflicted and dying
appeared generally to regard one of Dr. Ramsey's prayers as




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. RAMSEY.         279
the greatest of all services which could be rendered to them
in this world. Hie seemed not only to have a peculiar power
to carry his fellow worshipers with him to a throne of grace,
but to bring away something for their profit and consolation.
He was often sent for in cases of sickness, not only by the
members of his congregation, but by strangers, and even by
such as had previously professed but little regard for his
ministry. There was no one whose conversation and prayol r
were more valued than his in cases of this kind.
Though noted for his strict adherence to his religious p': —
fession, he was far from  being uncharitable towards those
whose creeds differed from his.  He loved the image of Christ
wherever he could find any traces of it; he rejoiced in the
prosperity of all parts of his kingdom, and spoke of the satisfaction which was sometimes manifested by the members of
one denomination in hearing of some evil befalling another,
as one of the surest indications of the want, or at least the
weakness, of grace.  In his private intercourse with his brethren of other churches, while faithful to his own profession,
he was not forward to enter into controversy, or say offensive
things; and in his public ministrations, when his subjects
led him to speak of opinions and usages which he condemned,
he did so in such a spirit that no reasonable personi could be
displeased.  He was accustomed to inculcate upon students
and young preachers a respectful treatment of such as differed
from them, observing that there was little prospect of convincing men by causelessly wounding their feelings and insulting their judgments.  As the consequence of this course of
conduct, he secured the esteem and good will of all good men,
and even the respect of bad men. No minister of the Associate Church had a better reputation either in it or out of it.
Every one was ready to rise up in his defence, and to repel
indignantly any attack made upon his character.
As a professor of theology his department was didactic
theology and Hebrew.  In teaching theology his custom was




280         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
on alternate days to read a' short lecture, and catechize the
students on the subject of it.  The latter of these exercises
was what he chiefly depended on for informing their minds.
He had no ambition to make to himself a name by an affectation of originality, or the introduction of novelties. With
powers of judgment and discrimination, with an imagination
and ingenuity sufficient to have raised him to a high rank
among those having the reputation of original thinkers, he
was content to travel in the old and safe way in which others
had gone before him.  He was firmly attached to the system
of truth derived from the Bible by the first Reformers and
their immediate successors.  He was thoroughly familiar with
it, and very capable of teaching it in a clear and comprehensive manner. In the Hebrew he was in a great measure selftaught, never having proceeded much if anything beyond the
first principles of the language till his election as professor.
But considering his age at this time, and the multiplicity of
his labors, it was rather remarkable that he made such progress in this branch of business as he did. So far as known
there were no complaints of his incompetency in teaching it.
He excelled as a critic upon the performances of the students,
having a quick discernment of any thing amiss in the doctrines advanced, the plans of their sermons, their style, and
general character as speakers. Still he had not an eye merely
for their faults, but could see and commend what was worthy
of praise. In pointing out faults he was not usually severe,
but sometimes could not refrain from the indulgence of his
wit, and raising a laugh at the expense of the young men.
Yet in doing this there was evidently no intention to give
offence, and generally none was taken. The standing of those
ministers who prosecuted their studies under him is generally
such as to reflect no discredit upon their teacher.
There were many traits in the character of Dr. Ramsey
which may easily be inferred from those mentioned; such as
his affectionateness in his family and towards his friends, his




BIOGiRAPI-ICAL SKETCH OF DR. RAMSEY.          28i
hospitality to friends and strangers, his prudence and his
uncomplaining spirit.  Although he felt keenly, he had a
wonderful control over himself, and would seem almost indif,
ferent to troubles, by which his spirit was overwhelmed, and
his eyes held waking in the night season.  If some affairs
brought before the Presbytery of Chartiers, a few weeks before
his death, in which he and his family were deeply interested,
did not hasten his end, they at least caused that his gray hairs
were brought down with sorrow to the grave.
That which constituted his greatest excellence, and which
is to him now, and will soon be found by us all in our own
cases, to be the most important of attainments, was his sincere
and ardent piety.  No man was less disposed to make a parade
of his religion; no man less needed to do it.  His piety
shone forth so clearly in his whole life, that it could not be
hid; it was a piety not in word, but in deed and in truth.
Like all members of the human family he had his.infirmities,
but they were neither numerous nor glaring.  It has been
said of some that even their faults lean to virtue's side.  It
might be said of Dr. Ramsey, that his chief faults consisted
in the excess of his virtues.  His modesty, his indifference
to the world, his forbearantco and his friendships were somch
times carried to an extreme.
Such was his humble estimate of himself, that he never
could be prevailed upon to become an author.  It is not
known that he ever penned any thing for publication beyond
a short presbyterial report, or something of this kind; and
even in these cases, he was only driven to it by necessity
His method of preparing sermons was to write an outline,
pretty full -so far as related to the ideas to be advancedl, but
as to the language, containing only hints, intelligible to him.
self, but not generally to others. It is not probable that he
has left any thing in a state suitable for publication. But as
his manner of speaking was very distinct and deliberate, some
of his students and otber, of his friends occasionally took
24*




282         HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
notes of his sermons; and it is possible that a volume, or at
least some specimens of themn, may yet be prepared for the
press.
Although Dr. Ramsey was spared to a great age, gave very
clear evidence of his preparation to leave the world, and was
not called away till the days of his active usefulness were
ended, the church in which he ministered, and the church at
large, have reason to lament the loss of his example and his
prayers. Such men still fill the office of Moses, who stood
in the breach and turned away the anger of the Lord; and
we may well mourn over their removal, and say,' " Help, Lord,
for the godly man ceaseth, and the faithful fail fron among
the children of men."




IBIOG RAPHICAL SKETCH
OF THE
REV. ABRAHAM ANDERSON, D. Do
Professor of Didactic Theology in the Associate Seminary, at Canonsburg,
Washington county, Pa.; also Professor of Langlages in Jefferson College, from September, 1818, to September, 1821
and Professor Extra. of Hebrew in Jefferson
College, from December) 1852, till
his death, May, 1855.
1BY REV  W. M. M'E L  EE;
[.Abridged fomn the "Evangetical Re pository."]
The parents of Dr. Anderson, (Abraham  Anderson and
-lizabeth Chesnutt,) were born in Ireland, but in what county
is not known.  They were united in marriage during the
period of our Revolutionary struggle, and emigrated to America shortly after the renewal of amicable relations between
the United States and the mother country. Having arrived
in the United States about 1784, they took up their abode in
Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, and there they continued
to reside till 1805 or 1806. A11, or nearly all, of their children, (five sons and three daughters,) were born in that county:
Abraham, their second son and third child, was born in Newville, a small village of Cumberland county, on the 7th day
of December, 1789.
As is generally the case with emigrants from the old world,
Mr. Anderson, when he reached the United States, was in
very limited circumstances, but by the blessing of the Lord
(283)




284         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
upon his honest labors, his worldly condition improved from
year to year.  On removing from Cumberland county, in
1805 or 1806, to Washington county, in Western Pennsylvania, he was able to secure a small farm —that on which the
Rev. Matthew Henderson spent his last days,-and on this
tract, hallowed by the piety of his predecessor, he spent the
remainder of his years, not in splendid affluence, but in plenty
of all things.
To secure the stated dispensation of word and ordinances
in their purity, so that his own soul might be continually
edified and his family trained up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, was Mr. Anderson's great object in removing to the West.  The place to which he was directed in
Providence, and on which he settled, was very suitable to the
end he had in view, being but two and a half miles from the
church of the Associate congregation of Chartiers, of which
the late James Ramsey, D. D., was pastor at the time, and
continued to be the pastor for several years after the death of
Mr. Anderson.  His object, so highly laudable, was fully
gained.  He enjoyed the plain, earnest ministrations of Dr.
IRamsey during the residue of his days, and appeared to grow
in knowledge, faith, and heavenly-mindedness. After a few
years' connection with the congregation, he was advanced to
the eldership, and all his children, yielding to the instructions
of the word, written and preached, and to the force of their
father's example, lived in sobriety and godliness; and as they
reached maturity of life, professed the Christian faith, and
sought communion with Christ and his people.
It is the desire of many parents to accumulate wealth for
the benefit of their children. They persuade themselves that
if they had thousands at their command, they could and would
secure for their children the best teachers, have the brightest
examples set before them, and give them  all their time for
improving their minds and their manners.  But an humble
condition, with piety, has its advantages, and they are greater




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. ANDERSON.    285
than mere affluence can afford. These greater advantages
were the lot in Divine Providence of the children of Mir.
Anderson, and particularly of Abraham, the subject of the
present sketch.  He was taught from childhood to fear and
reverence the God of Israel, to esteem and relish his word, to
say, "Thou, God, seest me," and to make the will of God
the rule and reason of his conduct.  He was taught to pray,
and taught how to pray; for though the elder Anderson was
not one of the learned, yet he had a fine gift of prayer, and
prayed in his own house morning and evening with a fullness
and pathos not always attained, even by the public ministers
of the gospel. He was taught to think and reason, to contrive and plan, to fix on an end and to pursue it laboriously,
not regarding the clamors of the flesh for rest and ease.  A
good religious training is the best fortune which a young man
can inherit, and those young men are in the fairest way to
possess this inheritance whose parents are poor as to worldly
things, but rich in faith and in the knowledge of the divine
word.
It is no discredit to the son of Jesse, that he was taken from
the sheep-fold, " from following the ewes, great with young,
to feed his people Israel;" and it is no discredit to Dr. Anderson, if he was taken from the plough, to feed the people of
Christ with the bread of life.  The cares and toils of the farm
were in fact his occupation, from the time that he was capable
of helping in such affairs, till he was nearly twenty-three
years of age. To persons of an upright spirit and sober
mind, no business is more agreeable.  Some of the greatest
intellects have acknowledged and manifested a fondness for
agricultural pursuits.  Cincinnatus was taken from his plough
to command the armies of the Roman republic, and our own
Washington, as is well known, preferred the cares of his farm
to the anxieties of the camp and of the court.  No doubt Mr.
Anderson took pleasure in the labors of the field, and it may
be that he never would have been heard of as a teacher and




286          HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
leader in the Church of Christ, had he not been called from his
paternal home and rural labors to other scenes, and labors of
a more trying nature.
The second war with Great Britain, sometimes called
the war for establishing our national independence, was
declared by Congress on the 18th of June, 1812. Soldiers
were needed to defend the eastern and northern boundaries of
the Republic, and as a sufficient number could not be enlisted,
the citizens were drafted to perform the duties of soldiers.
Some were taken to the Atlantic coast to repel the enemy in
that quarter, and others to the North and North-west to resist
invasions from Canada, and to repress and chastise the atrocities of savage warfare, most of the Indian tribes having
enlisted on the side of Britain.  What portion of the yeomanry of the country was called to arms in the course of
the war, is unknown. But so many husbandmen and artizans became soldiers, that there was scarcely a family in any
part of our extended country, that was not made heavy in
spirit by the draft or enlistment of one or more of its
members.
In the autumn of 1812, a portion of the militia of Western
Pennsylvania was called out by the War department, to
defend the borders lying between Cleveland and Sandusky,
against the British from Canada, and to repress and chastise
the ferocity of the savage tribes in that region of Ohio. The
joyfulness of many families was exchanged for heaviness and
gloomy forebodings.  The family of old Mr. Anderson was
not exempted. Abraham, the beloved son and brother, was
one of the draft, being at the time not quite twenty-three
years of age. About the necessity and lawfulness of the
war, the people of the United States were divided into two
parties-equal to each other in numbers, or at least, very
nearly equal. What were the private thoughts of young Mr.
Anderson about these matters of public debate, the writer
cannot state with absolute certainty. But he appears to have




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH O' DR. ANDERSON.    287
been with the democratic or war party, in judgment and in
feeling. In compliance with the draft, he went out from
his beloved home, and as a private went through all the hardships of a winter campaign in the North-west of Ohio, which
it is presumed he would have found some means of avoiding,
had he doubted of the lawfulness of the war, or had he not
considered that the call of his country was also the call of
Providence.  Mr. Anderson, though at this time but a youth,
had in some way acquired the habit of industry and forecast;
the habit of turning every little portion of time to some good
account; and in the intervals of military duty, he wrote a
brief journal of the campaign in which he bore a part. The
journal is preserved entire, and though the writer of it had
to substitute his knee or a billet of wood for a table, the
writing is easily read, excepting a small portion of it written
with bad ink, and effaced, in a good measure, by the lapse of
so many years. It appears from the journal that the regiment
of which Mr. Anderson constituted a part, assembled in Pittsburgh, in the beginning of October, 1812, and from thence
marched on the 19th of the month under the command of
Major D. Nelson, to Beaver, Lisbon, Canton, Massillon,
Wooster and Mansfield. At the latter place the band lay in:amp from the 10th of November till the 12th of December,
and strange as it may seem to those now living in that peace-;ul village, there were rumors of persons tomahawked and
scalped in the neighborhood. Sentinels were placed with the
utmost care, and scouting parties were sent out to discover,
if possible, the lurking places of the foe. The rumors, however, were but rumors, and this being ascertained, the detachment marched to the plains of Sandusky, to Delawaretown,
to Norton, to Franklinton, and Upper Sandusky. The band
reached the latter place on the 31st of December, and lay
there in camp till the 24th of January, when, in compliance
with an express, they marched for Miami. Having to wade
through mud and water, in many places to the knees, they




288         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE~
made but eight miles in the day, and camping at Tiomocto,
lay there from the 25th to the 29th, waiting for the waters to
freeze up.  While waiting, bad news was received, in consequence of which they had to march on the 29th, without their
tents, and with three days' provisions in their knapsacks.
On the 1st of February, the band reached Portage river, and
on the following day came to the Rapids, where, says the
journal, "We found a man killed by the Indians.  He had
been sent in company with two others to the British, and was
killed. The other two not being found were supposed to have
been taken as prisoners."
The band of soldiers being now in the midst of enemies
distinguished by insidious cunning as well as by ferocious courage, cast up breast-works about the place of their encampment,
and built a block house, to which was given the name of Fort
Meigs. Spies were sent out to ascertain the position of the
Indians, and on the 9th of February the spies returned and
reported that they had found an encampment of about three
hundred Indians, eighteen miles down the river, whereupon
Major Nelson called for six hundred volunteers to go and
attack them by night. The journal states that twelve hundred
volunteered, and does not add that the writer was one of the
twelve hundred. But such is the fact. It is distinctly recollected that Mr. Anderson stated in private conversation with
friends, that he had volunteered to take part in the perils of
that adventure; and this fact is implied in the journal, for it
is added after the statement quoted above, " We commenced
our march at 8 o'clock, P. M., and at 2 o'clock in the morning came to the Indian encampment, but they had all fled."
To follow the journal in all its details would be wearisome
to most of our readers.  It is judged, however, that the following extracts will be acceptable; and they will serve to
evince us that Mr. Anderson, in the course of his campaign,
went through great trials and hardships, though he was not
engaged in any battle.




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. ANDERSON.    289
"On Friday, the 26th of February, a party of us set out
for Lower Sandusky on a secret expedition. Reached Lower
Sandusky on the 28th. Rested there till the 1st day of
March. On the 2d, Captain Logan assembled the whole
party, which numbered about two hundred men, and informed
us that the object of the expedition was to burn the Queen
Charlotte, lying at Malden, and requested all to retire to
camp that did not choose to encounter the danger involved in
the undertaking; or that could not be cool and deliberate
under the yells of savages and the roar of cannon. No one
of the whole party confessed the weakness of his nerves and
prayed to be excused. But as the ice on the lake was broken
up, the expedition failed to effect the object intended, and
after much exposure and fatigue the company returned to the
Rapids.
"On the 9th of March an alarm was given. Two or three
of our men went down the river a few miles from the camp,
who, on their return, reported that they were fired on by six
Indians. No one of the little company was killed or wounded;
but one of them had a bullet lodged in a Bible in his pocket.
"On the same day, a lieutenant in Major Nelson's battalion,
of the name of Walker, went out of camp some distance, and
on the 10th he was found, shot through, tomahawked, and
scalped, and thrown into the river.
" On the 19th of March, a scouting party went out and
returned with the loss of one man, supposed to be taken
prisoner.
" On the 21st of March, another scouting party went out
and found many signs of Indians.  A large party went over
the river to lie in wait that night. About ten o'clock at
night we had an alarm by the firing of two platoons on that
side of the river where our scouting party was. The party
on returning, reported that they saw two or three Indians, and
fired. No one was lilled.
"On the 31st of March, our general collected us together




290        HIISTORY OF JEFFEASON COLLEGE,
for the purpose of getting volunteers to stay fifteen days to
keep the fort.  Two haudred men turned out to stays"
The occasion of this call for volunteers was the fact that
the time of service for which the militia had been called out
was about to expire, and as yet the troops to supply their
place had not arrived.  It was important to the country and
to the magnanimous regulars occupying the fort, that a considerable portion of the militia should stay beyond their time.
But all naturally desired to be out of danger, and to enjoy
the convivialities and comforts of home; and these desires
prevailed with the greater part. On the 2d of April, between
nine and ten hundred Pennsylvanians and Virginians took
their departure.  Only two hundred subjected the yearnings
of their hearts to a sense of duty, and stayed to defend the
fort and the lives of their brethren.  Of this magnanimous
little band, Mr. Anderson was one, and by his course on that
occasion, he showed that high regard for duty which he often
manifested in future life.  He was very affectionate and tender-hearted, and no doubt desired to be at home as earnestly
as those who returned home as soon as the strong hand of the
law allowed them to do so. But asking his own conscience
what is duty in the case? and receiving the answer, stay, he
hesitated no longer-stay he would, and die.
The defence of the fort being greatly weakened, the enemy
became more insolent, and the condition of the men holding
the fort more perilous.  On the 4th of April, two Indians
killed and scalped a man within a hundred yards of the camp.
They were pursued, but escaped. On the 8th, forty Indians
attacked a fatigue party, while loading a wagon with wood,
One of the party was killed, two taken prisoners; the rest
were chased but escaped. Two bands went in pursuit of the
Indians, one of which overtook and killed nine of them. Seven
of the pursuing party were wounded, and two of them mortally.
The following paragraph is interesting, and bears witness
to the humanity of the Commander-in-chief:




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH Oe DR. ANDERSON.    291
a"On the 16th of April, a man having been condemned to
be shot for desertion, an offence which he had repeated five
times  the ring was formed in a hollow square; the criminal
was brought forward by a guard, the band playing the'Dead
March;' he was set by on a bench, and a black handkerchief
tied around his head. The charges against him were read
with the sentence of the court. The handkerchief was then
drawn over his face; the officer commanding the executioners
ordered them to make ready. They did so, and at that instant
General Harrison gave him his reprieve) and ordered him to
the Provost Guard."
"On the 18th of April,"' the journal goes on to say, " We
left Fort Meigs for home. Our number was ten, three of
whom were not able to carry arms. It was twenty miles to
Portage Block House.  Five of our company gave out within
two miles of Portage, where we lay during the night, without fire, after wading through mud and water to the knees as
much as half the way.  About ten o'clock, while I was on
guard, a gun was fired three or four hundred yards off, which
I suppose was done by an Indian, as no white men were near,
There was also repeated yells of wolves, or rather of Indians
affecting to be wolves. No other disturbance was observed
till near break of day, when we were surprised by a savage
yell, perhaps three hundred yards off. We were all awake
and stood to arms waiting for an attack, till clear day. We
then marched in order to Portage, expecting to be attacked
by the way, but by the interposition of Providence, we
escaped our enemies' hands. We took refreshment at Portage,
and then continued our March through the Black Swamp,
which was about three miles in breadth, and often three or
four feet deep; and, indeed, our future march, at least as far
a Sandusky, was through a continued swamp —"
The words of the last sentence are the close of the journal.
It was not intended for public inspection, and was left incomplete. But though it was written for mere private use, with



292         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
out the ordinary conveniences for writing, and though it was
written in a very trying and exciting time, when Mr. Anderson was but a youth, and had no education but such as he
picked up in the common schools of the country, we confidently appeal to the performance as proof of a sound, vigorous mind, and a firm, manly spirit. As a dead fly causeth the
ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savor,
so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom.
But there are no signs of weakness in the journal-no whining about losses and hardships, no boasting of a heart proof
against the sharp arrows of fear; nor of exploits done, or of
exploits attempted, at the thought of which others blanched
and drew back.  There are no silly conceits, nor anything at
all to make the writer blush, were he still living, and the
whole spread before the world as the earliest production of
his pen. We notice, however, a want which we did not
expect to find,-the want of a religious sentiment and feeling.
Mr. Anderson had professed the Christian religion some years
before he was called to be a soldier, and had partaken of the
Lord's Supper a number of times. Yet in his journal the
Bible is mentioned but once, and in that instance it is mentioned incidentally.  The interposition of Providence in
behalf of himself and his companions, is mentioned but once.
The Sabbath is not mentioned at all. There is no notice of
any opportunity of attending public worship, and there are
no lamentations about the want of such opportunities. How
are we to account for these omissions?  When Mr. Anderson
repaired to the camp, did he leave his religion behind him?
This supposition the testimony of his fellow soldiers forbids us
to entertain. They report that he carried his Bible with him,
and often employed his leisure moments in the perusal of
it,-that he made an observable difference between the Lord's
day and other days,-that when it fell to his lot to stand
sentinel during the Sabbath evening, or to do any public duty
on the Lord's day, he always avoided it, if it were in his




BIOGRAPHICAL SRETCII Of DR. ANDERSON.    293
power so to do,-that profane language was never heard from
his lips,-that he was virtuous and honorable, and highly
esteemed both by the officers and men.
It would not, therefore, be warrantable to infer from the
want of pious expressions in the journal, that Mr. Anderson
was at that time destitute of Christian faith and sentiment.
It might, indeed, be inferred as well, that he was without
natural feeling, for though he was at times in great peril, the
journal says nothing of the anguish of fear; and though he
was often in circumstances which all men everywhere regard
as distressing, yet nothing is complained of in any part of
the journal.  Nothing is said of the pride and tyranny of
officers, —-nothing of the hard fare'of the common soldier,nothing of the painfulness of an alarm in the night; and even
when he wades through water and mire all the day, and beds
in the swamp at night, without fire, there is no expression to
indicate that Mr. Anderson felt the discomforts of his situation.  But surely he was not without natural feeling, and it
is equally certain that he hoped and trusted in the living God,
and was thankful to Him for His care and protection.  But
if he felt indeed, why did he not give utterance to his feelings?  The proper solution of the difficulty appears to be
simply this: having no accommodation for writing, and very
little time for such business, he proposed not to write a complete history of his physical and spiritual experience during
the campaign, but merely to write a memorandum of places,
dates and incidents, for the help of his memory in thinking
and speaking in after years of that trying season.  How well
his labor answered the design of it, is very evident from the
extracts that have been exhibited.
Viewing, with the help of Mr. Anderson's journal, the
trials and hardships of the North-western campaign, in the
winter of 1812-'13, the considerate reader can hardly fail to
reflect on the horrors of war.  How unpleasant and painful
is the whole business, and how great the havoc that attends
25*




294         HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
it!  The campaign over which,we have glanced, was not signalized by any bloody engagement, but a number of persons
were killed. All, at times, were disquieted with fear, though
the journal does not tell us so, and all suffered greatly through
exposure to piercing winds, and to water from above, and
water on the surface of the earth. Though that was an age
of greater vigor and hardihood than the present, yet many,
by the severity of their trials, were brought down to the dust
of death before the close of the campaign; and many others
had the seeds of disease and death implanted in their systems.
It is thought by a fellow-soldier that Mr. Anderson was never
the same in respect of buoyant health that he had been before
the campaign.  If those who make wars had to fight them
through to the bitter end, so many wars would not be proclaimed.
After leaving Portage, as stated in the journal, and touching at Sandusky, it is not known through what towns and
villages Mr. Anderson passed. But he reached his paternal
home in health and safety about the 1st of May, 1813.  He
was joyful and thankful, and no doubt his parents, now well
on in years, rejoiced over him, and called their other children
and their friends to rejoice with them, saying as the father
in the parable, " This, our son was dead, and he is alive again;
he was lost, and is found."
Though Mr. Anderson returned to his father's habitation,
he did not return to his former employment. He had been
seized with a desire to pursue studies in preparation for the
gospel ministry, and had signified his desire to his parents, two
or perhaps three years before he was called out to assist in
defending the country. At that time his father opposed the
project, alleging that his labors on the farm were very need.
ful; and that the family could not dispense with his assis
tance, and at the same time bear the additonal burden that
would be imposed by his college fees, and other incidental ex:
penses.  Mr. Anderson felt and acknowledged the force of the




BIOGRAPHICAL SlKET0CH OF DA. ANDERSON.    295
objection: he abandoned the project for the time, and it may
be that he would never have taken it up again, had not the
privilege which he had sought been freely accorded to him.
This was done in a very engaging manner. When Mr. Anderson
had told the family of the privations, perils and hardships
of the campaign more particularly and fully than had been
done in letters sent from the camp, his father reminded him
of his former desire to enter on a course of study in preparation for the ministry, and how he himself had opposed the
project at that time.  " But now," added the good old man,'I will object no nmore, for the Lord hath showed me, that if I
will not spare your labors in the field for that purpose, he
can, and perhaps will, deprive me of them in some other
way."
Mr. Anderson's desire to engage in the work of the ministry
was not extinguished by what he had seen and suffered in the
camp. As he went out on that perilous tour, he had perhaps
vowed a vow to this effect, that if God would be with him,
and bring him again to his father's house in peace, then the
Lord should be his God, and he would serve him in the
gospel of his Son, if permitted to do so. Perhaps he had
seen during the campaign, more clearly than before, that
atheism, profaneness, irreligion, and all manner of wickedness, were pouring into the land like a flood, and that the
Lord of Hosts, like the general at Fort Meigs, was calling for
volunteers to go forth and stem the tide.  But, however
these things may have been, he accepted promptly and
cordially of the privilege accorded to him by his beloved
parent; and after a few days of relaxation and social enjoy,
ment, he entered himself as a student of Jefferson College.
As the family were still in limited circumstances, he
boarded with his parents, three and a half miles from Canonsburg, the site of the college, and then walked seven miles
each day. The thought of having to travel so great a
distance, would appall a young man of the present generation,




2996       IHISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
But, being accustomed to marches of fifteen, twenty, and
thirty miles, Mr. A. made no account of the labor, and was
not retarded by it.  He- committed to memory while walking
to and from college; or if the weather was unsuitable for
carrying an open book before his eyes, he reviewed in thought
the subject of study, and made himself more familiar with it,
It may be that his progress in learning was furthered by his
long walks, and doubtless the considerable exercise made
necessary by the place in which he boarded, was the means
of maintaining his bodily health and vigor, notwithstanding
his close application to study. But whether his boarding so
far from the college was an advantage or disadvantage, his
progress was rapid. HI-e graduated in September, 1817, a
little more than four years from the time of his entrance;
and on the same day he was elected professor of languages in
Jefferson College, a clear proof that the Faculty and Trustees
of that Institution conferred upon him the first degree, pro.merito, and not pro gratia —in consideration of his merits,
and not in the way of favor. Mr. Anderson accepted the professorship, and discharged the duties of the office for four years.
During this period he also studied Theology, being admitted
to the study by the Associate Presbytery of Chartiers, shortly
after his election to the professorship.  The Theological
Seminary of the Associate church was at that time under the
care of the venerable John Anderson, D. D., and was located
in Service congregation, Beaver County.  The prescribed
course of study occupied four sessions of five months each,
the sessions commencing the 1st Monday'of November, and
closing on the 4th Wednesday of March.  Mr. Anderson's full
attendance at the Seminary was dispensed with, in consideration of the honorable and useful business in which he was
engaged, and his ripeness in knowledge.  He was at the
Seminary two or three months only; but when not there, he
prosecuted his Theological studies with diligence. It is
natural to presume that his labors in the college hindered his




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. ANDERSON.    297
advancement in Theology, and that his attention to Theology
hindered his acceptance and usefulness in the college. But
his trials were always heartily approved by the Presbytery:
and in the college he was highly esteemed by his fellow
professors and by the young men in attendance.  Busy he
must have been, and yet he found time to read a course of
medicine with Dr. Jonathan Leatherman, of Canonsburg, by
which he attained to considerable skill in medical practice,
and qualified himself to be useful to his fellow men in sickness; as he was, in fact, wherever he went, giving counsel
and medicine to good purpose and without charge. It is
astonishing that a man should go through so many labors
and accomplish so much in so short a time. But in this
case our astonishment may be somewhat diminished by calling
to mind that Mr. A. had been a student of Theology, under
his minister and parents, for more than twenty years, before
he was formally admitted to the stucy, by the Associate
Presbytery. After the usual trials before the Presbytery, he
was licensed to preach the everlasting gospel, in July or
August of 1821; and as that was the work to which he had
dedicated himself, he resigned his professorship at the close
of the college session in September.  He was fond of retirement and study; the incomes of the professorship were
greater than he could expect from the ministry-in the view
of many it was more honorable to be a learned professor in
a rising college, than to be the humble pastor of a country
congregationn: but judging that he was called to preach
Christ, Mr. Anderson conferred not with flesh and blood.  He
laid aside his professorship and gave himself to the work of the
ministry.  After preaching in the vacant congregations of
Chartiers, Allegheny, and Ohio Presbyteries, he passed, in
pursuance of Synodical appointment, into the Presbytery
of the Carolinas, in the spring of 1822. He preached in all
the vacancies of the latter Presbytery, and in all with
acceptance to all the people.  In July, 1822, he was unani



298         HISTORY OF JEFFERrSON COLLEGE.
mously called by the united congregations of Bethany and
Steel Creek, in Mecklenburgh county, North Carolina, to be
their pastor.  The call occasioned great thoughts of heart.
Mr. Anderson had not anticipated a settlement in the Carolina
Presbytery.  He was not inclined, but on the contrary,
averse, to a settlement in a slave State.  But the people
were very needy, having been without pastoral care from the
time of the death of Rev. James Pringle, in 1817; and they
were very earnest and urgent in their application to him,
individually. After carefully and prayerfully considering
what duty demanded in the case, he accepted their call.  His
ordination trials were delivered in Pisgah meeting-house,
Lincoln county, North Carolina, about the 10th of September, and being approved, he was ordained and installed at
Steel Creek meeting-house, on Thursday, the 3d of October, 1822.
The writer of this sketch was in attendance on the Presbytery at Pisgah, while Mr. Anderson submitted his trials for
ordination, and there began an acquaintance, which was
afterwards cultivated on long journeys, to and from different
meetings of the Associate Synod —in frequent meetings of
the Carolina Presbytery - in frequent meetings to dispense
the Lord's Supper —in several meetings as Delegates to the
Convention of Reformed churches - in many meetings of the
Theological Board, and in numberless meetings in our respective habitations, both in the South and in the North. The
acquaintance for which Providence afforded such ample opportunity, soon ripened into the most intimate and cordial
friendship - a friendship that was never interrupted while
AMr. Anderson lived; and will not be interrupted, it is confidently hoped, through the numberless ages that are yet to
come. At the commencement of this acquaintance and friendship, Mr. Anderson was in the meridian of life, being about
thirty-three years of age.  It seems proper therefore in this
place, to give some account of his personal appearance. He




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCIH OF DR. ANDERSON.    299
was a tall man, six feet and two inches in height, with a well
extended frame and heavy muscular limbs. Whether standing
or walking, he bore himself altogether erect, having acquired
the habit of doing so, it is believed, in his military trainings.
The hair of his head was quite black, and yet his complexion
was uncommonly florid.  His forehead was white, smooth and
lofty; his cheeks not round, but long, and rather lank; his
eyes were bright and penetrating.  When much interested in
what he was saying himself, or hearing from the lips of
another, his eyes seemed to flash and twinkle, like bright
stars in a clear night. His general appearance told at once
and distinctly, that he was a man of intelligence, honesty and
courage.  Perhaps the camp had made an abiding impression
on his person. But however this may be, there was the
appearance of stern, solemn dignity, and a stranger meeting
him on the highway, might reasonably have conjectured that
he was the general of an army on a private jaunt.
He was regarded from the first not merely by the people
that called him to be their pastor, but by the ministers and
people of the Presbytery in general, as a great acquisition.
Such a man is indeed an acquisition in any Presbytery, at
any time. But when Mr. Anderson was settled in the Presbytery of the Carolinas, his gifts and abilities were eminently
needful.  The Presbytery included three ministers, Messrs.
Dixon, Mushat, and Heron, and twenty congregations scattered over the Western Territories of Virginia, and the two
Carolinas.  From the congregations of Rockbridge county,
Virginia, to those in Fairfield district, South Carolina, is
fully three hundred miles. But the greater part of the
twenty congregations are more convenient to each other,
having their locality in the contiguous counties of Lincoln,
Iredell, and Mecklenburgh, North Carolina, and in the adjoining districts of York, Lancaster, Chester, and Fairfield,
South Carolina. The people were mostly Irish and Scotch,
or their descendants; aDd. as is common with these races




300         HISTORY OF J EFFERSON COLLEGE.
wherever found, they were zealous for the religion of their
father. They had gone with their ministers into the union
which gave rise to the Associate Reformed church, but about
the year 1804, they withdrew  from  that ecclesiastical connexion, and came under the inspection of the Associate Synod
of North America.  The occasion was as follows: —Rev. John
Mason, D. D., of New York, began in 1801 or'2, to advocate
through the Christian Magazine the frequent observance of
the Lord's Supper, and to arraign and condemn the customary
sacramental fast days, and thanksgiving days, as not required
nor warranted by the word of God. The Associate Reformed
Synod of the South having met (1804 or'5,) in Bethany,
York District, South Carolina, took up the subject of frequent,ommunion, and after a long and animated discussion they
approved and adopted the views of Dr. Mason, in all their
extent.  Two ministerial members of the Synod, viz: Rev.
William Dixon and Rev. Peter M'Millan, and several elders
protested against the reformation resolved upon, as a serious
and pernicious deformation.  Their remonstrances not being
regarded by their brethren, they withdrew and forwarded a
petition to the Associate Synod, requesting admission to
fellowship with them.  In answer to this petition, the Associate Synod sent two of their members to the Carolinas,
viz: Rev. John Anderson, D. D., and Rev. William Wilson,
with power to constitute as a Presbytery, and receive the
accession of Messrs. Dixon and M'Millan, and their adherents.
The appointees fulfilled their mission in 1805 or'6, and so
founded the Presbytery of the Carolinas in subordination to
the Associate Synod of North America.
In a few months after the perfecting of this ecclesiastical
revolution, Mr. ---     became openly  and  grossly  intemperate, and being laid aside, the care of all the Secession
congregations in the South devolved for several years on Mr.
Dixon alone. At length (about the year 1L810,) Mr. John
Mushat, of Cambridge Presbytery, New York, accepted the




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. ANDERSON.    301
call of the congregations of Cambridge and Stirling, in Iredell
county, North Carolinas and was installed as their pastor.
About the same time, Mr. Andrew Heron, from the same
Presbytery of New York, was settled in the congregations
of Ebenezer and Timber-ridge, Rockbridge county, Virginia.
And not long after, Mr. James Pringle, licensed by the Presbytery of Philadelphia, undertook the pastoral charge of
Bethany and Steel Creek congregations, in Mecklenburgh
county, North Carolina.  The measure of ministerial gifts
and abilities possessed by these young ministers was very
considerable — greater than falls to the lot of many who
officiate acceptably and usefully.  The people of the Carolina
Presbytery, rejoiced in them, as bright and shining lights,
and rejoiced in the hope that the principles for which they
were witnesses would prevail in the land, and exert a happy
influence.  But the prospect was soon darkened.  Mr. Mushat
opened an Academy in Statesville, Iredell county, in 1815,
and made teaching his principal business, abandoning the
work of the ministry in a good measure: and in the Autumn
of 1817, Mr. Pringle was by an inscrutable Providence removed to the land of silence.  The Presbytery was brought
very low, and so continued till 1821, when Mr. T. Kitchen,
from the Secession church of Scotlandl, was settled in the
pastoral charge of Shiloh and Neely's Creek congregations;
the former in Lancaster, and the latter in York district,
South Carolina.  This addition to the Presbytery revived
the spirits of the people.  But Mr. Dixon being now far
advanced in life, and cornpassed about with infirmities, the
ministerial force of the Presbytery was altogether inadequate,
and Mr. Anderson's services at the time of his settlement
were greatly needed.
I-e appears to have been fully aware from the first moment
of his settlement, that he was called not to enjoy otiun csum
dignitate, but to work in the Master's vineyard, and accordingly he gave himself to work.  He took boarding with Col.
26




302         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
Thomas Grier and lady, of Steel Creek, with whom also his
predecessor had lodged.  The Colonel and his lady were not
possessed of great wealth, but they were animated by a
liberal, generous spirit, and furnished their pastor with every
needful accommodation gratuitously; accounting his presence
and company a sufficient remuneration. In the pastoral
charge which he had been induced to accept, Mr. Anderson
found one considerable advantage, which young ministers
generally lack for a season —a supply of books appropriate
to his studies. His predecessor, Mr. James Pringle, during
the short course of his ministry, had collected for his own
use a considerable library, amounting  perhaps to  three
hundred volumes, and having neither wife nor child. to provide for, he had left the whole collection to the congregation
of Steel Creek, for the use of his successors in the pastorate
of the congregation. As Mr. Anderson was his first successor, and came not only into Mr. Pringle's pulpit, but into
his very study and bed-chamber, the books were all in their
respective places as if waiting to be consulted.
It is a time of severe trial when the front ranks of an army
are cut down, and those in the rear march forward to fill their
places, and see their brethren silent in death, or agonized
with pain. It is wonderful that a man can maintain the
control of himself, in such circumstances.  Mr. Anderson's
position was not so appalling, but it was solemn. There was
a voice in the chamber, bed and books, and the voice gave
utterance to the words, Ministers must die even as others.
Remember that thou shalt die, and whatsoever thy hand
findeth to do, do it vitlh thy might.  Whether Mr. Anderson
in fancy heard these words or not, he was attentive to the
warning and counsel contained in them.  He addicted himself to meditation and prayer. He searched the Scriptures
and read commentaries and systems of Theology, that he
might attain to a more perfect understanding of the Scriptures. He labored in preparing sermons and in preaching




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. ANDERSON.   303
them. He held quarterly diets of examination, and general
meetings of the youth in the church for examination and
instruction.  He attended also to parochial visitation, and
exhorted from house to house. As his people were scattered
over a parallelogram of thirty miles in length, and twelve in
breadth, the last mentioned department of labor was very
tedious and exhausting, yet he persisted in it, judging that
it was an important and necessary part of his work: for how
else could he know the spiritual wants of his people? and
if he knew them not, how could he give to each his portion
in due season?
Mr. Anderson's situation had some advantages, as has
been noticed. But there were also disadvantages connected
with his charge. He was subjected to a great deal of labor
in the way of traveling. Each tour to Bethany, to which
he repaired every second Sabbath, was a journey of forty
miles, and if called to visit the sick, or engaged in visiting
from house to house, the journey was increased fifteen or
twenty miles, making a circuit of more than a thousand miles
in the course of the year. In addition to this large domestic
traveling, he had long journeys of a more public nature, in
attending Presbytery, meeting with brethren to assist in
dispensing the Lord's Supper, supplying vacant congregations
with preaching, repairing to the meetings of Synod, &c.
These public jaunts being added to his common domestic
traveling, the whole would amount to twenty-five hundred,
or perhaps three thousand miles per annum; involving a
great deal of labor, and much loss of time.
Mr. Anderson soon found that traveling on horse-back
subjected him to febrile excitement, and other unpleasant
symptoms. With the view of preventing the irritation, he
furnished himself with a vehicle; the remedy was not
effectual, but still he went on with his work, and sought
relief by other means. In the campaign of 1812, an attack
being threatened, the army of which Mr. Anderson was a




304         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
part, was put in order for the battle.  Mr. Anderson being
a large man and: of reputation for courage, the officer in
command singled him  out, and calling him from the rear,
where he was when the alarm was given, conducted him to
the front rank and stationed him there. In like manner the
Presbytery continually assigned to him the very front of
ministerial exposure and hardship, and yet he did not pray
to be excused because he had already done more than others,
nor because the labor and exposure would probably be
prejudicial to his health and comfort. Some one should go
to this place and the other to dispense the Lord's Supper, or
to moderate a call, or to install a minister, or to share in the
deliberations of Synod: and the question being raised, who
will go? often did Mr. Anderson volunteer as at Fort Meigs,
or quietly submit to the appointment of Presbytery under a
sense of duty.
To convince his hearers of their lost, undone estate by
nature, and persuade them to trust in Christ for salvation,
and to take his holy precepts for their guide and directory,
was that at which Mr. Anderson aimed in all his ministrations, whether at home or abroad.  He desired and endeavored
to bring about a reformation in accordance with the word
of God, and in conformity with the attainments of the church
of Scotland in her happiest days. In carrying out this
design, he preached the truth with simplicity and plainness,
and assailed error directly and boldly, and yet with such calm
dignity and scriptural force, that hearers who had been of a
different opinion were not exasperated.  His labors had not
all the effect which he desired, but they were not in vain.
His own members were generally awakened and stirred up
to give more earnest heed to the things belonging to their
peace.  Many individuals were turned from  irreligion and
ungodliness; family worship was established in many dwellings; the Sabbath was observed with increased solemnity;
intemperance and profaneness were abandoned, or practiced




BIOGRAPHICAL SKET'II OF DR. ANDERSON.    305
clandestinely, and with shame.  Mr. Anderson's influence
was felt in the neighboring congregations.  Mr. William
Dixon, the father and founder of the Presbytery, a man of
earnest, solid piety, had some way fallen into the practice
of baptizing the children of parents who gave attention to the
preaching of the word, though they did not seek fellowship
with Christ and his people, in the use of the Lord's Supper.
With much kindness and with great respect, Mr. Anderson
remonstrated against this practice of the venerable father as
disorderly and pernicious in its effects, and his remonstrance
was effectual. In some of the neighboring congregations,
members of the Masonic Fraternity were church members in
full communion at the time of Mr. Anderson's settlement in
the Presbytery. But in the course of a few years such
members, and  chiefly through Mr. Anderson's influence,
were called before their session and required to dissolve their
connexion with the Masonic body.  Most of them  did so,
and such as refused to comply were suspended from  the
fellowship of the church, as the discipline of the Associate
body requires.  The leaven of sound doctrine had then by
various means made its way into some of the contiguous
congregations.  Mr. Andersenx desired it to spread quickly
through all the congregations of the Presbytery, and through
the land, and with this view he moved the Presbytery in the
Spring of 1824, to prepare and emit a pastoral letter.  The
Presbytery adopted the motion and appointed Mr. Anderson
himself to prepare the contemplated letter. He accepted the
appointment and prepared the draught of a letter, which
being submitted was approved and published towards the
close of the year. The original manuscript of this paper in
Mr. Anderson's handwriting is before me.  It is entitled,
a pastoral letter by the Associate Presbytery of the Ccarolincas,
to the people under their care.  As it was the declared design
of this paper to promote reformation according to the holy
Scriptures, the author sets out with the position that true
26*




806         1HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEG.o
religion was in a low and languishing condition: he sustains
this position by some instances and proof, and then addresses
himself to the work of correcting errors in practice and in
principle.  Under the former head he treats of the great
evil of intemperance, at that time extensively prevalent in
the land, and quite too common among the members of
the church.  He passes on to the sin of profaning the
Lord's day-the sin of neglecting family worship and family
instruction — the sin of profaning gospel ordinances —the
sin of contemning Christ and his salvation, by declining
to profess the faith  and partake of the holy sacraments.
Under the second general head the author notices not the
principal errors in Theology, but some of those popular
erroneous sentiments, which in his judgment have a direct
tendency to harden the hearts of professors in a course
of defection from the truth and cause of Jesus Christ.
The errors particularly noticed and refuted are the following:
"We should not disturb the peace of the church by contending for divine truth and ordinances.-Error introduced
or held by a professed believer should be spared.-Though
we may oppose essential errors, we should not contend
about the non-essential. — Controversy genders strife and
displeasure among Christians, and it is good for nothing
else. —Every man must answer for himself, and therefore,
it is officious to trouble' ourselves about the mistakes of
others. —It is little difference what our sentiments are,
if our practice be correct. —If we be sincere, it matters
not about our faith or principles. — It is impossible to
obtain  an agreement among professed Christians, and we
are therefore not to expect it, but to admit to the communion of the church those whom we in charity judge to
be Christians, whatever their religious  sentiments niay
be," &c.  The several matters treated of in the letter, are
handled in a plain, simple manner, as utility required, and
yet with energy.  Eloquence of diction is wanting, for it




BIOGRAPHIeAT  SKETCH OF DR. ANDERSON.    307
would have hindered the object intended.  But sensible
persons who may take up the pamphlet; will soon be satisn
fled that the pen was guided by a discerning mind, well
stored with knowledge, and by a sincere honest heart, The
following passage respecting the duty of family worship is
very forcible, and shows an extensive acquaintance with
the word: " The matter of the duty being plain, that it
should be performed by famroiles, we have abundant evidence.
David returned to bless his house, I Chron. xvi: 43; Joshua
resolved to serve the Lord with his house, Joshua  xxiv:
15; Job sanctified his family, and thus did Job continually,
Job i: 5; Abraham was commended for his fidelity in this
matter, Gen. xviii~ 19; Noah built an altar for his family,
Gen. viii: 20; the patriarchs built altars wherever they
resided, Gen. xii: 7, and xxxv: 1, 3, 7.  Scripture is not
silent respecting the neglect of this duty, Jeremiah x: 25:-'Pour out thy fury on the heathen that know thee not,
and on the families that call not on thy name.' Would
such a denunciation have been uttered for the neglect of
family devotions, if God had not required the performance?
That this duty should be performed daily, morning and
evening, we have evidence from the appointment of the
morning and evening sacrifices and services of old.  Though
the ceremonies of Divine worship have been changed, the
worship itself has not. Former institutions of Divine
worship remain in full force as to their substance and
spirit, the ceremonial and typical form only being abolished.
The appointment of morning and evening for Divine service
was not typical — it was moral and  substantial, Psalm
xcii: 1, 2.  The appointment of the sacrifices at the Temple
was not a substitute for the moral service of the people,
but a requisition of it throughout the tribes of Israel in
their families, Luke i: 9, 10; 1 Kings viii: 37-40. Observe
therefore and revere the Scripture admonitions on this subject; imitate in your practice the examples recommended,




308          HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
and you will find conformity to them  and family devotions
the same thing." The following passage on the delicate
subject of instructing slaves, shows at once the courage
and prudence of the author and his zeal for the glory of
Christ and the salvation of men:
"On the subject of family education and family devotion,
permit us to lay before you your obligations respecting
your slaves: we do not detain you with admonitions to feed
and clothe them: we are happy to say that the necessity
of such admonitions is precluded as far as our observation
extends.  Nor is it our admonition at present to set them
at unconditional liberty under present circumstances.*  Nor
is it our present design to discuss their natural right to
liberty, or the absurdity of the supposition that this was
ever forfeited by their suffering theft and sale by a barbarous
conqueror, or the impossibility that a pecuniary compensation
to one who never had a moral right over the person and
liberty of the slave, should ever procure such a right to the
purchaser; all which we hope we have no occasion to urge.
Our present design is to urge what the law of God and sound
reason testify, and your own consciences must acknowledge
to be a duty — a present and imperative, but much neglected
duty —the religious education of your slaves."
After obviating several objections to the duty, and showing by several Scriptures that the education of the poor
afflicted creatures is an important duty, the author proceeds
to urge to the performance in the following terms: "Your
slaves have been taken from  a land of moral darkness to a
land of gospel light; but with what advantage to them, if in
the midst of light they walk in darkness?  Are they contented without gospel light?  So are your children, so are all
mankind by nature.  But by the means of grace, and the
- That it is your duty to encourage a spirit of regular and well conducted emancipation, through the organ of civil government or otherwise,
we do assert.




