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History of Franklin and MarslJ,?'!,,?.?,',!,^*
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3 1924 030 634 459
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the Cornell University Library.
There are no known copyright restrictions in
the United States on the use of the text.
http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924030634459
HOTOJ-fiAVc'f^E G C.
MAIN ENTRANCE.
HISTORY
OP
FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL
COLLEGE
FRANKLIN COLLEGE, 1787-1853
MARSHALL COLLEGE, 1836-1853
FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE
1853-1903
JOSEPH HENRY DUBBS, D.D., LL.D.
Audenried Professor o/ History and Arckaology
in J^ttnklin and Marshall College
LANCASTER, PENNSYLVANIA
PUBLISHED BY THK
FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
1903
(J/
«>:
C
LTD
A-^'7(b^<s?
iMMTTTI
PUBLISHING COMMITTEE.
SAMirEL H. Eanck, Ohairman.
Key. Adam S. Wbbee, D.D.
Rev. Chasles W. Levan.
Pbesident John S. Stahr, En-Officio.
COFYKIGHT, 190S,
BT THE
Fbakei^in ahd Makshall Collkse
Alumhi Associatioh.
PRESS OF
Tre New era printing Compahy,
Lancaster, Pa.
V 'I I J- v. .-■ v/ 1 1/: 1 1
PKELIMINARY.
In response to a request of the Alumni Association of
Franklin and Marshall College the author has prepared
the following pages. It seems strange that this work was
not done many years ago, when the necessary material
might have been more easily collected. Now that the
historic renaissance has come upon us it is frequently in-
timated by the friends of the institution that the time
for such a publication has fully come and that there must
be no further delay.
The preparation of this volume was directly suggested
by the approaching Semi-centennial Celebration of the
union of two colleges and of the consequent organization
of Franklin and Marshall College, at Lancaster, Penn-
sylvania. For telling the story of the development of
the educational movement which these institutions have
represented this festival was regarded as a peculiarly
auspicious occasion, and it was speedily determined that
some one must write a book. Knowing that the task was
accompanied by peculiar difficulties the present writer
would have been well pleased if it had been assigned to
another; but he was at last persuaded that he could not
honorably decline an invitation which had been most
courteously extended.
In the earliest instructions of the Committee of Publi-
cation the author was reminded that he was expected to
limit his studies to the history of the College, introducing
that of the Theological Seminary at certain periods only^
IV PKBLIMINAEY.
when the two institutions were so closely connected that
it might be difficult to gain a proper idea of the develop-
ment of one without becoming familiar with conditions
that prevailed in the other. To follow these instructions
was sometimes difficult, and the author must crave in-
dulgence for occasionally trespassing on a field that has
been reserved for another. It should, however, be under-
stood that he has not attempted to write the history of
the Theological Seminary, except during certain periods
and in an external and formal way, and that a careful
and critical study of the life and doctrine of that insti-
tution remains a desideratum.
The composition of this volume has demanded more
research than was at first anticipated. Portions of the
early history of Franklin College are very obscure and
consequently require renewed study of original sources.
It has, for instance, been generally supposed that the cele-
brated astronomer, Daniel Kirkwood, was in his youth
an instructor in the Lancaster County Academy; but it
now seems plain that he was not connected with that
institution, but must be regarded as one of the earliest
principals of the Lancaster City High School.
Marshall College is, of course, better known, but of the
men who were partakers of its peculiar life there are very
few survivors. Hitherto it has been usual to contemplate
this period from a purely theological standpoint, in close
connection with the development of " Mercersburg Theol-
ogy"; but the author has ventured to tell the story as he
heard it from the lips of older men, and to introduce
incidents and anecdotes which belong peculiarly to Mar-
shall College and inay perhaps be appreciated by a younger
generation of students.
PRELIMINARY. V
In writing the history of Franklin and Marshall Col-
lege during the past half century the chief difficulty has
been that of selection. Material is abundant, but in some
instances there may be an honest difference of opinion
with regard to the sequence of events. To have told the
story in all its breadth and fulness would have extended
the work beyond its proper limits, and omissions were
therefore unavoidable. That we have been unable to
give a full account of the special work of many faithful
laborers is greatly to be regretted; but we may perhaps
be permitted to call attention to the fact that additional
information is given in the " Catalogue of Officers and
Students" which is issued in connection with the present
festival.
The author is under many obligations to the members
of the Committee of Publication for aid in the prosecu-
tion of this work. They have superintended the publica-
tion, selected the illustrations, assisted in reading proof
and furnished many valuable suggestions, besides attend-
ing to other details which are ordinarily burdensome to
the author. Other friends have kindly responded to
requests for aid and information. To Mr. D. MclN".
Stauffer, of New York, we are greatly indebted for re-
producing the portrait of Dr. Frederick A. Rauch from
a posthumous sketch and for drawing the seals of the
institutions. The Pennsylvania-German Society also has
our thanks for the use of several interesting illustrations.
Though we have throughout the volume given credit to
our coadjutors, it affords us pleasure to repeat that we
are under special obligations to the E,ev. Professor Wil-
liam J. Hinke, the Kev. Dr. James I. Good, Dr. J. A.
VI PEELIMINAEY.
Melsheimer, Dr. W. M. Green, Messrs. George Steinman,
Daniel H. Heitsliu, L. Nevin Wilson and many others.
The preparation of this volume has given pleasure to
the author, though it demanded earnest and unremitting
labor. He is aware of its imperfections, and can only
say that under somewhat unfavorable conditions he has
tried to do his best.
CONTENTS.
FEANKLIN COLLEGE.
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTORY.
Early Conditions — Schlatter and Muhlenberg — Charity
Schools — J. Daniel Gros — Ktinze and Helmuth — German
Department of the University of Pennsylvania 3-14
CHAPTER II.
THE FOUNDERS OF THE COLLEGE.
Four Eminent Ministers — Petition to the Legislature —
General Plan of the College — Benjamin Franklin — Sub-
scription List 15-23
CHAPTER III.
THE CHARTER.
Incorporation — The Trustees — Charity School — ^The Brew
House — The Store House — Letter from General Knox 24-32
CHAPTER IV.
THE FORMAL OPENING (JUNE 6, 1787).
Preparations — Correspondence — Procession and Program
— Election of Professors — Addresses by Drs. Muhlenberg
and Hutchins 33-53
CHAPTER V.
A DEBATED QUESTION.
Crevecoeur's Statement — Franklin at the Constitutional
Convention — The AbbS Morellet — Franklin's Letter to his
Sister — His Presence at the Opening of the College 54-60
VlU CONTENTS.
CHAPTER VI.
FACULTY AND STUDENTS.
The Professors — ^Hendel's Letters to Dr. Rush — ^List of
Students — Annual Festivals 61-79
CHAPTEE VII.
EARLY TROUBLES.
Local Opposition — ^"Hans Ehrlieh" — ^Appeal for Aid —
Dr. Rush's Letter — ^Melsheimer's Report — ^The Fathers in
Holland — German Department 80-89
CHAPTEE VIII.
A PERIOD OP DEPRESSION.
Imperfect Minutes — College Lands — " The Squatters " —
Dr. Muhlenberg's Diary — ^Dr. James Ross — Poole's Franklin
Academy — ^Professor Schipper's Dictionary — Dr. Brownlee
— Professor Norr — Presidents of the Board — Proposed
Theological Seminary 90-114
CHAPTER IX.
THE LANCASTER COUNTY ACADEMY, 1827-1839.
County Academies — State Appropriation — ^A New Build-
ing — Successive Principals — Lancasterian Schools — Sale of
the " Store House "—The Academy Closed 115-126
CHAPTEE X.
THE REVIVAL.
An Onward Movement — ^The Building Enlarged — Pro-
fessors F. A. Muhlenberg and James Regan — Rev. Dr.
Samuel Bowman, Acting President — Professor Jacob Chap-
man — ^A Professor of Law 127-135
CHAPTEE XI.
THE UNION MOVEMENT.
Proposed Enlargement — Plans for Union — Agreement
with Marshall College — ^Dr. J. C. Bucher's Success — Pur-
chase of the Lutheran Interest — Confirmation of the Union 136-147
CONTENTS. IX
MAESHALL COLLEGE.
CHAPTER XII.
THE HIGH SCHOOL.
The Charter — ^Theological Seminary — Classical Institu-
tion at York — ^The Principal of the School — ^Literary So-
cieties 151-163
CHAPTER XIII.
THE REMOVAL.
Choice of Location — The Reverend Jacob Mayer — Mer-
cersburg — ^The Old Academy — First Board of Trustees — A
Small Faculty 164-170
CHAPTER XIV.
THE FIRST PRESIDENCY.
The Organization — President Frederick Augustus Ranch
— Biography and Personal Characteristics — Psychology —
The Seminary Building — The Law School — Early Pro-
fessors — Arrival of Dr. J. W. Nevin — ^Death of Dr. Rauch . . 171-188
CHAPTER XV.
THE SECOND PRESIDENCY.
President John Williamson Nevin — Professor William M.
Nevin — Dr. Traill Green — Professors Porter, Baird and
Appel — Dr. Philip Schaff — A Brilliant Reception — Literary
Labors — Peculiar People — Recreations 189-212
CHAPTER XVI.
THE BUILDING OF THE HALLS.
Plan and Purposes-Rivalry of the Literary Societies —
Enthusiasm of the Students — Cabinets and Museums —
" Electioneering " — German Literary Societies — ^Deserted
Halls 213-222
X CONTENTS.
CHAPTEE XVII.
TOWN AND GOWN.
Early Conflicts— The Abolition Rio1^-"The Big Fight"
—Mild Discipline 223-228
CHAPTEE XVIII.
LITERARY AMENITIES.
Peculiar Laws — Early Poets — " Youth's Phantasies " —
" SlubberdfiguUious " 229-236
CHAPTEE XIX.
APPROACHING CHANGES.
Gradual Increase — Preparatory Department — Tutors —
Financial Trouble — Scholarships — Statement of Funds and
Property — Invitation from Lancaster — The Removal 237-247
FEANKLIN AJSTD MARSHALL COLLEGE.
CHAPTEE XX.
NEW FOUNDATIONS.
Lancaster Fifty Years Ago — James Buchanan — ^Promi-
nent Citizens — College Faculty — Formal Opening of the
College — First Alimmi Dinner — College Life — Presidential
Campaign — Early Difficulties 251-262
CHAPTEE XXI.
ELECTING A PRESIDENT.
Dr. John W. Nevin's Election — Letter of Declination —
Call to Dr. Philip Schafif— His Reply— Dr. Schafif's Visit
to Germany — Election of Dr. E. V. Gerhart — Acceptance.. 263-273
CHAPTEE XXII.
GROUNDS AND BUILDINGS.
Grounds and Buildings — Preparatory Departments —
Choosing a Site — Plan of College Building — ^Haden Patrick
Smith — ^Laying of Corner-stone and Dedication — Society
Halls — ^Additional Buildings 274-281
CONTENTS. xi
CHAPTEE XXIII.
PROFESSOR KOEPPEN.
Scholar and Historian — Early Life — Professor in Greece
— ^Removal to America — ^An Impressive Lecturer — ^Personal
Eccentricities — ^Literary Work — Leaves Lancaster — Returns
to Greece— Tutor to the Crown Prince— Last Days 282-293
CHAPTEE XXIV.
KALEVALA AND HIAWATHA.
An Eminent Professor — Clergyman, Botanist and Liter-
ary Critic — ^An American Epic — Interesting Lectures —
Translations — Later Years 294-301
CHAPTEE XXV.
HARD TIMES.
Political Excitement — The Civil War — Buildings Occu-
pied as Hospitals — ^Mr. Buchanan's Retirement from the
Presidency of the Board — Election of Mr. Cessna — Tem-
porary Scholarships — Tercentenary Year — The Fisherman —
Changes in the Faculty 302-314
CHAPTEE XXVI.
LABOR AND HOPE.
Dr. Nevin's Second Presidency— Controversies — New In-
stitutions — Removal of the Theological Seminary to Lan-
caster — Enlargement of the Faculty — Harbaugh Hall — The
Audenried Bequest — ^Dr. Nevin's Educational Theory — ^Re-
tirement — The End of a Well-spent Life 315-333
CHAPTER XXVII.
GRADUAL PROGRESS.
President Thomas G. Apple — The Wilhelm Estate —
Charles Santee — The Centennial — Dr. Apple's Retirement . . 334-348
CHAPTEE XXVIII.
RECENT HISTORY.
President John S. Stahr — ^Death of Hon. John Cessna —
Election of Dr. Geo. F. Baer — Free Tuition — Biennial Tests
— ^Athletics — ^Military Science — New Theological Seminary
— Present College Faculty — Death of Dr. W. M. Nevin —
Watts-dePeyster Library — Science Building — Academy.... 349-370
xu CONTENTS.
CHAPTEE XXIX.
SOCIAL CONDITIONS.
The Church — College Y. M. C. A. — ^Literary Societies —
Fraternities — Clubs — Publications — Entertainments — Stu-
dent Life 371-378
CHAPTEE XXX.
CONCLUSION.
A Common Purpose — A Peculiar Life — ^An Unfaltering
Trust 379-381
BIBLIOGRAPHY 382-394
INDEX 395-402
PLATES
Fkontispiecb.
Benjamin Feankmn facing page 1
I^ANKLiN College Tbustees " " 32
g. h. e. muhlenbekg " " 48
John Mabshatt, " " 160
Fredekiok a. Rauch " " 169
John W. Nevin " " 192
Marshall College Peofessobs " " 198
Mekcersbueg in 1846 " " 223
James Buchanan " " 248
Emanuel V. Geehabt " " 274
John Cessna " " 305
Former Professors " " 328
Thomas G. Apple " " 336
John S. Stahb " " 349
George F. Baer " " 352
Professors and Instructors " " 360
Group op Buildings " " 368
ILLUSTEATIONS.
Seal of Coetus 6
Seal of Franklin College 25
The Brew House 30
Order of Procession at the Dedication of Franklin College, in
German and English 41
Franklin Arms 59
Old Franklin College (The Store House) 61
Latin Ode 102
Title-pages of Dictionary 108
Seal of Lancaster County Academy 115
Franklin College (The Academy) 128
Theological Seminary in York 155
High School in York 158
Samuel Reed Fisher 159
Seal of Marshall College 171
Theological Seminary in Mercersburg 178
xiii
XIV AUTOGRAPHS.
Society Hall 213
Old Houses in Lancaster 252
Seal of Franklin and Marshall College 273
AUTOGEAPHS.
Michael Schlatter 4
Benjamin Franklin 20
W. Hendel 69
W. Reichenbaeh 74
Henry Muhlenberg, V.D.M.. 87
B. I. Schipper 107
Lewis Mayer 153
F. A. Rauch 173
J. F. Berg 180
J. W. Nevin 191
Wm. M. Nevln 194
Philip SchaflE 199
A. L. Koeppen 282
Thomas C. Porter 294
Henry Harbaugh 322
J. Watts de Peyster 363
FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTORY.
Eablt Conditions — Schlatter and Muhlenbebg — Chabity
Schools — J. Daniel Gbos — Kunze and Helmuth —
German Department op the University of
Pennsylvania.
The year 1V8V, in which Franklin College was founded,
18 memorable in American history. The weak Confedera-
tion of States had served its purpose, and eminent states-
men were engaged in framing a national constitution.
Many of the heroes of the Revolution were still living, and
these joined with a younger generation in the earnest hope
that the time for the establishment of an American nation
had come at last. It seemed to be an auspicious year for
the revival of purposes which on account of the disturbed
condition of the country had long been deferred.
Among the plans which had been entertained at an
earlier period was one for the founding of an institution
of advanced grade in the special interest of the German
people of Pennsylvania. That such an institution was
desirable had always been freely acknowledged. The early
German settlers had been as well educated as those of other
nationalities; but their children lacked the advantages
which their parents had enjoyed in the fatherland and were
growing up destitute of culture. Congregational schools
had been established by the founders of the principal Re-
formed and Lutheran churches, but the instruction im-
parted in them was lamentably insufficient.
The pastors were agreed in regarding the establishment
of schools as a question of paramount importance. Michael
3
4 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
Schlatter — ^the founder of the Reformed synod — said in
his "Appeal," in 1751 : "If there are no schools, provided
with qualified schoolmasters, of whom there are here al-
most none, or very few, will not the children who are not
instructed in reading and writing, in two or three genera-
tions become like the pagan aborigines, so that neither
book nor writing will be found among them? Yea, if
the children are not instructed in the principles of divine
worship, according to their capacity, will not their external
devotional exercises, if any shall yet remain among them,
degenerate into superstition, and will they not in time,
corrupted into an entire neglect of God's service, in this
respect also become like the blind heathen among whom
they dwell?"!
Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, "the patriarch of the
Lutheran church," wrote in 1Y53: "In our country dis-
tricts schools and teaching are still miserable, because
capable and worthy teachers are scarce, and salaries are
utterly inadequate; the members of the churches live far
apart, and most of them are poor; in winter the roads are
too bad, and in summer the children are put to work."^
Michael Schlatter twice visited Europe, in 1751 and
1754, in behalf of the religious and educational interests
of the Germans of Pennsylvania. His appeals were not
•Harbaugh's Life of Schlatter, p. 218.
