Book Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1890 edition. Excerpt: ... mothers were fondly predicting for them lives of honorable usefulness or lofty fame. The honor of being the first-born sons of this youthful Alma Mater belongs to Messrs. John Whitefield Doak and James Witherspoon, who were graduated in 1796--the former the eldest son of the founder, and the latter said to be related to the celebrated Dr. John Witherspoon, of Princeton. In 1798, Dr. Doak, while in the East as a commissioner to the General Assembly, collected the nucleus of a library, which was transported on pack horses across the mountains, and in the same year the Avery lands were sold and the proceeds expended in globes, maps and other equipments. The library consisted largely of text books to be loaned to the students in the literary course, and works of theological lore for those who were students in divinity, for then such books could scarcely be bought in this region, and a goodly number of students received their entire preparation for the ministry under Dr. Doak. In 1806, the trustees judged that a new building was imperatively demanded, if the College was to maintain its character and retain its patronage. The country around had improved in all respects. The old building, which had been occupied for twenty years, was antiquated, rude and unsuitable to the changed times and circumstances. But the enterprise of a new building taxed the wisdom, energy and liberality of the officers and friends of the institution. The Rev. John W. Doak was appointed financial agent, and after two years, having made tours to the South and East, he reported $1956 collected by him. With what was left of this small amount after expenses were paid, and with about $200 collected in Washington county, the trustees commenced building a new frame college...