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. ANDERSON.    309
blessing of the Spirit, the unwilling are made willing; you
cannot expect to find them willing in ignorance. Imitate
then your Lord and Master, who sought the lost sheep. If
you have the gospel and have tasted that the Lord is gracious,
would you monopolize such a favor?  Would you not be
ready to gsy even to your servant, 0 taste and see that the
Lord is good  come, I will teach you the fear of the Lord?
Should not love to Christ induce you to extend the means of
grace which you have enjoyed, in order to gain souls to him?
How could you address one of them on a death bed, too ignorant to understand you? How could you put up a petition
for the dying and expect a gracious hearing, when you have
withheld that knowledge which the Holy Spirit blesses for
the salvation of the soul? How can you see them approach
their dreadful end, about to launch into eternal misery, and
incapable of receiving instruction or consolation?  How can
you reflect on their end, without remorse and horror, remembering that they were committed to your care for instruction
and government, and you betrayed your trust, using them only
for your temporal interest. Brethren, ponder well these realities. Try these things by the word of Godl, and see what
verdict conscience must return."  From that part of the letter which treats of popular erroneous sentiments, a single
paragraph is presented. "'The position that we ought to
admit those whom we judge to be Christians is plausible, but
unfounded. The man is to be admonished as a brother whom
we exclude from our communion, 2 Thess. iii: 14, 15. If
we make grace in the heart the rule of admission, the door
is set open for every deceiver-the purity of the church is
denied to be an object of her regard, and the way is opened
for the introduction of every error. According to this rule
the gospel minister is necessitated either to reprove errors and
sins from the pulpit, which he has indulged in admission to
communion, or to prove unfaithful to his trust, by keeping
back part of the counsel of God. Where truth is neglected




310         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
and forgotten, piety must decay.  How often does the Psalmist
speak of his love to God's truth, and of his delight in it.
But is it consistent with a holy love to Divine truth, with a
knowledge of it and a sense of its importance, to neglect or
yield it, because our neighbor loves it not, or does not believe
it?''
The pastoral letter, at the contents of which we have
glanced, was addressed to church members and others come
to maturity of understanding. But he that feeds the sheep
should feed the lambs also. The great Shepherd of the sheep
requires this, John xxi: 15, and true policy requires it.
That reformation must be ephemeral which overlooks the
instruction and improvement of the rising generation. Our
life on earth is but a shadow. The congregation that includes
a hundred members, may, after the lapse of twenty years,
have the same number or the double of it, but it will be found,
on a careful comparison of the lists, that not more than one
fourth of the original melmbers are still remaining as component parts of the society. The youthful must therefore be the
subjects of any improvement which it is desired to perpetuate.
Assured of this, and recollecting that it is the express will of
God that the fathers should make known his testimony and
his law to their children, that the generation to come might
know them, even the children which should be born, who
should arise and declare them to their children, Mr. Anderson employed his leisure moments in preparing a system of
questions on the Shorter Catechism of the Westminster
Assembly.  He intended by this work to assist parents in
catechizing their children; but his principal object was to
excite young persons seeking after the knowledge of Divine
things, to think and inquire after the meaning of the words
which they were accustomed to repeat. And accordingly his
questions were mere questions. No answer was appended to
them.  Nothing at all was added to his questions, except a
reference to some text of;Scripture, which the pupil was




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. ANDERSON.    311
under the necessity of hunting up and considering together
with the text of the Shorter Catechism, that he might ascertain and return the true answer.  When Mr. Anderson began
this work, he perhaps intended nothing more than to prepare
himself for catechizing with care the youth of his own charge.
But when he had gone over the Assembly's Shorter Catechism,
in the manner that has been noticed, he judged that the work
might be useful to congregations and families generally, and
accordingly he gave it to the public in the summer of 1826.
With the questions and answers of the Shorter Catechism in
large type, and Mr. Anderson's questions in smaller type,
the work constitutes a volume of about two hundred pages,
duodecimo. The edition published was small, comprising
but eight hundred or perhaps a thousand copies, all of which
were sold in a short time, except such copies as Mr. Anderson was pleased to distribute gratuitously. To what extent
this little work was profitable to the people of the southern
churches, it is not easy to say. The best means of instruction will not be attended with happy results, if they are
neglected, and catechisms are too often treated with neglect.
The writer, who about that time was commencing his ministry in the same Presbytery, is constrained to acknowledge
that Mr. Anderson's Catechism  was very useful to him,
and in his judgment it is well calculated to assist both parents
and children in the acquisition of saving knowledge.  He
that watereth,:shall be watered himself, and no doubt Mr.
Anderson was greatly benefited by his own labors. Whether
he excogitated the questions, or collected them from the
writings of others, on the same points, his writing down the
questions, and searching out and considering the texts
appended,. must have resulted in increasing his familiarity
with the principles of sacred truth, and with the Scripture
testimonies on which they depend.  The nature of the work
precluded the display of keen discernment and of learned
research, and all that is claimed for Mr. Anderson on the




812         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE,
score of it, is that his heart was so set on doing good, that he
condescended to become the teacher of babes, and having
devised a means of aiding their stu.lies, he carried it into
execution with no inconsiderable labor, being excited and
animated by no other motive besides the desire and hope of
contributing to the improvement of many.
About the time that he began to prepare his Catechism,
Mr. James Lyle, a licentiate of the Presbytery of Ohio, was
ordained and installed as pastor of the congregations of
Smyrna and Little River, the former in Chester, and the latter
in Fairfield district, South Carolina.  This addition to the
ministerial force of the Presbytery, inured to Mr. Anderson's
advantage, allowing him more time to devote to his Catechism
and other studies, than he could otherwise have had.  From
the labor of traveling to supply the vacancies, he obtained
additional relief by the ordination and installment of Mr. W.
M. M'Elwee, as pastor of the congregations of Tirzah and
Sharon, both in York district, South Carolina.  The ordination took place at Sharon, on Thursday, the 1st day of April,
1827; Mr. Anderson preaching the sermon from John xxi:
15, 17; and leading in the prayer of consecration., In two
or three weeks after this solemnity, Mr. Anderson, accompanied by the writer, set out to attend the meeting of the Associate Synod in the city of Pittsburgh.  The journey was long,
(the -distance to Pittsburgh being five hundred and sixty or -
seventy miles,) and tedious, for there were no rail-roads in
those days, nor even stage coaches on the required line: it
was performed on horse-back, and occupied between ten and
eleven weeks. But though the journey was tedious and
wearisome, there was one circumstance of a redeeming character. It afforded abundant opportunities for friendly conference.  Of the talk indulged in during that journey, one
item  is distinctly remembered.  We were returning to the
South. After many miles of wearisome travel among the
defiles and steeps of the Blue Ridge, we mounted the last




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. ANDERSON.    313
anct loftiest eminence, from which we have an extensive view
of the Atlantic slope, in appearance a vast plain covered with
living green, and at that juncture redolent with the flowers
of the season. The writer felt and expressed delight in seeing once more the sunny South. Mr. Anderson seemed sad,
and said in reply, that it appeared to him, to be a dry and
parched land.  How is that; are you not satisfied with your
location?  He answered, the South has never seemed to me
as my home, but the land of my exile; and then went on to
state a number of particular objections, of which the principal was the firm establishment of the peculiar institution.
This item of conversation is related for the purpose of showing that though Mr. Anderson had been living in the South
for several years, he was still a northern man in sentiment
and feeling. We are apt to sympathize with the people
among whom we dwell, and to fall in with their usages and
way of thinking, and it has been supposed by some, that Mr.
Anderson, by living in the South for a number of years,
learned to sympathize with slave-holders, and with slavery
itself.  The supposition does him great injustice.  He sympathized indeed with the Christian people of the South and
cared for their souls, but the country he disliked, and the
system of slave-holding he detested as an incubus on Church
and State, and the fell destroyer of thousands. Not a great
while after the conversation related above, during perhaps the
following winter, slave-holding being the subject of conversation, Mr. Anderson declared to the writer, that were he the
father of a family and the possessor of real estate in the Carolinas, he would regard it as his duty to prepare his will, and
provide in the will that his family could have no use of his
property, except in the way of selling it and conveying the
proceeds beyond the limits of the slave-holding States. In
the same conversation, or in some other about that time, having asked Mr. Anderson if his opposition to slave-holding
was the reason of his continuing unmarried, he said in reply,
27




314.        HISTORY O  JEFFERSON COLLEGE,
that his opposition to slave-holding was one reason, and a
principal reason, that he was unwilling to be more firmly tied
to the South than he was at present.
In the spring of 1828: Mir. Anderson changed his lodgings
from the hospitable mansion of Col. Grier, in Steel Creek, to
the dwelling of Mr. John Wilson, in the congregation of
Bethany.  There was no dissension between Mrr; Anderson
and the Colonel or his family; nor were they weary of him,
or he of them.  Mr. Wilson was one of the elders of the
Bethany branch, and remarkable for tender, fervent piety.
His partner and children partook of the same spirit.  Their
dwelling and their company were inviting.  But a regard for
his health was the sole motive by which Mr. Anderson was
prompted, to make the exchange.  He had been for some time
troubled with febrile excitement, with want of appetite, and
other symptoms of a diseased liver.  The Colonel's habitation stood on a low, damp plain, two miles eastward of the
Catawba river. Mr. Anderson thought that his location was
in some measure the cause of his illness, and promised himself better health, in the more elevated site occupied by the
Wilson family.
The Associate Synod of 1828 met in the city of Philadelphia, in the month of May.  Neither Mr. Anderson nor any
other member pf the Presbytery of the Carolinas was in
attendance, except the Rev. A. Heron, of Rockbridge county,
Virginia. Measures were commenced in that Synodical meeting, which proved fatal to the congregations of the Carolina
Presbytery —measures which might, perhaps, have been prevented, had Mr. Anderson been present.  Mr. John K., a
licentiate of the Presbytery of Miami, having spent the
greater part of the preceding winter in the vacancies of the
Soqth, went up to the meeting; and though not entitled to a
seat in Synod, he exerted a considerable influence.  In conversation with the members, he told that the brethren in the
South h4 manly slaves, add that very few of the slaves were




B3TOGRAPHICAL SKETOl O  DR. ANDERSON.'15
taught to read the holy Scriptures-that hardly any of them
were church members-that in most of the families they-were
not brought into the house in the time of family worshipthat the Act of 1811, in regard to slave-holding, was inoperative, &c. These reports, which were but too true, being
handed from one to another, the attention of Synod was
called to the subject of slave-holding by a particular member;
and after some discussion, Synod appointed a committee to
inquire and report at the next meeting, whetherffurther action
in regard to slave-holding, was called for; and if in tVhe'i
iudgnment fAerter  atlon was called for, what that action
shouldc be.
Mr. Anderson, though not present, was appointed one of
the committee. The other members were the Rev. James
Adams, of Green county, Ohio, and the Rev. David carson,
of Blount county, Tennessee. At the same meeting of Synod,
WMr. Adams was appointed for five or six months on what was
then called the Missouri Mission; and Mr. Anderson, with
the view, perhaps, of allowing the committee an opportunity
of meeting and consulting together, was appointed to supply
Mr. Adams' pulpit for three months. Shortly after information of these appointments had reached the South, which was
about the 1st of July, Mr. Anderson, in his new habitation,
was taken with a severe bilious fever. His surviving the
attack seemed for some time to be very doubtful; and his
traveling, according to the appointment of Synod, was thought
to be altogether impracticable. In answer to the prayers of
many, the merciful Disposer of all things was pleased, however, to spare him, and to bring him up again from the gates
of death. When he had regained a measure of strength,
though still weak and pallid, he set out on horse-back, on a
long journey of about eight hundred miles, in going out, and
as many in returning. He started the last week of August,
and returned towards the close of the year, much invigorated,
though he had experienced several relapses in the course of




316         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
his tour.  Of his acceptableness to the brethren among whom
he had been laboring, he was followed with a proof which
was far from being pleasant to his many friends in the South.
From Xenia to Massie's Creek, where he had preached statedly
for three months, is but six miles. The Associate congregation of Xenia was at that time without a pastor. Many of
the members resorted to Massie's Creek, and heard Mr.
Anderson from Sabbath to Sabbath during his continuance
there: all heard him occasionally in their own place of worship. Satisfied with his deportment, and with his ministerial
gifts and qualifications, they petitioned the Presbytery of
Miami for the moderation of a call, and concurred unanimously
in calling Mr. Anderson to become their pastor.  The qall
having been sustained by the Presbytery of Miami, was
transmitted, in February or March, to the Presbytery of the
Carolinas, for presentation. This proof of the high esteem
entertained for Mr. Anderson by the brethren of the West
was unpleasant to the people of the South, not because they
thought him unworthy of esteem, but because they esteemed
him so highly, and feared that the call from Xenia would
issue in his removal. For this apprehension there were ample
grounds. It was generally known that Mr. Anderson's health
was not good, and that he attributed his bad health to the
influence of the climate. It was known, too, that he did not
regard with favor the peculiar institution.  The writer, to
whom Mr. Anderson had declared his dissatisfaction with the
climate, and his dislike of slavery, frequently and earnestly,
had scarcely a doubt that he would accept the call to Xenia,
and be lost to the southern churches. The day of decision
came round. The Presbytery of the Carolinas met at Steel
Creek, on the first Tuesday of April. The members of the
congregation of Steel Creek were generally in attendance.
The people of Xenia were heard by their papers. The congregations of Bethany and Steel Creek were heard through
their commissioners.  Regarding the case as important and




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. ANDERSON.    317
solemn in its consequences, the Presbytery directed a member to lead in prayer.  The member designated prayed with
tears and sobs, and all present were deeply affected.  After
prayer, the call was presented for acceptance or rejection.
Mr. Anderson arose and announced, to the great relief and
joy of all, That as he did not see that it was his duty to leave
his present post, he declined the call to Xenia.  From  this
account of the proceedings of that day, it may be inferred
that Mr. Anderson reciprocated the affection of his southern
friends, and was controlled in declining the call to Xenia by
his feelings alone.  Had the Presbytery and people of hischarge manifested coldness and indifference, it is indeed probable that his determination would have been different from
what it was.  But from  notes found among his papers, it
appears that he had solemnly and prayerfully considered the
matter of his removal before the Presbytery met, and had
come to a determination respecting it.
In these times, ministers transfer themselves from one place
to another so frequently, and with so little apparent consideration, that the ministry is fallen under reproach as a trade,
which certain persons follow in one place or another, as seems
most advantageous to themselves.  It is but too probable thatmany ministers, in their removals, do not seriously consider
whether they are following the line of auty or not.  But Mr.
Anderson examines carefully, as we would naturally expect a
man of God to do. In his argumentation with himself, two
principles are assumed; the one is, that it is sometimes the
duty of a gospel minister to change the field of his labors;
the other, that neither usefulness nor comfort can be reasonably expected unless the change be made in accordance with
duty, or the will of God.  Having placed himself on this
foundation, doubtless a solid one, Mr. Anderson lifted his
eyes to heaven, looking to the great Counselor for light to
show, and grace to choose the path of dUty.  And besides
praying for light, he endeavored to open his eyes and see,
27*




318         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
noticing and weighing the arguments pro and con. Ambig
the considerations which he thought worthy of his attention,
it is remarkable that there is no one respecting his own inclinations, and. no one that has any reference to his worldly
interest or credit. It seems to have been his judgment that
such considerations should be disregarded in ordinary cases
of the kind; and, beyond doubt, his determination to continue in the South was contrary to his inclination, as when
he determined to tarry longer at Fort Meigs for the defenc(
of the place.
During his tour to the West, Mr. Anderson met and con
ferred with the other members of the Committee on the sub
ject of slave-holding.  He had no angry disputations with
the brethren, whom he esteemed very highly, yet he did not
accord with them in judgment.  Messrs. Adams and Carson
agreed on a report to the Synod of 1829, in which Mr. Anderson could not concur. That the reader may understand how
the parties stood, it is necessary to state that the Synod had
carefully examined the subject of slave-holding in 1811, and
had, after many prayers, concluded that slave-holding is a
moral evil-that slave-holders in the Associate Church be
required to emancipate their slaves, if the State in which they
live admit of emancipation-that if the State forbid emancipation within its limits, masters may hold their slaves, not
making merchandise of them, not ruling them with rigor, but
with a parental sway, feeding and clothing them comfortably,
instructing them in the principles of our holy religion, and
treating them as though free, by giving them a reward for
their work.
The report of the committee went further than this. It
admits" 1. That children born in a state of slavery, may be lawfully required to serve, with the consent of their parents, for
a term of years sufficient to remunerate their masters for their




BIOGRAPHICAL SRETCI 0OV DR. ANDERSON.    319
support and education; and also, without the consent of their
parents, if remuneration can be had in no other way.
" 2. That persons of any color may, for their crimes, or for
the payment of a just debt, be lawfully sold into a state of'
servitude for any term  of years, or for life, yet not so as to
affect posterity.
" 3. That persons may be lawfully held in a state of servitude for a term of years, or for life, by virtue of a compact
into which they have voluntarily entered.
"4. That persons who are held. as slaves by the laws of
the civil community, may be lawfully purchased, at their own
request, and their services used by the purchaser, for a term
of years, or for life, according to the agreement between the
purchaser and the purchased.
1" 5. That persons who have been held as slaves may, for a
term of years, be detained in a state of servitude, according
to a rule of Church or State, tending to secure more effectually their emancipation, and their own or the community's
future safety and prosperity."
The report maintains that the holding of human beings in
bondage, is in all other cases sinful, and concludes with the
following resolutions:
"v 1. That slavery be considered by this Synod a sin, not to
be tolerated in any of the members of our communion.
"2. That the selling of a slave, as transferable property,
by any person in our communion, is censurable.
"3. That the holding of a slave, in any case not specified
in the above few particulars, is censurable.
1" 4. That measures be taken to procure the incorporation
of a company, composed of certain persons to be chosen by
Synod, for the purpose of legalizing the emancipation of
slaves held by our mermbers, (the duty of such incorporation
to be explained in detail hereafter,) and that a committee be
appointed to make arrangements to this effect."




820         HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
These were the views of the majority of the committee, in
which, as has been noticed, Mr. Anderson did not concur.
Wherein he differed, and for what reasons, will be shown hereafter. At present I will merely state that Dr. John Anderson, whom Mr. Abraham Anderson had been accustomed from
his youth to revere as a ripe scholar and a devout Christian,
had vindicated that toleration of slave-holding granted in the
Act of 1811 by several considerations. Dr. John Anderson
had taught that private citizens should bear many hardships
and wrongs, rather than disturb the peace and harmony of
the society in which they live; and as citizens should pursue
this meek and quiet course, so they should allow their colored
neighbors to suffer wrong and temporal hardships, rather than
disturb the peace and order of the community in attempts to
relieve them.  He had also taught that a private individual
is not to be faulted for withholding civil rights and privileges
from another, when it is not in his power to confer those rights
and privileges on the other. These sentiments Mr. Anderson had imbibed in early life. He was by education, and
perhaps by natural temperament, a conservative, and therefore slow to believe that the new wine is better than the old.
It may be added, that living in the midst of the slave territory, Mr. Anderson was more fully acquainted with the obstacles in the way of emancipation than the other members of
the committee could well be. They no doubt thought that
their project could be carred into effect with advantage to the
southern churches; but Mr. Anderson was fully apprized that
the remedy, if applied, would prove the ruin of all the congregations belonging to the Presbytery of the Carolinas.
Mr. Anderson did not attend the meeting of Synod in 1829;
and his objections not being known, the report of the majority
of the committee was, without any considerable opposition,
adopted as an overture, and handed down to the Presbyteries
and Sessions for their judgment.
The overture came to the South with the minutes of 1829,




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. OF DR. ANDERSON.    321
and was read by several ministers (if not all) to their congregations, though the public reading of such a paper was contrary to the law of the land. Many Seceders disapproved of
the reading, and some of the citizens threatened the enforcement of the law, but no minister was molested.
The latter part of the summer of 1829 Mr. Anderson spent
in Monroe county, Virginia, seeking health in the use of the
mineral waters of that district. He returned before the
meeting of Presbytery in October, somewhat improved. The
attention of the Presbytery, at that meeting, was turned to
the overture. After some remarks about the course which it
was incumbent on the Presbytery to pursue, it was resolved
unanimously to remonstrate against the overture, and Mr.
Anderson was appointed to draught the remonstrance.  In
the course of the winter Mr. Anderson prepared a paper for
that purpose, which, having been read in the spring meeting of
1830, the Presbytery adopted without altering so much as a
word, and ordered the remonstrance to be forwarded and submitted to the Synod, to meet in the city of Philadelphia in
-he month of May.  The writer carried up, and presented the
document, and observed the impression produced by it. All
attended while the paper was being read with evident interest.
Irritation and dissatisfaction were visible in the countenances
of some. When the reading was finished, a talented and
influential member pronounced the remonstrance a very able
document, said that he knew who was its author, and moved
that a committee should be appointed to answer it.  Others
objected, and it was finally concluded to publish the remonstrance with the minutes of Synod, and to defer further action
on the subject of slave-holding till the next meeting.
A great majority of the ministers and members of the Associate Church were, as they are still, earnestly opposed to
slave-holding; and as he who opposes a particular method of
removing an evil, is apt to be regarded by the earnest advocates of that method as favoring the evil and desiring the




322          HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
continuance of it, Mr. Anderson fell, in consequence of his
able paper, under suspicion and reproach among the brethren
in the North.  It was concluded by many that the South had
seduced him, and that he was bound with chains to the iron
car of the slave-holders.
With the view of vindicating his reputation as an antislavery man, and showing at the same time his candor and
courtesy in reasoning with opponents, and his great ability in
handling a knotty, difficult question, the following extracts
from the remonstrance are submitted for consideration:
"Far be it from us, (see minutes of 1830, page 35,) to
defend either the principle or the practice of slavery, or to
endeavor to effect in Synod even an unnecessary delay in
removing the evil. Involuntary servitude is a sin, a heinous
sin, and indefensible by the laws of nature or of revelation.
It involves the nation in guilt whenever permitted by the
government, but especially when it is maintained by legislative authority, and the chains of slavery are riveted by iniquitous laws.  We are convinced that to our country, and
especially to the slave States, slavery threatens moral, religious,
and political ruin-that the native influence of this practice,
and the judgments of God for this sin, have already produced
many bitter fruits, and threaten much more-that even temporal happiness cannot long exist in the present state of things.
We believe it is the duty of civil government to adopt measures for emancipation, and we view with grief and alarm
their apathy on this subject. Infatuation has supervened;
and providential threatenings only rouse our legislators, as
Pharaoh of old, to multiply the chains of slavery and bind
them faster.
" It may now be asked, after all these concessions, can you
hesitate a moment about the duty of adopting the articles of
the overture?  We reply, as soon as the Synod shall find a
practicable and lawful plan of emancipation, let these articles
be adopted; but not till then. Sinful as slavery is, it is not




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. ANDERSON.    323
more so than a plan of emancipation might be made to be.
It is not every measure of escaping a sin that will acquit us
of guilt.  Shall we presume that'our good intentions will
justify whatever measures rashness, or mistake, might lead us
to adopt?  Shall we do evil; that good may come?  The
Synod, in 1811, were as anxious to effect the complete abolition of slavery as they are now; and nothing, we believe,
but insurmountable obstacles, or at least what they judged
such, led them to adopt the measures they did. If Divine
Providence has since opened a door which they did not enjoy,
or given us additional light, let us promptly improve our
advantages. But it is possible we have lost sight of those
obstacles which then checked their laudable designs, and
obstacles which yet exist in all their force. It cannot, therefore, be improper to take a view of these impediments, that
if they cannot be surmounted or removed, we may wait for
Divine Providence to open our way; and if they can, that
we may intelligently and deliberately lay our plans for doing so.
" In laying before Synod the difficulties to which we have
alluded, we shall consider, in order, three methods of emancipation, which, as far as our knowledge extends, are the only
methods that have been proposed, or that occur to us as possible:- Colonization, transfer of the slaves to a free State,
and emancipation at home.
"d The Colonization Society might afford some aid in effecting our object. But -(1.) The funds of that Society are as
yet inadequate to such an extensive operation as we propose.
(2.) Though some slave-holders might avail themselves of
the privileges of that Society by advancing funds for the
transportation of their own slaves, yet many masters could
not command such funds.  (3.) It is a condition with the
Society, that the slaves be willing to go to their colony. Now
a few might be willing to go, and if funds could be obtained,
they might be emancipated.  But some who are willing to go,
could not be sent for want of funds; and those who are




324         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
unwilling must, on this plan, remain in slavery.  This method,
therefore, cannot effect the complete abolition of slavery in
our communion.
" The second plan of emancipation is to transfer the slaves
to the free States. This plan is also attended with difficulties:
"1st. By this plan, slaves would not be free; they would
be governed, but not represented; fixed by force and power
in the lowest grade of society.
"2d. Many masters, who can support their slaves under
their care, could not give them any means of subsistence, if
put away.
" 3d. There is reason to fear that such an influx of colored
population into the free States as this measure proposes,
would be prohibited.
"4th. Many masters would not be able to furnish the
funds necessary to carry their slaves to a free State. Without
some provision, therefore, by Synod to meet this difficulty,
this method of emancipation must of necessity fail of effecting
our object.'5th. Though a master could afford the funds necessary
to transfer his slaves to a free State, but would deny his
ability, by what means could the church reduce her rules to
practice?  Could she undertake to examine the minuitse of
his estate, pronounce that he is able to transport his slaves
at his own expense, and require him to do so under pain of
suspension or excommunication?  Synod could not, after
aiding one master in emancipating his slaves, command
another to do it at his own expense.
"6th. Many slaves are aged and infirm, and in most cases
their masters could not provide for them without the services
of the younger slaves.
"7th. Emancipation would not only be attended with loss,
but in some cases with bankruptcy.  It would place some
masters on the pauper list, and make them dependent on the




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. ANDERSON.    325
county funds.  This might subject our measures to partial,
and even to utter defeat by the State.
A" 8th. IMany slaves are of such a character as not to warrant their masters to comply with the requisitions of free
States in order to their admission; and as masters cannot
be compelled to give their slaves freedom. under this condition, such slaves must remain in servitude.
"9th. Many slaves would not be willing to go to Africa,
or even to a free State. Not a few would be found of this
description. To oblige them to go would be to interfere with
their just rights, and still further curtail what the practice
of slavery has curtailed too far.  It would impose a punishment which the case does not seem  to warrant.  They would
account it banishment to be removed, and would prefer
perpetual slavery.  To banish them from the soil and climate
where all their endeared associations are, —to banish them
for no crime, and when the necessity of the case is not
imperious, would be substituting cruelty and injustice for
kindness.  They must by this measure be separated, not
only from an endeared home, perhaps an endeared master,
(the case is not uncommon,) but also from their relatives,
when these are divided among several masters, as they
generally are, and among masters who would not emancipate,
and from  whom  the emancipator could not buy.  It may,
perhaps, be urged, in the spirit of the 3d preliminary of the
overture, that those slaves who are unwilling to go to Africa,
or elsewhere out of the slave States, having now the offer
of freedom, may bind themselves to servitude, and the master
be innocent.  We reply, we think indeed the master would
be innocent; not because he is by this compact free from the
practice of slavery, but because, in taking this step, he can
do no better. Therefore, though the master be innocent in
such a compact, (the maxim, Of two moral evils, choose
neither, to the contrary notwithstanding,) yet an object
contemplated in the overture, the complete abolition of
28




326         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
slavery in our communion, is not obtained. The slave, by
whatever form of bond he obligates himself to his master
while the State does not recognise his freedom, is in his
master's power as much as ever, - he is a slave by the law
of the State, and deprived of all his civil rights of which he
was deprived before.  He is, with all his offspring, liable to
seizure for his master's debts, and liable to be claimed by
legatees, even though by will and testament declared free in
the State.  Even though the master had bequeathed him
privileges and immunities which the laws do not recognise,
they all pass for nothing.  These considerations show  an
inconsistency between the first five preliminaries in the overture, and a proposition which requires the Synod to take
measures for putting it out of the power of any of our
members to hold a slave in such a state, that he may be
transferred as the property of the holder.  All the cases
admitted in these preliminaries leave the slave transferable,
by either the master or the State.
-"The third method of removing slavery from our communion, is emancipation in the State.  Here we shall offer
but one objection, which is, that the laws of the slave-holding
States forbid such emancipation. A slave cannot be made
free in a slave State. This plan, therefore, under existing
laws, is impracticable, and must be rejected. But here we
meet with a last resort, and if correct, an effectual measure
for the complete abolition of slavery in our communion.  It
is proposed in the overture that if the laws of the State have
cut off a rational prospect of liberating the slave, either immediately, or at any period nearly approaching, it then
becomes the imperious duty of the individual slave-holder to
free his own hands of the sin by relinquishing his unjust
claim, and leaving teh guilt of it on the community.  By
relinquishiing his unjust claim, we understand laying no claim
whatsoever to the slave, —literally manumitting him.  If
this be not the meaning of the sentence quoted, we see no




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. ANDERSON.    327
meaning in it at all.  We are sorry to see this proposition
seriously advanced; and still more sorry should we be, with
all our abhorrence of slavery, to see it reduced to practice.
We do consider it, under the circumstances with which
slavery is at present connected, at war with the rules of
morality.  But as it may not appear to all as exceptionable
as it does to us, we shall examine it more particularly.
"' Let it be remembered that the inevitable consequence of
quitting all claim to the slave, and leaving him in the slave
State, which the proposition supposes, is perpetual slavery
for him and his posterity under existing laws.  Let us then
examine the operation of this measure.
"1st. The measure proposed would confer no degree of
favor on the slave; it would not restore his rights, render
justice, nor amend his circumstances.
"2d.  The measure proposed would be a profligate waste
of the powers and privileges which slave-holders possess. All
slave-holders have the power to use their slaves more humanely
than the laws compel them  to do, and more humanely than
they are generally used throughout the slave States.  They
can teach, while others raise them  in nignorance; they can
feed and clothe, while others starve thenm.  And if ever a
time should come when the liberation of slaves would be
possible, though not required by the State, by this one rash
act in adopting the measure proposed, the power of benefiting
the slave would be for ever lost.  Does not moral justice
require us to be more frugal of our power, than to throw it
away to no purpose?
" 3d. By the measure proposed we should be doing positive
injury to the slave, exposing him to oppression, starvation, &c.
" 4th. The proposition we are opposing virtually counteracts the -second article of the overture, which forbids the
sale of slaves. If we deliver over our servant to perpetual
slavery, as this measure proposes, we do all that is evil in
selling him.




328         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
"5th. By following the method proposed, we will not free
our own hands of the sin of slavery. How shall we free our
hands of this sin, by exposing our servants and their offspring
to inevitable and perpetual slavery? Neither the laws of
God nor of man, as far as we have discovered, have made a
difference in the guilt of delivering and of receiving a stolen
article, unless perhaps they furnish an inference, that the
first is more criminal; nor between the guilt of inflicting an
unjust punishment by our own hand, or by the hand of
another. And by whatever circuitous method we do the one
or the other, it is the same guilt.  To deliver the slave,
therefore, over to the civil law, to be sold according to its
known regulations, is the same as to do it ourselves.  David
was as guilty of murdering Uriah by the hand of the Amorites,
as though he had done it with his own hand."
After urging that the measure proposed would be unkind
and cruel to the slaves, the remonstrance proceeds in the
following terms, page 43 —" We acknowledge that in the
case under consideration the only alternatives are, to set the
slave free from our hands into inevitable and perpetual
slavery, or to retain him for the time in slavery to ourselves.
Having rejected the former, we must adopt the latter.  But
here we are met by the formidable axiom, Of two moral evils,
there is never a necessity to choose either.  In the overture
this axiom is immediately applied to the case before us. One
would suppose the inference now is, Since there are two moral
evils in our choice, slavery and the above alternative, we
should choose neither, but adopt some other method of emancipatiion. This, however, does not appear to be the inference
intended; but it is taken for granted that slavery, in all
circumstances, is sinful, and that therefore by the axiom,
this method of emancipation is not.  Why not reverse the
application of the axiom thus - The method of emancipation
proposed is sinful, and therefore slavery, in comparison, is
innocent?  The truth of the axiom we do not deny, but we




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH Ot0 DR. ANDERSON.    329
do tnink it is misapplied in the overture. The error lies in
supposing an action sinful in certain circumstances, and therefore sinful in all circumstances.  But some actions no circumstances can justify; others depend on circumstances for
their justification or condemnation.  To kill a neighbor is
sinful in certain cases, and not in others; to labor on the
Sabbath is sinful in certain cases, and not in others; so,
while it is sinful to deprive a man of his liberty by violence,
or to keep him  in bondage by force and power when he
might be free of his choice, it does not follow that to keep
him in slavery till emancipation becomes possible, and till it
may be done without cruelty and injustice, is also sinful."
What the Scriptures teach as to the matter on hand, is
declared in the following language, page 46 —" That the
apostles did receive to the communion of the church both
masters and servants, without requiring emancipation as a
term of admission, we think cannot be denied. For proof of
this we appeal to I Cor. vii: 20-24; Eph. vi: 5, 9.  Now,
what shall we do with these stubborn facts?  Shall we evade
them  by saying, as in the overture, that it is not necessary
to understand the name servant, so frequently used in the
New Testament Scriptures, to mean slaves, while the term is
frequently used to denote a hireling?  This is irrelevant;
for though we should acknowledge that the name servant
frequently means hireling in the New Testament, yet if in
any cases in which the apostles gave directions to masters
and servants as such, and as members of the church, they
used it to denote slaves, the question is decided. That the
apostles did use the name servant in the latter sense, is clear
from 1 Ocr. vii: 21, and 1 Tim. vi: 1, 2."
On the question, How could the apostles tolerate slaveholding? the remonstrance states, page 47 —"That it was
not in their commission to lay the hand of miraculous power
on the nations, and model their governments by the rules of
holy Scripture; this work was left to the common providence
28*




830         HISTORY OF  ET VERSON COLLEGE.
of God, and the operation of moral and physical causes in his
hand.  While, therefore, the Roman government was periitted, in Divine Providence, to continue in the form it then
had, and to maintain the laTws it then did, entire emancipa,
tion was impossible.  Slavery, then, was permitted in church
members by the apostles, on the same principles for which
we plead-on the principles of necessity; because the remedy
was not in their hand."
These extracts are submitted fur the purposes already
mentioned, and not with any views thought, or desire of
reviving an old controversy.
The Synod of 1831 was appointed to meet in Canonsburg,
Washington county, Pennsylvania.  Mr. Anderson went up
to the meeting, accompanied by the writer.  We started about
the middle of April, and traveled the same route as in 1827;
but in carriages, and not on the saddle, as in 1827.
We reached Canonsburg towards the close of the third
week.  Our relatives and. Christian friends rejoiced, and we
rejoiced with them.  Our joy, however, was moderated by
frequent thoughts of our ecclesiastical position, and of the
worse predicament in which we might, and perhaps would be,
placed by the action of the coming Synod.  We were not
personally interested in the slave question.  Neither of us
claimed the distinction of being the master of a fellow-mortal.
]But as connected with our congregations and the congregations of our Presbytery, we were laid under a heavy chlarge by
the overture of 1829.  By a resolution of Synod adopted in
1830, we were required also to show the extent of our guilt;
and from what we knew of northern sentimfent, we feared that
we had to encounter a vehement wind —-such as would over-'turn and scatter our congregations, as the North-wester which
fell upon us at the foot of the Blue Ridge overturned trees
and fences, scattering the fragments in every direction.  In
this expectation we were disappointed, The Synod met on
Wednesday, the 11th of May.




IO3GRAPRICEAL.SKtTOt O  DR. ANDERSON.    881.
[Dr. Anderson's biographer then gives a full account of
the action of the Synod on the subject of slavery-of the
course pursued by Dr. Anderson and his southern brethren —
of the final dissolution of their pastoral relations, and their
removal from the southern States.  Thotgh the whole statemnent is interesting and affecting, and though many would
read with admiration the strenuous efforts of Dri Anderson
in the Synod, and in the South, to avert the calamity of the
complete breaking up of the Secession body in the southern
States, we must omit this part of the narrative. Dr. Anderson, though decidedly opposed to slavery, would have guided
the Secession Church to a wiser course, in the judgment of
many, could his counsels have prevailed.  But he conscientiously believed it his duty to submit to the decisions of his
Synod.  He left his large and interesting charge in Carolina,
having received a call to a congregation in Washington county,
New York.  In his charge, consisting of Steel Creek and
Bethany congregations, were two hundred and five slaves, of
whom were sixty-nine readers, eight communicants, and one
hundred and fifty-seven catechumens.  Yet, from a sense of
duty, having promised obedience to his brethren in the Lord,
he withdrew, forever, from these poor sons of Ham.]
Before the meeting of Presbytery in 1833, a call came to
hand from the Associate congregation of HIebron, Washington county, New York, which, being presented by the Presbytery,'Mr. Anderson accepted of it, and demitted the pastoral
care of Bethany and Steel Creek.
As soon as the weather and roads were in such a, state (as
to admit of comfortable traveling, Mr. Anderson took his
final leave of the South, and of his respectful, loving parishioners. No doubt there was heaviness on his part, and tears
and sobs with them.  Had he possessed the spirit of prophecy,
he might have said as Paul did tr tn o1.    e of Lphesuso "And now, behold, I know that ye cll, among wihom, I have
gone preaching the kingdom  of God, shall see my face no




382         THISTORY O1P JEPPERSON COLLEGE.
more;" for such was the event. They saw him-they heard
his solemn, affectionate voice no more.
He made his way to New York in safety, and commenced
his ministerial career in Hebron about the 1st of June.
Mr. Anderson's new field of labor was much more limited
than the former; and, of consequence, he had more time for
reading and meditation, and being less exposed, his health
was more uniform. He applied himself with earnestness and
diligence to his proper work as a minister of Christ —preaching, visiting, catechizing, &c., as in the South; and, without
any special efforts, he attained in a short time to a distinguished standing among the ministers and brethren of Cambridge Presbytery.
After the resignation of Professor John Anderson, of Service, in 1820, there were two schools of the prophets under
the care of the Associate Synod,-one in Philadelphia, superintended by Rev. John Banks, D. D., and the other in Can.
onsburg, superintended by Rev. James Ramsey, D. D.  Doctor Banks being removed by death in 1829, it was concluded
to cast the two Seminaries into one, and place over the united
Seminary two Professors,-the first to be called the Professor
of Didactic and Polemic Theology, and the second to be styled
Professor of Biblical Literature and Ecclesiastical History.
The Synod of 1831 located the united Seminary in Canonsburg, and elected Dr. Ramsey to the Professorship of Didactic and Polemic Theology. The other Professorship was not
filled at that time; but in the meeting of Synod at Canonsburg, in the fall of 1833, Rev. David Carson, of Blount
county, Tennessee, was chosen to fill it.  He acquiesced in
the judgment of his brethren, and moved with his family to
Canonsburg in June of 1834.  He was thirty-three or four
years of age.  His ruddy complexion and robust form, promised a long life of usefulness.  But the race is not to the
swift, nor the battle to the strong.  It was well, no doubt,
that it was in his heart to build the house of the Lord. But




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. ANDERSON.    333
he was not permitted to do the work. Before he had made
an actual commencement in his department of official labor,
he was removed to the land of silence.  His death occurred
about the 20th of September, 1834; and the Synod meeting
shortly after in the city of Baltimore, proceeded to the election of another. Rev. Abraham Anderson was chosen; but
he could not say that he would take the place, and discharge
the duties of it according to the best of his ability.  In the
hope that time would remove his difficulties, the Synod
allowed him to hold the call under consideration till the next
meeting appointed to be held in Canonsburg, 1835.  This
indulgence was indicative of an earnest desire on the part of
the Synod that Mr. Anderson would accept the post to which
he was called, and he considered what was his duty in the
case very seriously, and with earnest prayer for Divine direction.  In a letter to the writer bearing date November 27th,
1834, the following language is used: —" One thing occurred
at Synod in which I am much interested-my election to the
Professorship.  If I were to consult my own comfort only, I
would decline. But I consider it a matter of weighty concern, and that its weight would require me to make greater
sacrifices than any call I ever had before. The fear of a corrupt man, or a man under corrupt influence filling the place
and poisoning the fountains and streams which water our Tvineyard, makes it no matter of indifference to me, and points
out my accountability.  The providences connected with the
case have been remarkable.  While I was in the Carolinas,
and preferred almost anything to my situation there, and had
nothing in these respects to hinder my acceptance of the call,
it was not made. It was not made till I was settled, and in
such circumstances, that I find it more difficult than I ever
did, or would have found it before, to change my location.
Thus Providence seems to say, that I must wade through
difficulties, in duty or to duty-that I must not come to my
duties with ease, or that it is not my duty to change my loca



334         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
tion at present.  That it is through difficulties and trials I
must engage in duty, and perform  it, is, I am  aware, no
strange thing. It is the appointed way; and if this were all
the hinderance it would be no argument against my removal,
but I suspect some of my difficulties are insurmountable.
Dear friend, I request both your counsels and your prayers.
It is God only that can guide my judgment and my heart.
I dread the influence of temptations from the world and of
carnal views and affections.  Such a dilemma presented, and to
be determined under the influence of a carnal mind, is a fearful condition."
The great impediment was the very delicate health of Mrs.
Anderson, which not changing for the better in the course of
the time given for consideration, Mr. Anderson finally declined
the office to which he had been appointed.  Informed of his
decision, the Synod of 1835 proceeded to the election of
another, and fixed on the Rev. Thomas Beveridge, of Philadelphia, now Dr. Beveridge, who accepted the appointment,
and is still serving the church in that office to the satisfaction
of the Synod and students of theology.
The chair of Didactic Theology being vacant by the death
of Dr. Martin, the Synod of 1847, sitting in Allegheny, proceeded to the choice of an incumbent.  Mr. Anderson was
chosen, and without hesitation accepted the office. No doubt
he could have said as before, Were I to consult any own comfort only, I woulcd decline.  But I consider this call a matter
of weighty concern, and that its great weight requires me to
make greater sacrifices than any call I ever had before.  (See
Letter above.) The sacrifices involved in the undertaking
were by no means trifling. IHe had to abandon a very commodious settlement at a considerable pecuniary loss. He had
to forsake the society of his affectionate parishioners, of his
relations in New York, and of his own family, in some measure. He had to abandon that leisure and quietude which
men at his stage of life (not far from sixty) generally prize,




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. ANDERSON.    335
and to gird himself for labors in a new field,-labors that are
difficult in their nature, and made more difficult as youthful
candidates for the ministry are apt to be fastidious as to the
manner in which their spiritual food is presented.  Mr. Anderson, without doubt, counted the cost before he undertook the
work, for such was his habit; and hence he did not afterwards
draw back nor murmur at finding difficulties which he had
not anticipated.
He repaired to Canonsburg about the 1st of November, the
commencement of the theological session, leaving his wife,
whose health was more uniform than in 1834, and his only
child, a daughter twelve or thirteen years of age, with Mrs.
Law, his wife's mother.  He took boarding with Mr. Wm.
M'Lelland, one of the companions and friends of his youth,
and labored throughout the winter in his appropriate office,
and in preaching the word to the congregation of Chartiers
as a helper of Dr. Ramsey, now in debility through age.
The writer attended the meeting of the Board at the close of
the session, and spent some time with Mr. Anderson in his
private study.  He did not complain of his labors, nor of
solicitude about his family, from which he was so distant, but
seemed care-worn and heavy,-not so cheerful as in the sunny
South, and I was therefore led to conclude that he felt his
labors and privations, though he would not permit his lips to
complain.  The session closing with the month of March,
Mr. Anderson returned to his family in New York.  About
this time the honorary degree of D. ]D. was conferred upon
him by the Faculty and Board of Franklin College, in the
State of Ohio.
Having in the course of the summer made some disposition
of his property in New York, he returned with his family to
Canonsburg in the month of October; and during the winter
that followed he prosecuted his labors in the Seminary and
in the pulpit, preaching about half the time for Dr. Ramsey,




336         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
and on Sabbath nights alternately with his colleague in the
hall of the Seminary.
Having procured an unimproved lot near the Seminary, he
took upon himself the cares and anxieties of building in the
summer of 1849.  There was much to be done, and he so
managed that all was done in a short time, and in good style,
The result of the undertaking was a most commodious habitation, with its proper appurtenances.  As we were returning
from the meeting of Synod in Xenia, 1851, in a private and
confidential interview the Doctor told me of one fact in regard
to his bodily condition, by which I was led to apprehend that
his earthly tabernacle was breaking down.  He preserved,
however, his usual healthy appearance, and continued to prosecute his work with unabated energy.  In the fall of that year
he took upon himself an additional burden of ctares and
labors. A small congregation on Miller's Run, five miles
from Canonsburg, called him and his colleague, Dr. Beveridge,
to be their conjoint pastors; and Dr. Anderson, in conjunction with Dr. Beveridge, accepted the call, and continued ifi
the duties involved till near the end of his course.  Dr. Anderson was in easy, and even affluent circumstances.  He was
not impelled to this undertaking by the necessities of his
faumily, nor by the love of filthy lucre, but by a sense of duty
and the delight he experienced in using his gifts for the benefit of others.  He was well apprized that it was his duty to
lay out his talents, and not bury them; and he delighted in
preaching the word to an humble, attentive people, and in
circulating among such a people and instructing them around
their own hearths.
The writer remembers distinctly of his saying in a private
interview, not long after the acceptance of that call-" I do
like to preach."  His sense of duty, and the pleasure he found
in pastoral duties were, then, the principal motives of that
undertaking.  It is probable, however, that he took into view




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. ANDERSON.    337
the necessity of exercise in the open air, and thought that
the exercise demanded by duty in the congregation would
redound to his advantage.
Not long after Professors Anderson and Beveridge had
taken upon them the pastoral care of Miller's Run, the Associate Synod reduced the theological course, which had been
spread over four years, to three years of two sessions each,
five months in the winter, as before, and three in the summer.
This arrangement left to the Professors but little time for
relaxation.  But still Dr. Anderson went on in his course,
and presented no visible signs of wearing out till August,
1854, when he was taken suddenly with the usual symptoms
of gravel, and suffered exceedingly for twelve or fifteen days.
His complaint was never removed altogether; but being partially relieved, he returned, after three or four weeks' confinement, to the duties of his calling.  In October he maintained
his erect attitude of body and his usual complexion. In January there was no visible change, except a certain snowy
whiteness of his forehead and temples, in which, as the writer
imagined, the sentence of death was legible. In a private
interview at the time just mentioned, he spoke without reserve
of his bodily condition, stating that he suffered daily, and
that his sufferings were at times excruciating,-that the cause
was not stone, but some other acrid humor thrown upon the
tender organs.  This judgment respecting the nature of his
ailment was correct. It was at length fully ascertained that
the immediate cause of his sufferings and death was chronic
cystitis, attended with irritation and stricture of the urethra.
How, under these painful circumstances, he preserved his
composure of mind and energy of spirit, and went on with
his duties in the Seminary, I cannot show more distinctly
than in the language of Dr. Beveridge, who was with him
daily.  " During the last winter of his life," says the Doctor,
in a letter lately received, " he suffered exceedingly from the
disease Which at last terminated his days, but he persevered




38s         HISTORI Y 0F JEI'ERSON C'LLEGB
in meeting with the students till the close of the sessionm
Their last meeting with him was in his own house j; and their
general impression at the time was, that it wouldbe the last.
Towards the close of the winter, le limited himself in these
meetings to an hour.  Frequently, however, some of the students, who were not aware of the nature of his disease, would
detain him  after he had finished his lecture to obtain his
instructions on some subject which was engaging their attention;  and such was his kindness and self-denial, that he often
allowed himself to be detained so long that when he returned
to his house he would continue for some time in an agonyX."
That in such circumstances he not only attempted his daily
duties, but persevered and went through them, is a sufficient
proof that he was possessed of a strong will and an indomitable spirit.  As to his method of teaching theology during
his last and other sessions,  Dr. Beveridge states in the same
letter:-" That taking Mark's Medulla for the text-book,
(as his predecessors had done)> he embodied in a series of
questions whatever he regarded as valuaable in the Compend,
adding when there seemed to be occasion for it, and correcting
what he disapproved,  The written questions and  their
answers did not, however, comprise all his instructions.  As
occasions appeared to require, he enlarged on different subects.  This he did especially when, he found any point not
thoroughly comprehended by the students, or when a question
was raised by any of them respecting some point of doctrine 
and these unpremeditated remarks were considered by the
students as the most valuable of his instructions, His lectures were greatly esteemed by the young gentlemen for whose
use they were prepared; and having been solicited by them
to give them to the public, he had made some preparation fox
doing so." It may be stated here, though it be not chronologically in order, that the portion of Dr. Anderson's lectures
which health and life did not permit him to review and correct
for the press, has been re-written by the Rev. T. II. Beveridge,




0BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH  OF DR. ANDERSON,   339
of Philadelphia, and the work is published. The Christian
community will therefore have the opportunity of judging of
Dr. Anderson's ability and soundness as a theologian, and of'tis aptness to teach. As a copy of the work has not yet,ome into the writer's hands, he cannot offer his opinion in
regard to its merits. But a more competent judge speaks in
terms of high commendation.  "The work," says Dr. Cooper,
editor of the Repository, "while it cannot fail to be a very
valuable guide to theological students, will prove to thenr and
all others who may make use of it, a rich fund of valuable
and varied information on the doctrines of our holy religion.
Let no one decline purchasing the work from the fear that he
may not be able to understand it, or that it is not adapted to
the general reader.  On some accounts it will be found peculiarly acceptable and useful to private members of the church.
The interrogatory form which characterizes these lectures, is
well calculated to arrest attention, and bring out the point
clearly and distinctly before the mind.  We feel rejoiced that
it has been presented to the public, as we think it, on the
whole, admirably calculated to diffuse throughout the church
sound Scriptural principles, and to establish our people, and
all who may read it, in the faith of our holy profession."Re2p. vol. xv., p. 442.
From this digression we return.  It was faintly hoped at
the close of the session, (March, 1855,) that being released
from care and fatigue, Dr. Anderson would recover from his
weakness, and see some years of comfort and usefulness.
But his sufferings were not abated; and under the genial
warmth of the dawning summer, his symptoms became more
aggravated. Having taught others how to live and how to
die, he was not amazed with horror, nor overwhelmed with
grief,-he preserved his usual serenity of countenance and
equanimity of mind.  He manifested, however, a lively concern about eternal things. After hearing his own statement
about his bodily condition in the month of January, the




340         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
writer took the liberty of making some remarks about the
grounds of faith and its happy influence in tranquillizing the
mind and heart in trying times -observing, among other
things, that if we had the lively, confiding faith of Paul, we
would say as he did-" I know in whom I have believed, and
that he is able to keep that which I have committed to him;
I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth
there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness," &c. There
was no thought of being useful to the Doctor, except in the
way of stirring up his pure mind by putting him in remembrance; yet he took a lively interest in the conversation,
and spoke of it in the month of March, regretting that it had
been interrupted by the coming of, a much esteemed
friend, whom he said he had never been sorry to see coming
into his house except in that instance.
The following statements respecting the exercise of Dr.
Anderson in preparation for his approaching dissolution, are
derived from the letter of Dr. Beveridge, extracts from which
have been already given:- "About four weeks before his
death, when I rose to leave him he requested me to sit down,
that we might have some conversation in respect to spiritual
things, and particularly in reference to death. He stated, in
substance, that he hoped somewhat for recovery, but thought
his case doubtful. Among other things which he mentioned
as yielding him satisfaction as an evidence of the reality of
grace, was perseverance for a long time in the way of
righteousness. The righteous shall hold on his way. I recollect, also, that he expressed himself much pleased with
some remarks I made to him about the determination of the
will to what is right, even when there may be much disturbance of the affections, as when a man consents to the amputation of a limb, while his whole frame shudders at the thought
of parting with it; his will is to lose the limb, but his
feelings are all opposed to his will; so in crucifying the
flesh, the will is to give up right hands and right eyes —to