* Hallesche Nachrichten, new edition, II., p. 431.
THE CHARITY SCHOOLS. 5
without effect, and besides the large contributions se-
cured in Holland for the Reformed churches of Pennsyl-
vania, a fund was gathered by the Rev. David Thomson
in England and Scotland for the establishment of schools
among the Germans in America. Unfortunately, in col-
lecting this sum the Germans were greatly misrepresented.
No notice was taken of the fact that they had founded
many parochial schools, and that they had been peculiarly
active in literary publication; but on the contrary it was
declared that they were fast becoming "like unto wood-
born savages" ; and Archbishop Hering even intimated
that unless they were speedily anglicized, the Germans
might make common cause with the French and drive the
English out of America. Naturally the Germans were
displeased when they heard of these things, and the
Charity Schools were unpopular from the beginning.
Schlatter was chosen Superintendent of Schools and
labored with all his might for their success. He was recog-
nized and supported by the government,* and the Re-
formed and Lutheran ministers aided him in every pos-
sible way. He succeeded in establishing about a dozen
schools,^ but popular prejudice against the British charity
became so violent that in 1757 he was compelled to resign
his office. We believe, however, that in several instances
the schools continued to live on, even after the British
stipend had ceased, and became important educational
centers.
iffallesche Nachrichten, II., p. 192, new edition.
2 The schools which from various sources we have been able to
identify were situated at the following places: Lancaster, York,
Eeading, Trappe, Upper Dublin, Northampton (Bucks County),
Falkner Swamp, Skippack, Goshenhoppen, Vincent (Chester County),
Tulpehocken and Easton.
FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
It was evident from the beginning that the establishment
of public schools could not fully meet the educational re-
quirements of the community. Nearly all the ministers
of the Reformed and Lutheran churches had been edu-
cated in Europe ; but it could hardly be expected that the
church in Europe would continue to send ministers after
the pioneers had passed away. What was to become of the
churches without educated ministers? The question was
constantly in the minds of the pastors and was frequently
uttered at the meetings of the synods. In their correspond-
SEAl OF THE CCETtTS.
ence with the fatherland the Keformed ministers fre-
quently appealed for aid in establishing a gymnasium, but
there was no favorable response. "The fathers" in Hol-
land were liberal in everything that directly concerned
the churches, but absolutely declined to engage in the
work of higher education in America. They held that if
any American desired to enter the ministry he ought first
to visit Europe to be educated and ordained. As this was
practically out of the question there were few Pennsylva-
nia-German boys who received a liberal education.
APPEAL TO HOLLAND. 7
As early as 1767 the Kev. John Leydt appeared before
the Grerman Ccetus as a delegate from "the Coetus of New
Jersey and JSTew York" to solicit aid for a high-school to
be established in New Jersey. In its action on the sub-
ject the German Coetus says: "We will assist in estab-
lishing the high-school, having appreciated its necessity.
It would be much better to prepare ministers in this coun-
try than to put the fathers to the expense of paying their
passage from Germany."
In 1784 the Rev. Dr. J. Daniel Gros, pastor of the Ger-
man Reformed church of the city of New York, became a
professor in Columbia College, and while he occupied this
position trained several young men for the Reformed
ministry. Among these were Philip Milledoler and Wil-
liam Hendel, Jr., who became eminent in their chosen
profession.
In their letter to Holland, in 1785, the Reformed min-
isters once more appealed for aid in the establishment of
a high-school. They reminded the fathers that they had
spent much money in sending ministers to America and
had often been disappointed. "The Presbyterians," they
say, "have established their second high-school at Carlisle.
They desire our aid and offer to appoint several Reformed
professors ; but we fear that these professors would be ac-
cepted merely pro forma, and that it would finally lead to
the rejection of the German language and the injury of the
German people. Let the fathers apply their gifts to the
establishment of such an institution."
In 1T86 there is a similar appeal, and the ministers de-
clare that they will "gladly renounce the annual contribu-
tions" which they receive from Holland, if the amount
can be applied to a high-school. They insist that under
8 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
present conditions "no minister can save enough to educate
his children," The appeal, however, was in vain, and
"the fathers" in Holland remained inflexible.
In the Lutheran church the early history of the move-
ment for higher education closely resembled the one which
we have attempted to describe. With regard to the im-
portance of establishing a literary institution there was no
difference of opinion, but means were lacking for such an
enterprise. The churches were poor, and the pastors did
not venture to give up their only means of support to en-
gage in a doubtful undertaking. Several pastors per-
sonally conducted private schools, but it was not until Pro-
fessor J. 0. Kimze founded the German Department of
the University of Pennsylvania that anything important
was accomplished in the cause of higher education. As
Dr. Kunze himself relates the story,^ it was in 1779 that
the College in Philadelphia was incorporated as a Univer-
sity. According to the charter the oldest pastor of each
religious denomination in Philadelphia became a member
of the Board of Trustees. According to this arrangement
Drs. Kunze and Weiberg respectively represented the
Lutheran and Eeformed churches of Philadelphia. At
one of the earliest meetings of the Board Dr. Kunze pro-
posed that something should be done for the German
population of the State. "I represented," he says, "that
there are entire counties which are occupied entirely by
Germans whose children cannot speak a single word of
English." It was finally determined to appoint a German
Professor of Philology who was to prepare German stu-
dents for the university, and also to teach Greek, Latin
•Letter to Dr. Freylinghausen, June 15, 1780. See Ballesche
Nachrichten, II., p. 738.
THE GERMAN DEPARTMENT. 9
and Hebrew to advanced classes. Dr. Kunze was elected
to this position, and began to give instruction early in
1780. He was assisted by a Tutor, the Eev. Henry
Moller, afterward of Albany. By a private arrangement
Dr. Kunze divided his work in the university with his col-
league in the pastorate, J. H. C. Hebnuth, to whom on
the removal of the former to New York the professorship
was transferred.
The German Department, as we should now describe it,
was a section of the preparatory school. Most of the in-
struction was imparted in Grerman, but the students were
required to devote two hours daily to the study of English.
After they were admitted to college they were expected to
recite in English. The Grerman instructors were also pro-
fessors in the college, but Dr. Kxmze complained that the
students did not take readily to the study of Greek and
Hebrew.
The German Department was opened in the spring of
1780 with thirty-two pupils. In June, 1783, Dr. Hel-
muth writes:^ "Our Academy is becoming more popular.
We have now almost forty scholars. Several of these come
from the country. In consequence of numerous duties in
our large congregation our labor is often very exhausting,
but we are cheered by the hope that it will not be altogether
in vain. Among the earliest scholars — some of whom are
of American birth — ^there are several who are very promis-
ing."
In another letter, dated April 14, 1785, the same writer
says: "Our Academy is very prosperous. I have now
about sixty scholars. . . . The Trustees are so well pleased
with the school that they have transferred the English
» Hallesche Nachrichten, new ed., II., p. 742.
10 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
school to my apartment and mine to that of the English
school, the largest and most convenient in the whole build-
ing, because my school is more than twice as large as the
other. The Trustees have further granted me three Tutors,
and help me in every way. Among the teachers there is
fraternal unity and cooperation.^ On the 20th of Sep-
tember, 1786, the German Department held a kind of
Commencement which is thus described by Dr. Helmuth :
"To-day our Actm Oratorius, the first in America among
us Germans, was celebrated in an imposing manner. The
members of the Legislature, the Supreme Executive Council
and Censors of the State, the Magistrates, the Trustees of
the University, the entire Faculty and the German Society,
together with many other gentlemen and ladies, honored us
with their presence. The German Society had made arrange-
ments for the music, which was performed during the inter-
vals. I began with a prayer in the English language, after
which one of my pupils very politely returned thanks to the
Trustees for their favor towards the Germans in establishing
a German professorship. One of the students gave an account
in the German language of the establishment of the school.
Two scholars entertained the audience with the discovery of
a planet, the journey to and residence upon it, also in the
German language. This contained a hidden moral. An-
other described, in German verse, the Day of Judgment; after
him another, also in German verse, spoke of the greatness of
God. Next four scholars came forward and conversed in Ger-
man about ghosts and witchcraft, and the recent discovery of
so-called Animal Magnetism was described by one of them.
Three others engaged in a dialogue on Keligious Toleration.
Three scholars represented farmers' children, of whom one
who had been at school for two years gave instruction to the
others upon subjects with which they had no acquaintance.
'■Eallesche Nachrichten, new ed., II., p. 784.
CAUSES OF DECLINE. 11
This was intended to encourage our wealthy fanners to give
their children a better education. Afterwards, as a member
of the German Society, I delivered an address and our Pro-
vost closed with an English prayer."
Another "Commencement" exercise was held in 1787,
but soon afterwards the German Department was discon-
tinued.^ That it had proved a failure we are not prepared
to admit. The school had been as prosperous as could
reasonably have been expected, and it was not until it had
been determined to establish another school in the interest
of the Germans that it began to decline.
According to Dr. M. D. Learned the causes of this decline
were two-fold: "First of all, the constant and systematic
efforts of the English to anglicize the Germans. This led to
a corresponding fear on the part of the Germans that they
would lose their German characteristics. Secondly, the
influence of the English in the University and the second-
ary position to which the Germans were reduced." Addi-
tional causes might perhaps be suggested, not the least of
which was the fact that the school had hitherto been mainly
local, and that it had not been possible to interest the Ger-
man people of the country districts in its development. It
was therefore but natural for its friends to conceive the
idea that if a similar institution were founded with a
more favorable environment it would be more likely to
meet the requirements of its German patrons. That this
view was also taken by the English members of the Board
of Trustees is evident from the interest which they mani-
fested in the plan as soon as they comprehended it. They
may have been tired of the German " annex," but their
> Dr. Learned's address at the opening of the Bechstein Germanic
Library, March 21, 1896.
12 FEANKLIN COLLEGE.
Kberality in behalf of an institution which might have
been dreaded as a possible rival is not to be doubted.
There may have been a certain alienation on the part of
the Germans, but it was by no means personal. It has in-
deed been suggested that the separation was the result of a
quarrel,^ but we cannot discover even a trace of mis-
understanding. In an address to the Germans of Penn-
sylvania — apparently written in 178Y by Dr. Weiberg, but
signed also by Dr. Helmuth — ^we read:
"There is already a High School in Philadelphia. Give it
your support and your children and children's children will
call you blessed. Another High School is to be founded in
Lancaster in the special interest of the Germans. 0, that the
German inhabitants of that fertile region appreciated the
blessings which such an institution might convey to their
descendants ! May they embrace the opportunity now afforded
them, and grant their aid so that the proposed school may as
soon as possible be crowned with prosperity ! ' '
The Germans of Pennsylvania were certainly not pre-
pared to perform the proposed work without the aid of the
English community. If they had been a united people the
case might have been different ; but apart from the fact that
they consisted of various religious denominations which
had never been trained to concerted action, there were
■See Braun's Mittheilungen aus Amerika, where the author says
that the whole movement was the result of envy and hatred {Neid
und Misgtmst) against Dr. Helmuth. This is certainly a mistake,
caused by confounding two entirely different matters. Dr. Helmuth
and his associate Dr. Schmidt were violently opposed by members
of their congregation because they were not favorable to the use of
the English language in any of the services of the church; but this
opposition did not actually begin until 1804 and had nothing to do
with the university. Dr. Helmuth remained Professor of German
and Oriental Languages in the University of Pennsylvania until 1810.
A COLLEGE PROPOSED. 13
many among them who were indifferent if not positively
hostile to the cause of higher education. It was, there-
fore, fortunate that the most eminent ministers of the
Lutheran and Eeformed churches were on intimate terms
with men of distinction throughout the State and had no
difficulty in securing their cooperation.^
In a certain sense, of course, the German Department
of the University of Pennsylvania had failed to meet the
purposes of its promoters. It had become evident that a
bilingual institution could not be permanently established
iThe following interesting letter from Dr. Hendel to Dr. Benjamin
Rush is preserved in the Ridgway branch of the Philadelphia Library
Company.
" Sir,
«
" It gave me great Pleasure to hear that a College was to be
erected for the Benefit of the forlorn Germans; that Dr. Rush was
amongst those who first moved for and encouraged so laudable an
institution, greatly increased the Regard I had for you as a true
Lover of Mankind and zealous promoter of useful and religious
Knowledge.
" Your favor of the 13th inat. informed me of one of the funda-
mental articles that is reasonable and liberal, viz., that the Power
and Ofiices shall be held equally and alternately by the Reformed
(why our English Brethren call us Calvinists is unknown to me, I
hope the expression will not be used in the charter) and by the
Lutherans. Since our excellent Constitution hath put all Denom-
inations of Christians on the same footing, I must beg leave to ob-
serve that it is equally liberal in both parties to join in this useful
institution.
"I can, therefore, as to the other points which you are pleased
to propose, only say this, that I expect they will be determined after
the same reasonable and liberal principles.
"That God, the giver of all good and perfect ^fts, may grant
to this institution a flourishing success and make it subservient to
the spread of His Knowledge and the glory of His Name, is the
fervent wish of
"Sir,
"Your sincere Friend and obedient Servant,
" Wm. Hendel.
"Lancaster, Jan. 26, 1787."
14: PEANKLIN COLLEGE.
in Philadelphia. As Mr. J. G. Kosengarten has very
courteously said:* "The experiment was not successful,
but it led to the establishment of what is to-day Franklin
and Marshall College, of Lancaster, which was to do for
our Pennsylvania Germans what the College of Philadel-
phia and the University of Pennsylvania had not been able
to do."
1 Address at the opening of the Bechstein Library.
CHAPTEE II.
THE FOUNDERS OF THE COLLEGE.
FoTJB Eminent Ministers — Petition to the Legislatube — Gen-
EBAi Plan of the College — Benjamin Fbanklin —
SuBSCBiPTioN List.
The founding of Franklin College cannot be ascribed to
any single individual. It sprang, of course, in the first
instance, from the united efforts of the ministers of the
Reformed and Lutheran churches, and its establishment
had been frequently discussed at synodical meetings as an
object for which all should strive. There were, however,
four eminent ministers — two Lutherans and two Reformed
— ^who seem to have been the first to take active measures
in the inauguration of the new educational movement, and
who are accordingly deserving of especial honor. These
men were the Rev. Drs. Helmuth,^ Weiberg,^ HendeP
^Justus Heinrich Christian Helmuth was bom May 16, 1745, in
Brunswick, Germany; died in Philadelphia, February 5, 1825. He
studied at Halle and was sent to America in 1769 as a missionary
to the Germans. From 1769 to 1779 he was pastor of Trinity
Lutheran church of Lancaster, and was then chosen to the pastorate
of Zion's and St. Michael's churches of Philadelphia, which he faith-
fully served until 1820. He was the author of several volumes in
prose and verse and edited the Evangelical Magazine. Among his
publications his Brief Account of the Yellow Fever (1793) is prob-
ably now best known.
^Caspar Dietrich Weiberg (or Weyberg) was a native of Westofen
in the county of Marck, Germany. He was educated at Duisburg
and came to America as an ordained minister in 1762. He was
pastor of the Reformed Church of Easton in 1763, and of the Race
Street Reformed Church, Philadelphia, from 1763 to 1790. During
the Revolution he was imprisoned by the British for his devotion
to the American cause. He died August 21, 1790.
' Johann Wilhelm Bendel was born at Durkheim in the Palatinate
and was educated at Heidelberg. In 1764 he was sent to America
15
16 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
and H. E. Muhlenberg.* They were men of great ability
and influence and were also intimate personal friends.
Helmuth — who outlived the others — recorded his affection
for Weiberg in a beautiful poem, and at the funeral of
Hendel he preached a sermon on the text : "I am distressed
for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou
been unto me."
That Helmuth was popularly regarded as the leader of
the movement for the establishment of a German College
is sufficiently plain, but he was ably seconded by Dr. Wei-
berg. The charter of the University of Pennsylvania did
not allow a professor to be a member of the Board of Trus-
tees, and Dr. Helmuth was compelled to resign his seat^
when he entered the Faculty. It therefore became the
province of Dr. Weiberg to represent the Germans at the
meetings of the Board, and in this respect he accomplished
a very important work. He was a man of high culture and
agreeable manners, and it was greatly due to his efforts
that so many eminent men became interested in the cause
which he so earnestly advocated. Hendel and Muhlenberg
were pastors of the Reformed and Lutheran churches of
by the synods of Holland and was successively pastor of the following
charges: Reformed Church of Lancaster, 1765-'69; Tulpehocken,
1769-82; Lancaster, the second time, 1782-94; Philadelphia,
1794-'98. He died of yellow fever, September 29, 1798.
1 Ootthilf Heinrich Ernst Muhlenberg, youngest son of the Rev.
Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, " the patriarch of the Lutheran Church
in America," was born at New Providence, Montgomery County, Pa.,
November 17, 1753; died at Lancaster, Pa., May 23, 1815. He
studied at Halle, became assistant pastor of the Lutheran Church
of Philadelphia in 1774 and was pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church,
Lancaster, from 1780 until his death. He was a celebrated botanist
and an active member of the American Philosophical Society and
other learned bodies. Appleton's Cyclopaedia of American Bic^-
raphy says: "His works are regarded as standards by scientists."
2 Hallesche Naehrichten, new ed., IL, p. 739.
CLASSICAL SCHOOL. 17
Lancaster. They were men of influence and on their
earnest cooperation the Philadelphia pastors greatly de-
pended. In Lancaster there had been a classical school,
and the people may have been to some degree prepared for
an institution of more advanced grade. Concerning the
classical school I. D. Rupp says :^
"About the year 1780, Jasper Yeates, Esq., Casper Shaffner,
Esq., Col. George Eoss, Charles Hall, Esq., and other gentle-
men of the place, finding that the existing schools under the
charge of the Lutheran and German Eeformed congregations,
as also the one established a number of years previous by the
Moravians, and conducted upon the same plan, were inade-
quate to the growing wants of the people, and incapable of
teaching the higher branches, engaged the services of a teacher
of recommended abilities, to conduct a select academy for the
education of their male children. The Academy continued in
existence for several years as the High School of the place,
until, owing to the violent temper of the teacher and the many
indignities which he ofiEered to the pupils under his charge,
it was finally suspended. This school suggested the idea of
establishing another, but upon a surer basis, under the con-
trol of Trustees by an act of incorporation, and ultimately
begot the application to the Legislature for the incorporation
of Franklin College."
The last sentence of the above quotation contains a
manifest error, but it is otherwise interesting as showing
how the way was prepared for the founding of a college
in Lancaster. That the application to the Legislature did
not originate in Lancaster is evident from the following
petition which was signed exclusively by Philadelphians.
It was presented to the Legislature by Col. Hubley as
early as December 11, 1Y86 :
• History of Lancaster County, by L Daniel Rupp, 1844, p. 446.
18 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
"To the Honourable the Representatives of the Freemen of
Pennsylvania in General Assembly met, —
"The petition of the Trustees of the German College and
Charity School to be established in Lancaster,
"Respectfully sheweth,
"That your petitioners have been led to undertake the
charge of this institution from a conviction of the necessity of
diffusing knowledge through every part of the State, in order
to preserve our present republican system of government, as
well as to promote those improvements in the arts and sciences
which alone render nations respectable, great and happy.
"That notwithstanding the prospects of your petitioners
of obtaining funds to carry their designs into effect are con-
siderable from private contributions, yet they a:;e induced to
apply to your honorable House for a donation of a proportion
of the lands that were appropriated by a former assembly
for the support of public schools, in order that they may lay
a more solid foundation for their extensive and charitable
views in establishing this seminary.
"Your petitioners pray likewise for a charter of incorpora-
tion, conferring such powers and privileges as are usually
given to colleges, and which have been found so useful and
necessary in promoting industry, emulation and laudable
ambition in literary pursuits.
"Your petitioners have taken the liberty to accompany
their petition with a list of the trustees who have been nomi-
nated and the proposed general plan of the institution.
"Thomas McKean, "Benjamin Eush,
"J. H. Christian Helmuth, "Philip Wagee,
"Caspaeus Weibeeq, "William Bingham,
"Petee Muhlenberg, "William Eawle,
"Lewis Paemee, "William Sheaff."
The above petition was accompanied by the following:
OUTLINE OF THE WORK. 19
General Plakt of the College.
"A number of gentlemen of this commonwealth having
taken into consideration the necessity and advantage of dif-
fusing literature among their German fellow-citizens, have
come to a determination to establish a German college and
Charity School in the borough of Lancaster. They have
been led to make choice of this place from its central and
healthy situation, the character of its inhabitants, the con-
veniences with which students of every description may be
accommodated with board and lodgings, and the probability
that the necessary buildings may be immediately procured,
and at a moderate expense.
"The design of this institution is to promote an accurate
knowledge of the German and English languages, also of the
learned languages, of mathematics, morals, and natural
philosophy, divinity, and all such other branches of literature
as will tend to make good men and useful citizens.
"It is proposed that this institution shall be put under the
direction of forty trustees, fourteen of whom shall be chosen
from the Lutheran and fourteen from the Eeformed, or Cal-
vinist. Churches. The remaining trustees to be chosen indis-
criminately from any other society of Christians. And in
order to secure the seminary at all times from any departure
from its original principles, it is laid down as a fundamental
article that the principal of the college shall be chosen from
the Lutheran and Eeformed (or Calvinist) churches alter-
nately, unless such of the trustees as belong to these two socie-
ties shall unanimously agree to choose two or more persons in
succession of the same denomination, or some suitable per-
son or persons of any other Society of Christians. From a
profound respect for the character of His Excellency the
President of the State, the institution shall be called Franklin
College."
Benjamin Franklin was the most distinguished citizen
20 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
of Pennsylvania, and was certainly highly deserving of the
honor which it was proposed to confer upon him. He had
been instrumental in the establishment of many educa-
tional and philanthropic institutions. Among these may
be mentioned the Philadelphia Library Company, the
Pennsylvania Hospital, the American Philosophical So-
ciety and the University of Pennsylvania. Franklin had,
indeed, come to be regarded as the natural patron of every
important literary or benevolent enterprise, and the insti-
tution was deemed fortunate which secured his cooperation
and thus became to some extent a partaker of his brilliant
reputation. That he took a profound interest in the col-
lege that was to bear his name we have every reason to be-
lieve. He had for many years claimed to be in a special
sense the friend of the Germans of Pennsylvania, with
whom he had been associated in many important enter-
prises. He had printed a number of their books, and on
innumerable occasions had served as their political ad-
viser. In later years their mutual relations had become
less intimate, but he was earnestly desirous of retaining
their favor. Though he was now advanced in years it
must have caused him the keenest pleasure to be instru-
mental in the educational advancement of a people who
had long been his trusted supporters.
It is to be regretted that the original list of subscriptions
to the endowment of the new college has not been preserved.
A SUBSCRIPTION. 21
The following memorandum^ is interesting because it gives
the amount of a few of the earliest subscriptions :
"The following Gentlemen have paid their subscriptions
towards Franklin College in Lancaster —
" His Excellency Benjn. Franklin, Esq., Cash
paper £200
Robert Morris, Esq., being old Continental Loan
office Certificates in favour of John McMickin,
who not being a Resident in this State cannot
be charged by the Comptroller. The amount
600 Drs. which have drawn interest in
France for some years.
Hon. Peter Muhlenberg, Esq., in Certifs 50
Charles Biddle, Esq., Do 18.17
William Rawle, Esq., Do 37.10
George Fox, Esq., Do 37.11.11»4
Frederick Kuhl, Do 50. 5. 3
Robert Traill, Esq., Paper Money 3. 0.
Samuel Dean, Esq., Ditto 3
John Smilie, Esq., Ditto 3
John Beard, Esq., Ditto 3
David Reddiek, Esq., Ditto 3
John Arndt, Esq., Ditto 4.10.
Henry Hill, Esq., A Certificate 37.10
Interest received on some of the Certificates. . . 6.19. 3
£226. 9. 3
Paid at several times per order 91. 0.11
Remains in my hands a balance of £135. 8. 4
"(Signed)
" Fbedebick Kuhl."
In the above list the names of some of the most promi-
nent of the founders do not appear, though it may be taken
for granted that they contributed to the funds. Benjamin
Eush^ was one of the most active of the friends of the new
'The original is in the possession of Mr. D. McN. StaufiFer, of
Yonkers, N. Y. Though it bears no date it must have been written
very soon after the founding of the college.
2 Benjamin Rush, M.D., was born near Philadelphia, December 24,
1745, and died April 19, 1813. He studied in Edinburgh, London
22 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
college, and in subsequent years was always ready with
advice and assistance.
Gen. Peter Muhlenberg^ was also greatly interested in
the new college and is believed to have been the author of
several enthusiastic articles which appeared in the papers
of the day. He was at this time Vice-President of the
Executive Council of Pennsylvania and exerted his in-
fluence to secure the favor of the Legislature. His signa-
ture appears on several documents relating to the real
estate of the new institution.
Pranklin College was founded in the interest of the Ger-
mans, but it was never intended to be exclusively a Ger-
man institution. It was expressly declared that the stu-
dents were to learn English, besides "all those branches of
literature which are usually taught in the colleges of
Europe and America." Indeed, in the course of instruc-
tion the English language was always most prominent, and
knowledge of German was never a requirement for admis-
sion. The main purpose of the founders, as we conceive
it, was to establish an institution in which German life
and literature would be appreciated, and in which the sons
of Germans might be educated without becoming alienated
and Paris, and was for many years a professor in the Medical College
of Philadelphia. Taking an active part in public affairs he was chosen
a, member of the Continental Congress and became a signer of the
Declaration of Independence. He was the author of " Diseases of
the Mind " and many other publications.
' John Peter Gabriel Muhlenberg, son of the Rev. Henry Melchior
Muhlenberg, was born at the Trappe, Pa., October 1, 1746, and died
October 1, 1807. He studied in Germany and was for several years
a minister, but at the beginning of the Revolution he entered the
American army, rising to the rank of a Major-General. After the
war he was United States Senator and also held several important
civil appointments.
BENJAMIN RUSH. 23
from the faith of their fathers. It was in sympathy with
this spirit that Dr. Kush wrote/ in 1789 :
"Legislators of Pennsylvania, learn from the history of
your German fellow-citizens, that you possess an inexhaustible
treasure in the bosom of the State, in their manners and
arts. Continue to patronize their newly established Semi-
nary of learning (Franklin College) and spare no expense in
supporting their free-schools. ... Do not contend with their
prejudices in favor of their language. It will be the channel
through which the knowledge and discoveries of the wisest
nations in Europe may be conveyed into our country. In pro-
portion as they are instructed and enlightened in their own
language, they will become acquainted with the language of
the United States."
• " Manners of the German Inhabitants of Pennsylvania." Re-
printed with notes by Professor I. Daniel Rupp, Philadelphia, 1875,
page 60.
CHAPTEE III.
THE CHARTER.
Incokpobation — The Trustees — Charity School — The Beew
House — The Store House — Letter from General Knox.
The Charter of Franklin College was granted by the
Legislature of Pennsylvania on the 10th of March, 1787,
and was duly attested by Thomas Mifflin as Speaker of the
House. The earliest copy cannot now be found, but we
have an exact transcript, made in 1828 and certified by
John Andrew Shulze, Governor of Pennsylvania. It ap-
pears, of course, among the Laws of Pennsylvania, but
there are also two pamphlets which claim to contain the
original charter — the one in German and the other in
English.-' These printed pamphlets vary slightly in con-
tents, the German leaving a blank space for the number
of acres of land to be appropriated by the Legislature and
the English adding the names of five trustees who do not
appear in the German edition. We take it for granted that
the German version was printed before the law was actually
passed, and as the English literally corresponds with the
official copy we shall follow it in what we have to say con-
cerning the Charter.
Legal documents are rarely interesting to the general
' Preyheitsbrief der Deutschen Hohen Schule (College) in der
Stadt-Lancaster, in dem Staate Pennsylvania; nebst einer Anrede an
die Deutschen dieses Staats, von den Trusties der besagten Hohen
Schule.
Philadelphia, Melehior Steiner, 1787.
Charter of Franklin College. Published by Resolution of the
Board, Passed 19th October, A. D. 1837.
Lancaster, Bryson and Forney, 1837.
24
NAMING OF THE COLLEGE.
25
reader, and we shall, therefore, not repeat what the Char-
ter has to say concerning "messuages, lands, tenements,
hereditaments, goods, chattels, monies, or other effects."
It may he said, however, that its scope and character were
anticipated in the "General Plan" which we have repro-
duced. The institution was incorporated as "a College
and Charity School," and "from a profound respect for
the talents, virtues and services to mankind in general,
but more especially to this country, of His Excellency
Benjamin Franklin, Esquire, President of the Supreme
Executive Council" it was denominated "Franklin Col-
lege." The institution received authority to hold prop-
erty and receive bequests, "provided always the same do
not exceed in the whole the yeatly value of ten thousand
pounds, valuing one Portugal half Johannes, weighing
nine pennyweight, at three pounds." It is needless to say
that this provision was never infringed.
The following Trustees were thus nominated in the
charter :^
The Honorable Thomas Mifflin, Esquire; The Honor-
• A few manifest errors in orthography have been corrected.
26 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
able Thomas McKean, Esquire, Doctor of Laws; The
Eeverend Doctor John Henry Christian Helmuth; The
Keverend Caspar Weiberg ; The Eeverend Henry Muhlen-
berg; The Reverend William Hendel; The Eeverend
IN^icholas Kurtz; The Eeverend George Troldenier; The
Eeverend John Herbst; The Eeverend Joseph Hutchins;
The Eeverend Frederick Weinland; The Eeverend
Albertus Helffenstein ; The Eeverend William Ingold;
The Eeverend Jacob Van Buskirk ; The Eeverend Abraham
Blumer; The Eeverend Frederick Dallicker; The Eev-
erend Christopher Emanuel Schultz; The Eeverend John
B. Cousie;-' Peter Muhlenberg, Esquire; The Eeverend
Frederick Valentine Melsheimer; John Hubley, Esquire;
Joseph Hiester, Esquire; Casper Schaffner; Peter Hoof-
nagle, Esquire ; Christopher Crawford -^ Paul Zantzinger ;
Adam Hubley, Esquire; Adam Eeigart; Jasper Yeates,
Esquire; Stephen Chambers, Esquire; The Honorable
Eobert Morris, Esquire; George Clymer, Esquire; Philip
Wager; The Honorable William Bingham, Esquire; Wil-
liam Hamilton; William SheafF; Doctor Benjamin Eush;
Daniel Hiester, Esquire; William Eawle, Esq.; Lewis
Farmer, Esquire; Christopher Kucher; Philip Green-
waldt; Michael Hahn; George Stake, Senior, Esquire;
John Musser.
This was a very intelligent and distinguished body.
Eush, McKean, Clymer and Morris had been signers of
the Declaration of Independence; Muhlenberg, Mifflin,
the two Hiesters, Chambers, Farmer, Crawford, and pos-
' Roman Catholic priest in Lancaster. In the German copy his
name appears as " J. B. Kauss."
2 In the German list this name appears as " Grafifert " and this
was probably the original spelling. He was a prominent citizen
of Lancaster and had been an officer in the Revolution.
THE TRUSTEES. 27
sibly others, had been officers in the war of the Eevolution ;
Mifflin, McKean, and Joseph Hiester became Governors of
Pennsylvania; Jasper Yeates and William Kawle v/ere
distinguished Jurists; and Bingham and Muhlenberg be-
came Senators of the United States. Of the ministers
whose names appeared seven were Reformed, an equal
number were Lutherans, one was Moravian and one
Eoman Catholic. In brief, every name on the list was that
of an intellectual and influential man.
According to the charter fifteen members of the Board
were forever to be "chosen from the members of the
Lutheran church, and the like number from the members
of the Eeformed church, and the remainder from any
other society of Christians." All members were required
to be residents of the State, and no member of the faculty
could hold the office of Trustee. The Principal (or Presi-
dent) was to be alternately chosen from the Lutheran and
Reformed churches, unless the Board, at an annual or ad-
journed meeting, should unanimously decide otherwise.
Professors could be removed only "for misconduct or a
breach of the laws of the institution." The Faculty were
granted power to enforce the rules and regulations adopted
by the Trustees, to reward and censure students, and to
suspend such students as proved refractory after repeated
admonitions until the Board of Trustees could take final
action in the premises. With the approbation and consent
of the Board of Trustees the Faculty was also authorized
to confer "such degrees in the liberal arts and sciences to
such pupils of the said college, or other persons, who by
their proficiency in learning or other meritorious distinc-
tions they shall think entitled to them, as are usually
granted and conferred in other colleges in America and
28 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
Europe, and to grant to such graduates, diplomas or certi-
ficates, under their common seal and signed by the Faculty,
to authenticate and perpetuate the memory of such gradua-
tion."
The thirteenth article of the Charter now appears
curious. It reads as follows :
"To facilitate the acquisition of learning to all ranks of
people being one of the primary and fundamental objects of
this institution, one sixth part of the capital real and personal
fund of the said college, not including the monies paid for
tuition, shall be irrevocably appropriated, together with such
gifts and bequests as may be hereafter made to the said col-
lege for that special purpose, to the maintenance and support
of a Charity School, for children of both sexes and all re-
ligious denominations, on the most liberal plan consistent
with the ability of the said college. ' '
The exact purpose of this article it is not easy now to
determine. It seems to have included a reminiscence of
Schlatter's Charity Schools, and may have been intended
to secure from the authority certain favors which are
usually accorded to benevolent institutions. Possibly, it
was hoped that by making provision for the establishment
of a primary school the sympathy of the community might
be most readily secured. Whatever may have been the
expectations of the founders, it is certain that the plan of
establishing a charity school was never carried out. In
the report of a treasurer, some thirty years later, it is no
doubt truly stated that "the sixth part of the income was
never sufficiently large to be taken into separate account,"
but the spirit of the provision was believed to be fully met
by the free tuition of a nimiber of poor children.