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETC1i OP DR. ANDERSON.    341
give up all for Christ, but the affections are often strongly
drawn in a contrary direction."
We come to the closing scene, the account of which is
taken chiefly from a letter of Dr, ]Beveridge to his son, Rev.
Thomas H. Beveridge, of Philadelphia, dated the 8th of
May, 1855:-'" Our dear brother, Dr. Anderson, is still living, but no
one entertains the least hope of his recovery.  On the last
Sabbath of April, nine days ago, he was seized with a chill:
ihe was somewhat better on Monday,   He continued, however, to suffer a good deal on Tuesday and Wednesday.  On
Thursday morning I was sent for: he was supposed to be
dying.  HIe recovered somewhat during the day.  I called as
soon as I returned from Miller's Run, (where I had preached,)
and found him sinking.  On Tuesday I was again sent for,
about noon, when he was once more thought to be dying.
Stayed with him that evening and night.  He was sensible,
though not able to do much more than answer questions.
On Friday, or perhaps Thursday, I asked him  if he knew
that he was dying.  He replied that he did.  I asked him.
if he found himself prepared to leave the world. His reply
was that he trusted that he was ready. About 2 o'clock of
Saturday morning, Dr. M'Elwee arrived.  Dr. Anderson had
apparently been inattentive to any thing for some time; but
as his brother Ma'Elwree approached the bed, and asked if he
knew him, Dr. Anderson raised himself up with a sudden
start, calling out as he did so,'IM'Elwee, M'Elwee, M'E1wee!' he threw his armes around him, and drew him down to
his breast, where he held him till we were obliged to remove
his hands, to give Dr. M'Elwee his liberty." He seemed
exceedingly gratified, and was induced to take some water,
by which the clamminess'of his mouth was removed, and he
was able for some time to speak more distinctly.  About 10
o'eclock, Saturday afternoon, he fell into an agony of pain.
Hlis countenance became. distorted, he tossed his head rapidly
29*




342         HISTORY OP JEFFEftSON COLLEGE.
from one side to the other, and flung his arms violently in
every direction, crying out as he did so, "Oh, me i Oh, me!
What shall I do? What shall I do?  I want strength - I
want strength -I have no strength!'  The writer presented
himself before his face, and repeated the text, " My grace
is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness."  The Doctor looked up with a steady, pleasant eye,
and repeated the latter part of the text, " Miy strength I's
made perfect in weakness.'"  "Yes," said the writer, "trust
in him, and you will find it so."  He made no answer, but
became calm, and lay quietly till about 2 o'clock in the afternoon, when the writer, having the Lord's Supper on hand,
-was obliged to leave.  " On Saturday night," continues Dr.
Beveridge, A" his brother William came to see him, and he
manifested a like gratification, and in the same way, when he
recognised him. He appeared also gratified to find Dr,
HIanna and other friends around him.  I stayed with him all
day on Saturday, leaving Dr. Hanna to preach and attend to
the other services of the day at Miller's Run.  On Sabbath
I was obliged to leave him, and on Monday also I was at
Miller's Run.  During all this time, and indeed from Thursday till the present time, his sufferings have been extreme
beyond any I have ever before witnessed, in intensity and
duration. They have been such as almost to frighten one in
relation to the last conflict. I hope, however, it will not last
much longer. He has swallowed nothing for several days,
and cannot even bear to have his parched lips wet with
water.
"'P. S.-12  o'clock. Dr. Anderson breathed his last
about half after 10 o'clock, and is to be buried to-morrow at
2 o'clock.  He was sixty-six years of age last December."
He was accordingly interred, on the 9th of May, in the
grave-yard of the Associate congregation of Chartiers, wherein
his parents and some other relations had been previously laid.
The company that followed his body to its long home was




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. ANDERSON.    343
very large; and that home, through the affection of his
famnily, has been marked by the erection of a rich but modest
monument of marble.  On the front of the shaft is " Anderson," the family name; on the south side of the basis is a
simple inscrlption, which announces the time of his birth,
and the time of his death; and on the north side is a text of
Scripture expressive of the hope which animated Dr. Anderson while living, and comforts the hearts of surviving friends
in regard to his death.  The text is that in Rev. xiv: 13"Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord from henceforth;
yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors;
and their works do follow them."
Dr. Anderson's exterior was large, massive, and comely;
and though large bodies and little souls are often conjoined,
in this case the glory within was equal or superior to the
expectations inspired by the outward form.  He was able to
accomplish much in a little time.  Though twenty-four years
of age when he commenced his academical studies, yet in the
course of a few years he was equal and superior to many
others who had been prosecuting those studies from their
childhood.  While others studied divinity, he;studied divinity
and medicine, and performed all the tedious duties of Professor of Lariguages in Jefferson College. This mental activity,
and the fruit of it, much done in a little time, was visible in
all the different stages of his career.  What time he usually
employed in preparing for the Sabbath I know not; but if
an emergency required it, he could collect and arrange the
materials of a sermon in a very short time.  He was not so
remarkable, however, for the activity of his mental operations,
as for the compass and extent of his vision.  As a man of
the smallest stature, standing nealr an ant-hill, can survey it
on all sides at one and the same time, so he seemed to tower
above the subject which he had occasion to handle, and to
view  all its different sides at once, with all the objections
wbhich might be:brought against the view which he main,




844         HISTORY OF JEP ERSON COL LEG.
Tained.  This mounting above his subject was discernible in
all his public discourses, and frequently in his conversation
An elderly man in the South, connected with the General
Assembly of the Old School, heard Dr. Anderson occasionally,
and compared him  to a great bar-shear, which makes a wide
furrow and buries all the weeds out of sight.
To a strong, well-balanced mind, were added, in the case
of' Dr. Anderson, a diligent spirit, and the art of gathering
up fragments of time and bits of opportunity, and turning
them to some good account.  In camp he found time to write
a little book, though he had not turned his attention to
literary studies, and wanted all the common conveniences for
writing.  In after life his opportunities were better, and he
improved them  with equal diligence.  It does not appear
that he kept a diary; but he kept a note-book, in which he
recorded, with some remarks, any text with which his mind
was impressed in reading; and when his reflections did not
lead him  to fix on some particular subject for the Sabbath,
he had recourse to this storehouse for assistance.
To an industrious spirit was added the love of order.  His
-books and papers were kept in their proper places. The parts
of his apparel were properly disposed; and his expenditures
were not suffered to flow out at random.  He noted in a
little book the incomes and outlayings of a year.  At the
end of the year he marked the paper, and laid it by, and
began anew.  The love of order and convenience was, in
ahort, conspicuous in every thing about him; in his garden,
yard, and stable, as well as in his dwelling.
The result of his well-directed industry was riches in
knowledge: his library was, indeed, not very large; but
being of an observing, penetrating mind, and persevering
spirit, what he studied was well studied.  He could read a
Latin system  of divinity almost as freely as common English.
He was so familiar with the Greek of the New Testament,
that in family worship, in his own housc, he read the chapter




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. ANDERSON.    345
directly from the original text.  He had a good acquaintance
with the Hebrew of the Old Testament, and with ancient and
modern history, with the principles of our republican government and of the common law. He was a good physician in
all ordinary cases, and not ignorant of chemistry, nor of
agriculture or architecture. He was well acquainted with
human nature  and knew very generally, before the trial of
a particular measure, whether it would be borne or rejected
with indignation. Men of vigorous powers and great learning
are sometimes destitute of common sense, but it was never
supposed by any of his acquaintances that Dr. Anderson was
deficient in that respect. Common sense and prudence were
conspicuous in all that he said and did.
Great abilities and rich acquirements arp often attended
with a highly supercilious spirit, that unfits the possessor for
usefulness in the world. But Dr. Anderson was humble and
patient.  He thought it no degradation to leave his seat in
college, and ride through the country preaching the gospel
to the poor and ignorant; and when settled in a pastoral
charge, he was not above preaching from house to house, or
visiting the poor in their affliction. A man whose gifts are
excellent, may be in a great measure useless through lack
of the principles that should guide him in the exercise of his
gifts, and excite him to use them for the benefit of others.
He may be without zeal for the glory of God and the cause
of righteousness, and without love for his fellow-creatures.
But Dr. Anderson was not in this unhappy case. He was
very zealous for the Lord God of hosts, and towards men he
was full of kindness.  When, in the commencement of my
ministry, I told him of any difficulty, or discouragement, or
cause of perplexity, however trifling the thing was, he never
made light of it, but listened with fixed attention; and when
he had comprehended the case, he applied himself to the
labor of helping me with as much earnestness as if I had
been his own son. His tenderness was very visible in his




346         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE,
intercourse with Mrs. Anderson and his daughter; and Dr.
Beveridge, his colleague in the Seminary, witnesses that
towards the students he showed all the kindness of a fathei
particularly when any of them  were under affliction.  A,
-first sight his lofty head and stern countenance led me to
suspect that he was without tender feelings; and that though
I might esteem, I could not love him. But first impressions
are often fallacious.  "Very pleasant hast thou been unto
me, my brother.  Thy love to me was wonderful, passing the
love of women."  Many good men will wound the feelings
of a friend in pursuit of a jest and a laugh.  But Dr. Anderson's tenderness forbade him to do so.
Some, who are not vicious, will through weakness or inconsiderateness, reveal what has been communicated to them
in the confidence of friendship; and those who will maki
trouble for their friends intentionally, or inadvertently, al
so many in all the walks of life, that the royal preacher
inquires after a faithful man, and hints that it is hard to find
such a man.  "A faithful man, who can find?"  Dr. Anderson obtained mercy to be faithful in all his relations.  He
was an intelligent, constant friend, and wise counselor; and
the writer has often felt thankful that being such, Divine
Providence had brought us into contact and fellowship.
The good qualities already noticed, were enhanced by
honesty and sincerity.  Too many magnify whatever they
have occasion to speak of, but his communications were yea,
yea, nay, nay; and whether he commended or faulted, his
words were the just exponents of his thoughts.  If he had
offered a measure to the Presbytery or Synod, and a brother
offered something better, he would abandon his own measure
and maintain the substitute.  He did nothing through strife
or vainglory. He never spoke that others might hear how
well he could speak, nor continued to harangue and reason
for the sake of victory.  He was, no doubt, pleased to possess
the esteem  of his fellow-men, but direct attempts to win




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP DR. ANDERSON.    347
popular favor, his honesty and sense of dignity would not
allow him to make.  He was free foroa that ambition which
is ever striving to shine with such lustre as to throw all
others into the shade, and from that bitterness of soul which
gives birth to envy.  If a brother in the ministry succeeded
in riveting the attention of the people more closely than he
had done himself, Dr. Anderson was not made restless and
uneasy, nor stirred up to speak disparagingly of his brother,
but rather to praise and thank the M3ost High for bestowing
such gifts on men.  To this nobleness of spirit, Dr. Beveridge,
his colleague in the Seminary and in the pastorate of Miller's
Run, bears witness, stating in a letter lately'received, that
some of the people of Miller's Run preferred Dr. Anderson,
and some himself-that Dr. Anderson noticed their preferences, and spoke of them in private interviews with as much
indifference as if he had been no way interested.
Weight was given to Dr. Anderson's instructions, public
and private, by his habitual gravity. He was indeed affable
and cheerful, and could laugh heartily when there was a just
occasion. But by nature or grace, or both combined, he was
estranged  from  levity.  His  speech  was very generally
seasoned with salt, and good to the use of edifying.  I recollect but one laughable story of his telling, and that bore somewhat against himself.
He was lodging with a worthy pair of elderly Scotch people
in Sterling congregation, Iredell county, North Carolina, on
the night-before the sacramental fast. He spoke during the
evening of the sad declension of religion, and as an instance
noticed the utter disregard of fast days by many; and the
general neglect of every thing like fasting, by many who
profess to sanctify the day.  It did not occur to him to state,
as was his belief, that on.a day of fasting, worshipers should
not indulge in table comforts as on other days, but take
merely a little of something plain and simple, for necessary
sustenance.  The morning having come, he walked out to a




848          HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
grove, and spent an hour or more in prayer and study.  He
returned, expecting to be invited to the breakfast table, but
was asked to lead in worship. WTorship being over, he sat
for some time and conversed with the head of the family.
He went to the grove again, tarried a good while, and returned, confidently expecting that a frugal repast was in
readiness for hiln.  But instead of that the horses were
saddled for going to the church, and the old lady had adjusted
her bonnet and shawl. As soon as he entered the house, she
accosted him very kindly, saying-" Now, Mr. Anderson, it
is too much to go all day without eating any thing at all:
having to preach two sermons, you will faint before you are
through with them.  Will you not have a little of something?"  He replied-" To be sure I will, if I can get it."
So she laid off her bonnet, and in a few moments invited him
to a cold repast.  While relating this bit of his experience,
the Doctor laughed very heartily.. It was not, however, a
vain story. All may easily learn from it that the man of
God should rightly divide the word of truth, showing what
is right and proper, as well as that which is reprehensible
and to be avoided.
That persons who have not had the happiness of seeing Dr.
Anderson in the pulpit may have some idea of him as a
preacher, it is necessary to state that though he was large
and strong, his bodily organization was such that he could
only speak in a conversational tone.  His pronunciation being
distinct, he was nevertheless heard with ease in a large
assembly.  It must be stated further, that he had one mental
peculiarity: while his memory was grasping and retentive
of ideas, he had less ability than the generality of men to
remember and repeat sentences.  At the commencement of
his ministry he wrote his sermons at full length, as young
ministers of the Associate Church generally do; but it took
him a whole week to commit a sermon, and after so much
labor he was hampered in the delivery. He concluded, after




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. ANDERSON.    349
a few trials, that if he could not preach except in this way,
it would be necessary for him to abandon the ministry. The
plan on which he fell, was that of writing down the heads
and particular divisions, with a few sentences under each
division indicating the line of illustration to be pursued. In
this way he preached with more ease and comfort, and in this
way he continued to preach.  Frequently, indeed, he wrote
his sermon at full length; but in preparing to preach it, he
did no more than make himself familiar with the line of
thoughts; and thus, while the matter was premeditated, the
language was extemporaneous.
It may be stated further, that in taste and judgment, Dr.
Anderson was opposed to ornate discourses and rhetorical
flourishes in the sacred desk.  He often quoted, with approbation, the famous lines of Cowper:-' What, will a man play tricks? Will he indulge
A silly, fond conceit of his fair form,
And just proportion, fashionable mien,
And pretty face, in presence of his God?
Or will he seek to dazzle me with tropes,
And play his brilliant parts before my eyes,
When I am hungry for the bread of life?
I seek divine simplicity in him
Who handles things divine; and all beside,
Though learned with labor, and though much admired
By curious eyes, and judgments ill informed,
To me is odious."
While, therefore, Dr. Anderson's preaching was, as to the
matter, solid and rich, in respect of the language and style
of delivery, it was very plain and simple.  Epithets were not
piled upon epithets, nor one bright comparison upon another.
His hearers were not amused with graphic descriptions of
persons and scenes, nor astonished at times with a torrent
of diction and feeling.  He was not flippant nor drawling,
but flowed with an evenly tenor, as the clear stream of a
80a




8350        HIISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
prolific fountain.  His able thoughts flowing immediately
from his own mind, and enforced by the countenance of
sincerity itself, generally commanded the attention of hearers,
though the words were plain, and perhaps for that very reason.
In the body of his sermon, what he ever aimed at was to
manifest some point of truth, or to refute some error, and his
arguments were plain and cogent. In the conclusion he
appealed to the consciences of his hearers, and appealed conscience itself to the tribunal of the great Judge; and these
appeals were always solemn, and often very impressive.
His many excellencies were more conspicuous on the floor
of Synod than in the. pulpit. In a time of a heat and excitement, his calm, dignified mien, and gentle voice, were as oil
on the troubled waters.  When darkness brooded over the
Assembly, many not able to see the point at issue, his cool,
judge-like statement of the matter, and plain arguments in
behalf of the truth, were often as a bright light kindled up
in a dark place. He was eminently fitted for the chair of
Didactic and Polemic Theology.  His great intellectual ability
and solid learning, his dignity of appearance, and constant
propriety of conduct, his condescending kindness and patience,
made him all that could be desired in that important post.
It need scarcely be added that he was a man of piety; for
what is Christian piety but the harmonious meeting of those
fruits of righteousness which we have been contemplating?
Of his sincere piety there are many other evidences besides
that evidence which he mentioned himself to Dr. Beveridge
as one that afforded him some consolation.  Only two of the
many shall be specified.  He loved the truth of the gospel,
and stood by it in the face of opposition and reproach; and
he loved the word of truth-the Holy Scriptures.  When the
writer had accepted of a pastoral charge in the Presbytery of
the Carolinas, though our dwelling-places were thirty miles
apart' he proposed that we should meet once a month for
reading a portion of Scripture, and offering such remarks as




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. ANDERSON.    351
might occur to us, or we should be able to collect; and it
appears that he bound himself to read so much of the word
daily in private as would serve to take him quite through in
the course of the year.  His great sufferings in the close of
his life are no sign or proof that he was not right in heart
with God. Christ came to his beloved disciples in a storm,
and they were exceedingly distressed; and we are informed
in the word of truth that grace is given to every one to profit
withal; that is, to be exercised to the glory of God and the
benefit of others; and how could the excellent graces, faith,
courage, and patience, be exercised and made manifest without some very sharp trials?   1Mr. Boston says: —' It is very
rare, I suppose, that any of God's children have something
more than ordinary about them to their advantage, but they
get something more than ordinary to try them.  Of all the
patriarchs there was not one that had more divine manifestations, or so many as Jacob, nor so many and great afflictions
either. Of all the sons of Jacob there was none so highly
raised and useful as Joseph, and none so afflicted.  Heman
was a man of more than ordinary reach, and so of afflictions."- Completed Wolks, vol. vi., p. 650.  What the writer
saw himself of the terrible agonies of Dr. Anderson, (bodily
agonies, for they were confined to the body,) led him to these
reflections at the time.  It is the lambs which the Good
Shepherd gathers with his arms and carries in his bosom, and
therefore "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, nor
the mighty man in his power;" he will be apt to need all
the wisdom and power which he possesses, and perhaps more.
I was convinced, too, of the perfect folly of deferring preparation for death till death comes, and made in a manner
to hear the word sounding from Heaven, "If the righteous
scarcely be saved, where shall the wicked and ungodly appear?"  Heaven is sometimes called rest; and if the Doctor's
released spirit went to heaven, as is confidently hoped, how




352          HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
sweet was the perfect rest, and how light and trifling do
all the  labors and torments  of the  way  now  appear!
John xvi: 21, 22.
That this imperfect exhibition of the life and character of
one of the precious sons of Zion may serve to stir up sorle
others to follow him even as he followed Christ, is the earnest
desire and prayer of the writer.
W. M. M'ELWEE.




aMi E M 0 IR ]
OF THE LATE
REV. JOHN H. KENNEDY, A. Mi
Professor of Mathematics and Natural History in Jefferson College,
from April, 1830, till his death, December 15th, 1840.
BY THE LATE REV. M. BROWN, D. D.
President of Jefferson College,
[First published in connection with a sermon delivered in the Cbllege Chapel,
December 27th, 1840, and printed in Pittsburgh, 1841.]
Rev. John H. Kennedy was descended from a very respect,
able and pious ancestry.  James Kennedy, his grandfather,
emigrated from Ireland, and settlcd, first in New Jersey, and
afterwards in Pequa, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where
some of the family still reside.  Rtev Robert Kennedy, the
father of the deceased, has been for many years in the ministry, and has sustained a very high standing among his brethren, for talents, learning, and respectability.  In the full
vigor of body and mind, he still lives to mourn the loss of
his beloved son.
John Herron, Esq., the maternal grandfather, lived and
died on " Herron's Branch," Franklin county.  Of his numerous family, the only survivor is Francis Herron, D. D., who
was the eldest child.  At the house of this venerated grandfather, John H. Kennedy was born, November 11, 1801.
His mother (Jane Herron) was, in the mysterious providence
of God, removed by death, when John, her eldest son, was
eighteen months old.  After the death of his mother, he lived
830?                                      (353)




B 54        HIJSTORY OP JEPFERSON COLLEOMo
in his grandfather's family until his fifth year.  During this
period his health was very delicate, and little hope was entertained that he should attain to manhood.  His recollections
of his grandfather, and his residence in his family, were of
the most pleasing kind.  It was, he remarks, his "vale of
Tempe;" and the time spent there, his " Saturnalia."  About
the close of his fifth year he was taken home by his father,
who had married a second wife. He was early sent to school,
but was not so fond of study as of play, and especially such
sports as required vigorous exertion.  These, though often
exposing him to danger, and sometimes to injury, contributed
to that remarkable health which he enjoyed until the last
year of his life.
In his ninth or tenth year he commenced the Latin grammar with his fathor, under whose instruction he studied the
Latin and Greek languages.
Living in a retired place in the country, and without any
young associates and class-mates to stimulate him, he had
great aversion to study, and attended to it as an irksome task
until his fifteenth year.
As to his religious views and feelings during this period,
he had not experienced any special religious impressions; but
being favored with careful religious instruction, he was
restrained fromn vicious excesses, was sometimes thoughtful,
and generally conscientious in an external observance of the
Sabbath, and religious institutions.  He states that he does
not remember ever to have told a lie in his life; nor was he
ever guilty of profaneness, in the common acceptation of the
term -so important and powerful is the influence of early
religious instruction, even while the heart is devoid of all holy
principles, and entirely destitute of all relish or taste for
spiritual things. In his fifteenth year his father removed
from Franklin county to Cumberland, in Maryland, where he
took charge of an academy, and was at the same time pastor
of a congregation,  There he was introduced to new scenes,




MEMIOIR OF REV. JOHN H. KENNEDY.           855
and exposed to new and various temptations, from witnessing
profaneness, Sabbath-breaking, and various forms of vice and
dissipation which prevailed in the place.  These influences
would have proved ruinous had he not experienced the
restraints of a religious education; and though prevented from
going to the same vicious excesses as others, yet he suffered
great injury from these unhallowed influences.  He became
"'hardened through the deceitfulness of sin."  "For the
space of two years," he writes, "I wholly restrained prayer
before God, repined at parental authority, and was regardless
of almost every thing but self-gratification."
We now come to a period of his life somewhat peculiar.
" This," he remarks, " was the period when I may almost say,'after the straitest sect, I lived a Pharisee.'"  Like other
sinners, he had often purposed to amend "' at some more convenient season," but did not mean to commence so early and
so vigorously as he now was constrained to do.
He was in his sixteenth year when " this twilight of the
day-spring from  on high" commenced.  Immediately after
going to bed, a powerful impression was made on his mind,
with regard to the danger of his condition. This alarm was
not occasioned by any particular sin, recently committed; but
by a sense of the guilt and danger of prevailing thoughtlessness and irreligion. The necessity and nature of repentance
seems not to have occurred; but the conviction was irresistible, that he must amend, and that without delay.  The duty
of immediately resuming prayer, which he had so long
neglected, was presented to his mind, but he concluded it
would be safest to reform first, else his prayers would not bed
acceptable.  " Such," he adds, " were my reasonings and
resolutions; such my entire ignorance of my own helplessness
and depravity; and it may be well asked,' can any good thing
come out of an experience, in its commencement, so much at
variance with every feature of true piety?' The resolutions
formed did not pass away, as' the morning cloud and early




356         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGEK
dew;' for God was verily here, though I knew it not, and had
erected no altar to his praise."  The reformation contemplated
continued, and was extended much further and deeper than
was at first anticipated, " though the light he had was like
moon-light, devoid of heat, and which casts a disheartening
gloom over whatever it partially illuminates."  In the midst
of all this darkness conscience was faithful at its post, and
increasingly so, as he obtained more light and clearer views
of the divine law in its spirituality and extent.  Whilst he
had no " delight in the law of God, after the inner man',"
but rather an increasing opposition to its strictness and purity,
still he was constrained by the power of conscience to relinquish every practice with regard to which he entertained any
misgivings, although it cost him a terrible struggle, and
brought him to his knees before God.
November, 1818.  About the close of his seventeenth year
he became a student of this college. This was a very interesting period of his life.  Whilst the greater part of the students here at that time, as they generally have been, and we
hope always will be, were religious, or moral, it so happened,
owing to some previous acquaintance, his first associates were
of a very different character.  Among them was one who was
suddenly killed by a stroke of lightning, at the instant of his
uttering the language of daring profanity.  His wild associates endeavored to dissipate all his serious impressions; but
no solicitations could induce him to engage in immoral praec
tices. His inclination and purpose, before he came to college,
was to be a lawyer; but his conscience now began to rendel
him, uneasy at the prospect of the temptations he should have,
to encounter in that profession.
He had not, as yet, openly professed religion by partaking
of the Lord's Supper.  He had designed to do so at a future
period; but it was deferred, not from any sense of unfitness —
for he had great confidence in his supposed piety —but felt
reluctance to make so public a separation from  the world.




MEMOIR OF REV. JOHN H. KENNEDY.            357
At times he felt considerable uneasiness from those solemn
declarations of Christ-" Whosoever shall be ashamed of me,"
&c. —Mark viii: 38. Referring to this in his notes, written
some time after he entertained a hope of a saving change, he
remarks, " I am now astonished how I could evade this striking declaration, while living in express opposition to it, and
still flatter myself that I was a Christian. Yet such is the
blindness of the heart till Jesus makes it wise." And he
concludes some very judicious and penitential reflections on
his case, as follows:  "My case was, in many respects, more
hopeless than that of any wretched sinner I ever read of.
For though I had never gone to  the same excess of riot,' as
many others, yet I believe I never heard or read of one so
completely, and for so long a time, and apparently so hopelessly deluded as I was during that time.  Nothing now in
my past history, or even in that of the world, convinces me
more fully of the power of God than the fact that I now feel
myself to be a sinner; for though my sense of my sinfulness
is still slight, yet I can pray, in some measure, with meaning,'God be merciful to me a sinner.'"
After he was some months at college, he determines to
change his lodging, and his associates.  He obtains boarding
with Dr. Ramsey, (then residing a short distance in the country,) now Professor of Theology in the Associate Theological
Seminary.  For this venerable father and his family he
always entertained a very high regard.  Here he was removed
from many temptations, and was rigidly punctual in attending
to religious duties, in private, in the family, in the social
prayer-meeting, and the house of God.  Here, too, he was
happily associated with Joseph Trimble, as his room-mate-a
fellow-student of devoted piety and faithfulness, who appears
to have been a principal instrument in his conversion to God.
March, 1819.  The Lord's Supper was to be administered
in Dr. M'Millan's church, where the students usually attended.
His friend Trimble, mentioning the names of some of the




358         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
applicants for admission, and stating their religious experience,
with which he had made himself acquainted, took occasion to
make a direct and personal appeal to his young friend.  He
expressed to him his doubts with regard to his self-righteous
hopes, and his fears that he was under a dreadful delusion,
and still in "the gall of' bitterness, and bond of iniquity."
The arrow was carried to his heart. Never before did the
possibility of deception occur to him, though the same truths
had been frequently presented under the searching and powerful ministry of Dr. M'Millan, and others.  His friend urged
the point of his danger and guilt in rejecting the Saviour,
and concurring with the Jews in "I murdering God's only Son."
These expostulations awakened indescribable emotions, and
" drew from him a flood of tears."
He felt that he must admit some of the charges, yet supposed that his friend was ignorant of the faithful manner he
attended to secret duties.  Still he felt himself in awful danger.  Hell appeared infinitely dreadful.  Sure work seemed
to be absolutely necessary.  He prayed with more frequency
and earnestness; but his perplexity and distress remain. The
arrows of God stick cfast in his soul.
About this time he went to Washington, seven miles distant, where the sacrament was to be administered.  He went
in company with a number of pious students, several of whom
had left Washington on account of difficulties that had
occurred in reference to the college, but still retained a warm
attachment to the conzgregation, where some of them had been
born into the kingdom of Christ.  This praying band frequently visited Washington, and especially on sacramental
occasions, delighted to mingle with kindred spirits in pouring
out their souls in prayer and praise, in the social prayer-meeting, and in the public sanctuary.
The account of this visit, and his exercises on the occasion,
I give in Mr. Kennedy's own words:  " I went to Washington, &e. My ears were now open; I heard several awakening




MEMOIR OF REV. JOHN H. KENNEDY.           359
sermons.  I staid with Mr. Brown, then pastor of Washington
congregation, now President of Jefferson College. I heard a
good deal of conversation on religion.  Some remarks on the
responsible situation of clergymen's children, were principally
made at me, and even personally applied to me. These I
felt, but answered not. The agency of the Spirit of God was
spoken of. I wondered what this meant; and I now suppose
that, although I had often read of him, and been told of him,
yet in reality I never before so much as thought'whether
there was a Holy Ghost.' While at Washington I was very
miserable.  I suspected some change to be necessary-what,
I knew not, and yet was desirous of bringing myself to it.
I had recourse to frequent prayer; not so much to seek the
blessing of God, as from a notion of the transforming efficacy
of prayer. I began to look upon myself as under conviction,
and supposed that the time which had already elapsed, and
the anxiety which I had undergone, ought to have brought
matters to a favorable issue. I still wanted the payment of
a debt, and not the bestowment of grace. I strove hard to
make to myself a new heart and a right spirit; ignorant still
of the life-giving spirit."  While he was thus "' like a helpless captive, sold under the power of sin" —a prisoner —enveloped in darkness-blind with regard to the method of relieftrusting to his own righteousness, and his own efforts, and
not to the righteousness of Christ and the power of the Holy
Ghost, the Lord " was leading him by a way he knew not."
By this painful process he was teaching him more of his
guilt, depravity, and utter helplessness, and the folly and
wickedness of trusting to his own righteousness, his morality,
his prayers, his religious observances, his resolutions, his
convictions and his own unavailing efforts.  In this way the
awakened sinner, while still in the "gall of bitterness" —
nothing better by his convictions, but growing worse and
worse every hour-is by an unseen power driven from his
refuges of lies-taught by his own experience the wickedness




360         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
of his heart, and his utter helplessness. Thus cut off from
every other hope, and despairing of all created help, he is
brought to the foot of the cross, and enabled to say from the
heart,
"A guilty, weak and helpless worm,
On thy kind arms I fall:
Be thou my strength and righteousness,
My Jesus and my all."
After returning to Canonsburg in this distressing state of
mind, and after going to bed, the declaration of the Saviour to
Zaccheus-" This day is salvation come to this house," Luke
xix: 9-was brought to his mind with great force, and his
mind dwelt upon it with delight, as a certain evidence that he
was now an heir of glory-and probably some will be ready
to say, surely this is the time of his deliverance, the hour of
his conversion to God.  But oh the deceitfulness of the heart,
and the subtile wiles of the adversary! His hopes and joys
from this source were all a delusion of Satan, " transformed
into an angel of light." He was soon mercifully delivered
from a delusion, by which many are ruined forever. He soon
discovered that a mere suggestion of a text of Scripture,
unaccompanied by a change of heart, and the appropriate
fruits of holiness, is no better evidence of acceptance with
God than the cast of a die, or the " flight of birds."
After continuing some days in the same state of anxiety
and bondage, it occurred to him " not to wo rk- harder, but to
believe and depend on Christ for acceptance."  This dawn
of light, which soon vanished, seems to have been the first
view of the plan of salvation. which had ever entered his
darkened mind.  A  few days after he remarks, " that he
degenerated in works, without growing in faith," until restored
by the monition of his friend Trimble, who watched over him
with prayerful concern.
Some days after he awoke in the morning in a very pleasing
frame of mind: " I had a view of God's glory, to which I




MEMOIR OP REV. JOHN H. KENNEDY.            361
was before a stranger; all nature seemed to be directed by
an omnipotent, unerring hand.  The doleful melancholy
which had brooded over me so long vanished in an instant,
and I was enabled to'rejoice that the Lord God omnipotent
reigneth.' "
That this was the dawning of spiritual day he seems him-,elf to have entertained some doubt, as the glory of God in
Christ was not then distinctly the object of contemplation. But
there is reason to believe, from  subsequent experience, that
this was indeed the " star of Bethlehem," although this pleas~ng calm was afterwards beclouded, and his views of a Saviour
and the plan of salvation very obscure, and he might be said
to " see men as trees walking."  Yet there is little doubt that,t was the dawn of the sun of righteousness; and although
regeneration is an instantaneous change, and the precise
moment difficult to be ascertained, yet with regard to the
9svidence of it, and the work of sanctification, this is progressive, and admits of various degrees, from the first dawning ray
to the full blaze of noon.
At the close of the winter session, 1819, Mr. Kennedy
returned home to Cumberland.  Here, in the midst of his
old acquaintances and companions, he felt himself as a lonely
stranger, without the sympathy of kindred spirits, and rather
pointed at by the finger of scorn. He was very conscientious
in the discharge of known duty, which cost him sometimes
painful sacrifices.  His father was absent, at Philadelphia,
attending the. General Assembly; and he conducted family
worship for the first time, not without a painful conflict.
Although delivered from  that deep distress which he had
formerly experienced, and though evidently growing in humility and the knowledge of himself, his sinfulness and weakness,
yet he had not those clear and comforting views of a Saviour,
by which he could rejoice in him with confidence as " all his
salvation and all his delight."  At this stage of his experience -'e found one individual in Cumberland who, in the
81




36P2        HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE,
sovereign providence of God, was directed to " teach him the
way more perfectly."  This was a pious German, now an
elder in the Presbyterian Church.  This man, who had himself tasted of the'" wormwood and the gall," understood his
disease, and directed to the proper remedy.  " Oh," said he,
(with the German accent,) " it is good to feel the wickedness
of the heart.  We ought to be thankful that God has showed
it to us.  It is just what the apostle says in the 7th chapter
of Romans:'He then preached to him Christ and him crucified, as the end of the law for righteousness.'"  From this
time his views of the mediation of Christ, and of acceptance
through him, were much altered, and his spiritual prospects
proportionably brightened.  He now enjoyed peace with God,
and at length attained an "' assurance of faith," which was
seldom interrupted.  At this time he was admitted to the
communion of the church.  At what particular time he experienced regeneration he could niot say-he believed it took
place before his admission to the Lord's Supper.  He remarks.
" What I can principally say on this point is,'that whereas
I was blind, now I see.'"
On his return to college, the gloom which had brooded over
him  so long was dispelled: he became more sociable and
cheerful —felt a warmer love for Christians, and a more tender concern for impenitent sinners —took an active part in the
prayer-meeting-attended to his duties as a student with diligence and success.  Wisdom's ways were ways of pleasantness.
During his whole course at college he sustained a high standing as to talents and scholarship, and graduated with honor,
May, 1820.
I have dwelt the longer on the religious experience of Mr.
Kennedy, because it is in some respects remarkable, and in
itself peculiarly instructive and searching; and because it
appears to have been his desire that this part of his history
should be useful and instructive to his family and friends,
and the occasion of solemn warning and self-examination




MEMOIR OF REV. JOHN H. KENNEDY.           363
and hence in the biography of himself, which he commenced
but did not finish, his experience is that which he has given
most in detail.
The subsequent years of his life, though furnishing much
that is interesting, must be glanced at with more brevity.
The summer of 1820 was spent at his father's, in general
reading, and in efforts to do good, as he had opportunity.  A
Bible Society was commenced; also a praqyer-meeting, of
which we may be sure the honest German was an important
member.  Towards the close of the summer there was a powerful and extensive awakening in Cumberland and the vicinity.
The immediate instruments were Nicholas Patterson, a licentiate from the Presbytery of Baltimore, and John Gloucester,
a colored man, a member of the Presbytery of Philadelphia,
much respected by all classes for his talents and usefulness,
and his modest, unassuming piety.  Prior to the visit of these
ministers, which was providential, serious impressions had
been made on the minds of many, no doubt in answer to
prayer, and by other instrumentalities. These impressions
were now increased and developed: "One soweth and another;eapeth; and in both cases the glory should be given to God,
mnd not to man.  A narrative of this revival was published
some time after by Mr. Kennedy, and extensively circulated.
In October, 1820, he started for the Theological Seminary
at Princeton.  On his way he tarried some time in Franklin,
among his friends and acquaintances, and endeavored to
improve his visits by faithful personal conversation with
individuals.  His youthful zeal, which probably was not
always regulated by prudence and a correct knowledge of
human nature, gave great offence.  He soon found that "old
Adam was too strong for young Melancthon."  Persons altogether unaccustomed to such plain dealing, denounced him
as an enthusiast and a mnethodist.  It is not pleasant to
persons destitute of true piety, and yet relying with selfcomplacency on an outward form or profession, to have their




364         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
repose disturbed by honest appeals calculated to destroy their
delusive hopes. Hence the charge against faithful reprovers,
as the 1"troublers of Israel."
November, 1820.  He arrived at Princeton, where he
studied the regular term of three years. To this period he
always reverted with endearing recollections. He commenced
his theological studies with diligence and success, and was
soon distinguished by his talents and acquirements.
In the fall vacation, on his return home, he was taken
under the care of Carlisle Presbytery. He revisited his
friends, who had been offended with his former 2plain deaing,
and endeavored, not without success, to remove some of their
prejudices. Among the various incidents which occurred
while at Princeton, he has recorded the death of a dear young
brother, (Turner,) to whom he was much attached, and whom
he expected to be his companion and fellow-laborer as a
missionary.  The following I find in his notes: "When the
hand of death was evidently upon him, the brethren were
called into his room, and he was strengthened to utter a few
sentences.'I go,' says he,'to the world of spirits. Be
more faithful than I have been; and may the Lord make
you instrumental in tearing down the strongholds of sin and
satan.' He had trusted his salvation on Christ in life, and'none but Jesus' was his cry in death.  He bade them all
farewell-shook hands with the professors and his physician,
expressing his thanks for their kindness. Prayer was offered
and a hymn sung. The scene was solemn and affecting-to
see seventy young men, with the professors and physician, all
melted in tears." This case, and that of another student,
(Krebbs,) dying in the triumph of faith, seemed to disarm
death of his terrors.  "'No event," says he, "ever disarmed
death so much of his terrors to me.  The same effect I find
was produced on the minds of others."
During the winter or spring of 1821, he visited Morristown, New Jersey, where a powerful revival had commenced,




MEMOI'R O1 REV. JOHN H. KENNEDY.           365
which pervaded the whole country.  This visit was profitable
to himself, and useful to others.  His own experience qualified him for being a safe and useful adviser to anxious souls,
to guard them, against the various refuges and delusions
which he had himself experienced.
October, 1822-Hie was licensed to preach the gospelaged twenty years and ten months.  Deeply impressed with
the responsibilities of the work to which he was to be devoted,
he set apart a day for fasting and prayer, a duty which he
often practiced in the succeeding years of-his life.  After
his licensure to preach the gospel, he continued his studies
another year at Princeton.
During his residence at Princeton he was frequently hardssed with doubts, which he had never entertained, even in
his former impenitent state.  These doubts respected the
very foundations of religion, the truth of the Scriptures, and
even the existence of God.  They were exceedingly distressing, and of long continuance.  They did not arise from any
want of arguments in support of the truth.  These he considered conclusive; and the objections against these great
fndalmental truths he considered of no weight in point of
argument, and yet he was often greatly distressed on account
of his want of a pleasing, satisfactory conviction of the truth.
It did not, indeed, influence his condtcti, but interrupted his
comfort.  It was plainly a device of the enemy; and after
conversing with Dr. Alecsander, he found that the difficulty
was not to be removed by mere argusnent, or by the exercise
of his own reasoning alone, but by the effectual application
of the truth to his heart by the mighty power of God.  In
this way he sought and found relief, and was never afterwards
troubled with these doubts.  During his last year at the
Seminary, the doctrines denominated Hopkinsian were frequently the subject of warm discussion.  In these discussions
Mr. Kennedy- took an active and decided part, in opposition
to whlat he believed erroneous in these doctrines.'A debate,
p1*




366         HISTORY OP' J3EPERSON COLLEGE.
prepared at that time on the subject of the atonement, was
afterwards published in the first volume of the Christian
Advocate. Its admission into that periodical by the venerable
editor, Dr. Green, is no slight evidence of its intrinsic ability
and excellence though written by one who had just arrived
at the years of manhood. In an intellectual point of view
these discussions were of service to him; and whilst he contended for what he believed important truths —being a
Calvinist of the real old school —it did not alienate his
affections from his brethren who differed from him.
The following is from  notes written soon after leaving
Princeton, September, 1823:
"Our exercises before and at parting were very affecting.
While sitting with my dear brethren at the last communion
season, I thought affectingly of our Lord's declaration, Matt.
xxvi: 29-'I will not henceforth drink of this fruit of the
vine (with you) until that day,' &c.  At our last Saturday
evening prayer meeting, I asked a full and hearty pardon of
all, whose feelings I might at any time have injured.  We
had a truly mnelting time. To all my brethren I was sincerely
attached; and no diversity of sentiment could wean me from
those in whom I perceived so muich of the divine nature.  I
sincerely seek and love and defend the truth, but can love
and rejoice in all those who maintain and adorn the leading
features of the gospel.  Of my brethren in the Seminary I
can sincerely say,'In such society as this, my willing soul would stay.'
Towards my class-mates I had feelings of peculiar regardwith  whom  a three  years' intercourse  made me well
acquainted."
Leaving the Seminary in the fall of 1823, he intinrates in
different directions about eighteen months.  He preached for
some time in Bedford, and Uniontown, Pennsylvania;
traveled through some of the Western States; visited Madi



MiOIR O  F  ERV. JOHN It. KENNEDY.         367
son, in Indiana, where no doubt he took occasion to weep
over the grave of his friend Trimble.
He traveled also to the South, and preached for some time
at Wilmington and Fayetteville, North Carolina.  In the
month of April, 1825, he again arrives at his father's, who
had now returned to his former residence) in Franklin county,
In the summer he visits Philadelphia-preaches in the Sixth
Church, as a supply, for three months-receives a call from
that congregation, and was ordained and installed as their
pastor, November, 1825, in the twenty-fourth year of his age,
Previously to his settlement in the Sixth Church he had
been appointed chaplain, to go out in the Brandywine, the
government vessel, appointed to carry La Fayette back to his
native land.  This appointment was by some means prevented
from reaching him until after his installment.  Had he received it sooner it might have given a new direction to the
current of his life.
His settlement in Philadelphia was unsought, as it was
ulnexpected, by himself. The station was one of great
importance and responsibility for so young a man.  The
Sixth Church grew out of a division of the old Pine Street
Church, of which Dr. Alexander had been pastor when called
to Princeton. On the settlement of Dr. Ely, this division
took place, and the Sixth Church was formed. It contained
a large portion of intelligence, piety and respectability; but
its location in the vicinity of other churches, and certain
pecuniary embarrassments, were unfavorable to its growth.
It had become vacant by the resignation of Dr. Neil, who
had accepted a call to the Presidency of Dickinson College.
After laboring a year in this congregation, and discouraged
at his prospect of usefulness, he determines to resign his
charge. The Presbytery meet, and with the concurrent
desire. of the congregation, persuade him  to remain.  His
intention was at this time to have gone to Liberia; and he
often expressed his regret that he yielded to the advice to




6HISTORY oF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
remain in Philadelphia, as he remarks that he then "had a
burning zeal in behalf of Africa-such as he never felt in
behalf of any other object."  In 1828 he was married to
Miss Harriet MeCalmont, of Philadelphia, whose intelligence,
piety, and accomplished education, qualified her eminently
for being to him a prudent counselor and cheering companion.
December, 1829, at his own request, his connexion with the
Sixth Church was dissolved, having continued their pastor
four years.  During this period he discharged the duties of
his office with ability and faithfulness.  The visisle fruits
of his ministry were not equal to his dcesires, and hence his
frequent discouragements, which resulted in his resignation;
yet his labors were blessed to the edification of Christians, and
a goodly number added to the church.  The charge of a
congregation in a city is one of great responsibility and
hazard, especially to a young man; yet was Mr. Kennedy
enabled to sustain a high and increasing reputation among
his brethren, and the intelligent part of the religious community, as an able, lucid and instructive preacher of the
gospel.  It is known that he stood very high in the estimation of his venerable patron and friend, Dr. Green, who
occupied a pew in his church, and sat with delight under the
muinistry of his young friend.
His connection with his congregation was dissolved,
December, 1829.  He now commits himself to the providence
of God, without any definite object or plan as to future
settlement. HIe is urged to make a tour to Missouri, with a
view  of settlement at St. Charles, and accordingly leaves
Philadelphia with that intention. The severity of the season
prevents him, and he is detained in Franklin county.  A call
is prepared for him from the congregation of Newville —one
of the largest and wealthiest in Carlisle Presbytery.  At this
crisis, being uncertain and anxious as to the path of duty, he
sets apart, as was his frequent. custom, a day of fasting and
prayer, to seek divine direction.  It was the 11th of March,




MEMOIR OF REV. JOHN H. KENNEDY.               369
1830.  It is worthy of observation that on the evening of
this same day, altogether unexpected to him, he received a
letter from this place, inquiring as to his views in relation to
a professorship in this college, in connection with the charge
of a small congregation, about five miles distant.
He was at first startled at the proposal of a Professorship
in Mathematics, for which he considered himself less qualified
than for any other department.  On further consideration,
with the hope that by diligent exertion he might be prepared
for the service, he is inclined to accept.  He visits this place
in May, receives and accepts the appointment from  the college, and a call from the congregation of Centre.  Hle returns
to Philadelphia, and arrives here with his family, and enters
on the duties of his profession, June, 1830.
Professor Miller, in view of whose resignation, on account
of age, the appointment was made, still continued to officiate
for some time.  This afforded opportunity for Mr. Kennedy
gradually to prepare himself for conducting the departments
of Natural Philosophy and MIathematics, which he was enabled to do with great credit to himself, and to the entire
satisfaction of all concerned. After the division of the
departments of Natural Science and  Mathematics, and the
appointment of a distinct Professor for the latter, he devoted
himself more exclusively to Natural Philosophy and Chemistry, in which he greatly excelled.
His life and history during his residence among us for ten
years is known to us all, and need not here be detailed.
As an instructor, he was thorough, discriminating, accurate
and lucid in his illustrations. As a member of the faculty,
he was energetic, faithful, fearless, and always ready to share
the responsibility of discipline and government.
As a preacher, he was instructive, solemn, searching and
forcible.
As a pastor, he was laborious and faithful.




370         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
As a writer, he was characteristically lucid, simple and
concise.  "JIzultum in parvo" appeared to be his motto in all
his productions.  He wrote with great facility, and furnished
for " the periodicals" a number of essays, which do him great
credit.
His talents were various, and in some respects of a high
order.  He had more of the intellectual than the  estheticmore of argumentation than poetry, in his composition-more
of the instructive than the pathetic.  There was one peculiarity in which he was defective. There was something in
the construction of his mind which led him to attach undue
importance to little things; as though he viewed them through
a magnifying glass.  This induced him sometimes to give a
prominence to smaller matters, and to press the weaker points.
This was noticed while he was a student at Princeton, and has
been noticed in some of his literary productions.  This constitutional peculiarity had no doubt an influence also in his
worldly plans, which induced him to engage in various
schemes and enterprises, which his friends considered rather
unwise and visionary.
His mannzer was not always the best.  There was something
in this which at times had the appearance of harshness and
severity.  He was remnarkably honest and faithful in testifying against sin, wherever it appeared.  He seemed habitually
to act on the principle, " thou shalt not hate thy neighbor in
thine heart. Thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbor,
nor suffer sin upon him."  It is not surprising, therefore,
that he sometimes gave offence. Still it may be questioned
whether offences of this kind are not to be charged to the too
general unfaithfulness in this respect of professors, Christians
and ministers, rather than to a want of prudence on the part
of the faithful reprover.
Mr. Kennedy was a man of great benevolence and liberalitay.
This feature of his character was not generally understood.




MEMOIR OF REV. JOHN H. KENNEDY.            371
In his worldly transactions he was exact; and perhaps sometimes too particular in smaller matters. But when proper
objects of benevolence were presented, no man amongst us
was more liberal, according to his means.  Besides the public
contributions, in which he was always among the first, he
performed many acts of private liberality, unknown to the
world.
Finally.-Considered as a Christian, " the highest style of
man," I need add nothing to the narrative already given.
His soul-searching experience, his prayers and fastings, his
conscientiousness and stern integrity, his self-denial, his steadfast faith on the righteousness of Christ, his abhorrence of
sin:, his desires and endeavors after holiness, and habitual
aim to glorify God, gave " lucid proof" of sincere piety while
he lived, which was confirmed in his death.
His health began seriously to decline last winter.  A journey to the East during the summer proved unprofitable, and
he returned home to die in the bosom  of his family.  He
looked forward to the hour of his death without dread.  Still
he clung to life; and although with regard to himself he had
no fears, and could say, "to be with Christ is best;" yet
when he looked around on his wife and little children, and
the prospect of leaving them exposed and unprotected in such
a world as this, he greatly desired to live. At length, however, he was enabled with sweet acquiescence to commit the
precious charge to Him who said, "' Leave thy fatherless children; I will preserve them; and let thy widows trust-in me."
His old enemy did not fail to assail him in his weak state,
and when near the close of his life, with doubts as to the foundation of his hope.  These, however, were soon dispelled, and
he afterwards enjoyed uninterrupted calmness to the last.
A few days before his release he spoke of his departure with
great composure and confidence.  When the weather permitted, he was usually taken out in a carriage. On return



372         HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
ing, a day or two before his death, he said that was his last
ride: in his next remove he " would be carried by angels into
Abraham's bosom."  On the 15th of December, in the thirtyninth year of his age, he died without a struggle, and " sweetly
fell asleep in Jesus."  He has left behind a venerable father
and beloved brothers and sisters to mourn-but they ought
not to mourn as those who have no hope. He has left a
beloved wife and five young children; but the God of the
widow and the fatherless, to whom they have been committed
in faith, will provide for them.  The legacy of their father's
pious example, his counsels and his prayers, is of more value
to his children than all the treasures of the world.