In the fourth section of the Charter it was enacted by
THE GIFT OF THE LEGISLATURE. 29
the Legislature that "ten thousand acres of land, together
with a six per centum allowance, set out and surveyed
within the unappropriated lands of this State be, and they
are hereby granted to the said Trustees of 'Franklin Col-
lege,' in the borough and county of Lancaster, to have
and to hold the same to them, their successors and assigns
forever." It was further enacted that the Surveyor-Gen-
eral be required to issue the warrants as they might be
applied for by the Trustees and that the surveying should
be done at the charge of the State.
Some of the friends of Franklin College were dissatis-
fied because the gift of the Assembly did not include an
appropriation in money. A correspondent to a local news-
paper of that day complains that the Legislature is always
ready to favor the University of Pennsylvania, but has
nothing for the poor Grermans except wild lands. It
should, however, be remembered that the friends of the
institution, in the petition for incorporation, had asked for
nothing but their "proportion of the lands appropriated
by a former Assembly for the support of public schools,"
and this they had received. A more humble petition might
have secured a more abundant donation. Still, as the lands
appropriated were in those days regarded as practically
worthless, it must be confessed that the gift of the Legis-
lature was by no means liberal. A supplementary act was,
however, passed on the 27th of February, 1788, "vesting
the public Store House and two lots of grounds in the bor-
ough and county of Lancaster, in the Trustees of Franklin
College for the use of said institution." The Store House
was situated on North Queen Street, near James, and was
then practically "out of town."
Until the second grant had been made the college occu-
30
PEANKLIN COLLEGE.
pied the "Brew House," on Mifflin Street west of Duke
Street, near Trinity Lutheran church. A school must have
been kept there at an earlier date, for Dr. Muhlenberg says
in a letter to Dr. Eush, dated June 25, 1787, that it is
proposed to begin instructing the students "in the Brew
House, the former place," and to ask the next Assembly
for a gift of the Store House.^
The Brew House was subsequently used as a station-
house or lock-up. It has recently been taken down, but the
THE BREW HOUSE.
accompanying illustration was sketched from a photograph
in possession of the author.
The Store House was erected during the Revolution for
the preservation of government stores. It was a plain,
brick building, one hundred feet in length and thirty-five
in breadth. It was neither handsome nor commodious and
required expensive alterations before it could be used as a
school-building. It is still standing, though long ago
divided into dwellings, and now constitutes a part of what
> Preserved among the " Rush Papers " in the Ridgway Library,
Philadelphia.
THE STORE HOUSE. 31
is known as Franklin Row. In the second story of the
southern gable the outlines of a large door, which has been
bricked up, may still be traced.
When the Store House was transferred to the College
it still contained certain public stores, which were the
property of the United States. That these remained there
longer than had been expected appears from the following
letter of General Knox, Secretary of War, of which the
original is in the collection of Mr. George Steinman :
"Wae Office, 17th April, 1790.
"Sir,
' ' By some mistake I find your letter of the liSth of January
last has not been answered.
"An expectation of some general arsenals being perma-
nently established has hitherto prevented the removal or dis-
posal of the few public stores in Lancaster. The expectation
still continues but its accomplishment does not appear to be
immediate. I must therefore leave to your Judgment — in case
the college should demand the buildings or rent for the same
— to make the best disposition of the stores in case of being
obliged to remove them or bargain for the rent of the build-
ings in which they now are.
"It will not be necessary to make any returns at stated
periods, but only on such occasions as from any causes shall
happen.
"I am, Sir,
"With great respect,
"Your most obedient servant,
"H. Knox."
"The Honorable General Hand."
At what time the last remaining public stores were re-
moved from the college building is now unknown.
The charter has been described as liberal, but this can
32 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
only be said with respect to the authority which was
granted to the Board of Trustees. In some respects it was
cumbrous and defective, and it was at times no easy matter
to guard the rights of all the parties which claimed an in-
terest. Of the board it might have been said, as was said
of early Home, that it was composed of three tribes, each
of which was mainly solicitous of preserving its original
privileges.
The founders were, however, greatly encouraged by the
subscriptions which they had received, especially in Phila-
delphia, and fondly imagined that when the Grermans be-
came fully aware of the work that was done in their behalf
they would be ready to give their enthusiastic support.
They accordingly proceeded to make arrangements for a
public festival in connection with the opening of the col-
lege, and certainly did all in their power to render it an
occasion that might attract general attention and be long
and favorably remembered.
^H^^BL ^^i^B
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IBI^HbSol 191
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1
J. H. C. Helmuth.
Jasper Yeates.
Benjamin Rush.
Thomas MacKean.
Robert Morris.
Thomas Miffun,
FRANKLIN COLLEGE TRUSTEE^.
CHAPTEE IV.
THE FORMAL OPENING.
June 6, 1787.
PbEPAEATIONS — OOERESPONDENCE PbOCESSION AND PBOGBAM
Election of Peofbssoes — Addresses by Dks. Muhlen-
berg AND HUTCHINS.
Preparations for the dedication — as it was generally
called — ^began to be made many months before its actual
occurrence. At the time of the annual meeting of the Ee-
formed Coetus, in 1786, the exact date had not been de-
termined, so that body adjourned sine die, to meet in Lan-
caster whenever the members were notified that the festival
was to be held. The earliest document in our possession
is a printed circular addressed to Pastor Muhlenberg, of
Lancaster, of which the following is a translation:
"S. T. Eespected Sirs,
"Dearest Friends ,
"You have no doubt read in the papers published by Mr.
Steiner and others, that agreeable prospects have been opened
to our German nation in this western land, concerning the
establishment of a German school. In all parts of the world
God has for centuries distinguished the Germans as the re-
cipients of his care; but it is in North America and especially
in Pennsylvania that they have experienced the special
blessings of His Providence. Most of the Germans were poor
and forsaken when they came to this country, but their in-
dustry and the blessing of the Lord has placed many of them
in prosperous circumstances, so that there are comparatively
few of them who are unable to make a comfortable living. It
33
34 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
is not too much to say that the Germans occupy the front
rank among the people who have made Pennsylvania a fertile
field, even the garden of all North America.
"But with all these advantages most of them have remained
standing on the lowest plane of service. The Germans, on
account of their peculiar virtues, have hitherto been very
necessary members of the Eepublic; but they have not con-
sidered that a true republican must also possess education,
so as to take part in directing the rudder of the government,
and to give his children an opportunity of rising to the higher
levels of republican utility.
"The fortunate moment appears to have arrived when
the Germans of America are offered an opportunity of ad-
vancing their educational institutions to the fortunate posi-
tion occupied by those of their brethren in Europe.
"The first German college in America is about to be
foimded, and the project is supported with great zeal even by
persons who are not Germans, so that there can be no doubt
that the whole movement is directed by more than a human
hand.
"We send you herewith the Charter of this German insti-
tution. The Assembly, without the slightest contradiction,
has expressed its approval of this enterprise, and there is not
the least doubt that this charter will be confirmed at the next
meeting.
"Honored Sirs, you have been appointed trustees of this in-
stitution, and even without our encouragement you will not
fail to labor to secure for our children and children's children
an opportunity to become useful citizens of our republic.
Encourage others — English or Germans, who are so inclined
— to aid you in your neighborhood in securing subscriptions.
"In Philadelphia several liberal subscriptions have already
been received, and the subscribers are laboring earnestly to
secure additional contributions for this institution.
' ' On the 6th of June of the current year the first meeting
THE CIRCULAR. 35
■will (D. V.) be held in Lancaster. Please present yourselves
at the appointed time and place, to return your subscription
papers and those of others who have assisted in this work in
your vicinity, and afterwards, under the blessing of God, to
assist in placing the institution upon such a foundation that
the welfare of the state and the honor of the Lord in churches,
schools and courts may thereby be everywhere advanced.
"We remain
"S. T. Eespected Sirs,
"Dearest Friends,
' ' Your most obedient servants and
affectionate Friends.
"To the Trustees and other earnest
promoters of the German High School
to be founded in Lancaster.
"(Signed in manuscript)
Heinrich Helmuth.
Caspakus Weibehg;
iy order of the other Trustees
in Phila.
"Phila., Jan. 19, 1787,
"To Pastor Muhlenberg."
On the opposite page of the above circular is the follow-
ing manuscript note.
"P. S. Enclosed is a letter from Mr. Schmidt; more from
me hereafter. Only this : According to our plan you are to be
the Principal and Pastor Hendel the Vice- Principal of the
new academy. May God grant an abundant blessing to the
work! What will the Address^ accomplish among the Ger-
mans? "Your old acquaintance,
"Heinrich Helmuth."^
^Am-ede an die Deutschen, published with the German edition of
the Charter.
2 It will be observed that the above was written in January, 1787,
while the election of the members of the Faculty did not take place
until the following June.
36 PKANKLIN COLLEGE.
This note would alone be sufficient to settle all possible
questions concerning the relations of Dr. Helmuth to the
new institution. It has been intimated that he desired
to be himself elected to the presidency, but this is certainly
a mistake. To have accepted such a position woilld have
demanded extraordinary self-denial ; and though he would
no doubt have been willing to make the sacrifice if the occa-
sion had demanded it, the prospect of leaving Philadelphia
to become the president of an impecunious college was cer-
tainly not alluring. Dr. Muhlenberg was pastor of the
Lutheran church of Lancaster ; and it does not appear that
he ever accepted a salary for his services in the new insti-
tution.
Dr. Helmuth was very active in making preparations
for the formal opening of the college, and seems to have
been in some degree the master of ceremonies. The fol-
lowing is a translation of an interesting letter addressed by
him to Dr. Muhlenberg :
"Philadelphia, March 19, 1787.
"Dearest Brother in Christ, —
"I must be careful not to exceed the space which has been
left for me, for this letter was signed before it was written,
and I cannot be expected to address you in the dignified style
which one ought to employ when writing in the name of the
gentlemen whose names are subscribed. How would it do to
fill up the page with an obligation? Just think, three such
papers have been committed to my care ; you may judge how
well my credit must stand with these people.
"But to business:
"1. You or Pastor Hendel must undertake to preach a ser-
mon in German. This sermon must earnestly and effectively
impress upon the people of Lancaster the importance of
higher education. N". B. — ^But it must under no circum-
stances be more than twenty-five minutes in length.
HELMUTH'S LETTER. 37
"2. If Dr. Hendel should undertake to preach the sermon,
you will offer a prayer in German at the altar; and in your
prayer, in returning thanks, you will make special mention of
the prosperity of the Germans and of its increase by means
of education.
"3. I send you herewith several copies of the Order of
Dedication. When I meet you personally I will give you the
reasons why the procession was arranged according to the
program.
"As regards the verses you will have to accept them as com-
posed by men who are overloaded with more work than they
can possibly perform.
"Mr. Ott sends you the music for the several pieces, so that
your Lancaster singers may rehearse them properly. Several
of our best singers have already been engaged, and will be in
Lancaster at the proper time to assist in the music. The solos
and antistrophes will be sung by the singers from Philadel-
phia; the echo requires that the singers should stand oppo-
site to each other, and therefore the solos and antistrophes
might also be sung by these gentlemen from the north side of
your church, opposite to the organ. Concerning the German
hymn, I have to say that the response is to be sung by the chil-
dren. This may, in my opinion, be thus arranged: you can
have the space before the altar occupied with benches, on
which the children may be seated and there sing their re-
sponse. It is presumed that this would make a good im-
pression on their parents. Lutheran and Eeformed children
must sing together.
"Let the choir be pretty large. There are singers enough
among the Lutherans and especially among the Reformed.
"I hope the gentlemen of Lancaster will not be displeased
because we are so busy and help to make arrangements sixty-
six miles away, especially as one of the Lancaster members is
aiding us. Here the majority of the Trustees live near to-
gether, and it is at any rate always necessary that some one
should take the initiative.
38 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
"Lancaster owes much to Dr. Eush, and the university will
always find in him an active supporter. Our subscriptions
indicate that we shall be able, without doubt, to bring about
£2500 with us to Lancaster. I hope you will love the con-
tributors and most cheerfully do what they tell you.^
"Four thousand copies of the Order of Exercises are to be
printed, which will be distributed on the day of dedication.
"Please provide lodgings for my singers — ^they are four ia
number, and Mr. Ott will be one of them. The trustees will
pay the expenses of the journey; their board, I presume, they
will receive gratuitously.
"Ah! here already are the signatures, and I can therefore
only add, that the following gentlemen are your good friends
and feel confident that you will carefully attend to the above
matters and make all necessary preparations.
"Caspakus Weiberg,
"Thos. McKean,
"p. muhlenbeeg,
"Dan. Hiester, Jr.,
"Jos. Hiester,
"Philip Wager,
"Wm. Sheaff,
"Ben J. Rush,
"Heinrich Helmuth."
There can be no doubt that the necessary preparations
for the formal opening were carefully made, and that
everything possible was done to render it a brilliant suc-
cess. Beautifully engrossed invitations were extended to
the officers of all the churches of Lancaster, and there is
every reason to believe that they were generally accepted.
The following specimen is in possession of Mr. Greorge
Steininan :
iThis no doubt refers to Dr. Muhlenberg's acceptance of the
presidency of the college.
SPECIAL INVITATIONS. 39
"The Trustees op Franklin- College
"Eequest the Officers of the Moravian" Congregation
to meet them on Wednesday, the 6th day of June instant, at
nine o'clock in the morning, at the Court House in the Bor-
ough of Lancaster, to walk in procession to the German
Lutheran church, where the dedication of Franklin College
is to be conducted.
"Lancaster, June 1st, 1787."
That special invitations were extended to eminent men
who were not directly connected with the movement ap-
pears from the following letter of the Hon. Wm. Augustus
Atlee, Judge of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, of
which a copy is preserved among the Records of the Col-
lege:
"Acton, 6th June, 1787.
"Dear Sir,
"I was yesterday honoured with a billet from the Trustees
of Franklin College requesting me to meet them at 9 o'clock
this morning at the Court House, to walk in procession to the
Church where the dedication of the College is to be conducted.
"As I think you are one of the Trustees I take the liberty
of troubling you to present my most respectful compliments
to those gentlemen and to mention that I should have waited
on them with the greatest cheerfulness; but cannot con-
veniently leave home at present as I have matters on hand
which I cannot neglect and am preparing for a journey to
Maryland on business respecting my brother's estate which
requires my attention.
"Inclosed is Five pounds which you will please to place
among the collections of the day as my mite for the benefit
of the Institution with my best wishes for its success.
"I am. Sir,
"Your most obdt. servt.,
"WiLLM. A. Atlee."
"Jasper Yeates, Esquire."
40 FEANKLIN COLLEGE.
On the 5th and 6th of June there was a great gathering
of the friends of the new institution. The Lutheran Min-
isterium and the Reformed Ccetus had hoth met in Lan-
caster hy appointment, in order that all the ministers
might he in attendance on this interesting occasion.
Nearly all the appointed members of the Board of Trus-
tees were present at their first meeting.^ There must
have been a long procession of carriages bringing friends
from Philadelphia, and there were representatives from
all the principal towns of Pennsylvania.
The program, of which according to Dr. Helmuth's
letter four thousand copies were to be distributed, has now
become exceedingly rare. Besides the copy in possession
of the author but two or three specimens are known. It is
is a quarto of eight pages, with a German and an English
title-page. The Order of Exercises is printed in English
and German on opposite pages, with no important differ-
ence in contents, except that several poetic compositions, in
English and German, are respectively printed at length
only in the appropriate program. We here reproduce the
English title-page and program as nearly as modem typog-
raphy will permit :
"Feanklist College.
"A meeting of the Trustees of Franklin College to be held
at the Court-House, in Lancaster, on the 5th of June, at
Three o 'Clock in the Afternoon, when the Officers of the
Board and the Faculty of the College are to be chosen.
"On Wednesday, the 6th of June, at 9 o'clock in the Morn-
ing, the Gentlemen mentioned in the following Order of
' Among the Rush papers in the Eidgway Branch Library there is
a letter from Michael Hahn, of York, asking to be excused for non-
attendance. George Stake is also known to have been absent. We
have no records of other absences.
TITLE-PAGES OF PROGRAMS.
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42 ■ FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
Procession are to meet at the Court House, and proceed from
thence two and two to the German Lutheran church.
"PEOCESSION.
"1. Sheriff and Coroner of the County.
"2. Pupils.
"3. Faculty of the College.
"4. President, Vice-President and Secretary of the Board
of Trustees. Memhers of the Board, two and two.
"5. Corporation of the Borough and Justices of the Peace.
"6. Ccetus of the Eeformed Church, President, Secretary
and Memhers, two and two.
"7. Corporation of the Lutheran Congregation.
"8. Elders and Officers of the English Presbyterian Con-
gregation.
"9. The Officers of the Eoman Catholic Congregation.
"10. The Vestrymen and Church Wardens of the Protest-
ant Episcopal Congregation.
"11. The Officers of the Moravian Congregation.
"12. Corporation of the Reformed Congregation.
"13. Evang. Lutheran Ministry.
"14. County Lieutenant and Officers of Militia.
"After they are seated in Church, the Dedication to be
conducted in the following Manner.
"1. Prayer before the Altar in German.
"3. The following Ode in English:
"1. STROPHE.
"Hail, ye Banks of Conestogoe!
Fertile, favor 'd Region, hail!
Chosen Seat of FRANKLIK COLLEGE,
What but Good can here prevail?