APPENDIX
THE ORIGIN OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
After this work was placed in the hand of the printer, a
very interesting document, containing a careful and elaborate
inquiry respecting the first movements in the cause of classical
and scientific education west of the mountains, was sent to us
by its highly respected author, Prof. Robert Patterson, of
Oakland College, Mississippi.  We doubt not that it will fully
meet the wishes of those who still adopt the current traditions
on this subject, and who have felt aggrieved that any attempt
has ever been made to call them  in question.  After the
reader has bestowed upon it a careful perusal, we respectfully
ask him to hear what we shall submit in reply.
WHERE WAS THE FIRST LITERARY INSTITUTION WEST
OF THE MOUNTAINS?
Not four score years have yet elapsed since the first humble hall of learning was erected in the great Western Valley, and already has it become a
subject of dispute, what spot is entitled to the honor of being regarded as its
site? The fact itself is a forcible exemplification of the facility with which
the Present forgets its obligations to the Past.
Three institutions only have been named, so far as the writer is aware, as
competitors for this honor: established, respectively, by Rev. Joseph Smith,
of Buffalo; by Rev. Thaddeus Dodd, of Ten Mile; and by Rev. John
M'Millan, D. D., of Chartiers-all three congregations in Washington county,
Pennsylvania.
1st. The first of these, that of the Rev. Joseph Smith, was undeniably in
existence in 1T85, as appears from a memorandum of Rev. Joseph Patterson,
"Old Redstone," page 81, and probably continued until I787 or 1788. There
is no evidence that it was in existence either anterior or subsequent to the
period named. Neither has any direct evidence been brought to the notice
of the writer, to establish the fact that the Latin and Greek languages were
taught at all in this institution. The object of Mr. Smith appears to have
8 2                                          (373)




374                         APPENDIX.
been mainly, if not exclusively, to furnish a theological education. Such is
the opinion expressed in a letter to the writer, by Rev. Dr. Jacob Lindley,
who was well acquainted with Mr. Smith's pupils, and a school-mate of some
of them at Rev. Mr. Dodd's school; who states that he never heard Mr.
Smith's school spoken of as a classical school. A similar opinion was
expressed to the writer by Mrs. Harper and Mr. John M'Millan, children of
Rev. John Mi'Millan, D. D., who had frequently heard their father and others
speak of Rev. Mr. Dodd's as a classical school, but never of Mr. Smith's
as such.
This minor point may perhaps have no relevancy to the question more
immediately under examination, and indeed this character of Mr. Smith's
school seems to be admitted on page 146 "Old Redstone;" as also in the
same paragraph the priority of Mr. Dodd's school to Mlr. Smith's is distinctly
conceded. If this view be correct, the question will be narrowed down to
the consideration of the rival claims of the seminaries of Mr. Dodd and of
Mr. M'Millan.
2d. It is stated, " Old Redstone," page 145, that the building occupied by
Mr. Dodd as an academy was erected in 1781, and (page 146) that "here,
in 1782, began the first classical and scientific school in the West."
In this connection may be introduced the following extract from the letter
already referred to from Rev. Dr. Jacob Lindcley, dated June 2d, 1854:
"My parents, when I was eight years of age, imbibed the notion that I
was pious, and sent me to the school of the prophets, which was kept in a
large log house erected for the purpose, some fifty steps from Mr. Dodd's
dwelling. It was sufficiently large for three or four beds, with room for
tables, &c. I was sent there to live with Mr. Dodd and to study Latin, in
A. D. 1782, and remained there till 1784. The Latin students then with Mr.
Dodd, were James Hughs, John Brice, Robert Marshall, Francis Dunlavy,
John Hannah, Daniel Lindley, David Smith, (father of Rev. Joseph Smith,
D. D.,) Robert Marshall, Jr., (son of Col. James Marshall, of Buffalo,) and
Jacob Lindley. Mathematical students, Daniel McFarland, Joseph Eddy,
Thomas Stokely, and Thomas Gormly. All boarded with Mr. Dodd. Others
were there for short seasons and left. Mr. Dodd never taught a common
English school in Pennsylvania. Mr. Joseph Smith's school was a theological school, as I always understood from the young men above named, the
most of whom were members of Mr. Smith's church. I certainly never
heard of a Latin school of Mr. Smith's.
"In the latter part of 1785, as I think, Mr. Dodd sold the farm where his
school was, and moved into his lower congregation. I suppose Mr. Dodd's
Latin students went and studied theology under Mr. Smith, viz: Hughs,
Marshall, Hannah, David Smith, and perhaps Dunlavy. Mr. Joseph Patterson studied theology partly under Mr. M'Millan, and partly under Mlr.
Smith. He never studied Latin or Greek.
"At the time, a little before or a little after, Mr. Dodd's school broke up,




THE ORIGIN  OF JEFFERSON  COLLEGE.                 375
Mr. M'Millan took in a number of students for the ministry. I do not personally know so much about them.
" From the time I was eight years old, no amusement could divert my
attention from the conversation of my father and the ministers, when on the
subject of religion and ministerial education. All is in memory, as nails
driven in a sure place. But to proceed.
"I have said Mr. M'Millan's classical school succeeded that of Mr. Dodd.
Some time in December, 1785, by the united influence of the members of
Redstone Presbytery, a charter was procured for an academy in Washington,
with a donation of 5,000 acres of land. Of the Trustees appointed, were
Rev. Messrs. M'Millan, Dodd, Smith and Clark, of the Presbyterian Church,
Rev. Matthew Henderson, of the Secession, and John Corbley, of the Baptist Church: also, Judges Edgar, McDowell, Allison, &c., &c. Messrs. Dodd,
Smith and M'Millan were the movers in the plan. From the time of that
charter, Mr. M'Millan and others set head and shoulders to build up a seminary in Washington. A unanimous appointment was made of Mr. Dodd to
commence literary operations there. As there was no house built for the
purpose, the commissioners offered the court-house to teach in. Mr. Dodd
would consent to leave his congregations but for one year; and then some
other one whom the Trustees might provide, was to take his place. This
being agreed upon, Mr. Dodd entered on his appointment on the 1st of
April, 1789. At the end of the year, as the Trustees had not yet succeeded
in obtaining another teacher, Mr. Dodd remained three months longer. MAr.
David Johnston succeeded Mr. Dodd. In the winter, after Mr. Johnston
took charge of the academy, the court-house was burned down, and Mr.
Johnston was taken to Canonsburg. The inhabitants of Washington, at that
time, had but little piety, science or liberality to build a house or sustain a
literary institution, and none to sustain a preacher. Through the perseverance of Mr. M'Millan, and the liberality -of Col. Canon, a lot was given,
moneys advanced, and Canonsburg Academy was built in short order. Dr.
M'Millan turned his scholars into it; some of Mr. Johnston's came fromn
Washington; some from Pittsburgh, and other places, and Canonsburg was
respected as the literary depot of the West. It was with no small reluctance
that Dr. M'Millan withdrew his patronage from Washington; but when compelled to do this, he turned his gigantic might to Canonsburg. He ought
to be considered as the God-father-the Almus Pater of Jefferson College."
It would appear from the account above given that Mr. Dodd's school was
commenced in 1782, continued till 1785, and then closed upon his change of
residence; nor is there any evidence that it was ever resumed. No one has
contended that the election of Mr. Dodd, nearly four years afterwards, to
the post of Principal of the Washington Academy, as being at the time the
most available man for that position, and with a distinct stipulation on his
part that the appointment was only temporary, to enable the Trustees to
secure a permanent teacher,-there being also no transfer of a school-in




376                          APPENDIX.
any wise constituted that academy the lineal descendant of Mr. Dodd's
school; nor is it easy to conceive upon what principles of succession any
such claim of connection could be maintained. If it be affirmed that the
teacher constitutes the school, then Mr. Dodd's mantle, which must have
descended upon his successor, Mr. David Johnston, was by him transferred
to the Canonsburg Academy in 1791.
It is proper to remark that the account given by Rev. Dr. Lindley of the
close of Mr. Dodd's connection with the Washington Academy differs from
the one given in " Old Redstone," page 147; inasmuch as Mr. Dodd's return
to Ten Mile seems to have preceded the destruction of the court-house by
fire, and not to have been a consequence of that catastrophe. Dr. Lindley,
as Dr. M'Millan had done many years before, assigns for the temporary suspension of the Washington Academy, and the location of a similar institution in Canonsburg, another cause than the conflagration of the courthouse.
The result of our inquiries thus far appears to be that Mr. Dodd's school
was commenced in 1782, was continued till 1785, and then closed; that Mr.
Smith's school was commenced in 1785, was continued until 1787 or 1788,
and then closed; and that the Washington Academy, which had been incorporated September 24th, 1787, was opened in 1789, closed temporarily in
1791, and its teacher transferred to the Canonsburg Academy. It only
remains to investigate the claims to priority of the school taught by Rev.
Dr. M'Millan.
3d. Before introducing any evidence in regard to the last-named institution, it may be proper to apprise the general reader that the prevailing opinion
in the neighborhood of the school itself and at Jefferson College, so far back
as the writer has been able to trace it, has been that, about the year 1780,
Rev. Dr. M'Millan commenced a classical school at or near his residence;
that he was then, or soon thereafter, assisted in conducting the same by Hon.
James Ross, then a young man, afterwards, during the administration of
Gen. Washington, a distinguished Senator of the United States; that with
perhaps some intermissions the school continued until it was merged in the
Canonsburg Academy, in 1791. More recently, three opinions have been
broached: 1st. That Dr. M'Millan's school was not commenced till after
1785, upon the disruption of Mr. Dodd's school; 2d. Perhaps not until 1788,
upon the discontinuance of Mr. Smith's school; 3d. Thatif there was a
school at Dr. M'Millan's, taught either by himself or by James Ross, prior
to 1785, it was only an English, and in no sense a classical one. The substantiation of any one of these hypotheses would establish the priority of
the classical school at Ten Mile. They may therefore be classed under o-t,
general head, and the evidence for and against them respectively be consi
ered together.
In support of these more recent opinions, in regard to Dr. M'Millan
school, may be adduced



THE  ORIGIN  OF JEFFERSON  COLLEGE.                   377
1st. The evidence of Rev. Dr. Jacob Lindley, who states, in the extracts
quoted above, that Dr. M'Millan's school succeeded that of Mr. Dodd.
2d. The impressions of Rev. Dr. James Carnahan, as contained in a letter
to the writer, dated June 3d, 1854, of which the following extract contains
all that is relevant to the present point:
"I have no personal knowledge of Dr.. M'Millan's school in the'LogCabin.' All I know is from reports heard when i was at school at Canonsburg. Part of the time I boarded at the same house (Patrick Scott's) with a
young man who had lived for several years in Dr. M'Millan's family, and
managed his farming operations. This man's name was Wilkins. He was
from  the same neighborhood east of the mountains with Dr. M'Millan.
When I knew Mr. Wilkins, although above thirty years old, he was learning
Latin with a view to the gospel ministry. As his progress was slow, he gave
up his books and resumed his former occupation.
"The statement of this man respecting the Hon. James Ross, who taught
school in the log-cabin, was, that he was the son of a pious widow lady in
moderate circumstances, in the place of Dr. M'Millan's nativity; that her
early wish and prayer was that her son should become a minister of the gospel; that she sent him to a gramumar school; that when he had made con-.idorable proficiency in Latin and Greek, and wavs nearly of age, with the
idvice and consent of his mother, he crossed the mountains and directed his
steps to Dr. Ml'Millan's. As there was no school in the neighborhood, Mr.
M'Millan built a sluall log-cabin near his residence, and engaged Mr. Ross
to teach his own and his neighbor's children, while at the same time Mr.
Ross continuled his studies in Latin) Greek, and mathemlatics, under the
direction of Mr. M'Millan. From the statmenits of Wilkins, the impression
made in my mindc was that Mr. Ross taugoht an Emnrlish school. I have no
recollection that Wilkins natned JameLs iiughs, John 3rice, Robert Marshall,
and others, as learning Latin or Greek with Mr. M'Millan.  Soime of them,
and Samluel Porter, were spoken of as readcling theology under the direction
of Dr. M'Millan.
1 "My friend, the late Dr. M. Brown, has given another version of the school
taught by 3Mr. Ross. I-He speaks of Jamles Ross as an accouplished Latin
and Greek scholar, and as having taught these languages in the'Log-Cabin.'
During my residence at Canonsburg from 1793 to 1798, I never heard Mr.
James Ross spoken of as an accolmplishcld classical scholar. As a man of
uncommon talent, asn eminent lawyer and an eloquent advocate, he was
highly and justly celebrated.  This reputation he had obtained before 1793.
This fact renders it probable that lie taugsgbt in the' Log-Cabin' before 1785.
Yet I have no means of fixing the precise date. Dr. Brown mnay have had
good authority for stating that James Ross taught the first Latin school west
of the mountains. MBy impressions to the contrary were received from Mr.
Wilkins, and while at Canonsburg I never heard a diferent statemnent. Your
father is perhaps the best living witnoss in regard1 to the origin of Latis
32*




378                          APPENDMIX
schools west of the mountains.  He had nearly finished his Latin ahd Greek
studies when I went to Canonsburg, and went, I think in the autumn of 1794,
to the University of Pennsylvania."
3d. The fact, as stated in " Old Redlstone," page 77, that "the records of
the Presbytery of Redstone show that there were no licentiates under their
care, who had received their previous echolastic or theological training from
Dr. M'Millan," till after the discontinuance of Mr. Smith's school, "and
that all the first ministers had received their instruction either from Mr,
Dodd or Mr. Smith."  Further, that if there was such a school at Dr. M'Milz
lan's, prior to 1785, in which young men were instructed in languages and
sciences, it is strange that "not one of them can now be found, and there is
no mention of such in the minutes of the Presbytery."
4th. The evidence of Mrs. Irwin, (" Old Redstone," page 77)) an agedlady,
Pow residing near Marysville, Ohio, who was between tWelve and fifteen years
of age, and resided near Mr. Smith, during the continuance of his schools
Mrs. Irwin states " that in 1785 Mr. Smith opened a school for assisting and
training young men for the gospel ministry; that this was the first movement
made for preparing young men for the ministry; that there was no such
school at this time at Chartiers, nor until after the one at Buffalo was discontinued; that Mr. McGready came to the school from Dr. M'Millan's, with
whom he had been living, not ns a student, but as a laborer oP his farm."
5th. The evidence (" Old Redstone," page 78,) of Ryev Dr. Cephas Dodd,
of Amity, Pennsylvania, son of Rev. Thaddeus Dodd, who states that " there
Was an agreement made between Mr. Smith and Mr. Dodd, by which they
engaged alternately to superintend the education of certain young men who
had the ministry in view," and of this number that "M' essrs. James IHughs,
John Brice, Robert Marshall, John Hanna and David Smith, were with Mr.
Dodd from about 1783 to 1786, and for the remainder of the time with Mr.
Smith," but "were never under the tuition of Dr. M'Millan;" and that
"' others, as Messrs. Patterson, McGready, and Porter, were instructed solely
by Mr. Smith."
6th. The letter of Dr. M'MillaPt to Dr. Carnahan, dated March 26th, 18323
(" Old Redstone," page 79,) in which he enumerates MAessrs. Patterson,
Hughs, Brice, McG-eady, Swan, Porter, Marquis, and McPhorrin, as all of
the second set of ministers, who were raised up in this country; which enu,
oneration, taken in connection with what is above stated, has been considered
as corroborative testimony.
7th. The authority of an original manuscript of Dr. M'Mlillan in the possession of the author of " Old Redstone," (see page 192,) in which the Doctor
mentions Messrs. Hughs, Brice, Mcoready and Porter, " as his first scholars"
— and as part of the material with which his school began; showing that
"this school, which Dr. M'Millan collected, consisting of these young men,
as he expressly states, could not possibly have begun until after 1785," inas~much as they had been with either Mr. Dodd or Mr. Smith before that time,




TH1E ORIGIN  OF JEFFERSON  C30IEGE.                 8}79
8th. A memorandum  of the Rev. Joseph Patterson, cited in "Old Redstone," page 81, to the following purport:  "In the fall of 1785, being
thirty-three years old, it was thought best, with the advice of the Presbytery
of Redstone, that I should endeavor to prepare for the gospel ministry~
There being no places of public education in this country, I, with a few
others, studied with the Rev. Joseph Smith, of Buffalo congregation, Washington county, Pennsylvania."
9th. An extract from the letter of Rev. Robert Patterson to Rev. Dr. M,
]Brown, October 1st, 1846, as follows, (" Old Redstone," page 81.)  "Between
1780 and 1790, and chiefly in the latter part of these ten years, some of the
few Presbyterian clergymen living west of the mountains in Pennsylvania,
were in the habit of giving instruction in the languages and sciences to
young men, whose object in their studies was the gospel ministry. The Rev.
Messrs. Joseph Smith and John M'Millan were distinguished in their devotion to this cause," &c., &c.
The above enumeration exhausts the arguments, so far as they have come
to the knowledge of the writer, which would tend to show that Dr. M'MilLan's was not the first classical and scientific school in the West, if a classical school at all. It may perhaps be well before advancing any reasons for
an opposite opinion to review the foregoing as briefly as possible, and endeavor
to ascertain how much there is of direct and positive testimony in all that
has been adduced.
In the first place, the evidence of Rev. )Dr. Lindley is perhaps the strongest
and most direct. He is positive in regard to the clearness of his recollection
Bince his eighth year, or since 1782, and affirms that Mr. M'Millan took in a
number of students for the ministry about the time that Mr. Dodd's school.
closed: but adds that he has little personal knowledge in regard to themn;
and it will be seen that he makes no profession of any personal knowledge
or recollection of events prior to 1782,  There does not appear therefore to
be any necessary conflict between this statement and the fact, if such fact be
hereafter made to appear, that Dr. M'Millan's school was established before
that time. There may have been intermissions in Dr. M'Millan's school;
and that portion of its existence of which Dr. Lindley had some personal
knowledge, was subsequent to, or coincident with the close of Mr. Dodl's
institution.  To represent Dr. Lindley as affirmiiig positively that Dr. M'Mil-.
lan's school had no existence whatever at any time prior to 17S5, would not
only be subjecting his languag-e quoted above to a most violent and arbitrary
construction, but would be representing hiu as affirming that to be true of
which he denies any special personal knowledge, and for the contrary of
which explicit testimlony will be hereafter adduced on the part of those who
enjoyed better opportunities for acquiring information.  If this view of the
case be not correct, it only remains for the reader to reconcile, on some other
hypothesis, the reminiscences of Dr. Lindley with those of other equally
competent witnesses, to be noticed hereafter.




380                           APPENDIXo
In the second place, the evidence of Rev. Dr. Carnahan is professedly of
a derivative character.  Mr. Wilkins, the source of Dr. Carnahan's impressions, had been a laborer upon Dr. M'Millan's farm; but it does not appear
at what time, nor what opportunities he possessed for acquiring information;
facts important to be known before we can estimate the proper weight of his
testimony.  The period to which our attention is directed was some ten or
fifteen years previous to the acquaintance of Dr, Carnahan with Mr. Wilkins;
and the residence of the latter on the farm of Dr. M'Millan may have been
long subsequent to the departure of Mr. Ross. It does not even appear that
Mr. Wilkins affirsned that either Mr. Ross or Dr. M'Millan did not teach the
languages; but only that such was the impression produced on the mind of
Dr. Carnahan from the statements made.  That this impression may have
been erroneous, or the author of it mistaken, no one, upon proper evidence,
would more readily admit than the venerable Dr. Carnahan himself.
A doubt seems to be expressed as to the character of Dr. M'WMillan's school,
whether the languages were taught at all; but this question is set at rest by
the published letter to Dr. Carnah.anhimself from Dr. M'Millan, in which he
expressly states that he gas-e instrcition in Latin and Greek.  If' Mr. Wilkins
produced an erroneous impression in this particular, he may have been
equally inaccurate in other respects.  The precise proficiency of Mr. Ross
in the classics is a side issue, not immediately relevant to the question now
under consideration, and may be dismissed.
In the third place, the records of the Presbytery of Redstone simply show
that Messrs. John Brice and James Hughs were received on trial, as candidates for the lministry, August 15th, 1786; Messrs. Joseph Patterson and
James MeGready, April 17th, 1787; and others, in like manner, at subsecluent times.  The records in no instance state under whose instruction the
candidates respectively were. It is difficult to coluprehend,; therefore, in
what mannner these records of themselves can be made to throw any light
upon the question undcer examination.  They simply show the dates at which
certain young men were received as candidates, and they do not appear to show
any thing more.
If it be agreed that the silence of the records in regard to any candidates
prior to August 15th, 1786, proves that there could have been no school at
Dr. Mf'Millan's for such candidates before that time, the circumstance proves
too Iuclh; as it would. equally follow for the same reason, that there could
have been no such school at Mr. Dodd's prior to that time; which would be
contrary to the adclinitted fact.. And if this mode of reasoning is therefore
clearly inapplicable to Mr. Dodd's school, with still less justice can it be
applied to an earlier school, whose pupils, like those of Mr. Dodcld, were not
sufficiently advanced in their studies to submit themselves to an examination
by Presbytery; more especially if the opinion be correct, that Dr. M'Millan's
school was in existence for more than a year before the Presbytery of Redstone was organizdcl.




THE  ORIGIN  OF JEFFERSON  COLLEGE.                   381
As to the statement, that of the pupils of Dr. M'Millan prior to 1785, " not
one of them can now be found," evidence will be submitted presently to
show who a number of them were. Were it impossible, however, after the
lapse of more than seventy years, now to designate with certainty a. single
p apil, that circums-tance would not of itself be conclusive that there had been
no such school. The present discussion has furnished abundant evidence to
show how rapidly the memory of persons and events fades from the minds
of men.
In the fourth place, the evidence of Mrs. Irwin, who states explicitly that
Mr. Smith's school, in 1785, was "the first movement made for preparing
young men for the ministry," is directly and irreconcilably in conflict with
the fact that such a movement was made by Mr. Dodd three years before;
and accordingly the author of " Old Redstone" has very handsomely (page
146) abandoned the false position which this testimony of Mrs. Irwin had
led him to assume. Her statement that "there was no such school at Chartiers until the one at Buffalo was discontinued," is at variance with the testimony of Rev. Dr. Lindley, cited above, who states that Dr. M'Miillan's
school was in existence " at the time when Mr. Dodd's broke up, a little
before, or a little after."  1ier testimony in regard to Mr. McGtready, that he
had been living with Dr. M'Millan, and that, too, as a laborer, and not as
a student, is pointedly contradicted by the testimony of Mrs. Harper, the
oldest child of Dr. M'Millan, who stated to the writer that Mr. MtcGready,
whom she well remembers, lived with Judge M'Dowell, but studied Latin
with her father, and taught an English school for him, which school Mrs.
Harper herself attended, having learned to read from 1Mr. MecGready; and
that he never worked as a laborer for her father, unless in kindly giving his
assistance in attending to the stock during her father's occasional absence.
Mrs. Irwin's testimony in the same particular is contradicted by the evidence
of Mrs. Park, the daughter of Judge M'Dowell, who, without any knowledge
of Mrs. Harper's testimony, stated to the writer that she distinctly remembered Mr. McGreacly as living at her father's, studying Latin there, and
going to Dr. M'Millan's to recite. It is equally at variance, in this particular, with the recollection of Rev. Dr. Cephas Dodd, who is also strongly of
the impression, as he states in a letter to the writer, that Mr. McGready was
a student of Dr. M'Millan's, though he has inadvertently expressed himself
to the contrary in " Old Redstone," page 79-a very pardonable inaccuracy,
which yet occasioned no little uneasiness to Dr. Dodd. It is also worthy of
remark, in the same connection, that in about eighteen months after Mr.
Smith's school commenced, Mr. McGready, whose name does not appear on
any list of 1Mr. Dodd's pupils, and who, according to Mrs. Irwin's testimony,
had been heretofore a farm-laborer, presented himself to the Presbytery as a
candidate for the ministry, (" Old Redstone," page 350,) was examined in
logic, moral philosophy, Latin and Greek,-his examinations all sustained, —
and an exegesis assigned for the next meeting-" An sit coAlcrsu8s DLei curn




382                           APPENDIX.
omnibus hominumn actionibus?" —and all these attainments, we are asked to
believe, were made in less time, after the student left the plough, than would
be requisite to qualify him, even with diligent study, for admission to the
Freshman class of any respectable college at the present day. In fact Mr.
lMcGready was licensed in about fifteen months afterwards.  One of three
things will be readily admitted: either that the standard of classical attainment in the Presbytery of Redstone was not of a very exalted character, or
that Mr. McGready acquired knowledge with a facility which does not often
fall to the lot of men; or that Mrs. Irwin must have been mistaken in affirming that he had not been a student with Dr. M'Millan.  Nor could it fail to
be matter of surprise, were it indeed true, that Dr. M'Millan had permitted
a young man of undoubted piety and talent, brought from North Carolina
and placed under his care expressly to be fitted for the ministerial office, in
which his labors were afterwards so abundantly blessed, to remain for years
without instruction, engaged in the menial labors of his farm.
But it is perhaps a waste of words to discuss the credibility of this testimony any further, since the author of " Old Redstone" has himself so entirely
set it aside, when it came in conflict with the obstinate fact of the existence
of Mr. Dodd's school; and if that fact had passed from Mrs. Irwin's memory,
still more easily might the recollection of a yet earlier school escape, if she
were even aware of events that are believed to have occurred at a time when
she was, according to her own showing, about five years of age, and at a
place from which she was some ten or fifteen miles distant. It is unnecessary to
say that no one will for a moment suppose that Mrs. Irwin would willfully
misstate facts of which she had either personal or indirect knowledge; but it
is impossible to escape the conclusion that either she, or others who have
been named, must have failed in their recollections; and to which side the
balance of probability inclines, the reader will decide for himself.
In the fifth place, it will be seen on examination of the evidence of Rev.
Dr. Dodd, that he simply mentions the names of certain persons who were
not pupils of Rev. Dr. M'Millan, which is not at all inconsistent with the
fact, if it be made to appear, that there were other persons who were his
pupils. Hle has expressed his conviction, as remarked above, that he was
in error in regard to one of them; and it is probable, as will hereafter
appear, that he was also in error in regard to others.  It is due to Dr. Dodd
to state that he remarks in a letter to the writer, dated May 17th, 1854, that
that he "was too young and too far distant to know anything personally of
Dr. M'Millan's school."
In the sixth place, in his published letter to Dr. Carnahan, Dr. M'Millan
nowhere states who were his first, pupils, neither does he specify who were
his pupils at all, nor fix the year, in. which his school commenced. It is r
matter both of surprise and regre.t that in aletter so full of dates, he shoult
have omitted the one most interesting of all, and that he did not by a stroke
of his pen set the question now under discussion at rest forever.




THE ORIGIN  OF JEFFERSON  COLLEGE.                   883
In the seventh place, if the "original manuscript of Dr. M'Millan" is one
which has never been published, it is greatly to be regretted that the author
of "Old Redstone" has not given it to the world.  It is impossible for the
public to form any intelligent judgment respecting the contents of a document they have never seen, the extracts from which are given in imperfect
sentences; and this is all that can be said of it.
If, however, the document in question is a transcript of the letter to Dr,
Carnahan, referred to abovej as the similarity of the phraseology in the
extracts (" Old Redstone," pages 79, 80, and 192,) would seem to indicate,
a re-perusal of that letter cannot fail to convince our candid and valued
friienl that he hat pvoeibly xmis;onoivel its import. In one Xa-rt oh Lis lettar, Dr. M'Millan states that he had collected a few young men, whom he
taught the Latin and Oreek lanLguages; and that some of them  beoaine
useful, and others eminent, ministers of the gospel. In another part of his
letter, entirely unconnected with the former, he states that he had survived
"all the second set of ministers who were raised in this country," and enue
merates them. Is there any law of construction by which, on collating these
two passages, Dr. M'Millan can be made to affirm that these ministers were
"'hisfirst scholars?" that "his school began with them?"  Where does he
"' expressly state that his school consisted of these young men?" And what
becomes of the allegation that some of these students were never his pupils
at all? It is in perfect harmony with Dr. M'Millan's language to suppose
that one or two of the persons named were among his earlier pupils, though
the school may have contained a number of students who never became
ministers; and that others on the list he enumerates may have been his
pupils at various times during the entire progress of his school. This is a,
much more natural and probable view of the case than the one presented by
the construction which has been placed upon these passages, if this be indeed
the manuscript referred to, and does not conflict with positive testimony soon
to be considered.
In the eighth place, the force of Rev. Joseph Patterson's memorandum
(which bears date Pittsburgh, May 15th, 1822,) depends upon the meaning
he attached to the term  "public education."  It is probable that he was
comparing the humble seminaries of the time of which he wrote, with the
morie imposing ones of the time at which he was writing. lie could not
have meant that there were not, or had not been, other private schools like
that of Mr. Smith, which he was attending; for it is admitted that there had
been one at Mr. Dodd's; there may therefore have been another at Dr.
M'Millan's.
In the ninth place, the extract from the letter of Rev. Robert Patterson,
appears to indicate his impression, to the existence of which the writer of
this can also testify, that the educational efforts of the various Presbyterian
clergymen west of the mountains, had commenced as far back as 1780. Now,
the school of Mr. Smith was not commenced until the latter part of 1785




884                           APPENDIX.
and that of Mr. Dodd was commenced in 1782.  This extract therefore does
not preclude, but rather favors the supposition that Dr. M'Millan's school
wvas prior to Mr. Dodd's.
If the patience of the reader has not been already exhausted, he is invited'to examine the evidence which may be furnished in support of the correctness of the more commonly received, and, until recently, the undisputed
opinion that Dr. M'Millan's was the first Latin school in the West.
1st. The first place in the order of testimony is evidently due to that of
Dr. M'Millan himself.  In his published letter to Dr. Carnahan, already
more than once referred to, (Pitts. Chr. Herald, Dec. 14th, 1833,) he gives
a sketch only too brief of his life and times, which bears every appearance
of a design on the part of the venerable writer to relate events in their
regular chronological order.  Commencing with his earliest years, and he
even apologizes afterwards for not having given the date of his birth "in
the proper place," he traces up his history until the arrival of his family at
Chartiers, of the circumstances attending which he gives a rather minute
description.  The mention of his wife in this connection naturally leads him
to anticipate his narrative so far as to give the* date of' her death, in 1819.
He then resumes his history in the following manner:
"When I had determined to come to this country, Dr. Smlith"! enjoined
it upon me to look out for some pious young men, and educate them  for the
ministry; for, said he, though some men of piety and talents may go to a
new country at first, yet if they are not careful to raise up others, the country will not be well supplied.  Accordingly I collected a few who gave evidence of piety, and taught them the Latin and Greek languages.  Some of
them became useful, and others eminent, ministers of the gospel. I had still
a few with me when the Academy was opened in Canonsburg, and finding
that I could not teach and do justice to my congregation, I immediately
gave it up and sent them there."
The Doctor then goes on with every appearance of adhering to the regular
succession of events to speak of the first remarkable outpouring of the
Spirit in his congregation as occurring in December. 1781.
Now, in the first place, the order in which Dr. M'Millan introduces this
portion of his history, furnishes a fair presumption that he is speaking of a
period prior to December, 1781; in the second place, the phraseology with
which he commences the paragraph, furnishes an equally fair presumption
that he began his career as a teacher soon after "coming to this country;"
in the third place, with what propriety- not to say with what truth - could
he affirm that he had acted "according" to Dr. Smith's injunction, if he
had totally neglected it for ten years after his settlement as a pastor of
Chartiers, and that, too, with the materials for such a school in his im.
rmediate neighborhood, nay, as we are told, upon his own farm?- and in
* Of Pequea.




THE ORIGIN  OF JEFFERSON  COLLEGE.                    385
the fourlh place, why should he say that there were " still a few with him,"
if his school had been in existence for the comparatively brief period we
uea agskod to believe?  I all this bo only a proeumption, yet it is so strong
that it cannot well be aet aside, unless upon the suggestion in " Old hxed
stone," page 80, that it may be a " lapsus- memorice on the part of an
octogenarian."
Again, in a report presented to the Trustees of Jefferson College in 181',
by Dr. Ramsey and Dr. M'Millan, and which appears upon the minutes of
the Board in the handwriting of the latter, it is stated, in an account of Dr.
M'Millan's efforts to establish the academy at Canonsburg, that "A house
was built and a Latin and Greek school, which he had kept at his own
house, for the purpose of supplying the church as far as was practicable,
was transferred to this infant academy, the original fountain of science
and literature in these western counties." Now from this passage, from
Dr. M'Millan's own pen, it is an inevitable inference that in his opinion the
Canonsburg Academy, either of itself, or by virtue of the school transferred
to it, was the original fountain, &c. It could not have been the former, for
the Washington Academy had been in existence before the one in Canonsburg, and long before the date of this report (1817) had eventuated in a
college; and it is difficult to see how we can escape the latter conclusion.
lBut a still more explicit statement is made in the catalogue of Jefferson
College, published in July, 1833, four months before the decease of Dr.
M'Millan (November, 16th), he being at that time Vice-President of the
college, and in the habit, it is believed, of frequently visiting the institution. It is there stated that "Jefferson College was chartered by the State,
and regularly organized in 1802. Prior to that time there existed an
academy, called Canonsburg Academy, which commenced soon after the
first settlement of this country. This was the first literary institution west
of the mountains. It originated in a small log-cabin, where the first Latin
school was taught by the I-on. James Ross, of Pittsburgh, under the
patronage and direction of Rev. Dr. MaMillan."
It would seem highly improbable - indeed, almost impossible - that this
statement could have been put forth without the knowledge of Dr. M'Millan,
and without some attempt to derive from  himself personally the facts in
regard to the origin and character of his school; or that, having been put
forth, it should remain uncontradicted, if erroneous. It may, therefore,
fairly be received as having the sanction of his authority.
2d. Next in order may be noticed the testimony of the children of Dr.
M'Millan.  On the 24th April, 1854, the writer, in company with Rev.
William Ewing, the pastor of Chartiers, visited Mr. John M'Millan, (since.leceased), who occupied the old homestead, and adjacent to whose dwelling
stands the veritable "Log-Cabin" itself. This, however, was the second
Iabin, The first, which was burnt down, was at some distance from the
iwelling; Mtr. TiVMillan indicated its site. He stated that he had often
83




386                          APPENDIXS
heard his father say-" That Mr. Ross taught Latin for him, and that this
was the first Latin school in the country."  The writer quotes from his
memoranda, made at the time. Mr. M'Millan added that his father used to
say-" He wished the world to forget, as soon as possible, that such a man
as John M'Millan had ever lived."  Unhappily, the world is too ready to
forget its benefactors.
On the 3d August, 1854, the writer received a call from Mr. M'Millan,
accompanied by his sister, Mrs. Harper; the oldest child of ir. M'Millan,
Mrs. Harper, who was in her seventy-seventh year; but appeared to possess
an excellent memory, confirmed her brother's statements; and her testimony
in other particulars has been already introduced and need not be repeated.
She states that Mr. Ross, as well as Mr. iMcGready, studied languages with
her father, whilst they were engaged in teaching for him, the former the
Latin and the latter the English scholars.
3d. As the testimony of the next witness is perhaps the most direct of
any, and by many will be deemed conclusive upon the subject, it will be'
proper to give it in full, as taken cown by the writer at; the time specifiecd.
C' Ownonsbur9g, Saturday, June 17th, 1854.
"In company with Dr. John Weaver, I this day called upon Mrs. Sarah
Park, an aged lady, residing with her son, Mr. MI'Dowell Park, about five
miles from Canonsburg.
"Mrs. Park's statements to Dr. Weaver and myself were as follows, she
being in our judgment in perfect possession of all her mental faculties, her
memory apparently unimpaired.
"She was born October 24th, 1769, and is now in her eighty-fifth year,
and in the enjoyment of excellent health. Her maiden name was I'DowelI.
Her father, Judge M'Dowell, removed from  Eastern to Western Pennsylvania, when she was about four years of age (1773). Her father resided
upon the farm now owned by Mr. Samuel Pollock, about two miles fiom
Clhartiers' meeting-house, and not quite two miles from Dr. M'M5illan's.
She distinctly recollects when Dr. iM'Millan removed his family to Chartierso
There being no house prepared for him, he with his wife andl child (now
Mrs. Harper) remained for six weeks at her father's house. (Mrs. Park
mentioned one or two incidents connected with Dr. IMl'Millan's temporary
residence at her father's house, which, though trivial, show how distinct
and vivid herr recollection of that period is. As Dr. MI'Millan removed his
family to Chartiers in 1778, she must have been at that time nine years
of age.)
"Mrs. Park does not remember the precise year when Dr. M  Millan's
w.hool commenced; but thinks she was about twelve years old, (1781,) and
Is quite sure she was not more than thirteen, (1782,) when she knew several
young men who were studying with Dr. M'Millan at his o.wn house, before
the first school-house was built. These students were David Smith, John




THE  ORIGIN  OF JEFFERSON  COLLEGE.                   387
Price, James McGfready, Francis Reno, and Thomas Reno. Mr. Smith
boarded with Dr. M'Millan; all the others boarded with her father, Judge
M'Dowell.  She remembers distinctly that these young men were studying
Latin books,-is perfectly sure of it. She recollects well their using books
she could not read in. She never heard of an English school at Dr. M'Millann's house, and is quite ssure he never taught one. She knows certainly
that the young men named above recited to Dr. M'Millan at his own house,
before any school-house was built, and she thinks, before Mr. Ross came out
to the West.  The students named. above were all gone before lMrs. Park's:marriage, which took place in 1786, when she was seventeen years of age.
Upon her marriage she left the more immediate neighborhood of the school,
and went to live upon the farm where she still resides. She does not therefore remember very distinctly matters connected with the school after that
4eriod, and about which she was not so well informed at the time.
"The first school-house was built at some distance from Dr. M'Millan's
dwelling. It was called the'Latin School,' and known by that name
throughout the country.  This building was destroyed by fire-she does not
oeeollect in what year, bat thinks it was after her marriage; of this she would
not be certain.  Mr. Ross was the first teacher in this school-house. She
recollects him distinctly, and the fact of his being thus engaged.  She does
not know what his age at the time was-thinks it may have been twenty-five.
Does not remenmber how long he remained with Dr. M'Millan; thinks it
may have been two years. She thinks Mr. Ross obtained his education east
of the mountains, and has no 1knowledge of his having studied with Dr.
MI'Millan.
" Mrs. Park never heard of any Latin school at Rev. Joseph Smith's, at
Buffalo; though she says it might have been in existence without her
knowledge.
"She remembers BMr McGready perfectly well, and that he was in very
limited circumstances when obtaining his education; but she does not recollect his boarding at Dr. M'Millan's, and thinks, if he did, it must have been
after her marriage, (1786).  She does not remember his teaching an English
school."
As the ab(c ve testimony is directly to the point, the reader will pardon the
followrin  evidence of the case which was taken that no error might be comumitted in recording it,
"   uaolotosbury, June 17th, 1854.
"' Williama Pa7rk, Espq.  Dear Sir:-On the previous pages I have written
out the information given to me this morning by your mother, from notes I
took at the time.  I have read it to Dr. Weaver, who believes it to be a correct statement of the information we received.  But as I may not have given
your mother time to collect her thoughts in our brief visit, or as I may possibly, though unintentionally, have stated some things too positively, or per



388                         APPENDIX.
haps omitted some matters that should have been mentioned; or as her
thoughts have been turned to this subject by my questions, and she may
have since recalled some facts which she did not think of at the time; I will
consider it a great favor if you will read to her, carefully and slowly, what
I have written, and if you will be so kind as to note down any modifications,
alterations, or additions she may desire to make, and let me have the result
whenever you conveniently can.     Yours truly,             IR. P."
To this note a reply was received, June 30th, from a daughter of Mr.
Park, returning the manuscript, stating that she had attended to the above
request, and that her grandmother said her recollections were correctly represented and she had nothing to add. It is impossible, however, to convey to
the reader any adequate idea of the vivacity and distinctness with which
this truly venerable lady recalled and related the events of her childhood
and youth, and the extreme caution with which she spoke of matters of
which she was not perfectly sure.
In comparing the testimony of Mrs. Park with that of Mrs. Irwin, the
reader cannot fail to notice that we have here the evidence of one who was
twelve or thirteen years of age at the time of which she testifies,-who was
in the immediate neighborhood of Dr. M'Millan, and intimate with his famrily, and who testifies respecting matters of which she had a personal knowledge, and occurrences which passed daily before her eyes, as opposed to tlhe
recollections of one who was at this period a child of six or seven years of
age, upwards of ten miles distant, who had no personal knowledge of Dr.
M'Millan's school, and who was certainly in error in regard to Mr. Dodd's.
Also, that the question is here answered —" Who were Dr. M'Millan's pupils
at this early date?"  The names of at least five of them "have been found,"
And in the last place, it is important to observe, that as Messrs. Smith and
1rice were among these students, in 1781, as Mrs. Park strongly believes,
and certainly as early as 1782,-and as Dr. Lindley has stated that they
were among his school-mates at Ten Mile from some time in 1782 until he
left the school in 1784, it follows inevitably that they must have been pupils
of Dr. M'Millan before they went to Mr. Dodd, even if we take the latest
date assigned by Mrs. Park. David Smith was probably the youngest of
these pupils, and about ten years of age; yet he had commenced Latin two
years before, ("C Old Redstone," page 443.) MDrs. Park, it will be seen, is
five years older than Rev. Dr. Lindley, and enjoyed much more favorable
opportunities than he, for acquiring a knowledge of the facts to which she
testifies.
Of one of the students mentioned by Mirs. Paxk, the following information
has been derived from Col. William. Lea, of Allegheny county, through the
politeness of Mr. J. C. Wrenshall:  "Rev. Francis Reno (Episcopal minister) was a student of Mr. M'Millan, of Canonsburg. He came to the old
church at Woodville, known as Chartiers Chapel, about the year 1792, and




THE ORIGIN  OF JEFFERSON  COLLEGE.                   389
preached there until 1811. About that time he removed to Beaver, and died
there about 1830."
It may seem unnecessary to add anything to testimony so explicit as that
of Mrs. Park, and from a source so unimpeachable; but the reader who has
taken any interest in the subject will be glad to see that her statements are
not without corroborating evidence.
" Ccztonsburg, Saturday, June 24th, 1854.
"In company with John E. Black, Esq., the writer visited this day four
aged persons in the vicinity of Canonsburg: Messrs. John Barr, (four miles
from town,) Joseph Moss, (seven miles,) Daniel Darragh, Esq., (ten miles,)
and James Thomas, (seven miles.)
4th. "John Barr was born in 1780, in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania;
-tame West in 1785; and when about eight years of age, (1788,) was
acquainted with Francis and Thomas Dunlavy, who were then going to Dr.
M'Millan to school. Does not know about the Renos going to Dr. M'Millan's school, but remembers the men. One of them became an Episcopal
minister, and preached about seven miles from Pittsburgh, on the Washington turnpike; the other a partner in a wholesale grocery in Pittsburgh. At
least fifty years ago, Mr. Barr used to hear of Mr. Ross having taught Latin
for Dr. M'Millan.
5th. "Joseph Moss was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, in 1761,
and is now in his ninety-third. year. Came West in 1784, in his twentythird year. Dr. M'Millan had been teaching some years before that time.
Remembers Mr. Reno, who preached near Pittsburgh, and believes he studied
under Dr. M'Millan. Mr. Reno was preaching soon after Mr. Moss came
West. Mr. Moss was a surveyor in early life: attended Mr. Clarke's church,
now Mr. Marshall's.
6th. "Daniel Darragh was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in
1766, and is now in his eighty-eighth year. Came West in 1786. Does
not remember whether Dr. FM'Miilan's school was in operation then, or net.
Always heard of it as the oldest school west of the mountains; never heardl
at that time of any other. Thinks Mr. Ross was then a lawyer in Washington. Does not remember hearing of Mr. Ross teaching. Remembers a
student, named Slemens, who recited to Dr. M'Millan at his own house.
7th. "James Thomas, born in New Jersey in 1771, came West in 1773,
Remembers hearing of Mr. Itoss studying with Dr. M'Millan. Cannot
recollect any particulars about the school.
"Mrs. Thomas remembers Rev. Samuel Porter living on Dr. M'Millan's
place, and studying with him, about 1788. Hiis son was her school-mate at
that time. She remembers well that the school-house used to be called the'Latin School.'
8th. "May 18th, 1854. Called this afternoon on Isaac White, Betsey
rWhite, and Mrs. Jane Berry, resident about a mile from Canonsburg. They
33*




390                          APPENDIXd
are the children of George White, who died March 2, 184'7, in his hinetysecond year. He was one of the oldest settlers, having, with his father,
John White, arrived at Chartiers April 29th, 1772. George White, being
desirous to qualify himself for becoming an English teacher, repaired to Dr.
M'Millan's school and attended it for some time; then re-crossed the
mountains, and either taught or attended school for some time in Adams
county, Pennsylvania; returned home, and after the lapse of some time
again visited Adams county on the occasion of his marriage, which took
place in 1780, when he was about thirty years of age.
"His children cannot fix the date of his attending school, but think it
must have been some years before his marriage. They distinctly recollect
having often heard him say that Latin was taught there then, though he did
not study it; that Mr. Ross was there then, and Was one of the Latin
students; that he often spoke of the Latin students as considering themselves of a little more consequence than the other students, and as being so
regarded by the others; and they have often heard him say that when the
school-house was burnt, all the Latin books which had been left in it over
night were consumed, and there were no more this side the mountains,
which occasioned great inconvenience."
The recollection of a nephew of George White, MIr. James White, of
Cecil township, who was present, coincided with that of his cousins as
given above.
9th. Extract from a letter from Rev. Dr. Cephas Dodd, May 17th, 1854:"When my father taught in Washington in 1789, Abraham Scott was there
as a pupil. He was reading some of the higher classics, and had previously
been at Dr. M'Millan's school. I used to hear him  speak'of Jermmy Ross
(as he called him) as'having been his teacher there. James Ross was at
that time a practicing attorney in Washington, and had probably been so as
early as 1787, as he was at that time one of the Trustees named in the
charter of the Washington Academy."
10th. Extract from a letter from Hon. IH. M. Brackenridge, a student at
Jefferson College in 1805:-"Tarentum, Pennsylvania, June 12th, 1854.
I have always understood that the first Latin school ever established in the
Western part of Pennsylvania, was that set on foot by the Rev. John
M'Millan at Canonsburg, or near that place, in a log-cabin by the road
side. I have heard my father say that once, on his way from Pittsburgh to
Washington court, he was induced, according to a practice almost invariable
with him, to stop at the school in the log-cabin referred to, and there he
found James Ross teaching a Latin class; and according to his custom, he
examined the scholars, and conversed with the teacher, in whom he immediately took a great interest. lIe was well acquainted with the family
and connections in the Barrens of York, where my father's father had also
settled, and lived as friend and neighbor to the Ross family. This must




TITIE OrtGIoN  OF JEFFfISOR4 cOLECiE. U9P
have been prior to the year 1785, for this reason: my father established him
self as a lawyer in Pittsburgh in 1781, and Mr; Ross must have been at
least seven years at the bar before 1794, when he was a Senator of the
United States.  My father, on inquiring into his future prospects, advised
him  to study law, and gave him letters to his friends in Philadelphia,
especially Mr. Coxe, with whom Mr. Ross completed his studies.  From this
we may form an idea of the time which must have elapsed before he came
to the bar, and of the time necessary to acquire such distinction as to be
elected to the Senate before the year 1794. It would seem to me that this
would surely carry the period at which my father saw him teaching in the
log-cabin, beyond the year 1785.
"EMr. Ross was of course a well-grounded Latin scholar, but I am not so
well informed as to his proficiency in classical studies. It must have beenl
good, judging from the high literary taste and polish of his style. James
Ross, (no relative,) the celebrated teacher, and author of the grammar, was
probably his teacher, as he had a Latin school at the place where the family
of MIr. Ross resided in York county.  This is the first time I ever heard the
fact of Mr. M'Millan's being the first to establish a Latin school in the
West, called in question."
11th. A reminiscence of Joseph Patterson, Esq., of Pittsburgh, is also in
point.  Mr. Patterson was intimately acquainted with Mr. Ross, and remembers to have heard him relate, that whilst living with Dr. M'Millan, he
joined a party which was made up to go to the relief of the settlers on the
Ohio, upon the occasion of an incursion of the Indians; and that upon the
way they met one of the brothers Poe (mentioned in "Old Redstone," page
65) returning from his famous contest with the Indians on the banks of the
Ohio,  the corpse of an Indian being slung over his horse.  Now a referrence to any border history of the period will show that this celebrated
encounter took place about the middle of July, 1782.5s
12th. And finally the prevalence of the opinion, which appears to have
been universal, and certainly has been until very recently undisputed, that
Dr. M'Millan's was the first classical school in the West, is in itself, under
the circumstances, strong evidence of its own correctness.  Such a belief
was general, long before the late Rev. Dr. M. Brown camo to Canonsburg
* In a book entitled Western Adventure, will be found an account of the severe
action of the Poes with the Indians, and will fix the date of that action no doubt
correctly. I had an account of it from Andrew Poe himself, and also from the Ret.
Thomas Marquis, who was in the engagement. In a converation with the lion.
James Ross on the subject of that contest, he told me that he with a party of
volunteers, met the Poes and their party on their return at Thomas White's, onl
Raccoon, bringing with them young Cherry, who was killed in the engagement
carrying him on a horse. Mr. Marquis told me he was near to him when he fell
among a thicket of spice wood bushes, and soon died.
JOSEH   PATTaERSOc.