Science never comes alone.
Peace and Plenty,
Heaven itself support her Cause.
THE ODE. 43
"1. ANTISTEOPHE.
"Creator, hail! thy Light and Glory
Rejoice the Good, the Bad dismay.
Dispel the Mists of Vice and Folly,
And consecrate this happy Day.
Now doubly blest the favor 'd Eegion,
Where Science joins with mild Religion,
To raise their grateful Hymns to God.
"2. STROPHE.
"By JEHOVAH'S Care protected
The Fabric gains a Height sublime.
Truth expands its bright Effulgence,
Error seeks another Clime,
All its dark and base Attendants,
Superstition,
Pride and Discord fly from Truth.
"2. ANTISTEOPHE.
"All in the glorious Work assisting.
We build on Christ, the Corner-Stone.
The Walls may bear diverse Directions,
The Building still shall be but One,
Devotion pure and peaceful Science
United, bid their Foes Defiance,
While Time remains, the Work shall stand.
"3. A Hymn in German.
"4. A Sermon in German.
"5. A Solo. The first Strophe of the German Hymn.
"6. A Sermon in English.
"7. A Solo. The Second Strophe of the English Ode re-
peated in German.
"8. Prayers before the Altar in English.
"9. Dr. Watts' Imitation or Paraphrase of the 19th and
133d Psalms:
44 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
"Where shall we go, to seek and find
An Habitation for our GOD,
A Dwelling for the eternal Mind
Among the Sons of Flesh and Blood?
' The God of Jacob chose the Hill
Of Zion for his ancient Eest;
And Zion is his Dwelling still;
His Church is with his Presence blest.
'Here will I fix my gracious Throne,
And reign forever, saith the LOED :
Here shall my Power and Love be known.
And Blessings shall attend my "Word.
'Here I will meet the hungry Poor,
And fill their Souls with living Bread,
Sinners that wait before my Door,
With sweet Provision shall be fed.
'Girded with Truth and cloathed with Grace
My Priests, my Ministers, shall shine.
Not Aaron in his costly Dress
Made an Appearance so divine.
'Sun, Moon and Stars convey his Praise
Pound the whole Earth and never stand.
So when his Truth began its Pace,
It touch 'd and glanc'd on ev'ry Land.
GERMAN POEM. 45
"Nor shall his spreading Gospel rest,
'Till thro' the World his Truth has run,
'Till Christ has all the Nations blest,
That see the Light or feel the Sun.
' ' 10. An Ode in German.
"11. A Collection for the Benefit of the Institution.
"The Procession to return to the Court House in the fore-
going Order."
We do not know who was the author of the ode which
appears in the English program. The German poetical
compositions were imdoubtedly written by Dr. Helmuth,
and are, we think, of a superior order. Though it might
serve no useful purpose to reproduce these poems in the
original, the following stanza is not without interest as
containing a direct reference to Benjamin Franklin:
"Komm und besuehe, du Heiland der Menschen,
Deine Frahkline, dir heute geweiht,
Sie sey die wiirdige Tochter des Greisen,
Dessen Erkenntnisz die Staaten verneut,
Hore, wir singen in betenden Weisen,
Komm und beziehe
FEANKLINBN !
Ja eigne sie heut. "
This stanza may be roughly rendered:
"Come Thou and visit, Saviour of Mankind,
Pranklinia, which this day thy blessing awaits.
May she deserve to be known as the daughter
Of the sage who renews the union of States.
Hear us, Lord, while we sing as we pray.
Come Thou and dwell with
FEANKLINIA,
Accept her to-day ! ' '
46 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
Even with the imperfect data at our command it might
be possible to paint a picture of some of the events of the
one great day in the history of Franklin College. It would
not be difficult to secure portraits of many of the eminent
men who dignified the occasion by their presence. Unfor-
tunately there were no reporters in those days, and the ac-
counts contained in the papers of the times are exceedingly
meagre. There is, in fact, so far as we know but one com-
paratively full account of the proceedings of the day, and
this, though anonymous, was certainly written by Dr.
Rush. It appeared on the same day, June 13, 1787, in
both the Pennsylvania Gazette and the Pennsylvania
Advertiser, and a literal translation was published in the
Philadelphische Correspondenz of the 19th of the same
month. This article consists of two parts which seem at
first to be separate contributions, but they are internally
connected and were evidently prepared by the same hand.
The following has been transcribed from the Pennsylvania
Gazette:
"Lancastee, June 8, 1787.
"Tuesday last being appointed by the charter of the Ger-
man College for the first meeting of the Trustees, they assem-
bled at ten o'clock at the Court House and unanimously
elected :
"The Eev. Henry Muhlenberg, Principal of the College;
"The Eev. William Hendel, Vice-Principal;
"The Eev. Frederick Valentine Melsheimer,^ Professor of
the Latin, Greek and German languages;
"Mr. William Eeiehenbach, Professor of Mathematics;
"And the Eev. Joseph Hutchins, Professor of the English
language and Belles Lettres.
" In the original article the name of Dr. Hendel is misspelled
" Handell " and that of Professor Melsheimer appears as " Miltz-
eimer."
THE PROCESSION. 47
' ' The next day the Faculty of the College, followed by the
Trustees, the Clergy of the German Reformed Coetus and
the Lutheran Synod, the ofiicers of all the religious societies
in the town, and many other respectable citizens, proceeded in
procession from the Court House to the Lutheran church,
where the Eev. Mr. Weiberg opened the divine service with
an excellent prayer, suited to the occasion. Afterwards the
Rev. Mr. Muhlenberg delivered an elegant discourse in the
German language, in which he recommended in strong terms
the necessity of human learning to his German fellow-citi-
zens, and showed its influence upon religion, government,
manners and the various professions and occupations of man.
This discourse was followed by one in English, in which the
same subjects were handled with great ingenuity by the Rev.
Mr. Hutchins. Several hymns composed and hymns chosen
for the occasion, in German and English, were sung (accom-
panied with the organ) in a manner that pleased and
afEected everybody. The whole was concluded with a well
adapted prayer by the Rev. Mr. Herbst, Minister of the
Moravian church of this town, to the great satisfaction and
entertainment of a very crowded audience.
"Extract from a letter from Lancaster, dated June 7.
"We were yesterday gratified with a scene to this part of
Pennsylvania entirely new, and which is both grand and im-
portant — I mean the consecration and dedication of a Semi-
nary of Learning.
"On this occasion the people assembled from all parts of
the adjacent country, to the amount of some thousands. The
ceremony was calculated to excite in the minds of the very
crowded audience the most agreeable emotions. The whole
was conducted with a degree of decorum and splendor which
I cannot find words to describe. But a circumstance which
must be truly grateful to the mind of every good man, justly
48 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
deserves to be mentioned. It was a spectacle beautiful in
itself, and which we may with certainty pronounce no age or
country, nor any set of people, ever beheld before. On the
same day, in the same church, and to the same set of Chris-
tians, the ministers of different religious persuasions succes-
sively joined in the worship and adoration of the Supreme
Being! a type, however small, of the glorious reign of the
Messiah which we are promised will one day come.
"The music was well adapted to the solemn occasion, and
was performed in a masterly manner. The principal who, I
am told (for I have not the pleasure of a personal acquaint-
ance with him)^ is a man of extensive learning and great
liberality of sentiment, and who is universally beloved, de-
livered a judicious and elegant sermon, and after some inter-
ruption of music, a sensible discourse in English was delivered
by one of the professors. The subject of this last sermon was
the general utility of learning, and was calculated to impress
upon every heart the exalted principles of benevolence.
"All the teachers in the college are equally qualified with
the principal for the branches of literature assigned to them.
Mr. Hendel, the Vice-Principal, is a man of profound learn-
ing and of a most exemplary character. The Professor of the
Latin, Greek and German languages is a stranger to this
place, but comes recommended to us as a man of critical
knowledge and taste in polite literature. Mr. Hutchins, who
was educated in the college of Philadelphia under Drs. Smith
and Allison, is greatly esteemed among us, and has taught
a school here for some time past with great reputation. The
Professor of Mathematics is said to be an able man in his
way. In short, a cluster of more learned or better qualified
masters, I believe, have not met in any university.
' ' I am informed that in the prosecution of the business re-
^Dr. Rush was not at this time acquainted with Dr. Muhlenberg,
but they began to correspond in the same month and soon afterwards
became intimate friends.
THE DEDICATION. 49
lative to the institution the greatest unanimity and har-
mony subsisted among the trustees, tho' composed of gentle-
men of a variety of different denominations and even of
different countries — a striking mark of the powerful effect of
a liberal education, which (with perhaps a few instances to
the contrary) will enlarge the mind and fill it with the
purest sentiments of patriotism and public spirit! And it
may not be unjustly remarked that men of science never
suffer form to impede the prosecution of any undertaking
which may tend to the general welfare.
' ' From the establishment of this college a new era will com-
mence in Pennsylvania. The introduction of the English lan-
guage among our Germans, who constitute at least one fourth
of the inhabitants of the State, cannot fail of being attended
with the happiest consequences both to themselves and to
the public, while their own language will hereby be pre-
served from extinction and corruption by being granmiatically
taught in the college, a circumstance which will enable them
to become a vehicle to our country of all the discoveries of one
of the most learned nations of Europe."
To this account of the "Dedication" we may be per-
mitted to add a few remarks. Dr. Muhlenberg's discourse
was in fact a sermon, based on Ephesians 6, 4: "Ye
fathers, bring up your children in the nurture and admoni-
tion of the Lord." It was well prepared, according to ac-
cepted standards, but its exhortations were general and it
contained nothing of historic interest. This discourse was
subsequently printed, and a copy is now in our possession.^
'Eine Rede, gehalten den 6ten Juny 1787, bey der Einweihung
von der Deutsohen Hohen Schule oder Franklin Collegium in Lancas-
ter, von Gotthilf Hen. Muhlenberg, Principal des CoUegiums und
Pastor der Dreieinigkeits Kirche daselbst. Auf Verlangen der
Trustees zum Druck befordert. Lancaster: Gedruckt by Albrecht
und Lahn, 1788.
50 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
The selection of the Eev. Joseph Hutching to preach the
English sermon was possibly a mistake. He was rector of
St. James Episcopal church, of Lancaster, which was then
a very small parish, and had been chosen professor of
English in the new institution. It was naturally sup-
posed that he was especially qualified to speak in the lan-
guage of which he was an acknowledged master. It
seems, however, that he was lacking in tact and uncon-
sciously failed to be in full sympathy with the cause
which he had been called to advocate. In a letter, dated
June 25, 1T87, Dr. Muhlenberg says: "Mr. Hutchins,
I am sorry to inform you, is very ailing. He is a gentle-
man very fit for his business — only a little prejudiced
against the Germans. However, that wiU wear off."
The sermon preached by Mr. Hutchins was an excellent
literary production. The text was: "And the Jews mar-
velled, saying, 'How knoweth this man letters, having
never learned ?'" John 1, 15. Unless the utterances of the
speaker were greatly toned down in the printed copy, this
discourse did not deserve the sharp criticism which it re-
ceived; but it certainly contained passages which were
liable to misconstruction and might better have remained
unspoken. Dr. Hutchins said:
"When liberal knowledge shall be more generally diffused
it wiU open more extensive prospects in religion to the view
of the different Christian societies, convincing them that the
more restrictive their rules may be for confining their disciples
within a particular pale, the more inconsistent they are with
the universal charity prescribed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Men ■will then grow ashamed of keeping up unsocial and un-
christian distinctions among disciples of the same master,
founded merely upon old scholastic unintelligible tenets of
THE SERMON. 51
faith, ignorant corruptions of primitive Christianity, and
traditional prejudices in favour of languages, forms, and cus-
toms, at best indifferent, and often destructive to Christian
charity and social peace. Enlightened by the penetrating
beams of science. Christians will fix the Bible as the universal
standard of their faith, and being more capable of under-
standing its doctrines, will sacrifice all inferior considerations
to the establishment of one Catholic church."
To such sentiments no valid exception can be taken, but
it is easy to see how readily they might be misinterpreted.
Dr. Hutchins was an Episcopal clergyman, and must have
known that his election was not regarded with universal
favor. The enemies of higher education had boldly as-
serted that its introduction would result in the establish-
ment of a national church after the English pattern; and
any remarks which might even remotely be understood
as favoring such a purpose should have been carefully
avoided.
In his argument for the general use of the English lan-
guage Dr. Hutchins was even less prudent. The follow-
ing extracts will show its general character:
"Let these schools be the vehicles of a more accurate and
general knowledge of the English language. Whatever im-
pediments you throw in the course of spreading this language
in its true pronunciation and elegance among your children,
will be so many obstructions to their future interest in private
and public life, to their future eminence in the public coimcila
of America, and to that national union with their fellow citi-
zens of the United States which the charity of the Christian,
the humanity of the philosopher, and the wisdom of the poli-
tician are anxiously wishing to promote. As the limited
capacity of man can very seldom attain excellence in more
than one language, the study of English will consequently
52 FRANKLIN COLLEaE.
demand the principal attention of your children. ... On the
score of religion you can have no reasonable objection to the
use of the English tongue, because it is undoubtedly as proper
as the German for the conveyance of religious instruction to
your children. The German may be studied as a secondary,
useful language, and no English American would ever wish to
oppose it in that view; for we must all allow a skill in lan-
guages to be frequently a useful and at all times an ornamental
part of a liberal education; and I particularly regret that my
own deficiency has deprived me to-day of much pleasure and
improvement from my learned brother's German discourse."
In the course of time the correctness of the orator's
views has become evident ; but their utterance on this occa-
sion was at least premature. It must be remembered that
the larger part of the audience was composed of men whose
chief purpose in the establishment of the new college was
the preservation and advancement of the German lan-
guage in America. They had hoped to found an institution
in which the study of German would "demand the prin-
cipal attention of their children" and English might be
studied as "a secondary, useful language." It was a vain
hope, but it might have been better to suffer them to learn
the facts by actual experience.
Curiously enough Dr. Hutchins seems never to have
realized the fact that he had made a mistake. After nine-
teen years — ^when he seems to have forgotten the exact
date of its delivery — ^he published his address in pamphlet
form,' dedicated "to the Germans and their descendants
in the Borough of Lancaster, Pennsylvania." In a brief
lA Sermon preached in the Lutheran Church on the opening of
Franklin College, in the Borough of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, July
17, 1787. By Joseph Hutchins, D.B., Philadelphia: Printed by
Daniel Humphreys, No. 272 South Front Street, 1806, pp. 22.
THE PUBLICATION OF SERMON. 53
introduction he stated that "previously to the opening of
Franklin College" he had been requested by nine of the
Trustees in the city of Philadelphia "to show that the Col-
lege was founded for cultivating the English language as
well as other literary purposes." He says :
"When the usual complinient of requesting me to publish
it was paid me by the Trustees, I was discouraged by some par-
ticular circumstances from the publication: But as a great
change in your opinions and my situation has been made since
that period, and some of my friends encourage me to hope for
the public indulgence of this limited performance, I take the
liberty of dedicating it to your particular patronage, and of
expressing my grateful acknowledgment of the many favors
which I have received from the respectable inhabitants of
Lancaster."
It is not easy to account for the publication of this ad-
dress, so many years after the occasion that produced it.
Possibly its contents had been misrepresented, and its
author may have suffered from what he regarded as a bur-
den of unjust imputations. Under such circumstances it
was, of course, desirable that it should be printed ; but re-
membering the conditions under which it was delivered it
is easy to see that its general effect must have proved at
least discouraging.
CHAPTEE V.
A DEBATED QUESTION.
Crevecoeub's Statement — Franklin at the Constitution ai Con-
vention — The Abb£ Mobbllet — Franklin's Letter to
His Sister — His Presence at the Opening of
THE College.
"Was Benjamin Franklin present at the Opening of the
College?" At the Centennial in 188Y this question was
frequently discussed. In the program of the Opening Ex-
ercises, in 1787, the name of Franklin did not appear,
nor was it mentioned in the reports which appeared in
the papers of the day. Franklin was at that time past
eighty-one years of age, and was actively engaged in Phil-
adelphia as a member of the Constitutional Convention.
It, therefore, seemed hardly probable that he would have
undertaken a toilsome journey to Lancaster to be present
merely as a spectator.
Under these circumstances no one would have ventured
to assert that Franklin was personally present at the open-
ing of the College that was to bear his name, if it had not
been for certain explicit statements in Duyckinck's " Cyclo-
paedia of American Literature."^ In a sketch of the life
and works of Hector St. John Crevecoeur,'* the author says
iSee Vol. 1, pp. 174 and 175.