392                         APPENDINX.
in 1822, and he does not seem in any wise to be justly held responsible for
its existence. The writer, and those who accompanied him, can bear witness to the unfeigned surprise with which the oldest inhabitants of the
country around Dr. M'Millan's residence, learned that the correctness of
the opinion with which they had grown up from childhood was now called
in question, —an opinion which, it had never occurred to them, could be
within the reach of skepticism. That such a belief should have been entertained, apparently from the very first, by those who must necessarily have
been cognizant of the facts, is altogether inexplicable on any other hypothesis than that the belief was warranted by the facts.
It is much to be regretted that the doubts which have been recently
expressed had not been propounded sooner, before so many, who could have
borne the amplest testimony to the facts of the case, had disappeared forever
from the scene of those early trials, efforts, and difficulties, of which they
loved to speak.
That such an opinion as that spoken of above was general, scarcely
requires additional confirmation; but the following extract from a letter
from Dr. Samuel Colver, of Jefferson, Greene county, Pennsylvania, May
28th, 1854, not only gives evidence of the state of opinion nearly forty
years ago, but contains a tribute to the memory of Dr. M'Millan, so just
and unstudiedcl  and so honorable to the heart that conveys it, that the reader
will readily pardon its insertion.
"My information on the subject was obtained as far back as the session
of 1819-'20, at which time and subsequently I heard much relative to the
early biography of Dr. M'Millan. During my first session at Jefferson
College, I boarded at the house of the widow Emery, opposite the college.
iMrs. Emery's house was much frequented by many of the old citizens of
the town and country, who seemed to take particular pleasure in relating
the remarkable incidents pertaining to the early and subsequent life of Dr.:M'Millan. I afterwards boarded at the houses of William Thompson and
Joseph M'Nairy. They were members of the Seceder Church, and wers
frequently visited by Dr. Ramsey, who was at that time pastor of that
clhurch. In all these places the early history and settlement of Dr. M'Millan rwas discussed and related so frequently and with such coincidence, as to
nlake an indelible impression on my memory, so much so that they appear
to me now as almost the narratives of but yesterday.
"At that time Dr. M'Millan was held in exalted veneration, not only by
the citizens generally, but also by the students of the college, who not only
looked upon him as the founder of that Institution, but as an oracle of wisdom and piety, from  whom they might derive lessons of instruction. Dr.
M5'Millan must have been at that time near seventy years of age, yet the
powers of his mind and body seemed in their full vigor, and the spirit of
love and benevolence shone through all his actions. lie regularly viiited
the college twice a week, excepting in bad. weathert l ad t.te'ntivel, listeied




THE ORIGIN  OF JEFFERSON  COLLEGE.                   393
to the recitations of the classes in their turn. I remember well, if a student
should make a mistake, that he was always the first to discover it, and would
correct it by some humorous remark, which not only corrected the error but
palliated it. He preached regularly at his place, and frequently at the college. Hiss sermons were eloquent and powerful. At that time Dr. M]'Millan
was considered the most useful and benevolent man of his day; and I do
not think that Gen. Washington was ever more beloved by the American
people, than was Dr. M'Millan by those portions of Washington county, and
elsewhere, where his usefulness as a preacher, and his benevolence in proeparing young men for the ministry, were so extensively experienced.
" I now come to give you what information I have as regards that period
of Dr. M'Millan's life in which he commenced his Latin school. This knowledge has been derived from the citizens of Canonsburg and its vicinity, many
of whom were living at that time, who had been cotemporaneous with Dr.
Ai'Millan in his early settlement. The result of this information is about
this: that Dr. M'Millan first visited the western country in 1775, and preached
to the border settlements of Westmoreland and Washington counties, during
the summer and autumn of that year; and that he returned to the East, and
removed with his family to the vicinity of Canonsburg, and immediately
commenced a Latin school with the view of preparing young men for the
ministry: that the celebrated James Ross was among his first students, and
that he afterwards became a teacher of classics under Dr. M'Millan. Mrs.
Harper remembers Ross as a teacher under her father as far back as her
fifth year, which was about the year 1782: and of course Dr. M'Millan's
Latin school must have commenced several years previous."
The writer of this can bear testimony to the existence of the same universal impression when he was a student in Jefferson College, some twenty
years after the period referred to in Dr. Colver's letter; and when, in compally with several of his class-mates, in the spirit of pilgrims to some concecrated shrine, he visited the humble "Log-Cabin" so often referred to, and
heard from Mr. John M'Millan the same narrative which was repeated to
him fifteen years afterwards, as recorded above, it never occurred to him that
the attempt would or could be made to divest that hallowed spot of the hoenors it had worn so long.
But a still higher authority is that of the author of " Old Redstone," who
was graduated at Jefferson College in 1S15, and who states in a letter dated
November 27th, 1854: —-" I had always entertained the prevailing opinion
about the history of the'Log-Cabin' school, until, unexpectedly, without
my seeking it, I got the statement which Mirs. Irwin, of Ohio, gave me."
The reader, who has had the patience to accompany us thus far, is in posSession of all the evidence the writer has been able to collect upon the subject of our investigations. The field of his inquiries was not, however, by
mny means exhausted, when his progress was suddenly arrested, and circumstances unnecessary to be detailed compelled him to abandon his researches.




,9 J4  A rPPELNDL.
After the lapse of more than two years, a period of cornparative leisure has
at last enabled him to arrange his notes, and the reader must decide how far
they render any assistance towards a settlement of the interesting questionWhere was the first Literary Institution'West of the Mountains?
A brief review of all that has been advanced in regard to Dr. M'Millan's
school, will show that the only direct testimony in opposition to the commonly received opinion of its priority to all others, is that of Mrs. Irwin,
and possibly that of Rev. Dr. Lindley.  The evidence of the former is utterly
irreconcilable with admitted facts; while the statements of the latter may be
made to harmonize with the current belief.  The opinion that Mr. Ross
taught an English, and not a Latin school, is imet by the repeated declaration
of Dr. M'Millan, in the hearing of his children, to the contrary; by a similar
declaration, as the writer understands it, on the part of one of Mr. Ross'
old pupils, Abraham Scott; and by the evidence that Mr. Ross was discovered by Judoge Brackenridge actually hearing a Latin class. The other
arguments which have been adduced do not, upon examination, appear to
carry with them even a presumption that the prevalent opinion is incorrect.
On the other hand, we have the personal recollection of an unexceptionable
witness, Mrs. Park, to the effect that a Latin school was in existence at Dr.
MI'Millan's, as she believes, in 1781, and as she is positively certain, in 1782;
the recollection of a daughter of Dr. M'Millan's, carrying the school back
as far as 1782; an incident stated by Joseph Patterson, Esq., in regard to
the early life of James Ross, which fixes his residence with Dr. M'Millan at
least as far back as July, 1782; the circumstances related by Hon. i-. M.o
Brackenridge, amounting to a fair presumption that Mr. Ross' residence with
Dr. 3M'Millan was at a very early date; the statement of Mr. Mioss that the
school had been in existence for some years before 1784; the statement of
the children of George White that in their opinion, for which they give reasons, their father must have attended Dr. M'Millan's school some years before
1786; the fact that some of the pupils of Mr. Dodd, who were with him fronr
1782 till at least 1784, had yet been with Dr. MV'Millan also in 1782, whicl
would appear to show conclusively that they must have been students a!
Chartiers before they repaired to Ten Mile; the declarations of Dr. M'Millar
to his children, that his school was the first Latin school in the country; his
own lacnguage, as quoted above, which it is difficult to reconcile with trutl
on any other hypothesis than that of the early commencement aind the pri
ority of his institution; and finally the universality of such an opinion
amlongst those who had the best opportunities for becoming acquainted witl
the facts, and for the existence and prevalence of which belief no explana
tion whatever has been offered, or can well be imag-ined, save that it coincide
with the truth.  The reader will judge for himself upon which side the evi
denuce preponderates.
But further, it is alleged, (" Ol1d Redstone," page 102,) that " The Acadom;
did not originate in the Latin school at the' Log-Cabin,' but was oegn indle




THE ORIGIN  OF JEFFER-[SON  COLLEG9E. 
pendently of it, and superseded it, and caused its suspension."  It is not
3nough, therefore, to maintain the honor of the parent stock: the legitimacy
)f the offspring must also be defended.
Now the facts of the case, as related by Dr. M'Millan in his letter and
eport, already quoted, and by lRev. R. Patterson, in his letter to Dr. Brown,
tre as follow:
That in July, 1791, upon a Monday after a sacramental season in Chartiers
tongregation, a consultation, at which I{ev. Messrs. M'Millan and Smith.
vith other friends of learning, were present, was held, and a resolution
idopted, to establish a Literary Institution in the West.  On the question of
ts location, the "Log-Cabin" was proposed by Dr. M'Millan, Canonsburg' by
lol. Canon. It may hers be remarked that if the former site had been;elected, there could be no dispute as to the fact that the Academy was the
luccessor of the Latin school.  Canonsburg,- however, was chosen, Dr.'CMillan concurring, and by appointilent the exercises of the Academy wero
oemmenced the next morning in a field near the village, Dr. M'Millan himelf taking the most prominent part in them.  Mr. David Johnston was
nvited to attend and take charge of the Academy. Thus far the letter of
tev. R. Patterson, who made the first recitation.  Must not these facts have
scaped the author of "Old Redstone," when he observes, page 80, thati;'Dr. M'Millan had no direct agency, and took no active part in getting up
he Canonsburg Academy?"
Further, Dr. M'Millan, in his letter, states:-" I had still a few with sue
rhen the academy was opened at Canonsburg, and finding that I could not
3ach and do justice to my congregation, I imnsediatety gave it up and
snt them there."-" Old IRedstone," page 193.
Again, in his report to the Trustees, already quoted, Dr. M'Millan states
eat-" A Latin and Greek school which he had kept at his own house, for
ie purpose of supplying the church as far as was practicable, was trans-,rred to this infafit academy, the original fountain, &c., &c."
The only evidence to the contrary is the statement of William Daerby,
sq., ("Olcd Redstone," page 193), that Dr. M'Millan's school was still in
poeration through 1789 and part of 1790, after the academy was established
t Canonsburg.  But in the first place, the academy was not established in
anonsburg until July, 1791; in the next place, if Mr. Darby meant the
ters year, his evidonce is directly contrasy to that of Dr. M'Millan, who
-ay be supposed to be better acquainted with the facts; and in the last
ace, it is contrary to a fair presulmption from the language in which Rev.
r. Lindley, as quoted above, describes the commencement of the Canonsr'rg Academy.
If the active co-operation of Dr. M'Millan in building up the academy,the leadingg part lie took in the very inception of the enterprise, as well as
l'i3ng all its progress, in selecting its teachers, in raising funds for it, in
ecquently visiting it, and hni imanaging its ooncerns, —if all this, in con-.




396'                          AP'PENDIX:
nection with the immediate transfer of his pupils to the academy, a fact
which he has certified under his own hand, —does not render that academy
the lineal descendant of the Latin school, —it is difficult to imagine what
would have constituted a legitimate succession.
If, upon the other hand, it be really incorrect to suppose that there was
such an immediate succession, it is very clear that Dr. M'Millan himself
labored ulnder this mistaken impression; that the same misapprehension has
always prevailed amongst those who have had the best opportunities for
bhecoming familiar with the facts; and lastly, that the author of "Old
Redstone" has himself fallen into the same error, when he states (page 77)
that Mr. Smith's school, by being transferred to Dr. M'Millan's, was "the
real nucleus, the larva, out of which grew eventually, first, the Canonsburg
Academy, and then Jefferson College."
But with what propriety can it be said, ('" Old Redstone," page 190), that
an institution was "originated" by the Synod of Virginia, "located" in
Canonsburg by the Presbytery of Redstone, and "merged into the academy
of that place in 1791-'2," when this ecclesiastical figment never had any
existence whatever, apart from that of the academy itself, which had boon
in successful operation for two years before the Presbytery finally recognized
it as an institution under their care?  It has never been made to appear
that the Synod of Virginia had any agency whatever in "'originating" the
academy at Canonsburg, that institution having been in existence some three
months before the date of the Synod's resolution on the subject of western
education.  Why should we seek, at this late day, and without the slightest
evidence, to justify such a course, to crown the Synod with the honors wvhich
for more than half a century have encircled the brow of M'Millan?
It is due to the memory of the noble-minded and self-sacrificing fathers
of our western churches, to say that no spirit of jealousy could ever hIave
found a lodgment in their bosoms.  Disinterested zeal for the service of theim
Divine Master was all that impelled them  to thread the mazes of these
western forests, to follow close upon the obscure pathway of thle pioneer, an(]
almost simultaneously with the erection of his rude hut, to rear boside it th(
school-house and the church.  It reflects the highest honor on these illustri.
ous men, that scarce thirty years were suffered to elapse after the first daring
adventurer had penetrated a hitherto pathless wildcrnoss,-thirty years, noi
of prosperity and peace, but of painful vigilance and unceasing struggle:
of unexampled hardships and heroic endurance,-until the poetry and elo.
quence of Greece and Rome, the truths of modern science, and of.sacre(
learning, had found three humble halls, three devoted instructors, and a scoro
of assiduous pupils,-though the war-whoop of the retreating savage stil
echoed within the surrounding valleys, andl his council-fires still biazed uplo
the hills.  History presents few parallels of achievements so worthy ol
remlemln-ranc, yet so sapeedily forgotten.  A midst any other people tlhan  1,
tmgrateftl descendants of such heroic sires, the consecrated spot wher




THE ORIGIN  OP JEFFERSON  COLLEGE.                    397
learning reared her first abode had long since been distinguished by some
fitting monument, inscribed with a name posterity should'"not willingly
let die."
It is due also to those whose evidence has been collated on the preceding
pages, to say that the discrepancies which may be found to exist in their
reminiscences, some of which have been passed by unnoticed, whilst of
others it has been no grateful task to speak, should not affect their character
for truthfulness. It is understood that they testify to the best of their
remembrance; nor is it surprising that there should be some variations in
the recollections of occurrences of three score years ago.
Especially is it due to the respected author of "6 Old Redstone," to bear
testimony to the fidelity with which he has discharged the task he has undertaken, and to the value of his labors in rescuing so much of the history of
Western Presbyterianism from that oblivion to which it was so rapidly hastening. With the devotion of a Tully, he has striven to remove the thistles
that were so quickly concealing the monuments of the wisdom of the past:
with the piety of an Old Mortality, he has endeavored to deepen the inscriptions sacred to the memory of the religion and the patriotism of our fathers.
No one would shrink sooner than he, from denying praise where praise was
justly due; and his hand would be the first to replace a chaplet he had
unwittingly removed.
R. P.
OAKLAND COLLEGE, MISS., Jcanuavy 1st, 1857.
To review this able and ingenious paper, in all its details, would be un-'easonably taxing the patience of readers. We feel no special zeal about
he issue of this question of priority in respect to the early Latin schools in
Vestern Pennsylvania.  It may be thought by some that this question was
innecessarily and foolishly raised in the first instance, and that the almost
mniversally current traditions should have been left undisturbed: —and that
t was an invidious and dishonorable employment to attempt to displace a
aarland from the brow of Dr. M'Millan. Now we claim a veneration fbr the
xalted character of that never-to-be-forgotten father of our Western Zion,
ot inferior to that cherished by the writer of this paper. We greatly
3spect the memory of Dr. M'Millan. But to receive and adopt implicitly
very tradition that may gather round a good man's history, is rather an
iUivocal way of evincing true respect. All who are familiar with history,:e aware that ingenious fictions and legends have often been employed to
igment the renown of distinguished men, and to throw a halo of glory'ound their heads.' Witness the ingenious tale about Dr. M'Millan in "Day's
istorical Collection of Pennsylvania," page 668, where it is stated that "he
ttled in Washington county in 17Z3,"-and "with the commencement of
s labors, began his school at Canonsburg," and that " the number of his
34




U98                           APPENDIXs
students having increased,  a stone building was erected in 1790;" not one
sentence or clause of which is correct. Witness, again, the story told of
Dr. Witherspoon: that when the Convention met to form the Constitution
of the United States, the Doctor put a Confession of Faith in his pocket;
and having our Presbyterian Constitution constantly ready for reference, he
succeeded in getting our admirable firame of Government modeled, in its
main features, after our Presbyterian form  of Governmnent.  Whereas, Dr.
Witherspoon, though a member of the Continental Congress that adopted
and signed the Declaration of Indceponenece, where his name is also found,
and though a member of the Convention that drew up the articles of confederation in 1,758 was not a member at all of the Convention that in 17SG
formed the Constitution! Witness, again, the beautiful story about President
Davies, the great American preacher- a story once universally told and
believed among Presbyterians in Virginia h'ow, that when on a visit td
England, and  invited  to preach  before the court of George II., his
overpowering eloquence so deeply -moved the king that he said, aloud to one
of his nobles, "did ever man speak like this  sasn?" and how Mr. Davies
paused, and then said, slowly and solemnly:  "when the lion roars, the
beasts of the forest tremble; when the king of heaven speaks, let the kings
of the earth keep silence!"  The whole story has been, long since, proved
to be a mere fabrication.  Witness the story of Lord Baltimore having first
introduced the principles of religious liberty into his government of the
Maryland colony -- a legend which the I-on. J. P. Kennedy, late Secretary
of the Navy, scattered to the winds, by showing, conclusively, that the
principles of religious liberty were in the charter, granted by a British
Protestant king to Lord Baltimore, and not in the Colonial Constitution of
Maryland, further than the charter required. And,, to  cite a case of
earlier history, witness the pleasant legend about Dionysius, the Areopagite:
how he had stood among a group of philosophers, in Egypt, at the tim(
of the supernatural darkness, occurring during our Saviour's crucifixion, an.c
exclaimed, "Either the frame of nature is about to dissolve, or the God ol
nature is suffering!"   a story which the eloquent Saurin, having examine(
its claims, has told us, dies "pierced by a thousand spears."  Indeed
nothing is more common than fictitious and unfounded exaggerations gather
ing round the character and doings of great and good men. And he wh(
undertakes to question or refute such things, ought not to be branded a
inimical or unfriendly, or lacking in a just regard to their reputation.  Ye
blind idolators of such men are found not only to possess an easy faitl:
ready to receive implicitly every exaggerated tale, but to denounce, wit
bitterness, all who do not possess the same ample powers of deglutitioi
Very far from such a character, however, is Prof. Patterson. Though h
has succeeded, apparently, in completely satisfying himself, as to the coJ
rectness of the old current traditions about the "Log-Cabin," cand the origi
of Jefferson College, he -treats with kindness and respect those who hai




THIE  ORIGIN  OF JEFFERSON  COLLEGE.                1399
heretofore differed from him in their views. His paper, in our judgment,
evinces eminent talents and earnest zeal; and what is better still, a kind,
and conciliatory spirit. After a careful consideration of all that he has
acdducecl in support of the several conclusions at which he has arrived, we
cannot yet acknowledge ourselves convinced, or, in some particulars, even
shaken. We will attempt a very brief statement of the matter, as it still
appears to us.
Ist. Was Jefferson Collegeindebted forits origin to the " Log-Cabin" school
at Chartiers 7  We answer that the true facts of the case now brought to
light, as given in our introductory chapter of this work, fiom the testimony
of Dr. C. Dodd, and Dr. M'Millan himself, show that Dr. M'Millan and his
compeers, Messrs. Smith and Henderson, together with Judges M'Dowell,
Allison, and others, having failed to resuscitate the Washington Academy,
after the disaster of the fire, united in setting on foot a similar institution in
the village of Canonsburg, encouraged especially by the effective co-operation of Col. Canon; and that the " Log-Cabin" school had nothing to do in
the matter-though the contiguity of the new Academy rendered it both convenient and desirable to Dr. M'Millan to suspend the further continuance of
his school. The discontinuance of the " Log-Cabin" school was a mere incidental circumstance, arising from the fact that a good Academy, in his immediate neighborhood, and partly through his agency, was now under way.
If Dr. M'Millan and his brethren could have succeeded with the Academy
at Washington, does any one believe that his school, in that event, would
have had an outgrowth into another Academy, either at Canonsburg or
Chartiers? It is probable, indeed, that had he succeeded in his wishes at
Washington, he would not so soon have relinquished the school at Chartiers.
For the sake of poor and pious young men boarding with him, without charge,
or in the neighborhood, he would have continued the school a while longer.
But now the great enterprise which had been commencedl, and failed, at
Washington, succeeded by their all uniting upon Canonsburg: its immediate
vicinity to Dr. M'Millan brouglht him relief from what he felt to be a heavy
charge upon his time and his resources, and an interference with his pastoral
labors; and whether he gave up *the school the very next day, or a week, or
a month after; or even if he had closed it a few weeks before, in the certain
anticipation of planting the original academical enterprise at Canonsburg,
does not make the slmallest difference-does not effect the question as to the
su~ccession; unless it be such a succession as the famous case of the Church
Steeple and the Goodwin Sandbar! If any thing were wanting to confirm
the view we have now given, it is found in the language of the second memorial which the Trustees sent to the Legislature, in which they give their
account of the origin of the Acadelny, but make not the remotest allusion to
the " Log-Cabin" school. Let the reader turn to this paper on page 46 of
this work and see their statement. Now, this view of the whole case does
not derogate one iota from the true honor of Dr. M'Millan. In fact, ever




400                          APPENDIX.
since we have more fully understood what he did for Washington Academy,
and what efforts he made to arouse the people there to a noble and united
movement for their Academy, and what he, with others, then proceeded to
do at Canonsburg, we cannot but wonder that any concern should be felt
about holding on to the story of the old "Log-Cabin" school growing into
an Academy.  But then it is asked, what are we to do with the apparent
endorsement on the part of the Doctor, of the statement put forth by the
Trustees of Jefferson College, in July, 1833?  Why, how do we know that
he endorsed it? He may not have seen it at all;*' or he may have expressed
his dissent;, or he may have thought it not worth while to trouble himself
about it. We know just nothing at all about the matter. And shall advantage be taken of our ignorance how that matter really was? and then, forsooth, his endorsemzent be claimed?  "Nay, verily."  But, then, what shall
we make of the Doctor's expression in 1817?  "A Latin and Greek school
which he had kept at his own house, was transferred to this infant Academy,
the original fountain of science and literature in these western States."  It
is urged that the last clause refers to the Latin school, and proves its priority
to all other schools. But the natural construction of the passage connects
the concluding expression with the "infant Academy."  We have no doubt
that it was this of which the expression was used. Is it necessary to go further than the Canonsburg Academy? Would the previous short life of the
school at Washington, for some fifteen or sixteen months, make such an
expression about Canonsburg Academy, near thirty years after that fountain
began to flow, and at length to enlarge into Jefferson College, objectionable
or untrue?  And was not the priority of the Canonsburg Academy to Jefferson College the natural occasion of the expression, "original fountain?"
We can see no reason in the world why any body now would make the
"Log-Cabin" school the sire, or the grand-sire of Jefferson College. We
know the author of "Old Redstone" can be quoted as favoring this view.
But then the author did not know all the facts in the case-facts which place,
really, greater honor on Dr. M'Millan, than the old theory.
2d. The next point of inquiry which we will briefly consider is as to the
character of Mr. Smith's school, at Buffalo.  For we are put to the proof of
its very existence as a Latin and scientific school. It is useless to inquire
about its precedence, if it is ruled out of court altogether. It is true, the
new theory is that it was a theeological school; and as in that character it
takes the precedence of grammar schools, academies, and even colleges, it
* The records show that Dr. M'Millan was not present at that meeting of the Board.
Even the Board itself probably entrusted the whole matter of drawing up and publishing the statement to their secretary, or a committee, and did not see it themselves
till it was published. Fmuther, the old records had been for some time mislaid, and
were supposed to be lost. And those who proposed that paper were not aware that.
their own records contained a very different account of the birth of the Academy.




THE  ORIGIN  OF JEFFERSON  COLLEGE.                    401
umight be supposed that this would be sufficiently satisfactory.  But we are
compelled to decline that honor-Hat least as to its distinctive character-for
the Buffalo school. Now to maintain that this school was altogether different
from the Ten Mile or the Chartiers school, and, in fact, was no such school
at all; and yet further maintain that it succeeded both these schools, is certainly a work of supererogation, for who does not know that theologiccl
schools presuppose other and previous literary institutions? But this new
method of considering the case, puts one in much the same condition with
the plaintiff who sought to recover damages from  a. man for breaking his
borrowed kettle, and who was astonished to find the defendant's counsel
making three points in his defence: 1st., that the kettle was cracked when
borrowed; 2d., was sound when returned, and 3d., was never borrowed at
all! But seriously, was Mr. Smith's school like the others, or was it simply
a Divinity Rcall?
(1.) The Rev, Joseph Patterson's language in his memorandum. (" Old
Redstone," p. 81, quoted by Prof. Patterson,) clearly implies that it was, in
part, at least, literary and scientific, Or why should he speak of there being
"no places of public education?"  Does he not obviously mean academies,
colleges, &c.?  This seems to us the natural meaning of his expressions.
And, if so, it settles the question.
(2.) The Rev. Robert Patterson, in his letter to Dr. Brown, in 1845, as
quoted also by Prof. Patterson, after stating that some of the Presbyterian
clergymen were in the habit of giving instruction in the languages anJ
sciences to young men, proceeds to mention by name Messrs. Smith and
M'Millan; and makes no distinction whatever, in respect to the character of
their schools. This testimony we regard as perfectly conclusive.
(3.) Dr. Cephas Dodd testifies to an agreenment between the Rev. Messrs,
Thaddeus Dodd and Joseph Smith, to superintend, alternately, the education
of certain young men, and plainly implying that their instructions were of
a similar nature-that their schools were, so far as Buch young men were
concerned, alike.  The testimony of Dr. Lindley, Mr. John M'Millan, Mrs.
Harper, Mrs. Park, &c., we regard as of no weight whatever on this particular point.  By such testimony, or testimony equally strong, we could annihilate the Ten Mile school, as a Latin school, altogether. But it is alleged
that the author of'" Old Redstone," has admitted that the Buffalo school lwas
not a Latin school. The remark in "Old Redstone," page 146, that Mr.
Smith's school at Buffalo 1" may have been the first with a more special and
exclusive reference to the training of young nmesn for the service of the,
church," was certainly not meant to convey the idea that it was rather theoo
logical than literary  but only that it was of a less mixed character than
the Ten Mile school, and more exclusively with a view of educating, in their
literary and scientific course, candidates Ior the mIinistry.
(4.) Mrs. Irwin's testimony is fully to this character of the school.  She
certainly meant that it preceded just such a school as that at Chartiers,




402                         APPERWDX.
however mistaken she may have been on the question of precedence. And
her competency as a witness to this extent, though not important, may be
admitted when other witnesses, much inferior, on this point, have been called
into court.
(5.) The Rev, Williams Wylie, D. D., now in his eighty-fourth year, was
born and brought up in Buffalo, not far fromn  Mr. Smith's; and must have
been in his twelfth or thirteenth year, in the fall of 1785. iHe says, in a
letter dated March 13th, 1857  "That school was certainly occupied ih
furnishing young men with a classical education, more than in giving ecclesiastical instructions  I believe the testimony you have given the public
from Mrs. Irwin is fully entitled to credit) interwoven as it is with many of
the interesting scenes of her youth, and kept almost continually in view by
the recollection of the many things with which these events were associated."
The second point, then, we think, is clearly and finally settled. But now as
to the third point.
3d. Where was the first school for training young men in a literary and
scientific course, and especially for the gospel ministry? The author of the
paper before us has evidently taken considerable pains to collect a mass
of testimony in favor of the "Log-Cabin"  school, And he has certainly
evinced much ability in arranging it, and bringing it out in its full strength.
Perhaps he will be thought right in the conclusion which he has reached.
Lf so, we are not in the least troubled on that account. Truth, not victory,
should be our aim. "' Fiat justitia, ruat elum."  But "audi alteram
partemrn;" and let us just observe that there are some facts which seem to us
stubborn, and not easily explained in harmony with the entire extent of
Prof. Patterson's conclusions. We will briefly state them.
(1.) It is a fact that the Rev. Robert, Patterson made the following statement, in his general narrative of his reminiscences, about the early educa.
tional enterprises- which he drew up at the request of Dr. Mi Brown:
"Between 1780 and 1790, and chiefly in the latter part of these ten years,
some of the few Presbyterian clergymen living west of the mountains in
Pennsylvania) were in the habit of giving instruction in the Languages and
Sciences to young men whose object in their studies was the gospel minilstry.
The Rev. Messrs, Joseph Smith and John M'Millan were distinguished in
their devotion to this cause. They both settled in congregations in Washington county, Pennsylvania. Mr. Smith had a small building erected in a
cornet of the garden, called'the students' room,' too small to be dignified
with the name of a hall. And Mr. M'Millan had a small log-cabin built,
near his log dwelling house, known to this day by the appellation of the' Log-Cabin.' In these primitive seminaries, &c,"  Here is certainly a
statement from an important witness- by far the most competent, in the
judgment of Dr. Carnahan, on the subject. For he expressly tells Prof,
Patterson that his father is, perhaps, "the best living cwitness in regard to
ehe osrisin of Latins schools west of the vsountains;" and he gives hig




THE ORIGIN  OF JEFFERSON  COLLEGE.                    408
reasons for so regarding him. Now, in the above statement, carefully made
at his leisure, in his study, without the presence of any one putting questions to him, or by any possibility guiding him  unconsciously in any
particular direction-this "best living witness" says "between 1780 and
1790, and chiefly in the latter part of these ten years, (that is between 1785
and 1790,) some few Presbyterian clergymen, &c."  Would not any one
who is not strongly committed to a foregone conclusion, infer that according
to the best of Mr. Patterson's recollections these Latti: schools were opened
during and after 1785? And when he goes on twice to speak first of Mr.
Smith and his school - that his impression was that he was at least as early
is any other in this movement? that his school did not follosw Dr. M'Millan's? that it was, at any rate, quite as early?  He shows, also, that he had
some minute and particular reminiscences about both schools. If after all,.Dr. M'Millan's school, as a Lautinl school, was in full operation five years
before this time, could he have been ignorant of that fact, when he
evidently knows so much about it, in other respects?  And if he was not
ignorant of the earlier origin of the Log-Cabin school, how can we possibly
explain the whole passage?  If he had designed to ignore the earlier origin
of Dr. M'Millan's school, and to lead us completely into a chronological
error, could he have used any different or stronger language?  In fine, we
think this whole statement of the Rev. Robert Patterson presents a serious
objection to the conclusions which the Professor has adopted. We shall not
comment upon the manner in which the Professor disposes of this testimony
of his father. We think that here, at least, he signally fails in his attempt
to get out of this difficulty, by making the testimony, in effect, the very
reverse of what it naturally means.
(2.) The Rev. Joseph Patterson's memorandum  seems to us fairly to
imply not only that there were no colleges, academies, &c., but that there
were no similar schools or seminaries to that to which he repaired. If there'was an older and larger institution, then, at Dr. M'Millan's, with young men
preparing for the ministry, a log-cabin, Latin school, &c., he would not, in
our judgment, have expressed himself just as he did.  "There being no
places of public education in this country, I, with a few others, studied with
the Rev. Joseph Smith."
(3.) The statement given by Mrs. Irwin presents a strong objection to
Prof. Patterson's conclusions; and so far from being weakened by his vigorous attack, has rather gathered strength from the critical ordeal through
which it has passed. We would here state that we adopted a precisely similax course to that described in Prof. Patterson's paper, in the case of Mrs.
Park. We took down Mrs. Irwin's statement immediately after the interview.  Several months afterwards we enclosed it to the Rev. Mr. Smith, of
Marysville, requesting him to read it to her, and ascertain whether it was correct. A copy of this letter and his answer are before us, but we think it
unnecessary to insert them. The result was, that we obtained perfect assu



404                           APPENDIX.
rance that we had her precise statement.  It was to this effect: "That she
was between twelve and fifteen years of age, living near Mr. Smnith's, one
of his spiritual children, took a great interest then in what Mr. Smith did,
in this matter, and all her life after, familiarly remembered the following
facts, viz: that in 1785, Mr. Smith, of Buffalo and Cross Creek congregations, opened a school for assisting and training young men for the gospel
ministry; that A-. McGready, hlr. Brice, Mr. Porter, and Mr. Patterson,.began their course with him, Mr. James Hughs soon after joining them; that
Mr. McGready came from  Dr. M'Millan's, with whom he had been living,
not as a student, but as a laborer on his farm; that five congregations)
through the ladies, united in furnishing these students (tith the exception
of Mr. McGready) with clothing, viz: Buffalo, Cross Creek, Chartiers, Bethel
and Ten Mile; that they made up summer and winter clothing for several
of these young men, (coloring linen for summer wear in a dye made of new
mown hay;) that this was the first movement made for preparing young men
for the ministry; that there was no such school at this time at Chartiers, nor
ulntil after the one at Bulffalo was discontinued; that Mr. M'Millan and the
Chartiers ladies took their share in this effort to sustain the school at Buffalo,
MiLr. McGready coming from Dr. M'Millan's to the school."  Now, this en1tir
statement, which is only ps'tially given in the paper under review, containo
some remarkable points. In the first place, its singldar, yet wholly undesigned coincidence with the statements of the Rev. Messrs. Joseph Patterson
n:d Robert Patterson, are especially worthy of notice.  The three statements
taken together form a threefold cord, not easily broken.  This is an element
of its strength not heretofore noticed, In the second place, her minute and circumstantial account of the concerted measures taken in all the congregations
for sustaining the school, could not possibly have been a mere fiction of her
fancy.  It must have been so. And it provers not only how clear was her
memory in the case, but that it is exceedingly unlikely that at the same time
there was a similar school at Chartiers.  In the third place, the specific state,
mnent that Mr. McGready came from  Dr. M'ivLillan's to this school, carries
with it great force, as proving that a simllilar school was not then in operation
at Chartiers.. In the fourth place, Mrs. Irwin's qualifications as a witness in
the case, are thoroughly endorsed by her minister and Dr. Wylie.  But hera
testimony has been assailed, first because she knew, or at least said, nothing
about the Ten Mile school; and even the author of'" Old Redstone" is represented as "entirely having set it aside," on this account.  Now this is a
sheer mistake.  The fact of her silence in reference to Mr. Dodd's school, is
distinctly recognized and accounted for.  The truth is, Mrs. Irwin ignores
that school precisely in the same way that Mr. Doddridge, nearly forty years
before, in his "Notes on the Life and Manners of the Western Settlers,"
giving an account of the first movements in the cause of education, ignored
it; and just as Rev. Messrs. Joseph Patterson and Robert Patterson also both
ignored it. When not one of these made the least allusion expressly to the




TiLE ORIGIN  OF JEFFERSON  COLLEGE.                   405
Ten Mile school, it is not strange that Mrs. Irwin does not. But, in the second place, it is thought that the error she committed about Mr. McGready
being a laborer on Dr. M'Millan's farm vitiates her whole testimony.  (The
legal maxim is, "Fcalszs in urtno, falsus in o097nlibus;" not "igntzrus in uno,
igneares in omnsibits.")  Much pains are taken to refute this statemnlent; and
the testimony of Mrs. Harper and Mrs. Park is adduced to show how utterly
erroneous it was; and quite an eloquent and moving representation is given
of the odious light in which it places Dr. M'Millan-how that he, forgetting
or disregarding the injunction of his preceptor, Dr. Smith, of Pequea, for
near ten years took a youn g man that had been sent to him all the way from
North Carolina, in order that he might train and educate him for the ministry, and set him to work for him on his farm! Now, we have no doubt, this
was a mistake, or an inadvertence on the part of Mrs. Irwin. Andclyet it
was not strange that she made such a statement. About that unimportant
circumstance, she had heard what was true, in part, at that time, viz: that
Mr. McGready was not then engaged in regular study; but was known or
seen to be, sometimes, at the Doctor's, aiding in farming operations-at
least in looking after the Doctor's affairs in his absence, as iMrs. SHarper
admits.  The position of Mr. McGready, at that time, is no doubt correctly
given by those ladies. We will further add, that we have learned, from a
very intelligent source, that Mr. McGready, during the summer of 1785,
took the small-pox and lay very low for some time, so that his life was nearly
despaired of-that he slowly recovered, and that the first time he was able
to go abroad, he attended a sacramental meeting in the Miungo Creek settlement, where Mr. Smith was assisting Dr. M'Millan on the occasion; and that
under the preaching of Mr. Smith, Mr. McGready was brought lunder deep
spiritual exercises of mind, which resulted in a hearty surrender of himself
to his Saviour and his service; that he continued to regain his health and
strength, but was still unable, for some time, to apply himself to regular
studies. On the opening of Mr. Smith's school, he repaired to Buffalo. He
had already made some progress in his preparatory course, even before he
left North Carolina; and whilst teaching the English school for Dr. M'Millan, of which Mrs. Harper testifies, for she was his pupil. He prosecuted his
studies with Dr. M'Millan, just as others did, both before and after this time.;
but there being no regular arrangement for classical studies at Chartiers, he
went, no doubt with the consent of Dr. M'Millan, to Buffalo.  Now, this
circumstance of his going to Buffalo, which is not, and cannot be called in
question, is a strong presumptive evidence that, as Mrs. Irwin says, "there
was no such school, at this time, at Chartiers."  There is not any force, in
our judgment, in the attempt to show that Mrs. Irwin's statement would
involve a reflection on Dr. M'Millan, as having neglected the injunction of
his old teacher, Dr. Smith. We have no doubt, that as soon as ever the
great revival (which began in the fall of 1781, and continued with signal
power the following year,) brought out a number of pious, devoted youug




406                            APPENDIX.
men, Dr. M'Millan took measures to help them  in their studies for the ministry. But scarcely any of these fruits of the revival were brought out in
his pastoral charge, though, in other respects, the results of this blessed season were most abundant, both in Chartiers and Pigeon Creek.  But though,
in subsequent years, many ministers were raised up in these- congregations,
it was not so during the first eight or nine years of the Doctor's ministry.
Facts and records will clearly show  this.  Notwithstanding, we have no
doubt that Dr. M'3Millan opened the way and welcomed to his house any that
desired to receive his instructions.  But )he " Latin School" was not, as we
think, the prominent matter from  the beginning.  I-is English school was
early organized, and generally taught by those who were reciting, at his own
house, to himself, in languages and sciences.  And occasionally one or more
students of the same description were also with him, besides the teachers;
such, perhaps, as Abraham Scott.A;
(4.) Dr. Carnahan's statement, though in part "of a derivative character,"
furnishes much support to the testimony of the witnesses already cited.  It
is true, that the greater part of what Dr. Carnahan states, he got from/ Mr.
Wilkins.  But he shows how much weight is to be attached to Mr. Wilkins'
account.  Dr. Carnahan regarded him  as an intelligent man, and perfectly
reliable.  For he had lived with Dr. M'Millan during the very period under
consideration - during the time that Mr. Roes was there.  IRe knew  all.
about Mr. Ross, and his family, and his former history.  I-e expressly stated
to Dr. Carnahan that Mr. Ross was engaged to teach the Doctor's children,
and those of the neighborhood, while he himself studied Latin with the
Doctor.  This gentleman remembered nothing of James Hu-Ighls, John Brice,
R. Marshall and others studlyin  Latin and Greek there.  At least Dr. Carnahan does not remember that he ever spoke of them.  But the strongest
point in Dr. Carnahan's testimony is, that he never heard any thing at
T* hat Mr. Dodd and Mr. Smith should have a little preceded Dr. M'Millan in the
cause of classical instruction is not only probable, from local causes, viz: that those
who first beg-n to look forw-ard to the ministry were principally residing in their
congregations; but also from the prominent characters of these two ministers. A
decided turn for energetic action and for devisin:g measures promptly for carrying on
the great interests of the church. characterized these men. On the other hand, Dr.
M'Mlillams's mind was eminently conservative. He was wise in counsel. He was an
able defender of the " old paths."  Itis mind seas not of the inventive order. He was
not ecclesiastically a De Witt Clinton or a,SHenry Clay, buit much more a John Marshall. He was not the Luther or Calvin of the West, but rather the 2,felaezcthon, or
the Tsvretine, or the Beza. He did not orimiuate or lead forward the smlt'ssiozc?'y movement in behalf of the western Indians. That.honor must be assigned to Messrs.
Mac-Lrdy, James and Thomnas Itughs, Marquis, and others. So some of those men,
with Dr. Anderson, led the way in the tes7mp)erasce catnse, and in the eyr.kip school
cause. The post unanimously assiglnsed to Dr. M'Millami was to give theological
instruction, and, for more than thirty years, to aid in training young men, for their
great work of preaching the everlasting gospel.




O'I IE ORIGIN  OF JEFFERSON  COLLEGE.                    407
variance with this general account dvurinsg ail the time that he lived at
Ca7monsbergj, - nor until he met with a different view, given by his old
friend, Dr. M. Brown, and even thens he coved recall nothing that shooek his
confidence in Mr. Wilkins' statement. —  Prof. Patterson, besides describing
this testimony as' "of a derivative character," (and therefore more closely
resembling a large mass of his own testimony,) has taken several exceptions
to this statement of Dr. Carnahan.  But we shall not attempt to follow him
in his criticisms.  We hope the reader will give them  all the force they
merit.  Neither do we think it necessary to travel over the whole ground in
company with Prof. Patterson's witnessos, many of whom we know are of
the most respectable character.  The testimony of Dr. M'Millan's children
claims very great respect.  The statements of the late venerable Mr. John
M'Millan, about what he heard his father say, are certainly strong.  But it
would not be difficult to show how they might all be accounted for, without,
in the slightest degree, impeaching the veracity of either father or son, and
yet leaving the general conclusion supported by such witnesses as Rev.
Robert Patterson, Rev. Joseph Patterson, Mrs. Irwin, Mir. Wilkins,. and Dr.
Wylie, unshaken.  And so with regard to the testimony of the late Mrs.
Jane Harper. t  Her testimony, indeed, is a little on both sides; for she
* The entire statement of Dr. CaLrnahan, as given by Prof. Patterson, was real over
elowly and distinctly to Dr. Addison, of Pittsburgh, son of the distinguished Judge
Addison,,ad one of Mr. Ross' executors by his will, and who is known to be nmore
intimately acquainted with Mr. Ross' history than any one now living. lie assured
us that Dr. Carnalan's account might be filly relied on as perfectly true. In his
vivacious manner he added: " It is, every word of it, gospel." He further conflimed
Dr. Carnahan's account of Mr. Ross' scholarship. -IHe likewise confilqed Mr. Wilkins'
statement of the earlier history of Mr. Ross; and feuther related the circumstance
that accounted for Mr. Ross' sudden and almost instantaneous rise at the bar, as soon
as he commenced practice as a lawyer.
t This venerable lady has recently died. Iln an obituary notice, published in the
Blanner and Advocate," respecting Mrs. Jane Harper, widow of the late Samuel
Harper, Esq., and eldest daughter of the late Rev. John MI'Millan, D. D., it is stated,
(the italics are ours,): " Mrs. Harper passed through eventful times in the civil and
religious history of Western Pennsylvania, of mueh of which her mind was an
accurate repository, &c. She had a kind remembrance of James Ross and James
MIcGready - the formler of whom became an eminent lawyer and statesmen; the
latter a renowned Evangelist tand pastor in Kentucky. They had lived in her
father's family, and hiad bcc i her teach7ers. The former had taulght a Latin and English
school in a log-cabin, near her father's house, while he was pursuing his legal
studies; which of course was prior to 1784, for in that year he wans admitted to the
bar, and entered at once upon a lamge practice. iMrs. I-arper always asserted that
those annalists of the Western church, who postpone her father's log-cabin school to
a later date then those of the Rev. Joseph Smith, on Buffalo, and Rev. Thaddeus
Dodd, on Ten-Mlile, are in error. She said her father's was started before eitlher
of them, in a rude log-cabins, near the house, which was soon afterwards burnt down;
whereupon IMr. Ros left, and e11 the pupils except IMr. M'Gready, who remained in




408                            APPENDIX.
remembers about Dr. MI'Millan's English school, and who taught it, &c.
But the most important witness is the venerable Mrs. Park.  That she, at
the age of eighty-five, has given the honest impressions which she recalled
of her childhood and youth, weo have not the smallest doubt.  It has seemed
to us, however, that she has blended the reminiscences of different dates in
such a manner, that, in a way perfectly natural, she has thrown back upon
earlier years impressions of later periods.  We appeal to all who have been
conversant with very aged persons, whether this has not often been noticed.
It is also surprising to find that her memory fails on certain particulars,
when we might have expected as much distinctness of re~ollection as in
other cases.  She remembers nothing of Mr. Ross being a scholar as well
as a teacher-nothing  of Mr. McGready's teaching-nothing  of Dr.
M'Millan's English school.  Her impressions about certain young men may
possibly belong to a period a few years later than she supposes.eP  Her entire
testimony about the bookcs and about the Latijn school may easily be
accounted for in the same way.  It seems to us, indeed, that her testimony
warrants the conclusion that clasical studies were, at an early period,
pursued by different persons at the Doctor's own house, and sometimes by
the assistance of the teacher, such may have been the case in reference to
Mr. Ross. As to the testimony of the IIon. II. M. Brackenridge - of the
children of George White, (who went to qualify himself to teach an Englisfh
school,) of Dr. Colver, &c., &c., we are perfectly willing to admit that much
of it is forcible-though  "of a derivative character," and that taken
together it makes out a plausible, perhaps a strong case. t  We cannot close
this paper without a few  additional remarks.  The argument from  the
silence of the record of Redstone Presbytery is apparently misunderstood;
the farnil, cad wuorTced oin the farm, until Mr. Smith started his school, where he
went then. A few years afterwards another log-cabin for the school was erected and
its labors resumed, this being the one upon which the chroniclers referred to based
their statements. Such briefly is her explanation of the current anachronism, as
given to the writer of this a few months before her death." This entire statement
lends strong confirmlation, in our judgment, to the view we have taken about the
earlier character of Dr. M'Millan's school, and the true date of the Latios school.
* "I tlinkl Mrs. HIarper was mistaken in the time she says D. Smith, McGready,
and Brice were at Dr. M'Millan's Log-Cabin."-Rev. Dr. IhWylie, in letter above cited.
t Some estimate may be formed, perhaps, of the weight to be attached to the
greater part of all the testimony nhich Prof. Patterson has collected; and to the
present current tladitions about Canonsburg, if wee only consider how every one
of these witnesses would have answered the questions: "Di(d Jefferson College
originate in the'Log-Cabin' school?" "Is this, to the best of your lknowledge, the
prevailing tradition and opinion around Canonsburg?" Would not both these
questions be answered promptly and unanimously in the affirmative? And yet does
not every one now see from the testimony of Dr. C. Dodd, and of Dr. M'Millan himself, as already given, that this was not the case P




THE ORIGIN  OF JEFFERSON  COLLEGE.                  409
and the attempt to refute it misses the point at issue. But before we bring
this distinctly to view, we must first clear the way a little. Let it then be
remembered that it is claimed for Dr. M'Millan, that in pursuance of the
injunction of Dr. Smith of Pequea, he immediately after his settlement west
of the mountains, sought out some suitable young men and began to train
them  in Latin and Greek, &c., - therefore his Latin school must have
preceded all others. It is replied, in the first place, that Dr. M'Millan's
account of that charge of his old preceptor justifies no such construction of
it as is now attempted to be given to it. Let it again be carefully examined,
and we are confident this will be seen. In the second place, Dr. M'Millan's
statement, in his letter to Dr. Carnahan, of what he actually proceeded to do
in order to carry out that charge, gives no intimation of the precise time
when he succeeded in accomplishing this object. It is altogether an
inference, arising from a foregone conclusion, -to make it refer to the first
years of Dr. M'Millan's settlement. But further we allege, in reply, that
when Dr. M'Millan states in his manuscript what he does snot state in his
letter to Dr. Carnahan, who those swere that he thus gathered around him to
train and instruct, he mentions several persons who had been previously
with Mr. Dodd and Mr. Smith, and does not give the name of a single one
that preceded them. His language in this manuscript, which is dated
Januaryc, 1832, from which he copies extensively, but not entirely, in his
letter to Dr. Carnahan, written twd moanths  after, viz: March 26th, is
precisely this: "When I determined to come to this country, Dr. Smith
enjoined it upon me to look out for some pious young men, and educate them
for the ministry; for, said he, though some men of piety and talents may go
to a new country at first, yet if they are not careful to raise up others, the
country will not be well supplied. Accordingly I collected a few, who gave
evidence of piety, and instructed them in the knowledge of the Latin and
Greek languages, soene of whom became useful, and others eminent, ministers
of the gospel, viz: James Hughs, John Brice, James McGready, William
Swan, Samuel Porter and Thomas Marquis. All these I boarded and
taught, without any compensation, except about forty dollars which Mr.
Swaa gave to my wife after he was settled in the ministry. I had still a
few with me when the academy was opened in Canonsburg, and finding
that I could not teach and do justice to may congregation, I immediately
gaveo it up and sent them there. For an account of the revivals of religion,
which took place in the congregation, I must refer you to the Western
)Missionary Magazine, vol. 2d, page 353."  Now, this is the record from
which the Doctor gave only a part, or an extract, in his letter written two
months afterwards to Dr. Carnahan. The italics are ours. We again affirm,
that it contains not a syllable to show that Dr. Smith meant that he would
have Dr. M'Millan to begin, forthwith, his efforts for training young menbut only that Dr. M'Millan should keep this object in view, and in due time
when the way would be open, that he should proceed in this good work.