2 Hector St. John Creveeoeur was born in 1731, at Caen in Nor-
mandy, and died at Sarcelles, November, 1813. He was educated
in England, and in 1754 came to America, settling on a farm near
New York. In 1781 he returned to France, publishing in London,
in English, his Letters from an American Fa/rmer, which were after-
wards translated and published in French. In 1783 he returned to
54
CREVECOEUR. 55
concerning his Voyage: "It contains mucli interesting
matter relating to the Indians, the internal improvements
of the country, agriculture, and a curious conversation on
the first peopling and the antiquities of the country with
Tranklin, vs^hom St. John accompanied in 1787 to Lancas-
ter, when the sage laid the foundation-stone of his German
college at that place." Turning to the opposite page we
find the following paragraph, translated from Orevecoeur's
book:
"In the year 1787 I accompanied the venerable Frank-
lin, at that time Governor of Pennsylvania, on a journey
to Lancaster, where he had been invited to lay the corner-
stone of a college which he had founded there for the Ger-
mans. In the evening of the day of the ceremony, we were
talking of the different nations which inhabit the continent,
of their aversion to agriculture, etc., when one 6f the prin-
cipal inhabitants of the city said to him: 'Governor, where
do you think these nations came from? Do you consider
them aborigines? Have you heard of the ancient fortifica-
tions and tombs which have been recently discovered in the
west?' "
Then follows a long and interesting discussion of the
subject which was thus introduced, but with this we are not
now especially concerned. Our chief interest in the con-
versation is derived from the fact that it was held in Lan-
New York as French Consul, retaining his office until 1793. At this
time he travelled extensively and in 1801 published in three volumes
a work entitled: Voyage dans la HoMte Permsylvanie et dans I'Etat
de New York. Samuel Breck, of Philadelphia, who saw him in
Paris, says concerning him in his Recollections : " St. John was by
nature, by education, and by his writings a philanthropist; a man
of serene temper and pure benevolence. The milk of human kindness
circulated in every vein. Of manners unassuming; prompt to serve,
slow to censure; intelligent, beloved and highly worthy of the esteem
and respect which he everywhere received."
56 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
caster on the evening of the formal opening of Eranklin
College.^
Of course, the occasion to which reference is here made
■was not literally the laying of a corner-stone, for the col-
lege had no building of its own until a later period. It
was the laying of a corner-stone in a figurative sense ; or,
as it is expressed in the "Address to the Germans," "the
beginning of an institution that was to be erected."
The presence of Dr. Franklin was at one time questioned
on the ground that he was, from May 25 to September 17,
1787, a member of the Constitutional Convention, con-
vened in Philadelphia, and that he could not well have been
absent from his place. In reply it might be urged that
Franklin was not one of the original delegates to the Con-
vention, and did not appear there until the 25th of May.
He was at the same time Governor — then termed President
of the Supreme Executive Council — and was no doubt at
liberty, more than others, to be absent from the sessions of
the Convention for important reasons. It was never inti-
1 At the request of the present writer the late Rev. Dr. F. A.
Muhlenberg examined the French edition of Crevecoeur's work, of
which a copy is preserved by the Philadelphia Library Company. la
a letter dated July 24, 1887, he says: " In the 2d chapter I found the
same in substance with that given in Duyckinck, and the conversation
of Dr. Franklin with one of the citizens of the ' ville ' on the subject
of the Indians of the country. The conversation is said to have
taken place after the ceremonies. The words used by Mr. Crevecoeur
are ' la premiere pierre.' Such an explicit statement with such de-
tails could not be questioned. No man, in the possession of reason,
would attempt to deceive the world in such a fashion. Besides, in
the other parts of his work, consisting of three volumes in this
edition, he gives descriptions of our country with engravings which
prove that he was an eye-witness of what he describes, and his truth-
ful character. Still farther, all the books on bibliography repre-
sent him as a reliable author. Dr. Franklin was, therefore, in Lan-
caster at what Mr. Crevecoeur calls the laying of the ' premiere
pierre' in the year 1787."
ABSENCE FROM THE CONVENTION. 57
mated that his membership in the Convention induced him
to neglect his duties as Governor of the State. On this sub-
ject "we are not, however left in the dark. The records of
the Convention have been frequently and carefully ex-
amined, and it is plain that he was absent from its sessions
at the time of the opening of Franklin College. Perhaps
we can do no better than to quote from the letter of Dr. F.
A. Muhlenberg to which we have already referred: "I
have examined Madison's, Elliott's and Yates' Reports,
and one other the author of which I do not now remember.
I find that Dr. Fraiiklin is reported by one and all of these
authorities as present at the Constitutional Convention on
Saturday and Monday, the 2nd and 4th of June, taking
part also in the proceedings, but there is no mention of his
name or allusion to him on Wednesday, Thursday and
Friday, the 6th, 7th and 8th of June, but on Saturday, 9th,
his name again appears. Here is a margin to render it
probable that he was absent for cause. What other cause
coidd be assigned than the one in which he was deeply in-
terested, for which he had labored earnestly, to which he
had contributed £200 — an institution called by his honored
name, and for the benefit of the Germans for whom he had
been performing services in many ways, even to the pub-
lishing of catechisms and religious books in their native
language. On these days, it may be said, there were no
subjects under discussion demanding his presence."
On this subject it is not necessary to enlarge, as the fact
that he was absent from the Convention at the time men-
tioned is now generally acknowledged.
Since the publication of the author's monograph on
"The Founding of JFranklin College" certain facts have
come to our knowledge which would strengthen our posi-
58 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
tion, if that were necessary. Immediately after the Dedi-
cation Franklin wrote to his friend the Abbe Morellet, in
Trance, sending him at the same time a pamphlet which
was probably a copy of the Charter. In his reply, dated
"Auteuil, July 31, 1Y87," Morellet says:
"In the dedication of your college in the county of Lan-
caster and the fine procession, and the religious ceremony,
where were met together Presbyterians, Episcopalians,
Lutherans, Catholics, Moravians, e tutti quanti, there was
toleration in practice. I have translated the whole of the
pamphlet which you sent me, and had it inserted in our
Mercury."^ We are unable to resist the conclusion that
Franklin had given his friend a written description of
"the fine procession and the religious ceremony" which
he had witnessed when he visited Lancaster.
To add to the evidence thus gathered a letter was dis-
covered, written by Franklin to his sister, Mrs. Mecom,
of Boston, in which the philosopher expressed his intention
of going to Lancaster, to be present at the opening of the
new college. This letter was discovered by the late Dr. F.
D. Stone, librarian of the Historical Society of Pennsyl-
vania, and the fact of its existence was soon afterwards
communicated to the present writer. Dr. Stone died sud-
denly, failing to furnish the college with a copy of this
letter, as had been expected ; but it was shown by him to
Dr. John Bach McMaster, Professor in the University of
Pennsylvania. Dr. McMaster's recollection of the subject
is clear, and he has kindly permitted us to refer to him
with regard to the letter and its contents. Though at
the present writing the locality of the original letter cannot
iThis letter appears in Bigelow's Edition, X., 399. For this
reference the author is indebted to the late Paul Leicester Ford,
of New York.
FRANKLIN'S VISIT TO LANCASTER. 59
be determined, the fact of its existence may be regarded as
certain.
The fact of Dr. Franklin's presence at the Formal Open-
ing having been established, it remains for us to suggest an
explanation of the silence which we observe in the publica-
tions of the day. As far as the Program is concerned it
appears from Dr. Helmuth's letter that it was printed be-
fore the 19th of March ; and at Franklin's great age he can
hardly have deemed it safe to make engagements so far
ahead, but when the time came he joined the company of
eminent Philadelphians in their excursion to Lancaster.
Though he may not have been strong enough to deliver an
FKAUKIilN ARMS.
extended address, we do not read that he suffered his age to
excuse him from the performance of official duty; and it
was as Governor of the State, as well as patron of the insti-
tution, that he undertook this journey. Possibly, at a suit-
able place in the exercises, he may have spoken a few words,
formally declaring the college opened ; but the main thing
was — as another has expressed it — that "he was present
and beamed upon the multitude."
60 FEANKLIN COLLEGE.
Men rarely seem as great to their cotemporaries as they
appear to subsequent generations; and if the name of
Franklin does not appear in the brief notices contained in
cotemporary newspapers, the editors probably did not re-
gard the fact of his presence as peculiarly interesting to
their readers. To them he was merely the most distin-
guished of a large company of prominent men. The only
reporter for the press — so far as we know — ^was Dr. Benja-
min Rush, who was next to Franklin the most eminent
man in the State. May it not here be suggested that, in
writing to the papers. Dr. Rush did not regard himself as
especially called upon to increase the glory of his great
cotemporary ?
Undoubtedly Dr. Franklin was present at what has
euphemistically been called"the laying of the corner-stone."
Less than three years after this event he finished his career,
and beyond his early liberality and patronage he could
accomplish but little for the infant college. The fact of
his earnest participation in this educational movement
should, however, not be forgotten. It is an honor to the
institution which he helped to found; and his honorable
career may be held up as an ideal to many subsequent gen-
erations. Take him all in all, the world has had few
greater men than Benjamin Franklin.
CHAPTER VI.
FACULTY AND STUDENTS.
The PEorESsoBS — Hendel's Lettbes to De. Rush — List op
Students — Annuai, Festivais.
On the 18th of July, 1787, the work of instruction was
begun in the "Brew House." Dr. F. A. Muhlenberg has
preserved the tradition that the building was too small to
accommodate the school, and that recitations were also held
in the parochial school-houses of the Lutheran and Re-
OliD FBANKLIN COXLEQE, "tHE STORE HOUSE."
formed churches. In the meantime, however, the "Store
House" was put into proper condition, and was occupied
as a college building not later than the Spring of the fol-
lowing year.^
iln the recently published Life of Henry Harbaugh, page 179,
appears a memorandum, written by Dr. Harbaugh himself, in which
it is stated that Franklin College " was first held on Water Street,
the second house above or north of Orange on the west side, in a
atone building which was afterwards turned into a brewery." This
61
62 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
The Faculty of the new institution consisted of men of
decided ability, of whom Dr. Eush, as already quoted, had
justly said: "A cluster of more learned or better qualified
masters, I believe, have not met in any university." Con-
cerning the President and Vice-President — Drs. Muhlen-
berg and Hendel — ^we have already spoken at some length ;
but several other members of the Faculty were hardly less
distinguished.
Feedeeick Valentine Melsheimee was Professor of
Greek, Latin and German. He became the head of the
German department, and may have been regarded by the
students as the President of the college, though we can find
no proof that he ever actually occupied that office. In the
scientific history of America he holds a prominent place,
having frequently been called "the father of American
entomology."^ Though there was no titular professor of
statement was made on the authority of Col. Mayer, who was at the
time of writing seventy-nine years old. After carefully examining
the subject we are, however, forced to the conclusion that Col. Mayer
must have been mistaken. If a school was ever held at the place
indicated it may have been the Select School which was held in
Lancaster prior to the incorporation of the college, or possibly it was
occupied at some subsequent time when the college building was being
repaired.
1 Frederick Valentine Melsheimer was born in Negenborn, near
Holzminden, Brunswick, Germany, September 25, 1749. His father,
John Sebastian Melsheimer, was superintendent of forestry to the
duke. The son was educated at Holzminden and at the University
of Helmstadt. Having been ordained to the ministry he was ap-
pointed Chaplain of the Brunswick regiment of dragoons and came
to America in 1776, landing at Quebec. On June 3, 1779, he was
married at Bethlehem, Pa., to Mary Agnes Mann. In 1779 he be-
came pastor of five congregations in Dauphin county; was admitted
to membership in the Lutheran Ministerium of Pennsylvania in
1785; removed to Manheim, Lancaster county, and thence to New
Holland in the same year. Having been elected professor in Frank-
lin College in 1787 he resided in Lancaster for about two years. He
PROFESSOR REICHENBACH. 63
Natural Sciences in Franklin College, the presence in the
Faculty of such men as Muhlenherg and Melsheimer might
have afforded to students in this department opportunities
for advanced study which could hardly have been found
elsewhere in America.
William EEiCHEiirBACH, Professor of Mathematics, was
bom January 26, 1749, in Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt, Ger-
many; and died in Lancaster, May 15, 1821. Concerning
his early life little is known ; but he was thoroughly edu-
cated at Marseilles,^ France, and elsewhere. In 1785 he
left Germany, and after spending some time in travel
arrived in America. Having been chosen a professor in
Franklin College he was present on the first day of the first
session, and made the earliest record of students, which is
still extant. Even at this early date he wrote English cor-
rectly, as appears from the records of the college; but his
private memoranda were frequently in Latin. He seems
to have served as treasurer of the Faculty.
was elected pastor of the Lutheran Church of Hanover, Pa., August
19, 1789, and served that charge until his death, June 30, 1814.
Professor Melsheimer was a voluminous author. Among his
theological writings was a Reply to Thomas Paine which was
highly appreciated. It was, however, as a scientist that he achieved
the highest distinction. His Insects of Pennsylvania, published
in 1806, contained a description and classification of 1,363 species of
beetles and was the first work of its kind ever published in America.
It was succeeded by a more extensive work, entitled American Ento-
mology, or Description of the Insects of North America, Philadel-
phia, 1810. His entomological work was continued by his sons,
who added largely to his collection which is now part of the Agassiz
collection of Harvard University. Schierenbeck says : " Melsheimer
was a highly cultured and many sided scholar who sympathized with
everything that was useful and beautiful."
For much of this information the author is indebted to Dr. J. A.
Melsheimer, of Hanover, Pa. See also Sallesche Nachrichten and
Schierenbeck's Ldves of Lutheran Ministers.
' Professor S. S. Rathvon, in Harris's Biographical History.
64 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
How long Professor Reichenbach continued in the ser-
vice of the college we cannot certainly say; but it is most
probable that he nominally retained his professorship to
the end of his life. As late as 1819 — ^two years before his
death — ^he was directed, with two members of the Board,
"to have a room prepared for a library."^ He bequeathed
a collection of books — ^mostly Latin folios and quartos — ^to
Franklin College ; and a list of these volumes, in Professor
Eeichenbach's autograph, is in possession of the institution.
These books — about seventy in number — ^no doubt consti-
tuted the nucleus of the college library. The first volume
on the list is entitled: "Manuscript Records of the Trans-
actions and the Accounts of the Federal Society for sup-
porting a school in Lancaster, 1791." This precious docu-
ment, alas ! is no longer to be found.
Soon after Eeichenbach's arrival a German noble-
man, Heinrich von Biilow, settled in Lancaster. Von
Billow was an enthusiastic Swedenborgian, and through
his influence Professor Reichenbach, who had previously
been a Moravian, publicly embraced the doctrines of
the great mystic philosopher. After the return of Von
Biilow to Europe Reichenbach was for many years the
leader of the little band of "Receivers" which had been
organized in Lancaster, and wrote extensively in behaK of
the new doctrine. His best known work is "Agathon"
which appeared in English and German.* Though the
English version modestly claims that its substance is "ex-
tracted from the voluminous writings of an eminent and
•Minutes of the Board, page 25.
Agathon on Divine Worship. Translated from the German
original Manuscript. Lancaster, Joseph Ehrenfried, 1812.
Agathon fiber Wahren Gottesdienst. UrsprUnglich Deutsch in
Pennsylvanien gesehrielen. Lancaster, Joseph Ehrenfried, 1813.
REICHENBACH'S EPITAPH. 65
enlightened scribe of the Lord" — probably Baron Von
Biilow — the two versions differ greatly, and it is evident
that a large part is original with Keichenbach.
Another book which bears traces of Eeichenbach's hand
is an edition of Swedenborg's "Commentary on the
Twenty-fourth Chapter of Matthew," published in Han-
over, Pennsylvania, in 1806, by William D. Lepper.
There is also a History of the Destruction of Jerusalem,
translated by Eeichenbach and published by Ehrenf ried in
1810.1
Professor Eeichenbach was married in Lancaster to
Elizabeth Graeff and they had several children. He be-
came a prominent citizen, and after the college failed to
provide him with an adequate income was widely known
as an accomplished surveyor. Professor Eathvon says:
"Eeichenbach was an extensive writer, and at his death
left a large mass of manuscript, which was never utilized,
and finally became extinct through age, mould and mice."
His tombstone bears the following curious and thoroughly
Swedenborgian inscription :
" By a process which we call death the earthly part sunk here pre-
cipitated ;
The nobler part, by our good Lord, rose heavenly sublimated."
Concerning the Eeverend Joseph Hutchins we have
little information besides that which has already been
given. He became Eector of St. James, Lancaster, in
1783, and also taught a private school. When he resigned
his professorship, in June, 1788, he published an adver-
tisement which we reproduce exactly as it appeared, capi-
tals and all:
'The books here mentioned are in the library of the author.
Minute research would probably reveal others, for Reichenbach was
tor many years Ehrenfried's chief literary adviser and assistant.
66 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
' ' Notice.
"The Subscriber finding himself totally discouraged from
staying in Lancaster, and unwilling to leave it with an un-
faTorable Opinion of the Punctuality or Honesty of any
Individual, will be exceedingly obliged to those who are in-
debted to him for the schooling of their Children, to pay him
in the Course of the present Month. His sole Dependence for
his hard earned Money will be the Honor and Generosity of
his Debtors; for he will sooner lose it than have recourse to
legal Compulsion. If there are any too poor to pay him, a
confession of their Inability will produce them a Eeceipt in
full.
"Joseph Hutchins.
"Junes, 1788."
Dr. Hutchins removed from Lancaster to Philadelphia,
and subsequently became an influential clergyman. At
this time, however, his circumstances can hardly have been
encouraging ; for in a letter to Judge Yeates, dated Phila-
delphia, September 20, 1788, he declared that he had "no
resource but to solicit the equitable kindness of Franklin
College."