410                           APPENDIXl
And we further affirm, that it contains not a syllable to show tChat Di,
M'Millan put any other construction upon it; and further still it shows,
when he did' set about this matter, what he did and how he proceeded, and
with whom he began the whole enterprise. By his saying: "'accordingly I
collected a few, who gave evidence of piety, and some of whom became
useful, &c, viz: James Ilughs, John Brice," &co. we are fully warranted in
saying that he speaks of these as a part of his first students.  If this construction is not sustained by the whole drift of the passage, we are altogether
at fault.  Indeed, it seems to us strange, that any attempt should be made
to prove the earlier date of Dr. M'Millan's school from this letter to Dr.
Carnahan.  It seems to assume that Dr. M'Milian  was charged  with
beginning an enterprise, without any consideration) whether there were
materials with which to begin it, or not.
Again it is suggested that his school must havo been befare 1781; for it is
urged he is stating things in chronological order; and he introduces his
account of the revivals, which began that year cafter his account of his
school, and therefore the school must have preceded it. And yet in the very
sentence before, he mentions the death of his wife in 1819; a statement
manifestly out of chronological order.  Nor can it be said that this statement about Mrs, M'Millan's death was introduced in conneetion with an
account of his marriage, &c. For he hadc mentioned that some distance back
in his narrative. And after that, he proceeded to tell of his reonoval, of his
Log-Cabin, and the incidents connected with his beginning honse-keeping,
&c. And we have already quoted from his manuscript his manner of referring
to the revivals.  But he does not, as in his letter to Dr. Carnahan, give a
further statement about them.  Indeed, this eircumstance, together witb
other peculiarities about the manuscript, its date, its b-eginning with an
account of the Doctor's family, tec., lead us to believe that he had it before
him when he wrote to Dr. Carnahan, transcribing some parts, altering others,
and omitting others.  That important d "viz.,' in the passage abouit his school
is not in his letter to Dr. Carnahan,  But it is in the manuscript, and gi\ree
it peculiar point and significance.  Those three expoessiols —"e tccordinoglh
X collected a few" —" some of whom" —" viz."-are all inseparably joined
and fully bear us out in all that has been said about Dr. tM'Millan's tellinh
us with whom his Latin school began. Now, it was in view of this accounr
of the matter that we regard the silence of tie records of Redstone Pr eosy
tory as very significant, and confirming our construction of what Dr.'iTMil
lan's account means.  It is contended by our opponents that Dr. Sucitl
meant that Dr. M'XMillan must bhegin what he had enjoined on him very sool
after he would settle in the West.  It is further plead that Dr. MMillan s;
understood him, and so did proceed "to look out for some pious young men
and educate them for the ministry."  Now, then, confronting all this strang
construction and argument, we ask, that since Dr. M'Millan settled in th
West, in 1778, and therefore they say, soon began his Latin school for piou




TlHE ORIGIN OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.                        411
yourwg men, how comes it to pass that we hear nothing of them, nor indeed
of any young men coming forward to put themselves under the care of the
Presbytery, till August 15, 1786-nearly eight years after Dr. M'Millah
settled at Chartiers?  We think that if he were really training young men
for the ministry, for some years before this, we would surely find it out by
the records of the Redstone Presbytery.  But they are silent.  And whoa
they do proceed to tell us of the first four or five candidates, it seems they
were first students at Ten Mile and Buffalo, not at Chartiers. We really
think these old records tell a very straight-forward story.
We are aware that it has been said, -and testimony introduced to prove it
that Messrs. Brice and Hughs, and D. Smith, were all at Dr. M'Millan's
before they were at Ten Mile or Buffalo.  But we more than doubt this statement.  Wilkins had no remembrance of them. Neither Dr. Cephas Dodd,
nor Dr. Lindley, nor Dr. Wylie, had this impression.  If D. Smith was
there, he was a small boy, in the English school; which is possible.  As to
Messrs. Brice and. Hughs, who were licensed in 1788, there is no reason to
think, that in those times, they began their education seven or eight years
before.  Mr. McGready was not out from North Carolina long at Dr. M'Millan's, before he was taken sick —so we have been told-in the spring of 1785.
As to his having been there in 1782 or 1781, we regard it as utterly improbable.  By the way, if the attempt to ridicule Mrs. Irwin's expression,
"laborer on the farm," by showing what a prodigious genius he must have
been to have had an exegesis assigned him, April, 1787, so short a time after
he loft the plow,-if all this, we say, has not been sufficiently answered, we
would merely add that these exegeses were, in those days, often given to
young men after they had been but a short time engaged in their classical
studies.  As to what is said by the Hon. H. M. Brackenridge, about his
fi.thor, on his way to Washington Court, calling at the Log-Cabin school,
and hearing some of Mr. Ross's Latin scholars, we think there is some mistake.  It is evidently supposed that this school was on or near the road-side,
which was not the case.  It was near two miles off the present Washington
road.  And if there was one that led nearer to Dr. M'Millan's, it was still
quite distant from the Log-Cabin.*'  If he did call, turning out of his way,
it is more likely, we submit, that he may have heard {Mr. Ross himself, or
giaven him some assistance in construing a passage or two.t
Lot us now briefly state what we regard as resulting from  this investigation, on both sides.  Dr. M'Millan removed with his family to Western Pennsylvania in the fall of 1778.  For some time his domestic circumstances, and
* We have since learned that the other old Washington road was still further from
Dr. MYI'Millan's than the present stage road.
t Judge Bracklenridge, in his "Incidents of the Western Insurrection," page 14,
Fpe'als of Mr. Ross as "just beginning at the bar in 17872"  He might have been at
the Log-Cabin as late as 1785 or 1786.




412                           APPENDIX.
his arduous pastoral and missionary labors engrossed all his time; and the
distracted state of the country also continuing, he did not begin his school
enterprise till about 4781 or 1782. Though with the ultimate view of making it, in part, a classical school, it was, for some time, mainly an English
school, taught by Mr. Ross, Mr. McGready, and others. IIe, nevertheless,
at his own house, assisted these and others in classical studies, more or less.
Mr. Dodd began his Classical, Scientific and English school in 1781 or 1782.
In the fall of 1785, Mr. Smith began his school, exclusively for young men
studying for the ministry, and taught themn, not in theology, but in the languages and sciences, with the exception of Mr. Joseph Patterson, who, perhaps, studied part of the sciences and read theology under his direction.
Mr. Smith, both from  want of health and from increased demands for
pastoral and ministerial labors, was led, in the course of a year or two, to
give up his school; and the young men repaired to Dr. M'Millan's, together
with some others. Then, for a period of three or four years, this school
flourished, and was prominently what Dr. M'AMillan always had in views-a
Latin school. In the mean time, he and others, failing to get an academy
successfillly in operation, in Washington, united with the members of the
Academy and Library Comnpany, in and around Canonsburg, to get the
Academy into full operation there. He then gave up his school, as the convenient neighborhood of the Academy enabled him  so to do, to his great
relief and satisfaction. As he was prominently instrumental, both at Washington and Canonsburg, in laying the foundation of this first Literary Institution in the Valley of the Mississippi, he may well be regarded as its calrmus
pater.
We will only further add, that whether Prof. Patterson has made out his
ease or not, he has brought to light much that reflects the highest honor on
Dr. M'Millan and his coadjutors-that the friends of Jefferson College and
of education are under deep obligations to him  for his able and patient
researches; and for the talented effort he has made for the imperishable
renown of that great and good man, who made such sacrifices of toil and
expense, and of time and trouble, in the cause of education and Christianity.
There are some scores of things which we had designed to notice, but we
gladly dismiss them all, and leave the reader to the result of his own
reflections.
After we had prepared the preceding remarks upon Prof. Patterson's paper,
we submitted them, together with that paper, to a professional friend, who
has long been familiar with legal investigations, and with examining witnesses, &c. He kindly furnishes us with a paper containing the result of
his impressions and conclusions, after carefully examining the testimony
adduced by R. P. In this paper he has gone into a much more careful
scrutiny of the whole subject, than we have been able to give it.  But
though it is committed to our disposal, its great length, and its rather less
respectful treatment of the Professor and some of his witnesses, than we




DR. M MILLAN'S MANUSCRIPT.                   413
can altogether approve, forbid our insertion of it here. It is possible that
with such alterations as we think it requires, it may hereafter be given to
the public. This able, and, we think, conclusive document, furnishes several
items that would be of special service to us now. But to extract or withdraw
them for this purpose, would be doing injustice to the whole paper and
diminish its value, should it be hereafter publishedb We will only add that
we are now satisfied that some of the statements about the early classical
school at Ten Mile are doubtful; and that an egregious anacronism pervades
the whole testimony of the Rev. Dr. Lindley-doubtless altogether unintentional on his part. It will be observed that Dr. Cephas Dodd's account of
his father's school rests almost exclusively upon what he got from Dr. Lindley.
DR. M'MILLAN'S MANUSCRIPT.
The following is a carefully copied transcript of the manuscript referred to in the previous review of Prof. Patterson's
paper.  It was apparently prepared with great care by Dr.
M'Millan,  and left along with his journal, which he had kept
of his early missionary tours.  When, some two months after
he wrote it, he wrote his celebrated letter to Dr. Carnahan,
he appears to have placed this manuscript before him; and
while he omitted several portions of it, altered some passages
and enlarged upon others, especially about the revivals, he
copie.1 somewhat closely a considerable part of it. It is
altogether a precious documrent.  The Rev. L. F. Leake, it
will be seen, drew firom it much of his interesting biographical
sketch.  We are not aware that it has ever been heretofore
published.  It will be seen that it completely vindicates all
that we have heretofore said about it.
"My father's name was William M'Millan; my mother's
maiden name was Margaret Rea; they were both born and
lived in the parish of Carmonyv, in the county of Antrim,
Ireland.  They emigrated to America, about the year 1742,
and settled in Fagg's manor, in Chester county, Pennsylvania.
Mly mother died in the year 1768.  My father married again,
and during the time of the Revolutionary war he sold his
35At




414                    APPENDIX.
property in Chester county and removed to the western
country, where he died on the 2d of July, 1792, aged seventyfive years.  His remains were buried at Chartiers.  My
parents had but six children, who grew up to be men and
women, viz: three sons and three daughters; all of whom
are now dead, except myself, who was the youngest but one
of the family. I was born in Fagg's manor, on the 11th of
November, 1752. Before my birth, my parents had some
children, I think two sons, who died while they were young.
My father told me that he had promised to God, that if he
would give him another son, he would call his name John,
and devote him to his service in the ministry of the gospel:
accordingly as soon as I had acquired a sufficient degree of
English literature, I was sent to a grammar school, kept by
the Rev. Mr. John Blair, in Fagg's manor; where I continned until Mr. Blair was removed to Princeton, to superintend the college there.  I was then sent to Pequea to a
grammar school, kept by the Rev. Robert Smith. While
there, the Lord poured out his Spirit upon the students; and
I believe there were but few who were not brought under
serious concern about their immortal souls: some of whom
became blessings in their day, and were eminently useful in
the Church of Christ; but they are all now gone to rest.
It was here that I received my first religious impressions;
though as long as I can remember, I had at times some
checks of conscience, and was frequently terrified by dreams
and visions in the night, which made me cry to God for
mercy: but these seasons were of short duration; like the
morning cloud and the early dew, they quickly passed away.
I now saw that T was a lost, undone sinner, exposed to the
wrath of a justly offended God, and could do nothing for my
own relief.  My convictions were not attended with much
horror; though I felt that I deserved hell, and that in all
probability that must be my portion: yet I could not feel
that distress which I ought to feel, and which I thought I
must feel before I could expect to obtain relief. I felt also
much pride and legality, mingled with all' the duties which
I attempted to perform. In this situation I continued until
I went to college, in the spring of 1770. I had not been
long there until a revival of religion took place among the
students; and I believe at one time there were not more
than two or three, but what were under serious impressions.
On a day which had been set apart by a number of the




Di. M' MILLAN' S MIANUSCRIPT.         415
students to be observed as a day of fasting and prayer, while
the others were at dinner, I retired into my study; and
while trying to pray I got some discoveries of divine things,
which I had never had before: I saw that the divine law
was not only holy, just and spiritual, but also that it was
good, and that conformity to it would make me happy. I
felt no disposition to quarrel with the law; but with myself,
because I was not conformed to it. I felt it now easy to
submit to the gospel plan of salvation, and felt a calm and
serenity of mind, to which I had hitherto been a stranger.
And this was followed by a delight in contemplating the
divine glory in all his works, and in meditating on the divine
perfections.  I thought that I could see God in every thing
around me.
"I continued at college until the fall of 1772, when I
returned to Pequea, and began the study of Theology under
the direction of the Rev. Robert Smith, D. D.  I had great
difficulties in my own mind about undertaking the work of
the gospel ministry.  However, I at last came to this deters
mination, to leave the matter wholly with God; if he opened
the way, I would go on; if he shut it, I would be satisfied;
and I think if ever I knew what it was to have no will of my
own about any matter, it was about this.  I passed through
my trials in the Presbytery of New Castle, and was licensed
by them to preach the gospel, October the 26th, 1774, at
East Nattingham.  The first winter I spent in itinerating in
the vacant congregations of New Castle and Donegal Presbyteries.  In the summer of'75, I took a tour through the
settlements in Virginia, between the North and South mountains.  In July I crossed the mountains between Staunton
and the head of Tyga'rt's Valley, preached in the various
settlements which I passed through, until I came to Chartiers; preached there on the fourth Sabbath of August, and on
the Tuesday following at Pigeon Creek. I then turned my
course eastward, preached in the different settlements as I
passed along, and came to my father's about the last of
October. In the winter I again visited Augusta county in
Virginia, crossed the mountains in January, and preached at
Pigeon Creek and Chartiers until the latter end of March,
1776., when I returned home; and at a meeting of the Presbytery, on the 23d of April, I accepted a call, and was
dismissed to join the Presbytery of Donegal, and on the 19th
of June, at Chuambersburg, was ordained.




410                    APPENDIX.
"Having now determined to remove to the Western country'
and take charge of the congregations of Chartiers and Pigeon
Creek, I thought it my duty to take with me a female companion. Accordingly, on the 6th of August, 1776, I was
married to Catharine Brown, a young woman with whom I
had been long acquainted, and who, I believed, was a dear
child of God.  She was the youngest child of Mr. William
Brown, a ruling elder in the congregation of Upper Brandywine, Chester county, Pennsylvania.  He was a very pious
man, and lived to a great age, being about ninety when he
died. It being in the time of the Revolutionary war, and the
Indians being very troublesome on the frontiers, I was prevented from removing my family to my congregations until
November, 1778. I however visited them as often as I could,
ordained elders, baptized their children, and took as much
care of them as circumstances would permit.  When I came
to this country, the cabin in which I was to live was raised,
but there was no roof on it, nor chimney, nor floor in it. The
people, however, were very kind, assisted me in preparing my
house, and on the 15th of December I removed into it. But
we had neither bedstead, nor table, nor chair, nor stool, nor
pail, nor bucket.  All these things we had to leave behind
us; there being no wagon road at that time over the mountains; we could bring nothing with us but what was carried
on pack-horses.  We placed two boxes on each other, which
served us for a table, and two kegs served us for seats; and
having committed ourselves to God in family worship, we
spread a bed on the floor, and slept soundly until morning.
The next day, a neighbor coming to my assistance, we made
a table and a stool, and in a little time had everything comr
fortable about us. SometiLmes, indeed, we had no bread for
weeks together; but we had plenty of pumpkins and potatoes,
and all the necessaries of life, and as for luxuries, we were
not much concerned about them. We enjoyed health, the
gospel and its ordinances, and pious fiiends.  We were in
the place where we believe God would hanve us.to be; and
we did not doubt he would provide every thing necessary;
and glory to his name, we were not disappointed.  My wife
and I lived comfortably together more than forty-three years;
and on the 24th of November, 1819, she departed triumphantly to take possession of her house not made with hands,
eternal in the heavens.  When I determined to come to this
country, Dr. Smith enjoined it upon me to look out for some




DR. M MILLAN'S MANUSCRIPT.            417
pious young men, and educate them for the ministry; for,
said he, though some men of piety and talents may go to a
new country at first, yet if they are not careful to raise up
others, the country will not be well supplied.  Accordingly
I collected a few who gave evidence of piety, and instructed
them in the knowledge of the Latin and Greek languages,
some of whom became useful, and others eminent, ministers
of the gospel, viz: James HIughs, John  Brice, James
M'Gready, William Swan, Samuel Porter, and Thomas Marquis.  All these I boarded and taught without any compensation, except about forty dollars, which Mr. Swan gave to
my wife after he was settled in the ministry.  I had still a
few with me when the Academy was opened in Canonsburg,
and finding that I could not teach and do justice to my congregation, I immediately gave it up and sent them there.
" For an account of the revivals of religion which took place
in the congregation, I must refer you to the Western Missionary Magazine, vol. 2d, page 353.  After the close of the revival which began in 1802, though upon every sacramental
occasion some joined the church, yet nothing remarkable took
place until the fall of 1823, when God again visited this dry
and parched congregation with a shower of divine influences.
About sixty joined the church as the fruits of this revival;
a number of whom were students in the college, and are now
preaching the Gospel of Christ to their fellow dying men.
Since that time religion has rather been on the decline, though
still we are not left without some tokens of the Divine presence; at every sacramental occasion, some have come out
from the world and professed to take the Lord for their portion.
J". I'MILLAN.
6" January, 1832."
[Added by another, but unknown hand.]
" In April, May and June, he took what he supposed to be
his last visit amongst some of the old churches in the West,
which he had been instrumental in gathering from the wilderness and supplying with pastors. On the last Sabbath of
April, and first Sabbath of May, he assisted in dispensing the
Lord's Supper at -Cross Creek and Cross Roads, and preached
six Sabbaths in Racoon congregation, where he assisted in
administering the Lord's Supper on the third Sabbath of June.
During this journey he preached seventeen sermons, with




418                    ArPPENDX.
more than usual fervency; and it has been since found that
his labors during this journey were blessed to the spiritual
quickening and edification of God's people, and the awakening of not less than -  careless sinners, who have since
joined themselves to the Lord..During the year 1832, he
assisted in administering the Lord's Supper fourteen times,
and preached about fifty times, on occasions leaning on his
crutch, and in the eightieth year of his age.  During the
year 1833, up to the 16th of November, the time of his
death, he assisted in administering the Lord's Supper seventeen times, and preached on these occasions about seventy-five
times, frequently twice on the same day, besides attending to
exhortations, &c."
IMPORTANCE OF COLLEGES AND OF CLASSICAL EDUCATION
EARLY HISTORY OF COLLEGIATE INSTITUTIONS,
It is one of the most auspicious signs of the times that the
subject of education is beginning to awaken a deeper and
more pervading interest throughout the civilized world.  Great
as has been the progress of improvement in the various
methods of promoting the commerce, wealth and luxury of
the nations, this progress would afford but little satisfaction
to the philanthropist, did not the cause of general instruction
keep pace with the other onward movements of the age.  It
must be acknowledged, however, that it requires more effort
to sustain the interests of education before the public mind,
than it does to uphold the cause of public improvements, and
the various methods of accumulating dollars and cents.  Yet
the importance of every judicious method of diffusing science
and literature is so obvious to every reflecting man, that those
who have been concerned in devising and rearing to maturity
institutions of learning in cur country, during its earlier life,
have strong claims, even now, amidst the din of slitting mills,
and cotton factories, and locomotives, to be remembered with
gratitude.  The attempt has been made, in the foregoing
pages, to erect an humble monument to the memory of those
good men, who, nearly seventy years ago, constructed the first
hone of classical learning and science wvest of the mounta.insthe first College in the Va.lley of the Mi'ississippi.  We are




GOLLEGES AND CLASSTCAL EDU(CATION.            419
aware that not a few call in question the claims of public
educational institutions to any special regard —alleging even
that such methods of instruction are neither safe nor wise,
and in some cases, treating with derision all classical education.  It has been long disputed, we know, even among the
friends and advocates of -the most thorough mental training,
whether a more private, and even domestic system of instruction, may not claim  the preference over the plan of public
seminaries.  The principal argument urged in behalf of
humbler forms of institutions, is derived from  alleged superior advantages in respect to the morals of youth.  We are
not to suppose that those who take this ground are advocates
of nothing better than, or superior to, our common schools,
This is not their meaning.  They are for the widest curriculum of studies.  But they would have it so mlanaged as to
supersede the erection of Colleges and Universities.  But
even were such a scheme practicable, it may well be questioned whether the superior advantages they claim -for their
system, are not altogether imaginary.  If to preserve the
youthful mind from vicious indulgences, and from exposure to
moral contaminations, were equivalent to rendering it virtuous, and confirmed in habits of truth and sobriety, the qcuestion might be easily determined.  But this is far from being
the case.  A boy nmay be surrounded by argus-eyed sentinels,
that shall give the alarm  at every approach of danger-1may
be confined to the society of the most virtuous and upright
friends and companions-may be completely secluded from
every possible access to haunts of vice and dissipation, and
yet so fLar from enjoying a vigorous and manly expansion of
his mental and moral powers, his whole nature may possess
a feeble and sickly structure, easily tossed about and shaken
by temptations, and exposed to complete shipwreck in the
first storm it might be called to encounter.  There is a striking
analogy between the physical and the moral world.  As the
sturdy oak of the fJorcst could never be trained and reared to
perfection in a close receptacle, attempered by artificial heat;
but must rise amnidst, the heats of summer a!nd the stormns of
winter, and gather strength from  the. rocking of the tempest;
so in general it is with m-an.  Educate him  apart from  all
possible lures of -vice and folly, confine his social nature to a
narrow  inch of space, and you attempt to forin an oak in a
hot-house.  That plan of instruction, then, appears to us to
give most promise of success which assumes that youth are




420                        APPENDIX,
not to be constantly watched and dogged at every step with
suspicion; but while it places before them the precepts of
wisdom and virtue, and throws around them the influence of
good example, plies every proper incentive to the attainment
of a useful and honorable life; and yet throws them, in a
considerable degree, upon the exercise of their own vigilance
and  caution, amidst surrounding dangers and temptations.
~But let these dangers and temptations be rendered as few as
is at all compatible with public institutions.  Such is the
character of the academical training which we advocate.
Such, we believe, were the views and principles of the good
men who aimed to found the first college west of the Allegheny mountains, and sought for it a home in the quiet village
of Canonsburg.  They believed that a college is the place
most favorable to draw out and excite all the powers of the
mind. It is a wise and benevolent law of our mental structure, that mind is most effectually kindled by coming in contact with mind. That system of instruction which does not
duly avail itself of this psychological principle, must be radically defective. Besides, emulation is, perhaps, an original
principle of our nature, and not exclusively the result of
moral obliquity.  It is, we confess, peculiarly liable to abuse.
But to call it into action, within due bounds, in the educational training of youth, is not only perfectly proper and
admissible, but really important.  And this can  be much
better effected in public than in private seminaries.  Again,
at colleges, young men learn their own strength and weakness-learn  to stand erect and to walk; or, to express it
without a metaphor, to think and act for themselves.  Here
men are formed.  Here manly, independent, thinking men
are C" grown."*; " The friendships, quarrels, and various intercourse among boys affordi
a tllousand opportunities of exhibiting such principles which cannot he had
in private. The emsilation of glorious deeds inspires them more strongly
in a crowd of speectators; and the pulse of honor, of course, beats higher.
It is further asked if it be not a matter of great imlportance to inculcate
ideas of society; and to imbue the mind with early notions of submission to
authority and government. He. sees the beauty of order, the utility of law,
and the necessity of good government. School hours and school privileges
have a favorable tendency also to impress upon him a love of liberty, of
the value of whichl, a youth brought up at homeo cannot form an idea. lie
may have lessons on all these subjects; but such lessons mnust ever be inferior to a real intercourse with life-seeingf with his own eyes and obtaininl
knowledge by his own experience."` —=Encyclopedia Britallicat. Art. College




COLLEGES AND CLASSICAL EDUCATION.          421
As to those who question the utility of the study of the
dead languages, as they are called, we rest the defence of
classical education mainly on the ground of its superlative,
and long-tested fitness to exercise, train and develop the mental faculties; and on the ground of its peculiar adaptation to
that period of human life in which it is usually pursued.
Perhaps, however, not less weight should be attached to the
consideration that this study eminently contributes to cultivate the imagination, and refine the taste. With few exceptions, those whom we recommend to our young men, as models
of fine writing, were men that drank deeply from the Castalian fount —that were conducted by the midnight lamp over
the classic pages of antiquity.  Dr. Robertson, when visiting
as Principal one of the classes of the University of Edinburgh, declared, for the encouragement of young men in the
prosecution of their studies, that if he had acquired any fame
as a historian, he owed it entirely to his acquaintance with
the historians of antiquity. On these and similar grounds
we vindicate the wisdom and necessity of colleges; and maintain that a lasting debt of gratitude is due to ourfirst western
mianisters, and their coadjutors, for their early efforts in this
cause. And if we have told the story of their toils and sacrifices in this good work, and of the delightful and surprising
results, we shall hope to find some interested readers; especially in sections of our country where similar efforts are now
in progress, or should soon be made.  But "festinc lente."
Having, some years ago, directed our attention to the subject of the origin and history of seminaries of learning, in
former ages and other lands, we have been advised by some of
Dur literary friends to whom we submitted the matter, to
place before our readers the following statement, as the result
)f our researches.
As we tell the story of our first Western College, it may
xot be out of place to attempt a brief historical sketch, in this
lace, of the rise and progress of such institutions.  If such
L subject appears uninviting to any of our readers, we claim
io right to insist on a hearing for the remainder of this paper.
k very summary account is all that we here propose.  It is,vident from Strabo and Diodorus, that among the Egyptians
und Chaldeans, there existed colleges of priests, in which
iterature was cultivated among themselves, and communicated
o others.  The statements, however, about the seminaries of
hese very ancient nations, are not without much obscurity
86




422                    APPENDIX.
and uncertainty. Besides, there is, no doubt, a great difference between the institutions of these early ages, and our
modern seats of science. The same remark will apply, perhaps, with equal force to the schools of the Magi, among the
Persians; in which it would appeal that considerable attention was paid to astronomy and natural philosophy.  Among
the Jews, from the time of Samuel, there existed certain societies, in which some were trained to wisdom and piety, and
exercised themselves in mental efforts under the tuition of
teachers.  This may be inferred, we think, from what is mentioned respecting the companies or schools of the prophets.
In the following age, we read that the Sons of the prophets
dwelt at Bethel, Jericho, and Gilgal. Hence it is not doubted
by many writers that from the time of Samuel and the following age, schools of learning were among the Hebrew
nation.  There were more unequivocal marks and proofs, how
ever, of schools among the Jews after the Babyionish captivity.
These schools were extensively connected with their synagogues at Jerusalem, Babylon, and elsewhere; an incredible
number of which sprang up and flourished for centuries
among them.
It can be very clearly proved, from historical data, that
there were no public schools, or institutions of learning,
among the Greeks before the time of Plato.  For though
there were many who before that time furnished various kindl
of instruction, yet that was rather the enterprise of indivi
duals then a matter of public concern. It would seem
indeed, says Conringius, a German writer, that the Athenians
the most accomplished of the Greeks, granted to their citi
zen, Plato, in order that they might atone for the crime
committed against Philosophy, by their condemnation of
Socrates, the privilege of a grove, in their suburbs. To this,
the name  of Academy was given, from  Hecademus,   or
Academus, the name of the man who had constructed the
grove.  From this period, various philosophic schools successively arose to great eminence.  But after the brightest
period of Grecian history had passed away, the wars which
followed upon the death of Alexander the Great, among those
who succeeded him, had, in a manner, extinguished learning
in all that part of the world.  Indeed, it would seem to have
been on the point of becoming utterly extinct, amidst the
calamities of those times, had it not found a support unlder the
patronage of the Ptolemies of Egypt. For the first Ptolemy:




COLLEGES AND CLASSICAL EDUCATION.                  423
aving erected a museum, or college, for the maintenance
fand encouragement of learned men, and also a great library,
for their use, drew most of the learned men of Greece thither.
This library  was afterwards augmented, by his successors,
until it is said to have contained seven hundred thousand
volumes.*   By the detestable cruelties and  oppressions of
Ptolemy Physcon, about the year before Christ, 138, many
learned men were driven into foreign parts, erected schools,
and being poor, taught for small fees, and drew  immense
numbers of scholars. Learning thus revived, received a fresh
impulse through all Greece and Asia Minor; much in the
same way as it was in the western world, many ages afterwards, upon the final overthrow of the Byzantine Empire, by
the Turks in 1453.
At Romo. schools for teaching various branches of useful
knowledge, had existed from  an early period; but no institutions of much note existed till the Augustan age.  At this
period, the Greek language was taught under the patronage
of the court; much attention was bestowed upon the culture
of polite learning, and the fine arts, and those who contributed with zeal and success to these studies, were eminently
distinguished  by  Augustus Cmsar.  But after his  death,
learning languished without encouragement~ and was neglected,
because the succeeding Emperors were more intent upon the
arts of war and rapine then  those more amiable arts and
inventions, that are the fruits of leisure and peace.  A long
night gradually  settled  down  upon  the Roman  empire —
especially the western division of it; and an academical or
collegiate institution became a "cycnus nigra, rara avis in
terris."
~ When Julius Csesar invaded Egypt and plundered Alexandria, a large
portion of this splendid collection was burnt. A part, however, that was in
a region of the city called Bruc7sbilun, escaped the ravages of the ruthless
soldiery, and of the flames. Cleopatra afterwards purchased the famous
library of Pergamos, and added it to that of Alexanclria. It was frequently
afterwards plundered  and greatly injured; but again  repaired  anlI
replenished from time to time, until it was finally burnt and destroyed by
the Saracens in 6142. Johannes Gramnmaticuns earnestly begged the Saracen
general, Amrou Ebnal, for the library. IHe wrote to the Caliph, Oimar, who
sent hiI an answer worthly of the fanatical barbarian.'If the books agree
with the Koran, then there is no need of them; if not, then they ought not
to be endured."  This immense collection of valuable manuscripts was
employed for heating the public baths, for more than six months. It has,
however, been queestioned, on plausible grounds, whether the loss of this
library has been any serious injury to the interests of History or Philosophy.




424                    APPENDIX
The state of letters in the first three centuries of the
Christian era, among the Romans, was not favorable to the
establishment and growth of literary institutions. These
were principally in the hands of rhetoricians, sophists and
grammarians. During this period an academy of some note
was established or founded at Rome by the Emperor Adrian,
in which all the sciences were. taught. There was also a
renowned seminary at Berytus in Phenicia, principally for
the education of youth in the science of law.  But of all the
institutions which acquired any considerable notoriety, the
famous school of Alexandria deserves particular mention.
During the latter part of this period, Christianity obtained a
controlling influence over most of those concerned in public
or private instruction in this place.  Clemens Alexandrinus,
Pantenus and Origen acquired great celebrity in the Christian
world as instructors. This last remarkable man did more
than all others to bring learning into countenance and favor
with the church.  The question concerning the excellence
and utility of learning, had been hotly contested among the
Christians of this period.  From the first ages of Christianity,
a dislike to pagan learning was pretty general among
Christians.  Many of the Fathers were undoubtedly  accomplished in liberal studies; and we are indebted to them
for many valuable fragments of authors whose works have
perished. Proscribed and persecuted as they were, the early
Christians had not, perhaps, access to the public schools, nor
much inclination to studies which seemed to them uncongenial
to the character of their profession.  Their prejudices even
survived the establishment of Christianity. The fourth
Council'of Carthage prohibited the bishops from reading
secular books.  Jerome plainly condemns the study of them,
except for pious purposes. Constantine and the succeeding
emperors gave much to seminaries of learning. One of the
most remarkable occurrences of this period was the bold and
artful stroke of Julian the Apostate, in taking all the schools
and seminaries out of the hands of the Christians, and putting
them under the direction of the pagans, with the avowed
design of effecting the destruction of Christianity, and the
restoration of paganism. How far success would have crowned
his efforts, had his life been prolonged, it is impossible to
say. It was manifestly a masterly piece of policy, and has
not been lost sight of or forgotten by many infidels to this
day.




COLLEGES AND CLASSICAL EDUCATION.           425
The Jews, during this time, had th'eir schools at Tiberias,
and in the province of Babylon, at Jara, Nallerda and
Pompeditha.  Before the close of the second century, their
institutions  in Tiberias and Jamnia were quite famous.
M'ilman has given an interesting account of their seminaries,
under the Byzantine Empire; also, under the Caliphs, which
he calls their golden age; and under the Western Governments, since the fall of the Roman Empire.  In the fifth,
sixth, and seventh centuries, some of the Christian Emperors,
such as Justinian, and Theodosius the Great, bestowed some
attention on letters.  During this period there were public
institutions in the principal cities, some of them  with considerable claims to eminence; especially those at Constantinople, Pome, Marseilles, Edessa, Nisibis, Carthage, Lyons,
and Treves.  But the course of instruction was generally of
the most jejune and meagre character.  A general education
embraced the seven liberal arts;  that is, Grammar, Arithmetic, Rhietoric, Logic, Music, Geometry and Astronomy. There
were some schools, towards the close of the sixth century,
established in certain cathedrals and monasteries, but of a
very low and miserable description.  Nothing connected with
our inquiries worthy of a moment's pause, meets us until we
reach the times of Charlemagne, in the eight century. This
great man, though illiterate himself, was a distinguished
patron of education.  When he ascended the throne, the few
spots of sunshine, in respect to letters, were to be found in
Britain and Ireland. To aid him in reviving learning and
in conducting seminaries, he called fiom these Isles of the
West some of their brightest luminaries.  We must not omit
to mention also the famous capitularics of Charlemagne,
directing schools to be set up in bishoprics and abbeys "to
learn the Psalms, Singing and Grammar."
About this time, the Emperor Lotharius convened the
third Council of Valence, the eighteenth canon of which
expressly enjoined that schools be set up "for learning and
singing." Some attempts were made by other provincial
Councils, and by several bishops, to erect seminaries in
Catholic churches.  But now  gross darkness covered the
people.  The highest dignitaries of the church were unable
to translate the Latin prayers.  Few of them could sign their
names.  The most ridiculous blunders were continually made,
in reading the Latin service of the church.  We are told of
one who had gotten the word "sumpsimus" changed into
36*




426                    A XPPEND1Xb'rmumpsimus."  Upon having his error pointed out to him, he
declared, in a rage, he would not give up his "mumpsimus'"
for all their "'sumpsimuses."  There is an ancient geo,
graphical chart, which now remains as a monument of the
state of Geography in the middle ages.  In it the three
parts of the globe then known are so represented, that
Jerusalem is placed in the middle of the globe; and Alexandria appears to be as near to it as Nazareth. Toward the
close of the tenth century, scarcely one in Rome knew the
first elements of letters.  In England, Alfred declared he
could not recollect a single priest south of the Thames, who
understood the ordinary prayers or could translate them into
his native tongue.  One thing that seriously affected institua
tions of learning during these iron ages, was the scarcity of
books..  From  the conquest of Egypt, by the Saracens, in
the seventh century, to the close of the tenth century, the.
Egyptian papyrus almost ceased to be exported from EgyptL
Parchments, prepared from skins, were dear, and difficult to
be obtained.  But about the latter period, paper began to be
made from rags. By this admirable invention, not only the
number of manuscripts increased, but the study  of the
sciences was wonderfully promoted.  "The invention of the
art of making paper out of rags," says Dr. Robertson, "and
the invention of the art of printing, are two considerable
events in literary history. It is remarkable that the former
preceded the first dawning of letters and improvement in
knowledge, toward the close of the eleventh century; the
latter ushered in the light which spread over Europe at the
era of the Reformation."  About this period, there prevailed
throughout the schools a remarkable division of the sciences
into the Trivium  and Quadriviun: the former embracing
Grammar, Rhetoric and Logic; the latter, Arithmetic, MIusic,
Geometry and Astronomy.  But a judgment may be formed
about the value of this apparently respectable course, when
it is known that Music was confined to the chaunts of the
church; and Geometry to the calculations of Easter; besides,
that the Trivium  formed the Pons Asinorumn to nine-tenths
of the students of those days. But while the night of
ignorance brooded over Christendom with scarce a twinkling
star in all the firmament, the Mohammedans of the Ecast and
of the West, for a period of five hundred years, cultivated
literature  and science with  distinguished success.  Their
institutions in Spain, in Africa, and  in Asia, attracted




COLLEGES AND CLASSICAL EDUCATION.           427
thousands of students; and the literary halls of Saragossa
and Bagdad were crowded with admiring throngs, hanging
upon the lips of Saracen lecturers.  From the ninth to the
fourteenth century, the Caliphs were patrons of science.  In
all parts, in every town, says Sismondi, academics and colleges were established, from  all which many learned men
proceeded. Bagdad was the capital of letters as well as of
t —. Caliphs; but Bassora and Cufa almost equaled that city
In reputation, and in the number of valuable treatises and
celebrated poems which they produced.  Balk, Ispahan, and
Samarcand were equally the homes of science. The same
enthusiasm  had been carried by the Arabians beyond the
frontiers of Asia. Benjamin of Tudela, the Jew, in his
Itinerary, relates that he found in Alexandria more than
twenty schools for the propagation of philosophy. Cairo
also contained a great number of colleges; and that of
Betzuela, in the suburbs of the capital, was so substantially
built, that during a rebellion it served as a citadel for the
army.  In the towns of Fez and Morocco, likewise, the most
magnificent buildings were appropriated to the purposes of
instruction; and these establishments were governed by the
wisest and most beneficent regulations.  But Spain Nas more
especially the seat of Arabian learning.  It was there that it
shone with superior brightness, and made its most rapid
progress.  Cordova, Granada, Seville and all the cities of
the Peninsula rivaled one another in the magnificence of their
schools, their colleges, their acadenmies and their libraries.
The Academy of Granada was under the direction of
Sehedmaddin of Murcia, so celebrated among the Arabians,
In various cities of Spain, seventy libraries were opened for
the instruction of the public, at a'period when all the rest
of Europe, without books, without learning, and without
cultivation, was plunged in the most disgraceful ignorance.
The number of Arabic authors which Spain produced was
so prodigious, that many Arabian bibliographers wrote learned
treatises on the authors born in particular towns; or on those
among the Spaniards who devoted themselves to a single
branch of study, as philosophy, medicine, mathematics, and
more especially, poetry.  These Arabian scholars contributed
to kindle the sparks of science through Western Europe, and
to give an impulse to literature, which has been felt long
since the whole Mohammedan world has plunged back into
sullen and barbarous ignorance.  Many persons who dis



428                     APPENDIX.
tinguished themselves by their proficiency in science during
the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, were educated among the
Arabians.' Almost all who were eminent for science, during
several centuries, if they did not resort in person to the
schools of Africa, or Spain, were instructed in the philosophy
of the Arabians.  The first knowledge of the Aristotelian
Philosophy, in the middle ages, was acquired by translations
of Aristotle's works, out of the Arabic.  The Arabian commmentaries were esteemed the most skillful and authen,,,~
guides in the study of his system. From them the schoolmen derived the genius and principles of their philosophy.
The germs of several academies and universities had been, in
some manner, formed before the twelfth century. That of
Paris especially, which  eventually  rose  to  the greatest
pre-eminence, may be traced even to the tenth century.  It
had acquired such fame, even then, that a Monkish writer
of that age, Peter of Blois, says: "It passed into a proverb,
that those who were. desirous to have any question settled,
need only go to Paris, where the greatest difficulties are fairly
resolved.'  In its rise, it was composed of artists, who taught
the sciences and philosophy, and of divines, who made commnentaries on Peter Lombard's Book  of Sentences, and
explained the Scriptures.  At first the University was composed only of scholars and masters.  Afterwards they distinguished several degrees, and fixed the time they ou.rlght to
study.  The degrees were: Bachelor, Licenciate, and  lacster
or Doctor.  Those were Bachelors  whb  taught publicly.
They began by reading and explaining the Scriptures; and
afterwards composed treatises on the Master of Sentences,
(Peter Lombard.)  The former were called Biblici; the
latter, Sententiarii.  They bore the name of Bacillarii, or
Bacalarii, from  bacilfa; either because they were admitted
by giving them little wands, or because they so called the
novices of the -militia, who exercised with sticks, in order to
learn to fight with arms.  The University of Bolojyna also
pretends to claim  a foundation in the fifth century under
Theoctosiuos _I, and produces a sheepskin parchment, looking
sufficiently old and musty! duly signed and sealed by that
monarch.
The University of Cambridge also, at one time, seriously
set up claims to an origin three hundred and seventy years
before the Christian era! and produced Anaxagoras and
Anaximander, Grecian philosophers, amongst the list of its




COLLEGES AND CLASSICAL EDUCATION,          429
professors! But these, and many  other ridiculous pretensions, which might be mentioned, were better suited to
the times when dynasties of Scottish kings could be traced
back to the family of Noah, and Welsh pedigrees were
regularly brought down from Adam i The establishment of
colleges or universities is a remarkable era in literary history.
The schools in cathedrals and monasteries confined themselves chiefly to the teaching of Grammar. There were only
one or two masters employed in that office. But in colleges
professors were employed to teach all the different parts of
science. The course or order of education was fixed; the
time that ought to be allotted to the study of each science
was ascertained.  A regular form of trying the proficiency
of students was prescribed; and academical titles and honors
were conferred on such as acquitted themselves with approbation.  These new establishments for education, together with
the extraordinary honors conferred on learned men, greatly
increased the number of students.  In the year 1262, at
Bologna there were 10,000, and it appears from the history
of that University, that Law was the only science taught in
it at the time.
About the middle of the fourteenth century, there were
no less than 13,000 students at this famous seminary of
jurisprudence. In the year 1340, the number of students at
Oxford is said to have been 30,000.  In the same century,
10,000 persons voted on a question in the University of
Paris; and as graduates only were admitted to that privilege,
the number of students must have been very great. At the
death of Charles VII., in 1453, the number is stated to have
been 25,000.  There were, indeed, few Universities in Europe
at that time; but such a number of students may nevertheless be produced as a proof of the extraordinary ardor with
which men applied themselves to the study of science in those
ages. The discovery of the Pandects of Justinian, at Amalfi,
in 1135, when the city was taken by the Pisans, is said to
have led to the revival of the study of jurisprudence.  This
story, however, has been questioned of late, and seems to rest
on insufficient authority.  Seminaries, however, were founded
at Bologna, at Modena, and at Mantua, for the express purpose of studying law. New Universities, about this timue,
also, arose at Naples and Padua, and other places.  From this
time, the golden age of universities commenced; and it is
hard to say whether they were favored most by their sovereigns




430                     APPENDIX.
or by the See of Rome.  With Aristotle as the master ii
philosophy, and Peter Lombard and Thomas Aquinas as thb
masters of theology, Rome had nothing to fear.  Colleges
were exempted from  the ordinary tribunals, and even from
those of the church. Their history, indeed, is full of struggles with the municipal authorities, and with the bishops of
their several cities; in which they were sometimes the aggressors, and generally the conquerors. From all parts of Europe,
students resorted to these renowned seats of learning with an
eagerness for instruction which may astonish those who reflect
how little of what we now deem  useful could be imparted.
The number, in some instances, may be exaggerated.  We
learn fromn Anthony Wood, the historian of Oxford, that " a
company of varlets, who pretended to be scholars, shuffled
themselves in, and did act much villainy in the University;
thieving, quarreling, &c.  They lived under no discipline;
neither had they tutors; but only for fashion's sake, would
sometimes thrust themselves into the schools, at ordinary lectures; and when they went to perform  any mischief, then
would they be accounted scholars, that so they might free
themselves from the jurisdiction of the burghers." If we
allow three varlets for one student, the University will still
have been very fully frequented by the latter.  We may here
observe that the exemption of the students from military service and front municipal and ecclesiastical jurisdiction may
serve to account, in part, for the throngs that attended the
Universities.  By the way, we are indebted to the same quaint
historian, but honest writer, for the original meaning of the
word " College."  It seems that, in earlier timles, the students
boarded in private families, or in hotels or inns kept by private, irresponsible individuals.  The exactions of the persons
who boarded them, perhaps, by collusion amono  themselves,
were in many instances severe and oppressive. The expenses
of the students awakened so much dissatisfaction with the
students, their parents and otlers, that at length measures
were taken by the legal authorities of these great Universities,
or Public Schools, to furnish the students suitable houses,
where considerable numbers of them could be accommodated
with rooms and boarding.  These were called Collegia.  The
literary institutions were not at first so called.  They were
most commonly styled schools, halls, and universities.  But
in process of time the seminaries themselves, when used also
for lectures and recitations, got the name of colleges. When




COLLEGES AND CLASSICAL EDUCATION.            43/.
we learn its true origin-that originally it meant rather the
boarding-house —it reminds us of the name of Pike, now
given to paved roads, so called first from turn-pike; and that
again from the fact that paved roads have generally turn-pike,
or turn-pole gates placed on them, at intervals, where toll is
taken.  In the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, many other
universities sprang up in different countries.  Among these
may be mentioned those of Padua, Naples, Toulouse, Montpelier, Salamanca, Orleans, Prague, and Cambridge.  A large
proportion of scholars, in most of these institutions, were
drawn by the love of science from foreign countries. The
chief universities had each their own particular department
of excellence.  Paris was unrivaled for scholastic theology;
Bologna, Orleans, and Bourges, for jurisprudence; Montpelier and Salamanca for medicine.  Safe passages, even in
time of war, were granted to students, and secured by solemn
international treaties. Though this was the period of the
Inquisition, that institution of religious persecution, first set
up at Toulon against the Albigenses and Waldenses, yet there
sprang up almost at the same time, an university in the same
city. Though it was towards the close of that period rendered
forever memorable by the Grusades, those fanatical expeditions
that for near two centuries nearly emptied Europe of all its
fools, and a large part of all its knaves, yet even this period,
when superstition was in the ascendant, it is due to Pope
Urban V. to bear testimony to his distinguished liberality, in
supporting and encouraging literature, establishing several
universities, and from his own resources supporting one thousand poor students at the different seminaries.  The University of C(ambriczge, in England, now  consisting of twelve
Colleges and four halls, rose also at this period. Its first
College or Hall, St. Peter's, was founded in 1257.  This
name it still retains.  An attempt was, indeed, made to change
it, in the seventeenth century.  Lady Mary Ramsey offered
it an additional endowment of a large and splendid property,
if the name would be changed to Peter's and Mary's College.
But Dr. Soame, at that time Master of the College, replied,
that " Peter had been too long a bachelor to think of a female
comrade in his old days."  " A dear bought jest," says Fuller, c" for the lady, piqued at the remark, threw her miunificence into another channel."   Clare fIlal, and JPtcmbroke
ftall were next established, and others, in the course of the
fourteenth and fifteenth centuries.  There axe perhaps now




432                    APPENDIMX
twenty-five hundred students in this distinguished University.
In Scotland, several colleges were founded from the fourteenth
to the sixteenth centuries.  The University of St. Andrews
was founded in 1411.  That of Glasgow, in 1454.  That of
Aberdeen, in 1477. But the most brilliant luminary of old
Caledonia is comparatively of recent origin.  The University
of Edinburgh was founded in 1560. Its establishment was
violently opposed by the other Universities-viz: of Aberdeen, St. Andrews, and especially Glasgow, no doubt through
jealousy.  There are usually upwards of two  thousand
students in attendance.  The Institution has no less than
twenty-seven chairs or professorships: four of law; eleven of
medicine, and nine of the arts; besides three of the Faculty
of theology. The mode of instruction is by lectures. No
particular course of academical instruction is followed; nor
do the Professors exercise any control over the pursuits of
the students.  The young gentlemen are not distinguished
by any particular, costume. Each attends what lecture he
pleases, and lives where and how he pleases.
Those who would make themselves acquainted with other
institutions in Great Britain and on the continent of Europe,
may consult Mr. Dwight, and other recent writers.  In this
country, the most ancient literary establishment is Harvard
University, founded at Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1638,
less than twenty years after the landing of the Pilgrims, at
Plymouth.  Yale College wiss founded in 1700.  Princeton
College commenced its career in 1738, just one hundred years
after Cambridge.  It was originally called Nassau Hall, but
is now called the College of New Jersey, or Princeton College.
Why or when this change in the name was made, we have
never understood.  Colleges have since sprung up and multiplied over the whole land.  De Bow, in his census tables for
1850, gives the whole number of colleges in the United States
as amounting to twco hulndred and thirty-nzine; in Pennsylvania, twventy-two-number of students in these 3,520; in all
the colleges, 27,821.  It would be aside froml our purpose to
give an historical survey of any of these numerous institutions which now adorn our country. The policy of multiplying public institutions of learning to such a degree as now
prevails, has been much questioned.  The great danger apprehended is that it tends to lower the standard of educationrender more superficial the literary and scientific course.  Yet
it cannot be denied that by increasing the facilities of access




COLLEGES AND CLASSICAL EDUCATION.         433
to these fountains of science, a greater mass of mind is cultivated, and a larger number of those who are qualified to
become useful and eminent in public life, are brought within
the range of this more diffused, if less solid system. There
are few who cannot point to instances of men now in the first
ranks of the various professions, who would never have arisen to
their present position, had they not availed themselves of some
humble institution where tuition and boarding were so cheap
as to be within the range of their once humble means. And
perhaps a very large proportion of the most promising
description of our youth, will ever be found among those
whose circumstances compel them to practice the most constant industry and the most rigid economy, in their efforts to
enter the paths of science and literature.  Among this portion of our community may we look for the bone and sinew
of our land. From these have arisen most of the eminent
men who have rendered important service to our country.
Jefferson College, in her earliest, as well as in her latest days,
has ever been the patron and friend of the poor.  Some of
her noblest sons, in all the walks of life, did she train in the
days of their poverty.
The sketch we have thus attempted to give of the history
of the rise and progress of public seminaries, we have not
deemed unsuitable as a pendant to this work.  We have gathered the historical facts, given above, some years ago for a
different purpose. But though we may be charged with
pedantry in encumbering our humble History of a Western
College with so long a paper, and may, perhaps, be compared
to Knickerbocker, going back to the creation, in his history
of New York; and may be further told that our back porch
is too large for our house; we hope, -nevertheless, that some
readers may find some entertainment and gratification in its
perusal.  We found the facts we have given, widely scattered,
in Brucker's "History of Philosophy," Hallam's " Middle
Ages,"  Sismondi's "History of Literature," Mosheim's' Ecclesiastical History," Gibbon's "Decline and Fall of
the Roman Empire," " The Encyclopedia Britannica," " The
Quarterly Reviews," &c.