Immediately after the resignation of Dr. Hutchins the
Board advertised for a successor, and William Stewart,
A.M., was chosen in the following month. In 1Y89 he
conducted public examinations in the college building, and
on July 30, 1790, it is incidentally stated in the minutes
that the meeting of the Board was held in Mr. Stewart's
recitation room. On January 1, 1792, we find the Board
once more directing an advertisement "in order to obtain
a good and able teacher of the Latin and English lan-
guages in the college." This was evidently soon after
Professor Stewart's resignation.
In brief, little is known concerning this professor, ex-
PROFESSOR STEWART. 67
eept what is contained in the following letter of recom-
mendation from Dr. Rush, of which a copy is foxmd in
the records :
"Philada., July 13, 1788.
"Dear Sir,
' ' The bearer of this letter, Mr. Stewart, has been invited by
your advertisement to offer himself as a Master of the Eng-
lish and Latin School in Franklin College. He brings letters
to this city from Ireland which speak in high terms of his
moral character. His diploma and other certificates from the
College of Glasgow in Scotland bear ample testimony to his
literary qualifications. I hope he will suit the college and that
you and he will long be happy together.
"I lament that I had not the pleasure of seeing Dr.
Muhlenberg last week. I did not know that he was in town
till he had left it. Remember Mr. Tench Coxe. His zeal and
abilities render him a most worthy and suitable instrument to
advance the interest of the Germans in Pennsylvania.
"With respectful compliments to your brother, Mr. Yeates,
Mr. Chambers, Dr. Muhlenberg and all the members of the
Board,
"I am. Dear Sir,
"Yours sincerely,
"Benjn. Bush."
"John Hublet, Esq."
In the meantime Muhlenberg and Hendel labored to-
gether harmoniously as Principal and Vice-Principal. Im-
mediately after the opening of the school Dr. Rush had
written to both these gentlemen, delicately inquiring
whether denominational differences might not interfere
with their work. In his reply, dated June 25, 1787, Dr.
Muhlenberg says :
"We have hitherto lived in the most friendly manner to-
gether, and though we differ in some little points in divinity
68 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
and politics, I think in science and languages and the man-
agement of the college we shall agree very well. The jealousy
is chiefly among the common people, and is seldom observed
among the more enlightened. ' '
Dr. Handel's letter is not quite so clear, though it is per-
haps sufficiently intelligible. The writer was older than
his colleague, to whom he referred in terms of the highest
respect, but he could not help feeling that he had been
placed in a position in which he could exert but little in-
fluence. We shall not attempt to remove obscurities, but
will give the letter as it was written:
"Lancaster, August 8, 1787.
"Dear Sir,
"Having now on account of my circumstances given up the
thought of going to Philadelphia this summer, I take this
opportunity to acknowledge your favor of the 15th of June.
"You were informed, I suppose, that the college hath been
opened last month and from present prospects I hope with
good success. It is quite necessary that we must endeavor to
collect money for carrying on the Institution. I make no
doubt that the subscription on our side will c&teris paribus not
be behind those of other denominations.
"It was not from jealousy but from a sensation common
to all men my uneasiness took its rise. Regard is always had
to seniority in such cases, and deviation from this rule hardly
ever fails to produce disadvantageous reflections. It had been
intimated to me very early that the institution would fail if
the first principal was not chosen from the Lutherans ; this in-
duced me to think that something more was intended by it
than to give a proof of regard for a venerable minister who
had zealously devoted his talents and his time to the service of
the church. This added to the foregoing hindered me from
sacrificing my feelings to the great esteem I have for the
reverend father and his respectable family.
WILLIAM HENDEL. 69
"Belying, however, on the gracious assistance of God I have
resolved to accept what has or will be entrusted to me, and as
far as I am enabled to discharge it faithfully.
"Your solemn assurance gives new life to the expectation
I entertained, that you with Dr. White and the other trustees
will be careful that the spirit as well as the letter of the
Charter will be duly attended to. I think it the more neces-
sary as the present proceedings will set precedents for future
times.
"May the merciful father of light kindle in every one of us
a flame of holy desire to join hearts and hands for promoting
through this Institution the glory of His name and the happi-
ness of our fellow Christians.
"I am with unfeigned respect,
' ' Sir, your most humble servant,
"Wm. Hendel."!
The College of I^ew Jersey at Princeton, at its annual
commencement in 1787 conferred the honorary degree of
Doctor of Divinity on Helmuth, Weiberg, Muhlenberg and
Hendel. This was a very unusual honor and indicated
high appreciation of the part vrhich these gentlemen had
taken in the establishment of Franklin College. In this
connection the following letter from Dr. Hendel to Dr.
Rush may be worthy of preservation :
' The original of Hendel's letters here quoted are among the
Rush papers. They are helieved to be the only letters written by
Hendel in the English language now extant, and have surprised ua
by their fluency in what was to him a foreign language. At a com-
paratively early age the writer had suffered from a paralytic stroke
which caused his hand to tremble — reminding us of the signature ot
Stephen Hopkins attached to the Declaration of Independence — ^but
his manuscript is neat and can be easily read.
70 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
"Lancaster, October ye 8th, 1787.
"Dear Sir,
"The information you were pleased to communicate to me
in your Favour of the 29th ult. was quite unexpected. I return
my sincere thanks for your friendly congratulations. Your
generous Friendship towards me hath certainly been the
cause of using your connexion and influence with the vener-
able gentlemen of the College of New Jersey to receive me,
who is not personally acquainted with them, among the num-
ber of their graduates.
"As I observe that the manner of proceeding in this case
differs from that which is usual with us, give me therefore
leave to make a confidential request, that you would be so kind
as to inform me when and how it might be proper to make
an acknowledgment to the College. Your compliance with
this request will add great obligations to the unfeigned respect
and high esteem that is entertained by
"Your most obedient servant,
"Wm. Hendel."
In a letter written in April, 1Y88, by the Rev. Frederick
Delliker to the "Fathers" in Holland, in behalf of the Re-
formed Ccetus, we find the following interesting passage.
"We are encouraged by the fact that the College of New
Jersey has conferred the degree of Doctor of Divinity on
Messrs. Hendel and Weyberg, and by the establishment of a
German college in Lancaster. In order that you may under-
stand the origin and arrangement of this very useful institu-
tion, I enclose the Charter which has been granted by our
honorable Assembly. I have nothing further to mention,
except that the institution since its solemn inauguration on
the 6th of June, 1787 (of which occasion I also enclose a
printed program), has been conducted by its appointed teach-
ers and professors, of whom Domine Hendel is Vice-Princi-
pal, and has enjoyed a tolerably encouraging degree of pros-
perity. ' '
GERMAN DEPARTMENT, 71
In so far as the number of students was concerned the
institution was certainly sufficiently prosperous. It was,
however, found necessary, during the first year, to divide
the college into two departments, German and English.
It was prohably this fact that suggested the remark of a
correspondent of the Lancaster Unpartheyische Zeitung
of October 5, 178Y: "The English and Germans can never
work together. The one says Shibboleth, the other says
Sibboleth."
The German Department is known to have consisted
chiefly of advanced students, but does not seem to have
been very well attended. It was under special charge of
Professor Melsheimer who reported to the Board that from
October 17, 1788, to January 17, 1789, he had fourteen
students.* In the previous year the number was probably
iThe following list, signed by Professor Melsheimer has recently
been discovered:
" Names of Students instructed in the College from October 17,
1788, to January 17, 1789:
1. Peter Roth (Rhoads), Greek, Latin, History Geography, Corre-
spondence.
2. John Neuman, Greek, Latin, History, Geography, Corre-
spondence, Mathematics, Composition.
3. Abram Hendel, ditto.
4.. John Faber, ditto.
5. Henry Muhlenberg, History, Geography, Correspondence, Math-
ematics, Composition.
6. Frederick Muhlenberg, ditto.
7. George Hendel, ditto.
8. Carl Melsheimer, ditto.
9. John Sehaflfner, Latin, German, Mathematics and Composi-
tion.
10. Ludwig Schmidt, Will be admitted next Monday; to be
instructed in the Sciences.
11. Jacob MJiller, German, Reading, Composition, Mathe-
matics.
12. Valentine Host, ditto.
13. Henry Muhlenberg, ditto.
14. Ernst Melsheimer, ditto."
72 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
greater, but of this department we have no complete
records. The English Department was more successful.
It was evidently a somewhat miscellaneous school, consist-
ing of hoys and girls of various grades of proficiency. In
fact it was a high-school rather than a regular college. On
the first floor of the college building there were three large
rooms which were separated by folding-doors that could
be opened as occasion demanded ; but it is to be feared that
those that divided the Germans from the English were not
thrown back as often as they should have been.
We have a list of the scholars admitted to the English
department of Franklin College during the first year of its
existence.^ This list was printed, in 1887, in the Cen-
tennial Catalogue of Franklin and Marshall College, but
is deemed sufficiently interesting to be included in the
present volume.
Students in English Department.
1787-'88.
Samuel Bethel, Latin, Israel Cope,
John Bradbum, Jasper Cope,
George Bird, Latin, John Doersch,
Mark Bird, George Eicholtz,
William Coleman, Jacob Eicholtz,
John Eicholtz, Michael Hubley,
John Eberman, Henry Hubley,
George Eberman, Samuel Hubley,
John Pichtner, John Kagey,
Casper Pordney, Jacob Krug,
Jacob Frank, Henry Loeher,
iThis manuscript was presented to Franklin and Marshall Col-
lege some years ago by the heirs of Professor Eeichenbach. It also
contains a list of bills sent out by Dr. Hutchins, and thus incidentally
gives the names of many early patrons.
STUDENTS.
73
William Frank,
Andrew Graff,
M. George Graff,
George Graeff, Jr.
John Graeff, Jr.,
Hyman Gratz,
Kichea Gratz,
John Gibson, Oerma/n,
Benjamin Grimier,
Francis Hager,
William Hamilton, Latin.
Ludwick Heck,
Abraham Hendel,
George Hendel,
Benjamin Henry,
John Henry,
Matthew Henry, Latin,
William Henry, Latin,
John Hoofnagle,
Edward Hubley,
George Hubley,
Christopher Eeigart,
Henry Eeigart,
John Eeigart,
Patton Eoss,
William Eoss, Latin,
Adam Eudisill,
George Shell,
Henry Moore, Latin,
Frank Musser,
George Musser,
Augustus Miller,
Frederick Miller,
Timothy Miller,
William Mars,
William McCormiek, Latin,
Frederick Miller,
Henry Muhlenberg,
Frederick Muhlenberg,
John Nagle,
Isaac Neaff,
Daniel Newman,
John Newman, Latin,
Jacob Offner,
John Offner,
James Old,
John Old,
William Old,
Lewis Peters,
Henry Slough, Latin,
George Stoneman,
George Swope,
Samuel Swope,
Jacob Weidell,
John Yeates, Latin,
Barton Zantzinger, Latin.
Susanna Bethel,
Margaret Coleman,
Susanna Frick,
Elizabeth Graff,
Elizabeth Graeff,
Female.
Mary Hoofnagle,
Eebecca Hoofnagle,
Susanna Irich,
Elizabeth Krugg,
Frances Lowrey,
74
FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
EMINENT MEN. 75
Catharine Graeff, Margaret Moore,
Mary Graff, Mary Musser,
Mary Graeff, Catharine Musser,
Sarah Graeff, Harriet Musser,
Elizabeth Grubb, Juliana Musser,
Catharine Hand, Sophia Musser,
Dorothy Hand, Catharine Eeinig,
Sarah Hand, Ann Euss,
Augusta Hubley, Mary Sayre,
Charlotte Hubley, Theodosia Sayre,
Juliana Hubley, Mary Weaver,
Catharine Hoofnagle, Mary Zantzinger,
Charlotte Hoofnagle, Sarah Zantzinger.
Though we have no complete list of the students of the
German department, we know that several of them after-
wards became distinguished. Among these were the Rev.
John Theobald Faber, Jr., the Eev. Dr. Jacob Miller and
Judge Peter Ehoads. There is no proof that this German
department was kept separate after the resignation of Pro-
fessor Melsheimer.
It is not supposed that Pranklin College ever formally
graduated students or conferred degrees in the liberal arts.
It was, however, for some years customary to hold an
annual festival which in some respects resembled a modem
commencement. In the Lancaster Neue Unpartheyische
Zeitung for November 5, 1788, we find a communication
giving some account of the earliest of these festivals. It
purports to be an extract from a letter addressed by a gen-
tleman in Lancaster to a friend in Philadelphia.
The following is a translation:
"You inquire concerning the annual examinations of
Franklin College, and whether it is worth while further to
76 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
sustain the institution. On this subject I can give full in-
formation, as I was from the beginning to the end an inter-
ested spectator, and am glad to state that the exercises were
equally honorable to teachers and students. They commenced
at 9 o'clock A. M., October 17, and continued until 1 P. M.
Dr. Muhlenberg opened with prayer. Immediately afterward
two young orators invoked the interest and attention of the
audience, and recommended the institution to their favor.
This was done for the German students by Henry Muhlenberg,
of Philadelphia, and for the English by Samuel Bethel. After
these speeches the German class was examined. The pupils
read slowly and distinctly, and replied very satisfactorily to
certain questions in Christian doctrine. After this Peter Eoth,
of Northampton, delivered a German oration to the effect that
arts and sciences are conducive to rational advancement, and
John Yeates recited an English ode to the Deity. Next the
class in English reading was examined. I was curious to
observe whether our German boys could pronounce English
well, and I cannot say that I observed the slightest difference,
in this respect, between them and those who were English
born, except that the Germans read more slowly and dis-
tinctly.
"This exercise was followed by two orations — one in Eng-
lish, by Edward Hubley, and another in German, by Abraham
Hendel — on the theme, ' How literary institutions may best be
established.' Then the German students were examined in
history and geography, particularly in those of the United
States. You know how important this subject is, and you will
approve of the fact that an hour daily is devoted to it in the
college. The ready answers showed that it was a subject of
interest. Immediately afterwards the pupils of the English
class were examined in English grammar, and they answered
very promptly. Next came a young Latin orator, John Neu-
man. Whether it was the Latin language that affected me,
or his gentle, cultured manner, I cannot tell. His beautiful
THE ANNUAL FESTIVAL. 77
discourse, based on Proverbs III., 13, 14, interested me ex-
ceedingly. I am told that he is a young man who is distin-
guished by industry, talents and good manners, but he is the
son of a poor widow. If I were connected with the German
society of Philadelphia, I should venture to recommend him
to its good offices. The worthy members of that society have
done much good to the youth of Philadelphia ; would they not
be willing to extend their hand a little further?
"Besides this oration, another discourse in Latin, pro-
nounced according to the English dialect, was delivered by
Henry Moore. You are probably aware that the English
patrons have their children instructed in English Latin by the
English professor, the German professor teaching the lan-
guage with the German pronunciation. The great difference
between these two methods of pronunciation I observed during
the examination of the pupils. The German Latinists trans-
lated a passage and freely answered questions in grammar
antiquities and history, and I believe every unprejudiced judge
must have acknowledged that, considering the time employed
in study, the students had made remarkable progress. The
English Latinists were of various degrees of proficiency, and
translated from Virgil down to the simplest exercises. I am
not sufficiently familiar with their dialect to pass judgment on
their scholarship. They answered every question promptly.
' ' After these examinations there were exercises in declama-
tion. Barton Zantzinger and Henry Schlauch recited English
verses, and the exercises concluded with two pleasantly written
dialogues. The subject of the first was, 'The Advantage of
Education for Mechanics.' George SchafEner and George
Hendel spoke on this subject, to the great satisfaction of the
audience. The second dialogue treated the question, 'Why
do so few Germans give their children a good education?'
This dialogue was spoken by Frederick Muhlenberg, of Phila-
delphia, Jacob Miller and George Prick, and this concluded
the examination.
78 FKA.NKLIN COLLEGE.
"The attention of the audience, and their pleased expression
of countenance, were certain signs of their satisfaction, and I
feel sure that the college will receive their future support.
"After the examination Dr. Hendel, in the name of the
trustees, thanked the professors, Messrs. Melsheimer and
Stewart, expressed equal satisfaction with the students, gave
the latter some wholesome advice, and commended the insti-
tution to the providence of God.
"As all this had been done in German, a similar address
was made in English by the Eev. Mr. Herbst,^ pastor of the
Moravian church. Possibly I may soon send you copies of
some of the orations and addresses, which I am sure you will
read with pleasure. I trust you will continue to be a faithful
friend of Franklin College."
In the following year, 1789, the closing exercises were
held on the 3d of July. From an article which greatly re-
sembled the one which we have quoted, and was evidently
written by the same hand, we learn that there had been
"evident improvement since the last examination." Ora-
tions were delivered in English by Messrs. Moore and
Eoth, in German by John T. Faber, and in Greek by John
INeuman. The writer says: "The Greek classes are still
rather weak. The English students translated passages
from the ISTew Testament, and the Germans rendered ex-
tracts from Lucian and from a small Greek chrestomathy,
which has been introduced in the institution." The report
concludes as follows:
'This gentleman, it will be remembered, offered prayer at the
formal opening of the college, June 6, 1787. A contemporary manu-
script copy of that paper is in our possession. As it covers ten
closely written pages one might almost be tempted to say of it, as
^schines did of some of the Resolutions of Demosthenes, that "it
is as long as the Iliad." It closes with a special intercession for
" the noble Protector of this College, His Excellency President Ben-
jamin Franklin."