PFROM THE TIME IT WAS CHARTERED;
Appointed by the Legislature of Pa. January 15th, 1802.
Rev. John M'Millan,........Resigned April 1802.
Rev. Joseph Patterson,......Resigned Sept. 1805.
Rev. Thomas Marquis,......Resigned Sept. 1817.
Rev. Samuel Ralston,....Died 1852.
Rev. John Bl-ek, -,. -........Died 1802.
Rev. John M'Pherrin,......Resigned Sept. 1804.
Rev. James Power,..........Resigned Sept. 1806.
Rev. James Dunlap.........Resigned April, 1803,
Alexander Cook, Esq....    Resigned Oct. 1802.
James Edgar, Esq.....-...Resigned Sept. 1805.
John M'Dowel, Esq. -.....Died 1809.
James Allison, Esq......... Died Sept. 1807.
William Finley, Esq..,.... Died April, 1805.
John Mercer, Esq.... -......Resigned Sept. 1814.
Craig Ritchie. Esq...  - - -  Died 1833.
Gen. John Hamilton,.......Resigned April, 1831.
William Hughes, Esq.....Resigned Dec. 1817.
Joseph Vance, Esq....  Resigned Sept. 1810.
Robert Mahon Esq.. Resigned Sept. 1824.
JamesKlKerr, Esq............   Died 1835.
Aaron Lyle, Esq..... Resigned April, 1822.
TRUSTEES  ELECTED.
Rev.. Thomas Moore,....    Elected Apr. 1802; Resigned Apr. 1814.
Rev. Samuel Porter..........Elected Oct. 1802; Resigned Sept. 1811.
James Allison, Jr. Esq...   Elected Oct. 1802 Resigned Sept. 1817.
Rev. John Riddle....        Elected Apr. 1.803; Resigned Apr. 1805.
Rev. James Hughes..... Elected Sept. 1804; Resigned Sept 1814.
Rev. WVilliam Swan,.......... Elected Sept 1804; Resigned Sept. 1824.
Dr. Samuel Murdock,....    Elec. Apr. 1805; Resigned April, 1817.
Rev. John Anderson,._.....Elec. Apr. 1805; Resigned Sept. 1808.
Rev. James Ramsey,........Elec. Sept. 1805; Resigned Sept. 1824.
William Rhea, Esq.....Elec. Sept. 1805; Resigned Dec. 1827,




2           TRUSTEES OF JEFFERSON  COLLEGE.
Rev. William M'Millan.......Elec. Sept. 1808; Resigned Sept. 1817.
Thomas Briceland, Esq......lee. Sept. 1809; Died 1819.
Gen. John Morgan,..-.....Elec. Sept. 1807; Resigned Sept. 1817.
James Mountain, Esq....-...Ele c. Sept. 1810; Died 1814.
Rev. William Wylie......... Elec. Sept. 1811; Resigned April 1818.
John M'Donald, Esq ---- F —Elec. Apr. 1814; Died 1831.
Rev. Elisha M'Curdy........Elec. Apr. 1814; Resigned Sept. 1820.
Rev. Moses Allen,...,..   Elec. Sept. 1814; Resigned lar. 1839.
Abner Lacock, Esq......Elec. Sept. 1814; Resigned Sept. 1817.
Rev. Francis Herron,...      Elec. Sept. 1817; Resigned Mar. 1849.
Rev. Michael Law,........ Eiec. Sept, 1817; Died 1822.
Richard Johnston, Esq ----- Elec. Sept. 1817; Died 1837.
Benjamin Williams, Esq.. —. - Elec. Sept. 1817.
Andrew  Munro Esq-. ——..Elec. Sept. 1817; Died 1841.
John Reed Esq..Elec. Sept. 1817.
Joseph Clokey, Esq.. —     -.lee. Dec. 1817; DiedSamuel Logan, Esq.-....    Elec. Dec. 1817, Resigned Sept. 1837.
Rev. Robert Johnston,....- Elec. Apr. 1618; Resigned Sept. 1d35.
Rev. Joseph M'Elroy........Elec. Sept. 1819; Resigned
Dr. Jonathan Letherman....Elec. Apr. 1820; Died 1844.
Rev. Elisha P. Swift,-...Elec. Sept. 1820: Resigned Aug. 1852
Rev. Thomas D. Baird...' -.Elec. Apr. 122; Died Jan. 1839.
John Phillips, Esq. - - - -...........Elec. Apr. 1822, Died 1845.
Rev. Ashbel Green, D. D.. - Elec. Sept. 1824; Resigned Jan. 1828.
Rev. William Wilson,. -... - Elec. Sept. 124; Resigned Apr. 1833.
James Gordon, Esq...F.-Elec. Dec. 1825.
William M'Creery, Esq. ---- Elec. Apr. 1826: Resigned Mar. 1839.
Rev. William Jeffrey,........Elec. Jan. 1828.
Dr. D. S. Stevenson,.........Elec. Sept. 1831; Died 1843.
William Patterson, Esq.....Elec. Mar. 1832; Died 1835.
Rev. William M'Elwee,.. —.-Elec. Sept. 1833.
Daniel Houston, Esq........ Elec. Sept. 1833.
Rev. Henry R. Weed,..  Elec. Sept. 1835, Resigned Sept. 1845.
Hlon. Robert C, Grier......... Elec' Sept. 1835; Resigied Feb. 1855.
John Hays, Esq...- - -.......Elec. Sept. 1835.
Hon. H. H. Leavitt,.. -..Elec. Mar. 1837; Resigned Oct. 1848.
James M'Cleland, Esq....- - Elec. Sept. 1837, Resigned Mar. 1853.
Rev. John T. Pressly, D. D... Elec. Mar. 1839.
Rev. George Marshall,,......Elec. Mar. 1839.
William Park, Esq ——. —..Elec. Mar. 1839.
James M'Cullough, Esq.....Elec. Sept. 1841.
Wm. M'Daniel, Esq.......Elec. Sept. 1844.
Dr. John V. Herriot,... E. -Elec. Sept. 1844; Resigned Aug. 1853.
Rev. James Sloan........... Elec. Sept. 1845.
William Marks, Esq.. —----- Elec. Sept. 1845.
Thomas Nicholson, Esq --—.Elec. Oct. 1848.
Rev. Alex. T. M'Jill, D. D....Elec. Mar. 1849.
Rev. Win. M. Paxton,... F... Elec. Aug. 1851.
Rev. Wm. P. Breed-.....Elec. Dec. 1852; Resigned Aug. 1856.
Wm  S. Calohan, Esq...  Elec. Mar. 1853.
Jas. K. Moorhead, Esq..F.. Elec. Aug. 1853.
Jas. P. Sterrett, Esq........  Elec. July, 1855.
Rev. Jas. Alexander..........Elec. Aug. 1856.




ELECTED.
April, 1802, Rev. John Watson, Pres. and Prof. Languages and Moral Philoshphy.-Died Nov. 30, 1802.
4'"    "  Rev. John M'Millan, Prof. of Divinity.
s"  "6  Samuel Miller, A. M. Prof. Mathematics and Natural Phil.
osophy. —Resigned Sept. 1830.
April, 1803, Rev. James Dunlap, A. M. Pres. and Prof. Language and
Moral Philosophy.-Resigned April, 1811.
1805, Rev. John M'Millan, i. D. Vice President.-Died Nov.
16, 1833..'  1-812. Rev. Andrew Wylie, D. D. President.-Resigned April,
1816.
Sept. 1817. Rev. Winm. M'Millan, A. M. President.-Resigned Aug.
1822.
" 818. Rev. Abraham Anderson, A. M. Professor Languages.Resigned Sept. 1821.'  1821. Rev. Wm. Smith, A. M. Prof. Languages.'  1822. Rev. Matthew Brown, D. D. President.-Resigned Sept.
1845.
April, 1824. Rev. James Ramsey, D. D. Prof. Hebrew.-Resigned
Dec. 1852.
"  1826. Rev. Richard Campbell, A. M. Prof. Languages and
Mathematics —Resigtled 1827.
"  1830. Rev. John H. Kennedy, A. M. Prof. Mathematics and
Natural Philoshphy.-Died Dec. 15, 1840.
Sept.  c, Samuel Miller, A. M. Hon. Prof. Mathematecis.-Died'31..
March,1832.Jacob Green, M. D. Prof. Chemistry, Mineralogy, and
Natural History.-Died Feb. 1851..
"  1834. A. J. Hadermann, Esq. Prof. Mathematics and Modern
Languages.-Resigned Sept. 1836.
Sept. 1836. Washington M'Cartney, A. M  Prof. Mathematics and
Modern Languages.-Resigned Sept. 1837.
"  1837. Rev. Charles S. Dod, A. M. Prof. Mathematics and Modern Languages.-Resigned 1839.
Mar. 1838. WVilliam Darby, Esq. A. M. Prof. History, Geography,
and Astronomy.-Resigned 1839.
Feb. 1841. Richard S. M'Culloh, Esq. A. M. Prof. Mathematics, Natural Philosopy and Chemistry.-Resigned Sept. 1843.:  1841. Rev. A. B. Brown, A. M. Prof. Belles Lettres and Adjunct
Prof. Languages.-Resigned Oct. 1847.
Mar, 1841. Henry Snyder, A. M. Adjunct Prof. Mathematics.




4               PRINCIPALS AND PROFESSORS.
ELECTED:
Mar. 1843. Rev. Ienry Snyder, A. M. Prof. Mathematics.-Resigned
Aug. 1850.
Sept. 1843. S, R. Williams, A. M. Prof. Natural Philosophy and
Chemistry. —Resigned Aug. 1852.
"  1844. Rev. Robert W. Orr, A. M. Prof. Civil Engineering, and
Natural History.-Resigned Dec. 1845,
Jan. 1845. Rev. R  J. Breckinridge, D. ID. President.-Resigned
June, 1847.
Dec.   "  Rev. A. B. Brown, A. M. Prof. Belles Lettres, Logic,
Rhetoric and General History.
6  Rev. Robert W~. Orr, A. M. Prof. Latin Language and
Literature.-Resigned March, 1852.
Mar. 1846. Rev. Thomas Beveridge, D. D. Prof. Extraordinary, Evidences Nat. and Rev. Religioo. —-Resigned 1855.
"    "  John D Vowell, M. D. Prof. Extra. Phisiology and Comparative Anatomy. -Resigned -
Oct. 1847. Rev. Alexander B. Brown, D D. President.-Resigned
Aug. 1856.
June, 1848. Rev. Robert M. White, A. M. Prof, Extra. Rhetoric.Died Dec. 1848.
July, 1849. Rev. Joseph R. Wilson, A. M. Prof. Extra. Rhetoric.Resiogned
Aug. 1850. Robert Patterson, Esq. A. M  Professor Mathetics.-Resigned Nov. 1854..".. Rev. William Wallace, D. D. Professor Extraordinary of
Moral Science.-Died Jan. 1851.
"  1852. Rev, William Ewing, A. M  Professor Extraordinary of
History and Modern Languages.'  Samuel R. Williams, A. M. Professor Extraordinary of
Natural Science.-Resigned 1854
Sept. 1852. Samuel Jones, A. M. Prof. Nat. Philos. and Chemistry.
Dec.   "  Rev. Aaron Williams, A. M. Prof. Latin Language and
Literature.
" Rev. Abraham Anderson. D. D. Professor Extra. of Hebrew.-Died May, 1855.
Feb. 1855. John Fraser, A. M. Professor of Mathemat,ics.."    "  John B. Stilley, A M. Prof. Extra. of Civil Engineering.
July, 1855. Rev. John B. Clark, A. M. Prof. Extra. of Hebrew.
Jan'y 1857. Rev. Joseph Alden, D. D, President.
Mar.  "   Rev. A B. Brown, D. D. Professor of Political Economy
and History.




FROI3 THE TIME IT WAS CHARTERED.
REV. JOHN WATSON, A. M.
Chosen Principal, Aug. 29, 1802; flied Nov. 30th, 1802,
REV. JAMES DUNLAP, A. M.
Chosen April 27th, 1303; resigned April 25th, 1811.
REV. ANDREW WYLIE, D. D.
Chosen April 29th, 1812; resigned April, 1816.
REV. WILLIAM  M'MILLAN, A. M.
Chosen September 24th, 1817; resigned August, 14th 182~2
REV. MATTHEW BROWN, D. D. LL. D.
Chosen September 25th, 1822; resigned September 27th, 1845.
REV. ROBERT J. BRECKINRIDGE, D. D. LL. D.
Chosen January 2d, 1845; resigned June 9th, 1847.
REV. ALEXANDER B. BROWN, D. D.
Chosen October 14th, 1847; resigned August 5th, 1856.
REV. JOSEPHI ALDEN, D. D.
Chosen January 7th, 1857.




REV. JOSEPH ALDEN, D. D.
President and Professor of Mental and Moral Philosophy.
REV. A. B. BROWN, D. D.
Professor of Political Economy and History.:REV. WILLIAM. SMITH, D. D.
Vice President and Professor of the Greek Language,
SAMUEL JONES, A. eM.
Professor of Natural Science.
REV. AARON WILLIAMS, D. D
Professor of the Latin Language,
JOIHN FRASER, A Ml.
Professor of Mathematics.
RE V. WILLIAMI EWING, A. M.
Professor Extraordinary of Modern Languages.
JOHN B. STILLEY, A. M.
Professor Extraordinary of Civil Engineering.
REV. JOHN B. CLARK, A. M.
Professor Fxtraordinary of the Hebrew Language.
T U T O R.
MATTHEW B. RIDDLE, A. M.




LIST OF GRADUATES
OF JEFFBERSON COLLEGE,
Anr.d Others, upon whom Honorary Degrees have been conferred.
EXPLANATIONS. —m Denotes Minister of the Gospel,-Z Denotes Lawyer,-p Denotes
Physician,-t Denotes Professional Teacher,-* Denotes Deceased,-St T h Denotes
Student of Theology,-St L Denotes Student of Law, —S M Denotes Student of
Medicine; —The ---  in the list of names, in any year, denotes that those who
follow received only Honorary Degrees. Many of these may also be regarded as
Alumni; having received their education at this College, but having been prevented from completing their course.
The present Post Office address, so far as known, is given.
1802.                                   1806.
*Reid Bracken, n                       *Thomas IHunt, ms
*Johnston Eaton, sm                    *Jonathan Leslie, m
*WVVilliam M'ilillan, mn D D Pres't Jeff Coll. John Reed, Farmer, Washington Co. Pa.
*Israel Pickens, 1 Governor Alabama.   *James Scott, m
5John Rhea, ma  D                   65 George Vaneman, gm Van Buren, Ohio. 5
1803.
1803*Andrew M'nasd,'*James Dunlap, A M  D D  Pres't Jeffer*Andrew   M'Donald, It                     son College.
*Alexander lIontieth, s
*Cyrus Riggs, m                      3                  1807.
18U4.                  *James Culbertson, m
s'J'~ohn M'Donald,.                  *William Dlunlap, ns
*John M'Donald, I                       *John Matthews, m
*Abraham Scott, a                      *Samuel Porter, Jr. a
*Daniel Stephens, m                     *Joseph Stephenson, a                5
*Clement Valandingham, m _
*John White, P                       5 *Rev James Hughes, A 5M
1805.                  *Rev William Swan, A M,Moses Allen, am                                        1808.,James Cunningham, n
James Galloway, m                     *Stephen Boyer, m
*Daniel Hayden, m                      *Ira Condit, m
*James M'Connel,                       *Joseph S. Hughes as'Carlos A. Norton.                     *James Smith, m                      4
*James Patterson, m 
*James Scott, m                        *Rev John Anderson, D D
John B. Trevor, 1 Cashier, Philadelphia.   *Rev James Power, D D
*James Wills, I
*James R. Wilson, m D D Prof. Theol. 11                 1809.
*Jams Mfilligan, mn
*Rev John M'Millan, A M   D D  Vice *Christopher Rankin, I Memb. Cong.
Pres't Jefferson College.          Joseph Scroggs, m Ligonier, Pa.      3
*Samuel Miller, A. M. Prof. Jeff. Coll.
*Dr Samuel Murdock, A M                *Rev Samuel Porter, A M
*Rev Samuel Ralston, A M  D D Pres't *Rev Joseph Clarke, D D
Board of Trustees.
*Rev James Ramsey, A M  D D  Prof of                    1810.
Hebrew, Jefferaon Coll6ge,          *John Cannon, m




8        LIST OF GRADUATES OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE,
*Jonathan Gill, mn                                      1819.
James Hervey, a D D Triadelphiac, Va.   *James Ad
*William Ifendricks, I LL D  U. S. SenaJ
tor, illiand Govenlriksor of Indiana.  Sen   *David Carson, m Prof. Asso. Th. Sesm,
~Wi~liam.Johnstone,~         Stephen Colwell, I Philadelphia.
James. errJohnston,                   Adam Coon, I Wellsburgh, Va.
Kmes T, aerr, P              John Coulter, no Coultersville.
Robert Ljusk, as                       John Lee, I New York City.
*John Reed, no                         *Aloxander M'Candless, m
*Andrew Wylie, n D D  Pres't Jefferson    *Alexander M'Candless,.
and Wash. Colleges, and Ind. Univ. 9 Johnilliam Smith, n D D Os ego, Ill.
William Smith, m D D V. Pres't and Prof.
1811.                    Greek, Jeff. Coll. Canonsburgh, Pa.
*Joseph Trimble, on
George M'Cook.p M D  Prof. Medical Col- *William Wallace, m                11
leoge. Pittsburgh, Pa.
james P. Mitchell, p Lynchburgh, Va.                    1820,
*James Wright, ia3 *Alexander Campbell, m D D
Robert Crool s, m
1812.                  Charles E. Gullatt, p
Wells Andrews, sa Prof. Ohio University. sJohn H. Kennedy, on Prof. Jeff. Coll.
Washington, Ill.                   William Nesbit.?n New Bedford, Pa.
*James Coo, no D D                     *John Peebles, mt
Joseph Mf'Elroy, gn D. D. New York City. 3 William S. Roberts, no D iD
Alexander Sharp, n7 Newville Pa.
1813.                  Thomas Williamson, 7n M D  Miss. to the
*Archibald Johnstone, in                   Dacotahs. Yellow Meadow, Minn.
George Junkin, so D D  Pres't L;afayette M'Knight Williamson, n Hibbardsville, O.
College, and Miama University, and                                     10
Washington College, Va.                             1821.
*George Miller, p                      Joseph B. Adams, an Hartleton, Pa.
John Montieth, an Prof Williams College, *Lewis F. W. Andrews, p
and Pres't University of Michigan.    George Buchanan, I Hlaysville, Ohio.
James Rowland, n Mansfield, Ohio.      *Richard Campbell, m Pres. E'rank. Coll. 0,
Jeremiah C. Wilcox, 1               6 Meredith Helm, I
*John IIunter, Tutor Jefferson College.
1815.        ~         *William Johnston, wn
*James Frazier, St. Theol.             William M'Connell, Z
*Thomas Johnstone. nom                  David M'Kinney, m D D Ed. Presb. BanJoseph Smith, n D D Pres't Frank. Coll. 0.  ner and Advocate. Pittsburgh, Pa.
&P Fred. Coll. Md. Greensburgh, Pa. 3 John Pinkerton, as Mt. Solon, Va.
Samuel Reed, m Realsville, Ohio.
1816.                  Levin Rodgers, p Springfield, Ohio.
*Hugh Dickey, n                         *Aaron Torrence, p                  13'William Graham, qn.
*William Wallace, in Editor.         3,-Rev Obadiah Jennings, A MI D D
Rev Rob. Johnston, AM  New Castle, Pa.
*Abraham Anderson, 7n D D ProfJeffeson                  1822.
Coll. and Asso. Th. Seminary.       Richard Brown, in New Hagerstown, 0.:*Daniel M'Intosh, n                    *eJoseph Claybaugh, n 13 Di Prof. Associ*Andrew Todd, n                      3     ate Reformed Theological Seminary.
Joseph Clokey, sn Springfield, Ohio,
1818.                  William J. Frazer, no St. Francisville, 0,
Robert Baird. nt  D D  Secretary Am. and  Adam B. Gilliland,  TVenice, Ohio,
Foreign Christian Union. N. Y. City. James Johnstone, n
*Andrew D. Livingston, I
William C. Blair, n1? Indianola, Texas.  Andrew. Livinston
falnmon Cowles, m Pres't DesMoines Col-  Hugh Martin,p
loge. Wvanst, 1Point, Iown, Pa.     John M'Cluskey, m D D Agent for Board
Samuel Evans, s  Unionto, n, mw.          of Education. Hartsville, Pa.
Thomas Hanna, m D D Sup. Washington  James B. Morrow,
Female Sem. Washington, Pa.         *Ebenezer E. Munro, St. Th.
William Jeffery, as D. D. Pres't Board of John Pitkin, m Milfordton, Ohio.
Trustees. Herriottsville, Pa.       tGarland B. Shelladay, 1
*William. M'Clure, I                    John G. Smart, no M:adison, Indiana.
*Joshua Moore, m                        Benj. F. Spilman, m Shawnetown, Ill. 15
*James P. Miller, n D D
*Alexander Williamson, s            1,0 *Rev. Thomas D. Baird, A M D D




LIST OF GRADeUAES OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.    O
1823.                 1 Samuel Wilson, m D D Prof Associate
| Th. gem.  Xenia, Ohio.        19
James Arbuthnot, m Unity, Adams Co. 0.     T.         Xnia, Ohio 
*Jacob Beecher,  
Wells Bushnell, i MIissionary to Indians. *Rev Rbbei't Bruce, D D1
Youngstown, Pa.                     Rev Francis Herron, D D Pittsburgh, Pa.
*Daniel L. Carrol, m D D Pres't Harmpden *Rev Samuel Martin, D D
Sidney College.
*John K. Cunningham, n                                 182m.
Robert Dilworth, m D D  nonValley, Pa. Charles MI. Aten, I New Lisbon, Ohio.
*Boyd Emery, Sr. p                     *Robert Brotherton, m:Boyd Emery, Jr. p  Dunningsville, Pa.   A. B. Brown, nm D D Ex. Pres't and Prof of
Elliot Finley.                             Political Economy and Hist. Jeff. Coll.
James C. Hall, p Prof Medical Coll.    James Campbell, nic Principal Female Semc
*Robert Henry, nt                          inary. Walker Ps 0. Pd.
Samuel C. Jennings, nm Ed. Moon P. O. Pa. *J. B. Cochran, p
John Lee, m                            *William Cox, cc
*William Lowry, m                      John F. Cowan, in Washington, Mo.
*George Lyon, I                         David Gilbert, p Prof Pa. Medical CollegcO
John Mi'Beans, o Cadiz, Ohioi              Philadelphia.
James May, in D D Prof Prot. Ep. Theo.  *Andrewv D. Harris, I
Sem. Va. Alexandria, D. C.         David lHervey, o7 Wellsburg, Va.
Alex. II. Mecklin, p Washington, D. C.    Henry Hervey, m Martinsburg, Ohio.
*Robert C. Mcody, p                    John tIemphill, I Chief Justice, Texas3James Nourse, Mv                          Austin, Texas.
William C. Pollock, p                  Thomas E. Hughes, m Sommerville, OhiW.
William R. Raum, p                     Nathaniel Ingles, cw Lockport, Ind.
*Samuel H. Rench, p                    *David Jacobs,,c,John Reynolds, m                      *Thonmas Livingston, I
David H. Riddle, cm D D Ex-Pres't Western John HI. Marsden, m HI D York. Sulphur
Univ. Pa.                              Springs, Pa.
*Moses Roney, sm Pres't Westminster Col- William M'MIurren, 1 Sheppardstown, Vao.
lege, Allegheny City.              *John M'Arthur, m  D D Prof Miami
*Robert Rutherford,cc                      University.
Josiah Scott, I Judge Supteme Court, 0.  John Moore, cm Bull Creek, Va.
Hamilton, Ohio,                    Cornelius H. Mustard, m Lewes, Del.
*William A. Stevenson, St TIV          *Benjamin F. Nourse, p Surgeon U. S. A;
John Wallace, nz                       Ethelbert P. Oliphant, I Uniontown, Pa;
*Samuel White.                         *Alexander E. Patterson, I
Andrew P. Wilson, c                    *David Ritchie.
[Benjamin F. Yoe, Z                32 Thos, J. S. Smith, Memb. Leg. Dayton, O0
James Smith, Z Cumberland, Md.
Rev. A. 0. Patterson, A 5M D D  Oxford,   William A. Stevens,   B D D      28
Ohio.
*Rev. Robert Laird, A M                *Jonathan Letherman, M D
William Church, M D
1824.                  William F; Irwin, lMI D Pittsburgh, Pa.
William Cunningham, Z Editor.          David Porter, HI D
*Thomas Espy, scc
*John T.,Ewing, c                                       1826.
John S. Galloway, cm Agent Ameican Bi. James Alexander, m Martin's Ferry, Ohio.
ble Society. Springfield, Ohio.    *Robert G. Bowland.
*Henry Haynes, I                       James Chamberlin, ccc
Samuel Hindman,c Iberia, Ohio.         *James CraWford, I
John Hindman, cc Dayton, Pa.           John IH. Dickey, nb
John D. Hughes, cc Mogadore, Ohio.    *John Donald, p
Watson Inughes, cc West Newton, Pa.    Reuben Frame, crc Fon du Lac, Wias.
Absalom M'Cready, cn N. Wilmington, Pa. Win. J. Gibson, in D D VWalker's P. 0. L.,
James M'Carrel,,ct                    William Hughes, mz Loudonville, Ohio.
Joseph Mahon, cc Agent for Board of Ed- John R. HuLtchinson, ct D D Prof Oak.
ucation. Shippensburgh, Pa.            land College. Carrolton, La.
*John Montgomery, ccm                  David Kiddoo, I Cuthbert, Ga.;.John E. Patterson, St I              Alexander T. M'Gill, Dn B D Prof Westein.
William Sickles, m Indianapolis, Ind.      and Princeton Theo. Seminaries.:James Templeton, nc                       Princeton, N. J.
G. W. Thompson, I Judge, Wheeling, Va. James G. M'Intire, n Elkton, Md.
John C. Tidball I Coshocton, Ohio.     Thomas Nichol,p Oskaloosa, Iow




10    LIST OF GRADUAtES OP JEPPERSON COLLEGE,
Albert Osburn, p Wheeling, Va,         Michael Jacobs, at Prof Pa. College, Geto
Hugh Parks, nt                             tysburgh, Pa.
John Patton, am Philadelphia.          Thomas Johnson, p
Alfred Patterson, Z Uniontown, Pa.      Henry T. Kyle, I
*h.  Pomroym,                         *Alexander M'Junkin, t
Azariah Prior, am Pottsville. Pa.       Sloan M'lntire, an
James D. Ray, n Prin. Mt. Ebenezer Acad- John M'Nair, m Clinton, New Jersey.
emy  Gallipolis, Ohio.              *Ebenezer M'Pherren, St Ti
Aaron Williams, at D D Prof Ohio Uni- John Martin, p Pittsburgh,
versity and Jeff. eoll. Canonsburg, Pa  -Thomas B. Peter, I
T'homas Wilson, at                     *James S. Snodgrass, St Thi
*Robert G. White, 1                24 A dam Torrance, am New Alexandria, Pa.
James Veech, Z Uniontown, Pa.
John Gloninger, MI D                   James Watson, 1 Washington, Pa.
George RPeidelnour M D                 Samuel M. Whan, I Principal of Belle Air
Academy. Belle Air, Md.
18.27                  Samuel Wilson, at D D Merritstown, Pa.
Henry R. Wilson, at M D D D Missionary
Thomsas  Armatc. Bnet,                    to India. Sewickley, Pa.
4Isaac  T. Bennet, eD                  Loyal Young, m Butler, Pa.
William 0. Boyd, 1 South Caroli.        Loyal    ng,    Btler, Pa.
James C. Boyd, p South Carolina.
*James Boyce, St Th                    A. T. Dean, M D
Jacob Coon, nt Prof Franklin Coil Union Rev John IIemphill, D D South Carolina.
Grove, Ill.                         Jonathan Pounder, M D
William Curran, t Philadelphia.
*iJohn Glen, an                                         1829.
George W. Eiampson, s? Woodcock, Pa.   *William B. Barry, South Carolina.
Charles W. Kelso, 1 Erie, Pa.          Thomas W. Bartly, I Judge, Leg. MIansWilliam W. Laird, t                        field, Ohio.
William A. Lake, I                     Bankhead Boyd, nz Strabane, Washington
William M'Caleb, I Judge.                  County. Pa,
Robert M'Clave, 1 Carrollton, Ohio.    James Boyee, m Bell's Store, South Car.
1R obert M'Crea, I                     William H. Coyle 1 Washington City, D. C.
*John M.T'Ginley, p                    Charles Dubuisson, I Ires't Jefferson Col*John MI'Jimsey, St Th                     lege, Mi. and Judge. Natchez, Mi
* William M'Pherson, I                 John REagleson, in Bufalo7, Pa.
Wm C. Matthews, an D D Shelbyville, Iy. William Eakins, qm M'Connellsville, Ohio,
Jno D. Matthews, at D D Lexington, Ky.  Richard Eberle, p Philadelphia.
Newton May, p Philadelphia.            John Eberle, p Philadelphia.
James Park, t Eckmansville, Pa.        Robert M. Finley, at Wooster, Ohio.
James P. Ramsey, mn New Bedford, Pa..   John Flemming, mr Earlville, Pa.
*Josephl Reed, atn                     *Warren Flenniken, at
John W. Scott, mI D D Pres't Washington John B. Graham, st Ag't American Bible
College, Washington, Pa.               Soc.  airview, Ohio
William W. Snodgrass, p                *Williarn Gray, at
David Sterret, an Carlisle, Pa.        John E. Heanon, it
Joel Stoneroad, an Woodvale, Pa.       J.J. Iemphill, Farmer, Shippensburg, Pa.
James Wallace, at                      Joseph P. Hloge, 1 Memb Cong San Fran*James M. Whitehill, I                     cisco, California.
William C. Worthington, I Charleston, Va. Samuel M. Toney, t St Claireville, Ohio
Fran. Wythe, B'kseller, HarrisburgPa. 32 *Robert R. Jenkins, South Carolina.
John C. Lowrie, m D D BMiss to India. and
~2Rev AnbdreW IK. Russell, A M[            Cor Sec'y B'd For Miss. N. Y. City,
*Matthew S. Lowrie, 1
182&8                  Charles F. M Cay, t LL D Prof Univ Georgia, and Pres't Coll of South Car.
Robert J. Alexander, I Judge 8th Dis't O  *0Samuel Moody, an
St. Clairsville, Ohio.             Abraham D. Pollock, in Warrenton, Va.
*James S. Bell, p                      Richard Ransom, 1
Walter Brice, p South Carolina.        *William Reed,,n Missionary to India.
Levi Davis, 1                          David Ritchie, I Memb. of Congress. Pitte
William Finley, sI Prospect, Butler Co Pa.  burgh, Pa.
Robert Glenn, so Utica, Pa.            Alexander Smith.
*Ashbel A. Green, Z                    Charles C. Sullivan Z MIem Leg. Butler, Pa.
*Stephen Haft, Sb Th                   *S. Calvin Tait, 1
ZLevin.W. Handy, p                     David I. Thompson, at, W. W. W  Hutchinson,                  Samuel Williamson, Mi Ohio;




LIST OF GRADUATES OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.    11
Joseph S. Wylie, In                   34  James W. Coulter, s
Thomas Galt, sc Springfield, Ill.
Rev Reuben Davis, A M{                    John D. Henderson, I merchant, Neow OrThomas J. M'Kaig, A M                         leans.
Itev Henry Cook, D D Ireland.             Isaac J. Henderson, in New Orleans,
William M'Ilvain, MID                     John  Herron, I Capt. Mex. War, PittsIsaac Culbertson, M  )                        bnrgh, Pa.
Thomas Johnson, M D                       Anthony M1. Higgins, I Farmer, Del.
George Reitelr, MD East Liberty, Pa.       John L.  oge, t
David X. Junkin, s? D D IHollidaysbusrg.
Samuel A.  i'Clain,?lc
183(1.                  *Reuben R. 3M'Dowell, p
Robert A. M'Murtrie, I Mtem. Pa. Leg. lIolWilliam A. Adair, sn Allegheny City, Pa.      lidaysburg, Pa.
Bela S. Allen, St Ti                      *Alexander Mackey, D. C. p
George W. Clark, Engineer, Chicago, Ill.  George Marshal, si -D D Upper St. OlaPr, Pa,
*John Cloud, Missionary to Africa.        Addison May, I Farmer Md.
Lorman Crawford., I                       *John E. Morrison.
*John L. Dinwiddie, sic                   Joseph M. Parke, si
Arnold IL. Dohrman, sn          *          John HI. Patterson, p
Mlatthew B. HIope, s  lI MD D D, Miss. to  -*James H. Porter, t
China, and Prof. N. J. Coll. Prince- James Ralston, St Th.
ton, N. J.                            Samuel S. Sheddan, sn Rlahway, N. J.
John W. Johnston, 1it Darlington, Pa.     *Cabell Taverner, Z
Samuel P. Johnson, I Warren, Pa.          Samuel M. Wilson, Lc Lithopolis, Ohio.
*Thomas S. Kendall, O. um                 William Wilson, m
i*John S Key, D C. I.                     *John G. Witherspoon, sn N. Carolina. 30
Joseph Kerr, si Miss. to Wea Indians.
Fairfield, Iowa.
I'a~irfeld, Iowa,           Rev. Luther IIasley, D D Bloomington,
*Francis Laird, sic Miss. to Africa.          N. Y     
*Samuel Long, t Prof. Newark Coll.
Richard L. Masckl, D. C. Clerk.                             1832.
James J. Mtrks, c Qiuincy, Ill.
Phinens B. Mars, 72i Lewisburg, Pa,       James L. Bartol, I Md.
55William BIoffat, S. Car. t.             Ilerbert Bixby, N. II.,Daniel S. Montgomery, I                  *William  Burnett, TSi Pres. Frank,  Coll.
John Newton, s D D l~iess. to Lodiana, N.     Ohio.
India.                                James I. Kuhn, I Prof. O. Univ. PittsJames Patterson, si  D D Pres. Westm.         burgh, Pa.
Coll. Institute. New Wilmington, Pa. John 11. Fromberger, p Delaware city.
*James C. Porter, St. Th. t               John M. Galloway, sic Steubenville, Ohio.
Asahel P. Prior, p                        Samuel Hair, sn Oxford, Ohio.
Francis Rutherford, sic D. C.             Henry Heanna, Iron AManufacturer, HangJames C. Sharon, sm Prof Des MToines Coll.    ing Rock, Ohio,
Iowa. St. Francisville, Mo.           David Itull, m Watsontown. Pa.
James Sloan, sic D D Dunniungsville, Pa.   *William N'Cormick, a7s
*John Templeton, I                        John K. MI'Curdy, p
_6;G. Thompson, nst Tire, Crawford Co. O. *Zantzinger lI'Donald, I
)avidl H. Turpin, V                       William K. Marshall, in D D IRusk, Teas.
James L. Vallandigham, si Ne\vark, Del. Claske Moore, in Ohio.
James Wilson, sic Miss. to India  Knox- William  D. Ocheltree, I Judge, Nacogdo,
ville, Tenn.                      32      ches, Texas.
William P. Orbison, 1 Huntingdon, Pa.
John Brown, D D Scotland.                 *James IH. Patterson, I 0.
*Charles Ewing, LL D New Jersey.          *David Polk, si Brookville, Pa.
William Reynolds,?n Prof. Pa. Coil. and
Prest. Cap. Univ. O.
1831.               Joseph K. Ricdle, 2p South Bend, Ind.
Nornman Squires,  a
Washington Baird, si D D Spartanburg  IHenr'y Williams, sic                    22
S. C.
Andrew H. H. Boyd, in  D D Winchester
Yirginia:                             Joseph Patterson. Esq. A M
Lewis P. Bush, p Wilminogton, Del.        Rev. Alexander M'Cahan, A M Tipton,Ind
John S. Byrne, I Warrenton, a.            J. M'IKaig, Esq. A M
David D. Clark, si, l'Veytown, Pa,        Rev. John T. Pressly, D D Allegheny City.
hamnilton W. Carter, sbi                   Rev. Stephen H. Tyng, DD N. Yerk City.




12    LIST OF GRADUATES OF JEFFERSON COLLEGRE.
1 833.                   5. Dexter Lecompte, I Chief Jnstioe, Kansas.
William Be3g, sn                            W. S. Lindsey.
tWilliam II. Bleodget, I 0.                 WYilliam Min'Candlish, si Quiney, Ill.
Bilton Caldwell, l Judge, Vicksblrg,  Mis.  *Washington M(Cartney, LL D Prof. LaThomas P. Gordon, st Pittsburgh, Pa.           fayette College, and Judge.
Darid P. Graham. p New Lisbon, Ohio.        John L. M'Lean,  si
Alexander A. Hall, so N, Car.              William M'Gookin, so Sydney, Ohio.
Hlis. Y. Himilion, si Philadelphia.        Robert Osborn, p Point Pleasant, Ya.
Iob)ert G. Hays, tl                        Johnu V. Reynolds, s Meiadlville, Pa
William R. ilenmphill, Prof. Erskne Coll, Stephen R. Riggs, s1i Miss. to Dacotash,:Editor. Due West, S. Car.                  New Hope, Minrn, Ter.
JaInes!Iemphill, I Atem, Leg. Chester C. *James D. Scott, so
I. S. Car.                             Thomas L. Speer, s,
Jolhn Rlluber, I                            James E. Stewart, p Baltimore, Md.
James W. Kerr, t Teacher Blind Assylum, Thomas Walkle,  Chilicothe, Ohio.          34
Philadelphia.
Shepherd Leffler,  M31em. Cong. Burling- John F. James, A )
ton, Iowa.'D. S. Stevenson, M D
I-I. N. M'Calister, I Bellefonte, P a.
James M'Clellandp U. S. Navy, Erie, Pa.                      1835
*'harles S. rlotoft p S.Car.
Daniel lE. Nevin, sI. lF'armer, Sewickley- W. E. An drewP, t N. Car.
ville, Pa.                             *F, E. Bailey. 1
Edwin  ft. Nevin, so D D Pres. Franklin  it. B. Barber, I
Coll. Ohio. W1ashington, D. C.         Thomas J. Biglhamr, I Pa. Sen. Pittsburgb,
*Robert W. Orr, so 1liss. to China, Prof. James C. Brown, sl Valparaiso, Ind.
Jeff. Coll. Strattanville, Pa.          James HI. Buchanan, so Oxford, Ohio.
james L. Scott, 1it Miss. to Agra, N. India. *Johln J. Buller, is
J3ames. Smart, 50* Xenia, Ohio.            *Nathaniel Burwell, l
Hamilton Smlith, s9                         *Joseph H. Chambers, nz
Joseph S. T'ravelli; ns Miss. to  China   Jonathan K. Cooper, I Peoria, Ill.
Prin'l Sewickley Academy.              Elijah Criswell..hn  II. -Williams, Z Editor, Frederick City  Alexander Donaldson, Prin'l. Eldersridge
Thomas S. Wilson, 1                    25       Academy, Clarksburg, Pa.': John H. Done, I R. R. Sup.
*George II1. Evan.s, I
*ReVT Donald Frazer, D D Secotland.         Richard Gailey, m IHastings, Ohio.:t*Rev. David M'Conaughy, D D               W. M. Galbraith, m De Graff, Ohio.
E'becezer Daniels, M D Cannonsburg, Pa. Robert Gracey, sit Pittsburgh, Pa
James Grier. i? Noblestown, Pa.
1834.                     Robert C. Grier, si, D D Pres. Erskine Coll.
Due West, S. C.
EL. HI. Allison, p Harrisburg,; Pa.         Andrew P. Hfapper, sic Miss Chha, Canton.
A. A. Anderson, I                           Robert S. HIolmes,p  U. S Army.
Chambers Baird, I Ripley, Ohio.             Mortimer D. Johnson, sic Prof Davidson,*Samuel T. Clapman, Z Editor.                  College, N. Car.
Josph T. Cooper, msi D E Ed. Evan. Repos. George Johnson, Z Portsmouth, Ohio.
Philadelphia.                          J. W. Knott, 1it Shelby, Ohio.
John D. Cummins, l M. Cong.                 *Shephqrd Laurie, p D. C
J3ames Davis. s, B3iairsville, Pa.          William Lawrence, 1 Washington, Ohio.
Samuel R. Fisher, msi D D Editor Ger Ref. Samuel C MI'Cune, si Fairfiecl, Iowa.
MIessenger, Chambersburg, Pa.           *James Y. M'Ginnis,,tl Pres. of Acad.
Thomas Foster, p                            *Johin W. Murray, sn
It. C. Galbsaith, m Goranstown, Md.         C. K, Nelson, si
TEXdward R. Geary, m Corvalis, Oregon Tear. Charles IT. Nourse, si Leesburg, Va.
Thos. Gilkerson, si Saltsburg, Pa           Elijah Peale, Cashier, New  orleans.
Samuel M. Hamill, u Prin. High School, *James Peeblesi p
Lawrenceville, N. J.:          Charles Rtamsey, Z
I. W. K. Handy, mt Portsmouth, Ya.          Hugh W. Reynoldcls, 1 Peoria, Ill.
J. C. Hawthorn, p                           *W  H-I. Riley,p yid,
*F. K. lHeisley, Engineer.                  Alfred RyOrs, mi D D Pres. Ohio and Int4.
*N. N. Hurst, 1                                 Univ. and Prof. Cent. Ceoll. Ky. DitW. Hutchison, si Sparta, Tenn.                  ville.
W. F. Irwi,. p Irwin Station, Pa.           Lawrence Stright, sn
R. M. S Jackson, p State Geologist, Cres- D. W. Swartz, m
son, Pa.                                Joseph Templeton, si St. Louis, IMo
J. Stuart Leech, p                          Robert B. Walker, vi Plaingrove, Pa.




LIST OF GRADUATES OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.                                  13
*J'ames Walker, an                         Peter A. Brown, Esq. LL D Philadelphia.
Z. Yarnall, I Wheeling, Va.           43                      837
William B HIeiskel, Esq. A M Philadel.     William G. Barnet, p Venice, Washington
Prof John E. Barbazet, A M                     County, Pa.
Rev. Rudolph Zickwolf, A M                 Newton Bracken, nm Portersville, Pa.
Rev. Robert Stewart, D D Ireland.          Josephi T. Buchanan, in
Rev. David Elliot, D D Allegheny City.    James Campbell, I Clarion, Pa.
Prof. Jacob Green, LL D                    *Alexander Campboll, p
Cyrus Dickson, mn Baltimore, Md.
1836.                    John Donaldson, in Salem, Ky.
William Eaton, m Clarksburg, Va.
eThomas B. Beer, rm                        George M. Eldridge, 1 Judge.
H. F. Bowen,, Mdcl.                       J. Buchanan Hall. p California.
P. D. Boyd, n  George ltill rn Blairsville, Pa.
James Cameron, m Brunswick,                B. D. Jackson, I Cambridge, M1d.
Irwin Carson, n97 Oscaloosa.'0Thomas XV. Kerr, n7o
Philip Condit, m                           Harrison P. Laird, I Leg. Peenn'a. Greens
Sanluel MI. Cooper, sn Clearfield.             burg, Pa.
Edmund S. Doty, I Mifflintown, Pa,         David Laughlin, t Juniata.Co. Pa.
*James C. Doty, p                          *Robert F. Law, St Flh
Joseph W. Fowler, 1 Judge Sup. Ct.`La.   *Thomas S. Lewis, St Th
John R. Franklin, I 3raem. Congress, Snow  John Y. Lind, p Supt. Marine Hospital,
Hlill, Mld.                               San Francisco, Cal.
William Gass, t                            *;Walter M. Lowrie, at Miss. to China.
George M. Gibbs, n Gravelly Ifill, N. C.   *A. Martin, p 0.
James It. Gilland, m. Prof. Davidson Coll. *Robert M'Murdy, n
N. Carolina.                          Joseph E. Nourse, ns Prof. U. S. Naval
Thomas Grier, m Camden, S. C.                  Academy. Annapolis, Md.
G. B. Gray, ss Mld,                       Griffith Owen, m Baltimore, Md.
I1ugh Hlamilton.                          John Patrick, sn S. Car.
*J. K. Henderson, I                        Jacob Pentzer,?st Miamisburg, Ohio.
*B. Wilbur IHuntingdon, 1 Judge.           Samuel Pettigre v, as Ill.
Renry Keim, p Pontiac, Mich.               George W. Purnell},  St. Francisville, la.
Henry C. Knight,.l                         *Wilson Scott. I
John Livingston, m                         Philo M. Semple, n Berlin, Ohio.
*J. Somerville MIarbury, n D.. C.          Joseph T. Srith, an D D Baltimore, Md.
Jnames Mason,                              KeInsey John Stewart, m
John R. l1'Fee, 1 Georgetown, Del.         W. IM. Stewart,  Indiana,, Pa.
i. B. M'Ginley, p                          Saullel Templeton, nT a.
D. I-I. A. AI'Lean, at Prof. Westm. Coll. John Todd, a? Brookvrille, Pa.
Inst. and Pri. IIigh School. Pitts-  H-illiary Williams,  lId.
burgh, Pa.                             David Wilson, t lrin Central Acad. Polrt
F. A. Muhlenburg, an Prof. Pa. College. —     Royl, Pa
Gettysburg, Pa.            *            Joseph Wilson, StI Th
H. B. Pigman, Z                            A. D Wilson, 1,
*William Ramsey, Z                         John Witherow.                        29:.John C. Rankin, p
J. HIliston lRankint. II. N. Lee, Esq. A HI Kittanning, Pa.
Cyrus C. Riggs, n  Pres't Richmond Coll. Alired Marls, Rsq. 4 H
Xcest uselvton, Pa..Rev Simeilon Brown, A h Lebanon, Ohio.
C. W. ]Iussell, I Wheeling, Va.            Ion. L   IS ancy, A h
Frvederick A. Sheare', it Iowa City.      nVionlLam Orr, A     Al
Francis. Steel, I                        M. Mlorgan, Esq. A MI
Jo3hn M. Stevenson, as D D Prof. Ohio.John Millington, Prof. A  I Va.
Univ. Agent Cor. See. Amer. MA.Soc.   Dr Robert Tlopsie, AM
Nekw Albany, Id- m1s'ev John- Williams, 1) 
Freclerick ft. Thomas,                    lItvIsaac Grier, D D N. Car.
*Alexander Weed, Eingeteer, Vaevlsaao Crier, D B N. Car.
*leexanuelt. Weeems,  IPeofg Jeffl Col la,  eeRev Ii. P. Swift, D D Allegheny City.
Samuel li. WVilliams, t Prof. Jeff. College:  f-lon LewisCass LL D  lich,
ansi Prin. Fem College, Louisville, Ky 
Uriah W. Wisc, I Prinl of Acad.                              1838.
*Sanmuel A. Woods, t Va.              42
S. Blair, ZI Iollidaysburg, Pa,
*Prof John Aimstiong,  A I'I.  M.  Brown, as
Dr. Hugh Campbell, A 5N                    William H. Buffington,
Proif Hiruam  Sims, a it1                s*NWilliam Caskey, a,




14    LIST OF GRADUATES OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
Robert Clark, I Prof Madison College.     William W. Stiekley, sn Spout`pring, Va.
Jacob Doll, m  Prin. Fem. Sem. Yancys- Alexander Swaney, sn Carrolton, Ohio.
ville, N. C.                          W. Sheridan Thompson, as New Canton, Va
Thomas P. Tarrar, I Natchez, Mi.          Joseph C. Wallace, Z
Charles R. Fasset, p  George Willey, I Cleveland, Ohio.
Lewis Granger, szt California.            M. Allen Williams, so Miss. to Chili. San
William Mathiot, I Lancaster, Pa,             Francisco, Cal.
William H. M'Carer, m Evansville, Ia,     Thomas M. Wilson, 0.
David MI'Cay, m Callensburg, Pa.          William W. Woodend, is Prin. Saltsbnurg
*Benjamin G. M'Phail, is Snow Hill, Md.       Acad. Saltsburg, Pa.
*A. C. Miller, m White Rock.              Samuel S Woods, 1 Lewistown.          43
James C. Miller, I
J. Krepps Miller, I Memb. Cong. Oregon. Andrew F. Ross, A M
James Montgomery,  m Clarion, Pa.         Prof James Espy, A M Washington City.
Alfred Nevin, as D D Lancaster, Pa.       T. B. Beall. Esq. A. M
Sbhepihert G. Patrick, Z                  Rev Daniel Zacharias, A M, D D Frederick
Joseph I-I. Pressly, rn Erie, Pa.             City,  Id.
David F Reed, so Chili, Ohio.             *Rev Asahel Nettleton, D D  Conn.
William Rothrock,?                       Rev Winm. Shaw, D D Scotland.
Henry Snyder, Os  Prof. Jeff. Cent. and  Rev 0. Stewart, D D Ireland.
Hamp. Sid. Coll. - lIampden Sydney.  Rev John W. Nevin, D  D Lacaster, Pa.
*George W. Stinson, I
*Thomas Sutton, Z                                           1840.
*William D. Tasstson y, I                 J. Patton Anderson, Gov. Washi  Ter.
Felix B. Welton, Moorfield, Va. Farmer.
Felix B. Welton, MItoorfeld, Y.Va.  ~rmar.   George E Austin, Farmer, Cambridge, M~d
4CE~. ZH. C. Wilson, 1               29  Samuel F. Boyd, Editor, Port Gibsdn, Mi.
Hugh A.Brown, in Miss. to China. Rockford, Ill.
Rev Jam0 MHarr, A MH Lebanon, Olhio.   James C. Carson sm Salem X Roads, Pa.
1839.                    A. G. W. Carter, Z Judge, Cincinnati.
JohPn E. Ale-ander, m Prin. Mill. Acad.-  Rober. Doulter,  Editor,       Prices
Washington, Ohio.                     Robert W. Dougaorty, I Editor, Princess
Moses Blackburn, mn Petersburg, Ohio.       Annal.  rl, I
Alexander W. Brownlee, s       Arehihald B. Earle, I
Alexander W.   inrowvlee,                George Earle, I Elkton, lMd
Aodley Calhoun, Os                        John Haldeman, I Pa Leg. Harrisburg Pa.
Peter P. Cluff, p Grange, Mo.             5Daniel S. IIaich SI T/e
James Coulter, n l Harmonsburg, Pa.. h aih, s  
*George M. Dickson, S, Th                 Joseph a. IHays,  N
James C. Ilerronu,'n Napa, Cal.
Chatiem F. Divers, mn Cedarville, N. J.
*CJsalhes F,. IDlvers, s. Cedlarvill, N. J.  Daniel L. IHughes, se Stover's Place.
Alexander M, Duff,    1                   David Hughes, vns M D New Plymout-, 0.
lE.  ade. Forsythe,                       Parker Jacobs, I Lewistown, Pa.
3E,..F. Goibsython, Z                    Samuel Mahaffey, on Washington, Ohio.
J. K, Gibson, I.Dtvid W. MConaugly
Smith F. Griel, m New Oumberland,'Va.   omDav.        Con'Nair,  Washington N J.
Robert lHamill, sn Boalsburg, Pa.         Ceolgo   ailler, I
John V. -Iarbaugs,  liKansas.             James W. Miller, so Gay Hill, Tex.
Edwin W. Henry, BIerlin, Md               John T. Moore, Planter, Port Gibson, Mi.
John C. Kunkel, Z Mem. Congress, Harris-  N. Grier Parke, sn Pitston, Pa.
burg, PMa            aWilliam A. Passavant, sn Zelienople, Pa.
*John blayd,  Miss to China,               Robert Patterson, t Prof. in Jeff. College,
5i*~amrnuel P. Mrshball, see                  Pa and Oalland College, Mi,
A. Craig MI'Clelland, so Ft. WVayne, InVl.       leed
John  M.'Conaugby, on M D Lane, ll,   Wobert A  Boss,  North Car.
Thomas Middleton, s                       Robert Steele, so
George M1Iiles.                           James Waso), I Hagerstown, Mad.
Normsu Millerx,  Martisburg,  Va.         G., A. Wenzel, as Philadelphia,
J    sThoayosr, J o Ouarkey, p             Henry A. White, I Princess Anne, IMId. 32
James Naylor, in Oakley, V~.
R0oger t(ena  sn Prin, Chest. Hill Acad.Chestnut I1ill, Pa.                   TJoseph Braddock, A MI
Jacob II. Pattal, mn and   ese York\ City.   Rev J. S. Duiiwiddie, A Hy
John Reed.                                Jacob IHall, Esq. A M Independence, Mo.
James Craig Reid, t Engineer, lErie, Pa.                    141.
*John H. Rittenhouse, s?
Fitz William Sargent, p Philadelphia.      Mloses Arnott, s  I Hanover, Tcd.
Owen Evahns 9'hantion, see                James A. Banks, Z Lewistown, Pa.
Phila.nder C. Smith,                      IIenry IR. Bell, p Chicago, Ill.




LIST OF GRADUATES OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.    15
William C. Bovard, Merehant, Warren, Pa Rees C. Evans, nm Doylestown,'Pa.
John K. Boyce, ms                         Andrew B. Frazier, s
Thomas A. Bracken, n Independence, Mo. Jared D. Fyler.
James Buchanan, n                         *James Gallatin, m
William Carlisle, i Chanceford, Pa.       John W. IHazlett, a Carrick, Pa.
*Isaac M. Cook, m                         S. K, Hughes, as Chestreville, Ohio.
John B. Craighead, Farmer, Canonsburg. John Lewis, p Ogden, Ind,
Thomas M. CrabVford, an Slate Hill.       *A. M. Linn, 1
Wilson M. Donaldson, ni Bluffton, Ind.   J R. Lowrie, I Hollidaysburg, Pa.
David Donaldson, p Allegheny Co. Pa.,    Charles Martin, Prof Flamp. Sid- Coll.'Va.
Ralph Douglass, m                             IHampden Sid. Va.
*James C. Duncan.                         B. F. M'Keehen, p Romines Mills.
*Joshua Elder, m                          Isaac S. M'Micken 1
Edward J. Elliott.                        Ulysses Mercur; 1 Towanda, Pa.
John IIunter, na                          Robert P. Nevin, Druggist, Pittsburgh.
*John F. Kean, ia                         Samuel I. Reid, as Prin. Chalal. Inst.J. M'D. Leavitt, at Prof. Ohio University.    Holly Springs, Mi.
Athens, Ohio.                         Robert King Reid, p Sup. Insane Asylufn.
James B. M'Bride, an                          Stockton, Col.
Isaiah M'Junkin, p Butler. Pa,'William Roseburgh, Cashier, Pittsburgh.
Ebenezer M'Junkin, I Butler, Pa.          Isaac 0. Sloan.
Isaac G(. M'Wiaughlin, aCharlotte, N. C.   John F. Smith, m Richmond,Ind,
Andrew D. Mitchell, am Harrisburg, Pa.    Robert Stanton, Planter, Natchoz, Mi.
John Oliphant, I                          William Stanton, Planter Natchez, Mi.
William Ottinger, a Grandview, Iowa.    John Steele, m Macomb, Ill,
John J. Patterson, Harrisburg, Pa.        *Samuel F. Sterling, I
*John II. Pottingerp                     *John Sturgeon, p
*Wiliam L. Richards, sc Miss. to China.   Darius Thomas m
William M. Robinson, a  Newark, Ohio.   William G. Van Lear, I Williamsport Md.
Henry E. Sayre, I Waynesburg, Pa.         W. C. Van'Bibber, p Rd.
John A. Scott, an Prin. Female Sem. Hal- Joseph R. Whitham, as.
ifax, C0 I Va.                        William L. Wingate, p
W. M'K. Scott, n13 D D Prof Centre College John Ni eaver, p Cannonsburg.
Ky. Cincinnati, Ohio.                Daniel R.Wolfe, Z New Castle, Del.
John Y. Sconller, sin Fairhaven, Ohio.
W~illiaunl I. Shoemaker,s     -           T. D. Baird, Jr. A B A M St. Louis, Mo.
RIobert R. Sloan, ma Prin Female Seminary Rev J.ID. Mitchell, A B Wyonming, Pa.
Mt, Vernon, Ohio.
R. B. Sterling, Iron Manufacturer, Pitts-                  1843.
burgh, Pa
Alexander Story. ew Columbus, Iowa.
John M. Strong, p                         *Richarc Allison, 1
Thomas R'. Stewart, I Cambridge, Md.      J.Trooper Armstrong, p Art.
John R. Taylor.                           Jamles II. Baird, is Upper Sandusky, Ohio.
Joseph N. Watson, mn Lewistown, Pa.       *John Barr, as
E. King Wilson, I Snow EIill, Md.    43 *J. K Binghan, I
William It. Bingham, ntWarren Tavern Pa
Prof L. Gassen, D D  *Thomas Black, St Th.
Prof Ad.  phussen, d, D D Fiance.         David C. Ioal, I Bellefonte, Pa.
Prof Adolphe  Marshalono, D ID Scotand.   John Boyd, Ie
Rev  ohdrw Jamershonal, D D  Scotland.    Cornelius Byles, 2, Franklin Grove, Pa.
ev ohn Jamesn,  Icotlan.  James C. Clarke, 1 Greensburg, Pa.
Rev Thomas J, Riggs,                      A D Cin. O.  Andrew Cochran, 1 Illurhainville, N. Y.
Iloun lobert C. Grier, LJL D Philadelphia.  J. Alexander Coulter, Civ.:Eng. Greens~
burg, Pa.
1842.                    James Cunmiings, p California.
William Edgar, as Murraysville, Pa.
*Abraham Anderson, mn                     *i1. S. Elliott, St Th
*CD. WoodsBaker, Comst Survey.            Ebenezer Erskine, set Columbia, Pa.
Dwight W. Bell, 1 Pittsburgh, Pa.]        William Ferguson, [ Cincinnati, Ohio.
Algernon S. Bell I Pittsburgh, Pa.        James II. Fife,   l Mit. Pleasant, Pa.
John C. Biser, Md.                        J. Gregg Gibson, 1p
B. E. Chain, s.                       George V. (Gurlison, 1s  Prin. Burlingtcn
David R. Cfmnpbell, n7 Wintersville.          Univ. Iowa, and of Eric Academly.
William Coleman, t Diamond Springs, Cal       Lrie, ]Pa.
J. Fi. Cornyn, a                          S. W. Gilson. I Canfiell, Ohio.
Tlenry U. Davis, 7l                      Jacob S. Hlaleneman, 1 Pa. Legislatlure, Ilar
D. W. DoWnor,  I Uniontown, P-.               isburg, Pa.




16    LIST OF GRADUATES OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
John Hamilton, t Prin. of Acad. MIt. Zion, George S. WValker, p California.
Silmp. Co. Mi.                         George L. Washington, 1 Va.
A. W. Hendricks, 1 Madison, Ind.           *Robert A. White, Z Ed. South, Lit. Mess.
William M. Houston, p Santa Fee, Mo.    W. Biddle Wilkins, 1
John Huimerickhouse, p Cosbocton, Ohio.  Joseph R. Wilson, so Prof. Jeff. Coll. and
Aaron H. Kerr, ss Prof Alex. College. --       Ilamp. Sid. Coll.
St. Peter, Minn.
Richard T. MIerricl, 1 Baltimore,  d.. Lane, Eq, A
William' J. M'Cullch, [Engineer, Wash- Henry D IIaxwell, Esq. A  i Easton Pa.
Jamles Matthews, m Prof. Cent, College. —, Janel, Diuncan,AMwiddie 
Danvilie, Ey.                          Rev, Jes, inwidd    D
Joseph P. MIoore, ae t East Liberty, Pa.    Rev Nathan L. Rice, D D St Louis, Mo.
John P. Penny, 1 Pittsburgh, Pa.
Jonathan Rennick, I Circleville, Ohio.                       1845.
Abner 0. Rockwell,s Finleyville, Pa.      James Allison, sm Sewickleyville, Pa.
John Rowe, at Gallipolis, Ohio.            A. S. Baldwin, p M'Sherrysville, Pa.
A..A. Scott, p                             James W. Bell, p
W. C. Sheets, so Morgantown; N. C.         Robert Burgess, as Poland, Ohio.
James Smith, as Rochester, Pa.             J. Walton (;ameron, p
S. ilume Smiith, aw                        James C. Campbell, so Paris, Pa.
Prancis A. Stewart, I Pittsburgh, Pa.      William Doyle,  teubenville, Ohio.
John M. Sullivan, I Ass't Sec. of State.    John W. Duncan, Iron Manlfacturer,
Elliott E. Swift, as New Castle, Pa.           Pittsburgh, Pa.
J. Bowman Switzer, I Pittsburgh, Pa.       Samuel J, 1ills  aton,     Pranklin, Pa.
*George WV WWatson, p                      James. Fleming, p Monongahela City.
~KIeever Wharton, p                        James W. Ery.
WI. D. Wright.                        47  J. W. Hendersonp
John H1. Jackson,p 11[y.
Rev E. Thompson Baird, A M D D Column-' Thomas P. Johnston, as Clark P. O. Pa.
bus, Mi.                               William r. Kean,   FPreeport, Pa.
ieon James Thompson, A N Erie, Pa.         Milton S. ILatham, I Mem. Cong. and Col.
William Reynolds, Esq. A It Meadville.         Customs. San Francisco, Cal.
~BRev Wmn. Atkinson, D D Ya.               John Lethlerman, p Surg. U. S. Army.
Rey' James Peddle, D D Scotland.               Fort Devine, New Alex.
Rev James Harper, D D Scotland.            U. Ititchie Letherman, Farmer, Palmyra,
B ev  am-lnes Martin, I) D ProC.               Missouri.
tHon Henry Baldwin, LL D                   Darius D. M'Oluer, 1 Mi.
D. S. M'tIenry. as Commerce, Miclh.
1844.                    tohn 1D. M'Nay, nt
John Adair Anderson, I                     R. B. Hnton.
*Salnuel P. Berry, in                      R. S. Morton, ae Iookstown, Pa.
Andrezw N. Beveridge, m  Hoosackl Falls.   Daniel MIotzer, sn Middlebrook, Md.
Ebenezer A. D-oyce,?i North Car.          J. a. i.urphy, p
E.P. GCrawforid, I Kitt'sanjlnnsn  P'a.    Joshlua T. Owen, I t Chestlnut lill, Pa.
(Teoirge A ItA offinan, Ctumberland,  M.   Louis F. Baienley, 1 Marion, Ohio,
AWiliam  I-o ri  t s  m, erland,  d.       Samuel P. RoCs, 1 Pittsburgh, Pa.
1. C. Iri inp oIIollidaysburg, Pa.        John Sha-ne.  Steubenville, Ohio.
SamLuel A. Speer, Finley, Ohio.
Janses S. Jackson, I Lexaningt, C             noel     es   inleg, Oi.
John I. Lane, s Plof Fakllldin Colleoe O. Ja'Tames P. Stcsrrtt, 1 Pittsburgh, Pa.
Wrightsville, Pa.                      S Calhoun Stewart, iMerchiant, St. Louis.'JeT-mes Leiper, St Th,                    John Stuaorts's.l Montgomery,  Ohio.,Tames'. Marcquis, m Shellby, Ohio.      John i. Stllrgess n, m NToble town, Pe.
s'.Thoilas AIN Cagsie sit                  P Stryker Ttalinage, m Bloom aeld, N. J.
Nesbit AIIDos ald, )p Pittsburgh, Pa.      Josiah Thon pson, an Cherry Yalley, Pna
Walter RI. Macdonald,  1 Ogdensusrg,  N. Y. Jamess Thniopsonl    N. Y. City.
RodreWy zfasonl, I Springfllel rhio.     - A. R. A'ance, Engineer, Ilplty, hilo,
0Jolsn H. MSilicr          u               Asugsnti' s. Watsonp
Eplraism Ogden,, z Glade  Mills, Pa.       Jacob IWsisterss m Brownsburg,  Va..  40
S. Duncans Oliphlanst, I Uniontowsn mI a.
*Erastus S. Scott, I                       Prof S C. Gray,. B
George' W. Shaiffer, si Prin. Female Ser.  fion Juames J:oss Snoowden, A M  Phila.
Shirloysburg, Pa.            doelphia,'a.,
James A. Shanlkland. s1 Detroit, Mich.     David Strotber, Esq A if 5Mlarlinsburg Va.
John C. Telford, i Malhonis,   V Ps,.      Dr J. E Snodgrans,   A M
Sainuel Torrance, Farmer, Allegheny  Co. Rev James It. Thornwell,  D D S. Car.
George'Vaneman, a lFlorid;,               Rev JLames R:Iodgers, D  D Allegheny City.




LIST OF GRADUATES OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.                               17
Rev. Ezra Keller, D D Ohio.               Thomas II. Beveridge, m Philadelphia.
Rev. James Carlisle, D D London.          Amos S. Billingsly, m Wirtemburg, Pa.
Rev. Robert Ferguson, LL D London,    James Bradeun p
*lHon. IIonry Clay, LL D Ky.              George B. Brandon, Ig Mi.'Rev. Mlatthew Brown, LL D                W. Biays Brown. le Prof Transyl.'Univ
Lexington, Ky.
1846.                   Dwight Brown, Farmer, Lexington, Ky.
Leander B1roswning, I Va.
*James B. Allison.                        George Ca(irins m   Slate Lick, Pa.
Samuel Brown, sn O.                       John Campbell,p
Winm. L. Baird, I Prof Weasti. Coll. M([o.   HIIugh M. Campbell, I':.Vincent Cockins, s,                    David AT. Carcon, n Serevice, Pa.
George W. Elder, I Lewistown, Pa.:"-Lewis Castlemani, Farmer, Ky.
Thomas R. Gilmore, Cadiz, Ohio.           S. 1' ewell Cochran, t Canonsburg, Pa.'TaylorL. fGrahaum,p                      James S. Coulter.
John Raft, Druggist, Pittsburgh, Pa,      John L. Craig, m Princeton, Ind.
*James Kelso, mi                          George A. Craw ford, p Editor. Lock HaJ. Milton Kirklipatrick, I Pittsbrgh) Pa.     von, Pa.
Robert P. Lake, Druggist, Baltimore, Md. E. Van Ness Dean, 1 Wooster, Ohio.
J. Irw-in Marks, p. G. Dickson, p Canonsburg,'Pa.
*William MlartinFarmer.                  Blan on tI. Duncan, u   Louisville, Ky
James Martin, Bank Teller, Albany, N Y  Henry Clay Dunlap, Far. Lexinfgton, Ky.
tJ. A.. M'Curley.                        J. Todd  cldgar, t Prin Female Sem. ShelWilliam G. M'illhaney, m I oboken, N. J.     byville, Tenn.
Thomas V. Milligan. t Prin of Academy, *James L Finley.
New Ragerstown, Ohio.                 William C. Gilsou,p
James II. Orbison, m Missionary to Am- Albert G. Graharm, t Jonesboro, Tenn.
bala, N. I.                           Laverty Grier, sn
MIichael Parkincon, m Island Creek, Ohio John Ileamilton,:Eant Springfield, Ohio.
flenry  M. Pettibone, Planter, Wood-   Isaac. N. I-Iays,lr Shippensburg, Pa.
ville, Mi.                            Henry II. Hornsby, ]F'armer, Ky.
Joseph S. Pomroy, saFairview, La.         James -IHston, t
Jamres Ross RItmsey, e, Mliss. Crack Ind. John R. Irwin, 0
Micco, Ark,                           Robert D. Lilley, Z Ilillsboro, Ohio.'-tJames B. P. Robinson,                  A. B. AMaxwell. sea Alliance, Ohio,
James L. Rogers, se Prin. Female Inst. James IH. t['Bride, tPhiladelphia.
Florence, Ala.                        John M'Intosh, O.
Alexander Scott, m Sasansnah. Ohio.       David MIKee, see Philadelphia, Pa.
Tsaac N. Shannon, si Mt, Vernon, O.       John I'PNntt, Farmer, Dnnaun'e Fai1) 0.
-Alexander E. Sharpe, p Neewville, Pa.    Jacob Myers,'Editor..A. Brady Sharpe, I Chambersburg, Pa.     Heury M. Painter, mn Brownsville, Mo;:Kugh Sturgeon, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.       Luther M. Reynolds, 1 Dover, Del.
3Elijah'Van Buskirk, 5m                  J Bingham Ripley; cn I'hiladelpha.
John W. Walker, sm West Fairfield, Pa.    James Levin Rogers, sa Springfield, Qhio.
Islaae A. Walker, t Farmer, Shirland, Pa. *William  Sample, St Th
WmD. II. West, 1 Prof Hamp, Sid. College.  -HMead Satterfield, Y1,
Bellefontaine, Ohio.                  *Iamilton Scott, Mn O.
*J. II. West.                             Leonidas W  S-xton, 1 Bushville, Ind.
Frederick N. Whaley, sac Clarksburg, Va.   *Jaumes H. Shaiffer, St Th
0. IH. Williams, m                        Samuel Simmuons, I St. Louis, Mo.
George W. Zahn izer, m Conneautyille, Pa. j. R.. IW  loan, a, New York City.
37  W. Craydon Smlith, Engineer. Carrollville, lid.
W.S. Sterrett, A M Antrim, Ohio.          Edmund Snair, Jeweler, Huntingd.onj)Pa.
1Enoch Lanning, A 13 N. J.                Robert Sutton, 1 Clarion, Pa.
lRev Robfrt Steel, D D                    William G. Taylor, nc Tarentum,Pa.
Rev Samuel Steel, D D IIillsboro, Ohio.    Andrew C. Todd, se St Louis, Mo.
Re-v Charles C. Jones, D D South Car.     Alexander G Wallace, Irwin Station, Pa.
Rev John Stoekton, D D Cross Creek    ThomtLs Ward, s1 O.
Vrillagae.                            William H. Wilson, si Wasjtingtoh, Iowa
*Xlon Kensey Johus LL  D  el.             AVilliam WV. Wilson, Laud,Agent, Council
Hlon John J. Crittenden, LL D Frank-          Bluffs, Iowa.
fort, Ky.                             Thomas S. Woods, I New Lisbon, Ohio.
1847.
John.Adams, I M1t Vernon, Ohio           Rev. Stephen Yerkie, A MI BEatimore, MId.
Geor-e D. Archibald, en Cincinnati, Ohio.  tRev. P. S.Spencer, B D Ira.
o~~~~~~~~~*e.P.~ecr   d




18    LIST OF GRADUATES OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
Rev. James Smith, D D Ky.              RBev. J, B. Spotswood, D D Del.
Rev. James C. Watson, D D Milton, Pa.  1Wiliiam Rogers, Esq. A.I Ohio.
Rev. Robert J. Breckenridge, LL D Dan-  Hon Samuel Hfepburn, LL D,
ville, Ky.                          * lIon. Thomas M. T. M'Kennan, LL D
Rev. James Dennum, D D Ireland.         Hon. Samson Mason, LL D Ohio.
1848.                                   1849.
Alexander H. Amerine, ma Martins' Ferry  Butler P. Anderson, Astroia, Oregon.
Ohio,                              -1*WVilliarn  R. Anderson.
W. J. Bertolette p Shreeve, Ohio.       George C. Arnold, s1 Philadelphia.
Wiliiam Y. Brown, w5 Omaha City.        John M. Barnett, so Superior, Wis.
Wilton W. Brown, mn Williamsburg, Ohio Samuel B.Barton, t Prof Cent. Coll. Ky.
J. Woods Brown.                             Louisville, Ky.
George W. Clarke. I Iowa City.          *Augustus Burt, I
MIatthew Clarke, nc Blairsville, Pa.    Joseph II. Cnlvin, o Boligee, Ala.
Archibald B. Cook, p Med. College, Ky.-  William Porter Carson, cc Marengo, Ill.
Louisville, Ky.                     James G. Carson, ccm Claysville, Pa.
J. Irwin Cox, Farmer, Shippensburg, Pa.  James Linn Cochran, p Sterling, Ill1
John K. Cramer,?c Williamsport, Md.    *Samuel iH. Dickie, p
*Daniial W. Crofts, I O                 James M. Edmunds, Absoeon, N. J.
Robert Curry, Prin. Female Scm. New  John Elliott, n, Alexandria, Pa.
Brighton, Pa.                       N. Fletcher, Z Eiditor, Massilon, Ohio.
John R. Dulncan,  c Moundsville, Va.    George Frazer, Nicholasville, Ky.
James iElliott, I Steubenville, Ohio.   James Mason Grier, Z Philadelphia.
J, hn M. Geary, mc Plain's Store, La,   John P. Gilchrist, I Wheeling, Va.
*Ellis B. Gregg, 1                      *John T. Gibson, Z Ill.
*John liarbison, Printer.               William R. Hlamilton, p
*T. Moore Hill, 7n                      Joseph A. Hanna, cc Oregon Ter.
Thoma  J. Jenkins, Farmer, Va.          *Adam Harris, ccc
*William A. Jenkins, p Va.              Criitopher Ingle, I Washington City,
Albert Gt. Jenkins, I Va.               John Q. A. Jones, t Prin of Academy.
Calvin P. Johnston, 0.                     Elkton, Md..Joshua F. Lawrence, Louisville, Ky.     I. N. Keller, I Wheeling, Va.
William F. Livingston, Duncan's Falls, 0. John Boal Laird, p
~John Lyons, St T17 0.                  W. D. Leiper, t Tepn.
Walter Lowrie Lyons, Iowa.              *J. A. Leiper, ra
William G. March, m Caufield, Ohio.     Alonzo Linn, a Prof Lafay. Cloege.
Johb  M'Ewen, Merchant, Philadelphia.       Easton, Pa.
John T. M'Carty, I Yuba, Cal.           James W. Logan,  Elditor, Muscatine, Is,., C. M'Farland, sr Carrick, Pa,        John H. Mathers, I Richland Centre, Wis
I. Newton M'Kinney, Flemington, Pa.    David M'Kinqey, Merchant, Peoria, Ill.
Jacob H. Miller, I Pittsburgh, Pa.      William MI'ulloch, in Fairview.
Josiah Milligan, c, Princeton, Ill.     John B. M'Nay, cn Muncie, Ind.
John J Patterson, Editor "Telegraph,'  Charles A. Munn, ccc
Harrisburg, Pa.                     sJoseph Murray.
J. Wilson, Paxton, cc Cannon'Falls, Minn. C. II. Perkins, cc Milford Centre, Ohio.
Cyrus L. Pershing, I Johnstown, Pa.     H. C. Piatt, Z Tipton, Iowa.
William A Pugh, p                       Benjamin F. Ray, Merchant, Galena, Ill.
W-lliam  A. ltanbki, on Belle Air, Md.  A. M. Reid, t om Steubenville Female Sem.
Joseph G. Reaser, cct Inst. in Theol. Sem.  Steubenville, Ohio.'Danville, Ky.                      S. C. Reid, sv
James W. Robinson, I Marysville, Ohio.   J. W. Robinson, p Gettysburg, Pa.
A. Denny Rogers, I Springfield, Ohio.   Robert F. Sample, m Bedford, Pa.
William P. RRuthrauff, m Canton, Ohio.   G. M. Sloan, l
Sololnan A. Sharp, I San Francisco, Cal.  *BIiram MN. Smith, st Th
J. M'Dowellf'Sharp, I Chambersburg, Pa.   D. F. Smith,,c
William C. Smith, 7n, Bell's Landing.   J. M. Snodgrass, ccc Leipsic, Ohio
G. W. $train, 1m                        *tugh Swan, St Th
J. Russel Thompson, cc, Rickory, Pa.    William R. Vincent cc Uniontown, Ohio.
Andrew Virtue, n Monroeville, Pa.      WilliWrn G. Walker, t- Prin Flemale Seom.
Sam. Tom. Wilson, c Rock Island, Ill.      Owensboro, Ky.
Samuel B Wilson, 1 Beaver, Pa.          Thomas B. Wilson, sc Xenia, Ohio.
Joseph H. Wilson, I Beaver, Pa.         T. Scott Witlherow, cct
Richard C. Woods.                       John A. Wolf, p
Edward E. Young, I                      James F. Woodrow, t Prof. Oglethorpe
1. Ivester Young, I Probate Judge. Can.     Univ. Milliageville, Ga.
field, Ohio                     64 William G. Woods, p Ky.




LIST OF GRADUATES iOF JEFFERSON  COLLEGE.                         19
Rev. Iluey Newell, A B Fort Madison. Ta. M. Stanley Quay, I Beaver, Pa,.Rev. Nathaniel G. North, A M Charles-   Ceorge Sherman Rice, as.town, Va.                          David J. Rogers, R. R. Contractor, ManisRev. W. S. Emory, A M                       field, Pa.
Rev. J. Lochren, A M Waiynesburg, Pa.   William P. Saunders,'9t
~John Swan, Esq. A M Cumberland, Md.  John P. Scott, as Millersburg, 0.
S. I. Hempstead, A M Hanging Rockl, 0.   A. O. Scott..J. Naff M'('uffin, Esq. A M New Castle Pa. I-enry Martyn Smith, Engineer, Toledo, 0
Poctor M'Guglen, A MI MRt. Vernon, Ohio.  Jehn Spence,' Bastrop,'Texas.
Dr. J. tl. M. Peebles, A M New Castle, Pa. Thomas B. Stewart, Farmer, Ohio Co. Ya.
J. J. AMlien, A MI Pittsburgh, Pa.      George 1I. Stone, I Springfield, Ill.
Rev, William D. Howard, & M Pittsburgh. W. El. Stugleon, -p
Richard Coulter, Esq. A M Greensburg Pa. D. M. Taliaferro, p Ky,:Rev. J. WV. Dickie, A M Mansfield, Ohio.   Robert F. Wilson,{ a el'Keesport, Pa.  56
Rev. George A. Lyon, D D Erie. Pa.
Rev. J. P. Pressly, D D Doe West, S. Car.  Peter Hayden, A B, A M Pittsburgh, Pa.
Hion. Thomas Bradford, LL D             W. W. Stewart, A B ITuntingdon Co. Pa.
I-on. Thaddeus Stevens, LL D Lancaster.  S. S. Lyon, A B   Huntinglon Co. Pa.
-James Orr, A B
1850.                  Samuel Long, A B Pittsburgh, Pa.
William  P. Ilarvison, A Ii, A Ml Amity Pa.
N. W. Bankston, I lfinds Co. Mi.        William Dickey, Esq, A MA Elkton, Ky.
i Phomas H. Barber, 1                   Rev. Jamres Clark, DD Pres't Wash. Coll.
John C. Barr, s, Princeton, III.            Lewisburg, Pa.
*.TJosiah D. Brown, 1                   Rev. Charles W. Nassaun,D D LawrenceJohn Allen Brown, n'Lrigonier, Pa.          ville, N. J.
John C. Cal!ohan, R. R. ContractorCan-  "Rev. Daniel MKinley, D'
onhsburg, Pa.                       Ilon. Thomas II. Baird, LL D MonongaheWilliam Campbell, an                       la City.
Samuel L. Campbell, t Uriiontown, Pa.    lIola. James Allison, LL D Beaver, Pa.
John W. Chalfant, Merchant, Pittsburgh.
William H. Covert.                                       1851.
Robert N. Dick, as
Caleb W. Finley,,n London Ohio.        James W. Anderson, sm
J. M. Gallagher, 1 Editor, Pittsburgh, Pa  C. B. Betts, as
David -H. Goodwille, nt upt. Pub. Schools  *t'rosby M. Borgs.
Stamford, C. W.                     Cyrus U. Bimddock, m Tlerriottsville, Pr..
*James M. Gorsuch, as?                  Ataron S. Brandon, Planter, Ft. Adams, Mi.
Alexander C. Graff, Iron Manufactureri1 Benjamin S. Bristow, Ky,
Milroy, Pa.                         James Caldwell, an Libertyville. Iowa.
William F. Green, lLewisburg, N. C.    -John A.,Campbell, na Ft. Mlary's, 0Ohio.
Thomas F. Griffin, I Galveston, Texas.    Archibald Cook, 1 Mercer,'a,
David Hall, m Brady's Bend, Pa.         Jon'athan R. Coulter, se Coult;ersville.
*William Hartley, Farmer.                Ienry B. Cozzens, Viieksbur, Mi.
Archibald D. Hawkiins, I N. C.         xWilliam F. Culbertson, m Danville, Ky.
John Smith Hays, av Charlestown, Ind.    Samuel Duncan, 1 Dubuque, Iowa.
George Hayward, Farmer, Snow H:Iill, IMd. John F. Fife, t Land Agent, Mt. PleasBenjamin F. IIill, p Candor. Pa.            ant, Tenn..J. F. HIutchison, as Kenton, Ohio.     James W. lHanna, m Canal Fultoni 0.
Samuel R. Latta.                        Andrew.D. EIepbtrn, st Th Princeton,'Joseph M Lippincott, n.              New Jersey.
John S. Love,p Pine Swamp, P. O. Pa.    Andrew J..Johnston,.Druggist, Balti.
Isaac M'Bride, p Philadelphia, Pa;  more, Md.
David L. Machesney, p                   Sinclair Johnson, Teacher, 0.
Rtobert M'Cullough, in Chinese Camp, Cal.: John Jordon, Farmr.
Sauluel N. M'Cullough.                  William D. Kearnes, p Pittsburgh, Pa.
William M'Kay, n                        Robert P.Kennedy, Engineer, Canonsburg.
Robert M'.Aiillan, en Canonsburg, Pa.   Alexander Kennedy, IHeagerstown, Md.
Joseph HI. Mathers, ess Richland Cent. Wis. Samuel M. L. Keir, a Xenia, Ohio.
Davtd Minuis, p Beaver, Pa.             Thomas M'Cague, m Miss. to Cairo, Egypto.
T. E. Morgan, I Keokuck, Iowa.          R. B. M'Cann, I 0.
William Okeson, Z Debuque, Iowa.        John L. M'Cartney, St Th Prof Musk Col.
Franklin Orr, 9a Kent, Pa.                  Allegheny City.
W. W. Patrick, Z Pittsburgh, Pa.       VWillinam G. M'Creary, t New Brighton, Pea
~  Lovi Penny.                          William C. M'Cune, as Cincinnati, Ohio.
Israel O. Pershing, as, Steubenville, Ollio.  John M. M'Elroy, sm Ottumwa, Iovwa
John it. Purnell, I Snow Hill, iiI.    William E, M'Laren, Editor, Pitteubmurh.




20    LIST OF GRADUATES OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.
S. G. M'Neil, 7n Pittsburgh, Ind.     1 enry M'Cormick,p Clinton, Iowa.
Henry S. Martin, I Prin. Un. Sch, Can-  X *W. W. Miller,p.
ton, Ohio.                         Thos. F. Otwell, p Planter,Georgetown, Ky.
S. MI. Matheny, p                      Robert W. Playford. p Rrownsville.
Simon B. Mercer, Prin. Dunlaps Cr. Acad. Matthew B. Riddle, St Th, t Canonsburg.
Merritstown, Pa.                    James P1. Robinson, 1 Columbia, Ark.
lF'. M. Michie. Mi.                     Alexander Scott, t.
William F. Morgan, m Rural Valley, Pa.  Joseph Shaw.
3lichard H. Morrow, so Cedar Rapids, Ia.  & B. Simmons, I Texas.
George B. Newell, i n                   *J. Rowland Stewart, t.
James. Potter, in                    Francis b. Stswart, Prof. Missouri.
W. Hamilton Pyle, p Henderson, Texas.  Tewis M. Stewart, I.
L. 11. W. Shryock,1 m Crittenden, Ky.  D. W. Templeton, 1.
J. Irwin Smith, on Ontonagon, Mich.    John W. Van Lear, Somerset.
J. Henderson Smith,                    B. C. Ward, t.
Hlenry Martyn Smith, on New Orleans.    Eugene N1 Wilson, I Wynona. Minn.
It. C. i. Sproul, 1 P'ittsburgh, Pa.   John E. Woods n, Bentonspoit Ia.
Samuel M  Swan, p Waverly Station, Ill.  John N. Young, mn                 41
Thomas B. Vaneman, on Canonsburg, Pa.
A. M'Lean White,p I-artstown, Pa.      Rev. Matthew II. Wilson, A M Kent, Pa.
Jonathon Wilson, m Spencer Acad. Chor- j. Booth, Esq. A b1 Bucyrus, Ohio.
taw Nation.                        W. P. Pearson, Esq. A M.
William Swan Wilson, on Warsaw, Id.   Rev. Melancthon W. Jacobus,   D Al.eJames L. Wilson, mn Cascade, Iowa.   52    gheny City, Pa.
Rev. John Ekin, i) D Pittsburgh, Pa.
Rev. John Marsh, D D N. Y.
George W. Marquis, Esq. A M Tuscagee.  Rev. Septimus Tuston, D ) B. C.
Matthew I. Stewart, Esq. AMI Pittsburgh  Rev. James Johnston, D 1) Ohio.
Benjalnin Rush Bradford, Esq. A M  New  Dr. R. Dunglison, LL D l'hiladelphlla.
Brighton. Pa.
IBrighton. I'n,.                    Rev. David Da.vidson, LL D 8cotl zd.
Dr Jno.. Stilley, A MI Upper St.Clair Pa-    David Davidson, LL 
Rev. William Grimes, A M                                183.
hRev. William Richards, D D Reading, Pa.
Rev. Thos. Woodrow, D D Worthington, 0. J. A. Amis, p N Car.
hev. Charles Forbes Buchan, D D Scot.   Charles Berryman.
tiev. John Clark, D D Scotland.        Samuel Boon, t Owenstown, Ky,
Rev. A. P. Goudy, D D Irelsnd.         Renry M. Bracklen, Pleasant H ill, Mo.
Rev. James Steel, D D Ireland.         J. R. Burgett, m Allegheny City.
John D. Caldwell, on.
18;52.                 liRush Clari. t Iowa City, Iowa.
William B. Craig, m Shippensburgh, Pa.
William J. Alexander, on Perry, Pa.    John B, Dunn, 7n Andes N. Y.
Johnston Armstrong, p Alliance, Ohio.   JaTmes S. Eckles, St Law t Albany, N. Y.
David Bacon, I Niles, Michigan.        Thomas Ewin~, I Prin. Natchez Institute,
A. B. Beamer, n Va.                        tion, Natchez, Mi.
R. K. Campbell, on 20 nmile Stand, O.  John G. Frow, p.
William M. Christy I Kittanning, Pa.    Ebenezer Haft, Surveyor, N. Albany OreJohn H. Clark, St Th Allegheny, Pa.        gon.
Silas M. Clark, Z Indiana, Pa.          Alfred W. Haines, on
Joseph L. Cook, St Law Greensburgh, Pa. I Newton Hlmes,p.
William Cunningham, St TAL Princeton, WVilliam E. Hunt, om Coshocton, Ohio.
New Jersey.                         Augustus S. Landis, St Law H.llidaysJohn B. Davidson, t Langley, Va.           burg, Pa.
B]. L. Dodder, nm Fort Dodge, Iowa.    William if. Letherman, p Surg. U. S. NsaJames A. Duff, m Darlington, Pa.           vy, Baltimore. Ald.
William J Edie, Lewistown. iii.        William L. M'Connell, m Canonsburg, Pa.
William H. French, Brush Run, WIashing  George 5~. M'Murran, Shepherdstown, Va.
ton Co Pa.                         George WV. Mechlin, mo Prin. Glade Bun
Chas. K. Geddes, St Law Kittanlning, Pa.   Academy, IDayton, Pa.
J. C. Grier. m Mechanicsburg, Pa.      William Mitchell, Assist. Prin. Academy,
George Hammond, Clerk, Baltimore, Md.      Mo-g ntown,'a.
Thomas J. Ilimes, Druggist, Rock Island, Samuel Patterson, to Urichsville, Olhio.
Illinois.                           Alfred Pearson, I Harrisburgh, Pa.
Albert 0. Johnson, o M fise. at Futtegurh, D. H. Scott,p  hilicothle, Ohio.
India.                             Julius A. Smith, t Charlestown, Ill.
Jacob W. Lanius. z Waveland, Ind.      James H. Stokes, t.
JamesL. Marshall, Merchant, Pittsburgh  James 0. Sturgeon, t Prin. Iligh School,
*James Mathers, 1.                         Lafayette, Ala.




IIST OF GRADUATES OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE.                            21
John W   Sutherland, t Prin. 1Fm. Sem. William If. Playford, St Law Brownsville,
Jefferson City, Mo.                     Pa.
OFaancisTaliiaferro. p Ky.              John W. Polk, Nicaragua.
John C. Thom, St //ch Natchez, Mi.       William IH. Pretlow, Va.
Albert E. Thompson, sa                  Thomas E. Roberts St Th Andover, MIass.
Isaac Vanmeter, Farmer, Piketon, Ohio.  George Shotwell Roudebusb, St Th.
William Wight, St f!h Delhi, N, Y.      Walter B. Smith, Merch't, Pittsburgh, Pa.
David M. Wilson, Merchant, Baltimore, Jamas C. Snodgrass, St Law Greensburgh,
Md.                                     Pa.
Martin Lunther Wortman, as West New- John M. Stevenson. t.
ton, Pa.                        36 Calvin W. Stewart, St Th Princeton, N. J.
A. A. Stewart, St Law Greensburgh, P1.
Alexander Taylor. Esq A B Indiana,, Pa.  ElEdward P. Swift, St Th Allegheny, City.
Dr.Joseph Connelly, A B Triadleiphis, Va. John M. Vanineter, I Portsmouth, O.
Dr. John V. IHerriott, A M  Philadelphia, J.. Walkinshaw, St Th Saltsburg, Pa.
Pa.                               5 John II. Young, St Th Pittsburgh, Pa.
HIon. John -W. Howe, A M Franklin.                                           56
P. L. Grim, Esq. A M Beaver, Pa,
Rev. David Kirkpatrick, 1) D Poke Rlun,  E. J. Pershing, Esq. A M Rock Island, Ill.
Pa.                                  *Edward P. Bunter, Esq. A M Va.
B. M, Kerr, Esq, Mansfield, Pa..
1854.                   P. A. Cregar, Elsq. A Al Philadelphia.
Rev. I-I. B. Cunninrham, D D N. Car.
John lM'Leary Adair, St PT/ X6nia, Ohio.   Rev. A. D. Clark, D D As. Bef. Th. SemiThomas Alexander, Allegheny City, Pa.       nary, Allegheny City.
i. Barnett, St Law Ashland, Ohio.      Rev John H. Browvn, D D Lexington, Ky.
Joseph L. Bitner, Merchant, Harrisburg, Rev A. NI'Farlane, DD S!otland.
PaI.                               Rev D. D. Heather, D D Ireland
J. C. Boyd. St Th Allegheny City.      DI Thomas D. Mutter, LL D Philadelphia.
Gerard C.. Crandon, p Natchez, Mi.
David S. Brandon. Meychant, Natchez, Mi
William A. Burclfield, St Th Allegheny C.                1855.
Joseph II. Campbell. t.
Bobert Carothers, n, Turtle Creek, Pa.  Abraham Anderson, St Th Xenia. Ohio.
William Clark, Prince George, Md.       T. Coulter Anderson, St Th Allegheny
David A. Cunningham, m Allegheny City.      City, Pa.
~T. It. Elder, as, Superior, Wis.       Wm Wilson Barr, St Th Xenis, Ohio.
James I Frazer, St Th Xenia, Ohio.      D. Henry Barron, St Th Allegheny City.
W. Nevin Geddes, t.                     John H. Bast, t Reading, Pa.
N. Blallock Gillett, Prin. Acad. Owengs- J. A. Carrothers, Farnler, Iowa.
ville, Ky.                          John S. Chapman, St L Lebanon, Tenn.
Walter L. Grahamt I Butler, Pa.         Ira M. Condit St Th Allegheny City.
B. St. Clair Graham, St Law Greensburg. James S. Elder,na Clarktsburgh, Pa
Addison IIenry, St Th Allegheny City.   Thomas B. Elder, Farmer Eldersridge, Pa.
W. B. Herriott, St Law Pittsburgh.      James A. Ewing, St Th Allegheny City.
CampbellT. Jamieson. Clerk, N. Orleans.  Charles S. Foresman, St Law.
William A. Jeffery, Waynesburg. Pa.     James T. Fredericks, St'Th Allegheny
William Johnson, t Itookstown, Pa.          City, Pa.
John P. Kennedy, m Allegheny City.      Geo. Grahanm, St Th Allegheny City, Pa.
T. Ruston Kennedy. I Meadville,         Jesose W. IIamilton, St Th Allegheuy City,
*Thomas Kerr, St Th O.                     Pa
John T. Kyle, 1.                        Daniel W. Hanna, Paper MIanufacturer,
David Lenox, t.                             Steubenville, Ohio,
D. S. Logan, Prin Enon A cademy, Pa.    S. AI. Hickman, m Teaching.
A. Lowman, StTh Allegheny City.         Alpheus It[. Holloway, St fTh Danville Ky
John S. M'Culloch, St Th Allegheny City. W1'illiam llutchinson. Teaching, Natchez,
Matthew AM'F'eaters, St Th Danville, Ky.  Johl, C, Irwin, St Tf/ Allegheny City, Pa.
W. Morrow M'IKae. t. Urbana, Ohio.      Richard t. Jackson, Prin Oakwood Acad.
William L. Mitchell, Greenfield, Mo.       IHamilton, Hancock, Co Ill.
Alexander M. Moore, Tenn.               B Oliver Junkin, St Th Allegheny City.
Betnjamin F. Myers.                     William B. Keeling, St ThF Allegheny City
J. B. Negley, Surveyor, Butler, Pa.      I. Mofit Kennedy, Teaching, Chester
J. C. Nevin. St Th/ Allegheny City, Pa.     County, Pa.
Benson J. Orsborn. a Texas.             Andrew WV. Kerr, Teaching, Clarksville,
HIenry W. Patterson, St Law Uniontown,      Minn.
Pa.                                 Adam Kimple, St Law Franklin Centre, Ia
R. H. Peterson, t.                      David Nelson Lapsley, St JAed St Francis.
John A. Pinkerton, c1 Allegheny City, Pa,    Ville, Mo.




22        LIST OF GRADUATES OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE,,
Sanmuel P. Large, St Med Elizabeth, Pa.   Wm C. Gordon, Teaching, Black LTik, Pa;,
John Y. M'Cartney, St Th Allegheny City David D. Green. st Th Allegheny City, Pa,
W'illiam M'Gregor, St Lacw Lake Provi-   Francis B. Guthrie. Water I'roof, La
dence, La.                           William W. Hays, Victoria, Texas.
John M'iKnley, St Law                    John P Houston, Texas.
A. Smith l'Kinney, Merchant. Peoria,Ill J. Dalgg lowvey, st th Allegheny City, Pi,.
Jamnes M'Mlaster, St Med Pittsburgh, Pa. Winm. G. Keady, Teaching, Jonesboro Tenn.
Roberlt R. Moore, St 7'/ Allegheny City.   Geo. Ilays Kennedy, Teaching, Chicago,
5William P. Moore. St Th New Derry, Pa.   Orr Lawson, st t7h Lawsonville, Clarion.
S. T. Murray, St Law'                        Co. Pa.
John Purviance, St Law                   A. Brown Lewis, Natcl ez, Mi.
R. G Ralston, Teaching,                  Joseph L. Lower, st ih Princeton, N. J.
Samuel M. Sharp, St Th Steubenville, O.  William H. M'Curdy, Washinrton, Ohio.
John A. E. Simlpson, St Th Noblestown Pa Charles W. M'Daniel, Clerk, Philadelphiao.
J. E. Thomas, Prin. Aca. Pine Grove Mills, Jno. K. M'Ilheny, st lacw IIunterstown, Pa..
Daniel W. Townsend, St ThI Allegheny    James Y. M'Kee, Washington, Ohio.
City, Pa.                            S. Davidson Mi'Pherson, st th ShippensAllan Wall, St Med Indianapolis, Ind.        burg, Pa.
Saamuel Watson St F'7h Allegheny City, Pa  W. Stanhope Marshall, Natchez, Mi.
Samuel Wead, St Law Dayton, Ohio,        Jas tI. Matthews, Maysville, Ky.
Isaac N. White, St 1/h Xenia, Ohio.      James E. Morrow, Clover Port, Ky.
Philip Williard, St'/h Lancaster, Pa.   Nicholas V. Morrow, st th Allegheny City.
John S. Woods, Engineer.                Andrew J. Murry, t Murryseille, Pa.
Wilsoen Paxto-n, Teaching, Owensboro, Ky.
* Rev. Patrick P. Jones, A M             H. R..Peairs, st th Allegheny City, Pa.
Rev. William H. Andrews, A M Ohio;       Joseph L. Polk, Teaching.
Rev. James Chrystie. D D, N. Y.         Jnames A. Reed, st th Allegheny City, Pa.
Rev. William M. IIetherington, D D Scot- Thomas F. J. Iider, t Princess Anne, MAd.
land.                                Samuel A. Riggs; st law Pittsburgh, Pa.
George Scott, st th Allegheny City, Pa.
1856.                   C. S. Scroggs, Marshall, Texas..
Joseph D Jinith, st th Princeton.,. N.;.
W\ivlliaum H. Allison, T-iancock. Co. Va'L    John M. Smith, st th Allegheny City, Pa.
Thomas Andrews, St 2/h Allegheny City.  Tom Stockdale, st lau Greene Co. Pa.
svidtl W. Ballantine,'St Law Temperance- Samuel B. Taggart, st tit Allegheny City.
yille, Pa.                          IRobert S. Townsend, Teaching.
RJames A. Beaver, St Law Bellefonte, Pa.  H. H. Travis, st I/ Allegheny City, Pa.
William J. linrchinal, St 7'h            Theophilus Weaver, Teaching, Bowa
Thomas C. Campbell, St Th Allegheny          burg, Pa.
City, Pa.                            A. G. Wilson, Teaching, Beaver, Pa.
David T. Campbell, st Th Princeton, N. J. Miles C. Wilson, st t/ Lafayette, Ala.
Milton Campbell, Teaching,, Springdfield  J. Charles Young, st law Pittsburgh, Pa.
X IGoads                             John Bishop Young, st lawz Chicago, Ill. 56
G. Wilson Chalfant, Moonongahela City.
John F. Craig, st law, Clarion, Pa.      Rev. Charles W. Baird, A HI Yonkers,N Y..r. M. Cunmmins, st vied Ligonier, Pa.   hny. A. A. W. Couse, A H1 Rockville, Ind.
John D. Elder, Teaching.                 W. Whitton Redick, Esq. A M Allegheny
Sam'l C. Ewing, Farming, Irwin's Sta. Pa.    City, Pa.
J. E. Garretson, Teaching.               Rev. Reese Hiappersett, D D PhiladelI hia.
James C. Gillam, st th Allegheny City, Pa. lion. Thomas I-I. Burrows, LL D Lancas.
J. O.. Gilmore, St Thi Princeton, N.J.       ter, Pa.




re stilt         af at rrosfeI s.
R1iEv. WILLIAiM JEF-FERY, D. D. Prcsident2,   erriottsville, Pa.
J. M'CvLt-Louiti, Esq. Secretary,      C'anonsblrg, Pa.
JOHN RE ED, Esq.                       Washington Co. Pa.
BENJ.AMIN W!LI,I1MS, Esq.             W5ashington Co. Pa.
RhEV. WM. M. M'ELWEE, D. D:            Frantkfort, Pa.
HON. JAMES GORDON,                     Monongahela City, Pa.
DALIIEL HOUSTON, Esq.                 5Vashington Co. Pa.
JoHN HAYS, Esq.                        WVashington Co.'Fa.
REV. GEORGE MARSHALL, D. DO.           Allegheny Co. Pa
WILLIAM PARK, Esq.                    5Washington Co. Pa.
RE+v. JOEN T. PRESSLY, D. D.           Allegheny City, Pa.
WILLIAM M'DANIEL, Esq.                 Canonsburg, Pa.
REV. JAMES SLOAN, D. D.               WVashington Co. Pa.
HION. WILLIAM MARKS,                   Allegheny Co. Pa.
THOM-mAS NICHOLsON, Esq.               Frankfort, Pa.
REV. A. T. M'GILL, D. D.               Princeton, N. J,
REV. WAILLIAM M. PAXTON,               Pittsburgh, Pa,
~WILLIAM S. CALOIIAN, Esq.             Canonsburg, Pa.
J. K. K.  (,OnRHEAD, Esq.              Pittsburgh, Pa.
JAMES P. STERIRETT, Esq.               Pittsburgh. Pa.
REV. JAM1ES ALEXANDEIR,                MF-artins' Ferry, 0.
JOHiN BLACK, ESQ. CANOeSBURG, PA, Treasurer.








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