A WAKNING. 79
"When we consider the hrief time that has elapsed since
the founding of the school it must be aekowledged that much
has been done, and it certainly deserves our warmest sympathy
and support. It would be a great pity if — as has been sug-
gested — the institution should finally fail for lack of funds.
I am not willing to give up the hope that the German national
spirit will finally awake, and that Franklin's school will be
properly supported. If this does not speedily occur the Ger-
mans of Pennsylvania will fail to know the things which
belong to their peace, and a late repentance will not atone for
their present neglect."
CHAPTEK VII.
EARLY TROUBLES.
Local Opposition — "Hans Ehelich" — Appeal foe Aid — De.
Rush's Letter — Melsheimee's Report — The Fathers in
Holland — Geeman Depaetment.
At the founding of Franklin College it had been con-
fidently expected that the Grermans of all denominations
would immediately gather to its support; but in this re-
spect the founders must have been grievously disappointed.
Though the Reformed and Lutherans and the "outside
community" of the town of Lancaster were sufficiently
sympathetic, it seemed impossible to inspire the country
people with any degree of interest. The so-called "Sect-
People" were apathetic, if not hostile; and, in fact, very
few uneducated people appreciated the value of higher
culture. 'No doubt the objections which were urged
against the new institution were sufficiently stupid, but
we cannot help regarding it as a mistake that some of its
supporters rushed into print, and employed ridicule as a
weapon of defense. "Hans Ehrlich" assimied the char-
acter of a farmer, and expressed himself in language
which was all the more cutting because it was based on
sentiments which actually existed in certain rustic com-
munities. In one of his articles he says :
"I am told that Lancaster has been selected to be the seat
of a German college. Possibly, it is intended to make the
children wiser than the parents and that does not please me
at all. I am not a learned man, but I have no occasion to
80
THE QUESTION OF LANGUAGE. 81
know more than I already know. My deceased father did not
know as much as I do, for he could neither read nor write,
and when he wanted to cipher he counted his fingers, or
made crosses over the door. For all that, he was an excel-
lent man, ate his pork and drank his cider daily with a good
appetite, and died peacefully in his eighty-sixth year, having
first bequeathed his entire farm to me. My two boys need
not know more than I do, for the egg must not be wiser than
the hen. My wife would like to send my son, Christopher,
to college, for his mother's brother was a Master of Arts;
but I shall have a word to say to that, for the husband is the
head of the wife, as it is written in Ephesians."
"Sarcasm and ridicule," it has been said, "are weapons
which may wound but cannot kill." Articles, like the one
from which we have quoted, can have done no good. Their
only effect must have been to change indifference into
positive hostility.
That the question of language, and other difficulties to
which we have alluded, were sources of disquietude is
perfectly plain; but these might have been overcome if
it had not been for the all-engrossing trouble of finance.
Indeed, from our present point of view, it is astonishing
that the promoters of the institution could have expected
to accomplish their task with the means at their command.
We have no present means of determining the amount of
subscriptions; but we know that many of these remained
unpaid, and that there were financial difficulties from the
very beginning. On the 20th of September, 1787, John
Hubley, Esq., Vice-President of the Board, wrote to Dr.
Kush, pleading for immediate aid. On the same day the
following circular was addressed to the members of the
Board :
82 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
"Lancastee, Sept. 20, 1787.
"Sir,
Agreeable to a resolye of the Board of Trustees, at a meet-
ing held the 13th day of September instant, you will be so
obliging as to forward the monies and donations subscribed
within your district for the use of the College to Mr. Jacob
Krug in Lancaster, Treasurer : And it is earnestly requested
by the Board, that you wiU use every endeavor to procure such
further subscriptions as may be attained by you for the ad-
vancement and support of that useful Institution, and for-
ward them to the Treasurer with all convenient speed.
"I have the honor to be, with much esteem and respect,
your most obedient and most humble servant.
"John Hublet."
The receipts from tuition were smaller than had been
expected. To extend the advantages of the institution
the cost of instruction had been fixed at the lowest possible
figures: £1 per session for German, 50 shillings for Ger-
man and English, and £4 for all branches. With regard
to the actual receipts authorities differ; but the following
memorandum, which was subsequently entered on the
records, may be supposed to be authoritative:
First year produced cash £200.0.0
Arrears still due about 26.0.0
■ £226.0.0
Mr. Hutehins' Salary £200.0.0
Mr. Melsheimer 200.0.0
Mr. Keichenbach 50.0.0
House Kent 20.0.0
£470.0.0
Deficiency to be paid out of the funds 244.0.0
£470.0.0
DR. RUSH'S LETTER. 83
At this rate it did not take long to get to the bottom
of the purse. On the 22d of October, 1788, Mr. Hubley
wrote to Dr. Kush:
"I wrote to you some time ago how poorly our college
stands and how far we are in arrears; these arrears increase
daily, and imless you gentlemen in Philadelphia will put
your shoulders to the wheel, we must inevitably perish and
that very soon."
It might be possible to prepare a consecutive account of
these early troubles, but v^e believe it to be better, when-
ever this is possible, to quote contemporary documents.
Though some of these may lack interest for the general
reader they have a certain historic value, and to the care-
ful student convey an idea of the character of the times
which it is otherwise not easy to secure.
The following letter from Dr. B. Kush to Dr. H. E.
Muhlenberg was in part read by Dr. F. A. Muhlenberg
in 1887, at the centennial celebration of Franklin and
Marshall College. The original manuscript is now de-
posited in the college library. It alludes to the financial
difficulties of Franklin College, and is otherwise so inter-
esting that we print it in full:
"Philadelphia, Feb. 15, 1788.
"Dear Sir:
"I was much mortified in finding that a letter from you
dated in June, 1787, by some strange fatality did not reach
me till the 4th of this month. The sentiments of friendship
and benevolence contained in it are of so warm a nature that
even the length of time that intervened between its being
written and received had not cooled them. I rejoice to hear
of the harmony that subsists between you and Dr. Hendel,
84 FEANKLIN COLLEGE.
and the zeal with which you are both actuated in promoting
the great objects of the institution.
"I lament the languor that has infected our trustees in
this city. I have tried in vain to bring about a meeting in
order to collect our certificates and draw our interest on
them. The present turbulent era is imfavorable to all peace-
able enterprises ; nothing now fills the mind but subjects that
agitate the passions. Let us not despair. As soon as our
new government is established, the public spirit of our coun-
try will be found to feed upon undertakings that have science
or humanity for their object.
"The conduct of the minority of our convention, and of a
majority of my old friends beyond the Susquehanna, deter-
mine me more than ever to look to my German brethren
(indulge the term) as the future reservoirs and vehicles to
posterity of a great part of the knowledge, virtue and religion
of Pennsylvania. I rejoice in the part a great majority of
them have taken in the great contest about the federal con-
stitution. On them I rely chiefly to out vote, to out work,
and to out pray the anti-federalists in our State. I hope you
do not neglect to fill your gazette with federal essays, anec-
dotes and intelligence. Hall and Sellers ' paper is filled every
week with them all. Newspapers form the principles and
direct the conduct of the greatest part of mankind in all
countries.
"There is no doubt now of the adoption of the new gov-
ernment by nine States before the 1st of June, and by twelve
before the 1st of August.
"The constitution has been well received in England, and
is much commended by the friends of America, especially
by the great and good Dr. Price.
"Will not a letter of thanks from you and Dr. Hendel be
expected to the trustees of New Jersey College for the de-
grees in divinity lately conferred upon you ? It may be con-
CONDITION OP THE COLLEGE. 85
veyed to them through the Eev. Dr. Witherspoon, the Presi-
dent of the College.
"With eompliinents to Dr. Hendel, I am, dear Sir, your
friend and humble servant,
"Benjamin Eush."
On the 27th of February, 1788, Dr. Melsheimer wrote
an article for the Neue Unpartheyische Zeitung, of which
the following is a translation:
"What is the condition of the College in Lancaster?
Will the work be continued, or must its doors again be
closed ?
"As I am pretty well acquainted with the present condi-
tion of the school, I regard it as my duty to answer these
questions as briefly and plainly as possible; partly to direct
the attention of the German people in general to this insti-
tution, but also in part to indicate to its patrons and to the
friends of the Germans the extent in which their philan-
thropic purposes have been attained.
"There are at present three teachers in the school who
give instruction in the German, English and Latin lan-
guages, as well as in mathematics and composition. The
number of scholars is one hundred and five, and of these
there are twenty who are to be trained in the higher branches
of science. From the beginning we have sought to remove
obstacles that might interfere with the prosperity of the in-
stitution, and the cost of tuition has therefore been made as
low as possible. What German who is in good circumstances
can object to paying for his children annually 20 shillings
for German, 50 shillings for both German and English, or
£4 for all the branches taught in the course? Or who can
regard the price of board, which varies from 25 to 14 pounds,
as too high?
86 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
"Though this arrangement is of advantage to our patrons
it involves the great inconvenience that the amount of tuition
is not sufficient to pay the salaries of the professors, so that
the deficit must be met by drawing on the general fund. The
gentleman who has charge of the accounts has assured me
that the amount received for tuition in the first quarter did
not exceed 40 pounds, and in the second quarter was not
more than 70 pounds. The three regular teachers are to
receive salaries amounting to £450, and of this sum £250
must be supplied during the present year.
"From these data every one can easily answer the above
questions. If the Germans of this country learn to love the
arts and sciences; if their love for their country and for pos-
terity induces them to increase the endowment by their con-
tributions, so that a part of the expenses may thus be met,
the College in Lancaster will soon be among the most pros-
perous institutions in Pennsylvania; if this shoidd not hap-
pen [a blank]. But how could it be possible that
our people should sink to such a depth of degradation?
Should we not deserve to be represented as mean and con-
temptible, standing like nude statues before the world, with
nothing to cover us, unless it should be our ancient honesty?
No, my friends ! let us show the whole world that the Ger-
mans of Pennsylvania not only have hands to labor, but
heads to acquire all learning as soon as they have the oppor-
tunity of developing their talents.
"P. V. Mblsheimee,
"Professor at the College in Lancaster."
That the financial question was of paramount impor-
tance is evident from scattered notices in the papers of
the day. As early as January 2, 1788, Professor Mel-
sheimer advertised that he would privately teacli Ger-
man, " with a near (sic) knowledge of the best authors
MEMHEIMER'S RESIGNATION. 87
of Germany. Price, 20 shillings per quarter." Pro-
fessors Reichenbacli and Hutchins also sought to increase
their income by outside labor. In the Neiie Unparthey-
ische Zeitung for March 12, 1788, a correspondent sug-
gests that the professors might bridge over the financial
difficulties of the college by accepting an annual salary
of £100, instead of £200, as they have private means."
The next nimiber of the paper contains a reply, stating
that the professors are doing the very thing that has been
suggested. "One of them is working for one fourth of
what had been promised him, and all are willing to make
any possible sacrifice."
The resignation of Professor Melsheimer, in July,
1789, was a misfortune which, though xmavoidable, was
very serious. Indeed, it was currently reported that the
college had closed, and from this time onward its patron-
age was almost entirely local. If either of the synods
had possessed supreme control, it is possible that arrange-
ments might have been made to meet the deficiencies of
income by special contributions from the churches, but
the responsibility was divided, and each depended upon
the other. There was a period of deep depression, so
that, in !N"ovember, 1792, Dr. Muhlenberg could write
to Dr. Hush : "Our Frankliniana is much like the daughter
of Jairus. O, for a commiserating hand that could raise
her!"
In a letter addressed in June, 1790, to the authorities
in Holland, by the Kev. ^Nicholas Pomp, of the Reformed
Church, appears the following interesting passage:
88 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
"In reference to your inquiries concerning the purpose of
the College in Lancaster, we have to reply, that the institu-
tion failed a year ago, because the professors no longer re-
ceived their salaries in consequence of the prevailing scarcity
of money. We therefore deem it unnecessary to furnish a
circumstantial account of this institution to your Eeverend
body. We beg to say, however, that it has not yet entered
our minds to dissolve the intimate bonds which connect us
with the Eeverend Fathers, and that our chief purpose in the
establishment of this school was to have our German youth
instructed in such languages and sciences as might render
them capable of occupying offices in the republic, and that
possibly also, if the school should continue, we might in
future times educate young men for the ministry. ' '
The "Fathers" in Holland were evidently unable to
understand the situation. On March 7, 1791, they wrote:
"We are surprised that the Academy has come to so speedy
an end; and since the Eeverend Ccetus professes its inclina-
tion to keep up correspondence with our synods we hope that,
in accordance with the present acts of the Coetus, its subse-
quent actions will correspond thereto, so as to prevent es-
trangement and unpleasant consequences." Again, at the
meeting of the Deputies, in March, 1792, the following action
was taken: "The Deputies took the liberty of reminding
the Committee on Pennsylvania affairs as to the erection of
that High School, that this was not an institution of the
church authorities in those regions, and thus the professors
were not paid out of the income of the church, but that this
High School was established by the State's legislature of
that country, and that the same had granted a parcel of
land from whose proceeds the professors were to have their
subsistence. Hence the Deputies do not understand how the
THE HOLLANDERS. 89
school had to fail on account of the non-payment of the pro-
fessors, for which reason the Deputies desire further infor-
mation, how to reconcile the one thing with the other; al-
though they were otherwise not much pleased with the found-
ing of the aforesaid institute, as little as the committee and
the synods of North and South Holland, who had always dis-
approved of the erection thereof, and long held back as is
evidenced by their acts."
The good Hollanders failed to comprehend that the
relations of the college to the legislature were purely
formal and that the gift of land was in those days a
burden rather than a blessing,
Notwithstanding frequent announcements of failure,
there is plenty of evidence to prove that Franklin College
was not actually closed. The German department was
not continued after the resignation of Professor Mel-
sheimer; and this fact, together with the well-known
financial troubles of the institution, naturally conveyed
to the Grerman churches an impression of failure; but
the school was continued, though its original plan was
necessarily modified. It became a local academy, rather
than a regular college. In the words of one of its later
professors, Dr. T. A. Muhlenberg:
"Its services to our people were humble and did not obtain
public notoriety. It aimed to maintain a good classical and
mathematical Christian school, or college; and this it did,
under various forms of organization, until the time of its
successful union with Marshall College."
CHAPTEK VIII.
A PERIOD OF DEPRESSION.
Impebfeot Minutes — Coixeoe Lands — " The Squattees " — Db.
MUHtENBERO'S DiABT DE. JAMES ROSS PoOLE'S FEANK-
UN Academy — Peofessoe Schippee's Diction aey —
De. Beownlee — Peofessoe Noes — Peesidents op
THE BoASD — Proposed Theologicai Seminaet.
The early records of Franklin College are very unsatis-
factory. Indeed it was not until 1818 that the Board
of Trustees directed its secretary to procure a minute-
book, and for some years after this date the minutes were
not regularly recorded. Fortunately one of the early
secretaries — probably Judge Dale — transcribed into this
book a number of loose minutes and other documents
which happened to be in his possession, so that the thread
of history remains unbroken. Besides these a number
of minutes of early meetings were found, some years ago,
among the papers of Judge Jasper Yeates, but these con-
tain nothing of special importance. From the minutes
we learn that the meetings of the Board were regularly
convened, though they sometimes failed to secure a quo-
rum ; that vacancies were carefully filled by new elections ;
and that the Trustees never wavered in their purpose to
accumulate a fund for the endowment of an institution of
higher grade.
The minutes, it must be confessed, are very uuinterest-
ing. For several years they are mainly occupied with
matters pertaining to the collection of unpaid subscrip-
tions to the endowment; then they turn to the almost
90
THE COLLEGE LANDS. 91
hopeless task of obtaining financial returns from the
lands which had been granted to the college by the legis-
lature of Pennsylvania.
These lands were for many years a source of trouble.
When the charter was granted it was no doubt supposed
that they would be located and surveyed at the expense
of the state; but the law was otherwise interpreted by
the authorities, and it was soon found that they could
not be secured for the college without the expenditure of
a considerable sum. In 1789 the Hon. William Bing-
ham advanced £60 for surveying a part of the college
lands, and this sum was in 1807 repaid to his estate.
Ten thousand acres had been granted to the college by
the state and these were located in several widely sepa-
rated tracts. There may have been some carelessness
with regard to the recording of titles. In a letter to
Samuel W. Morris, dated July 17, 1818, Mr. John
Hubley says:
"Whether even the title of the college lands was filed in
any of the comities where they lie I do not know. Originally
they were situated in Northumberland and Luzerne counties,
afterwards transferred to Tioga and other counties, and I
had not always the care of them."
In 1828 Judge Samuel Dale visited the lands of the
college and presented an elaborate report, from which it
appears that by actual survey there were ten thousand
eight hundred and thirty-one acres and ninety-five hun-
dredths, including the usual allowance for roads, etc., and
that the lands were situated as follows: In Venango
County, 5,279.95 acres ; in Tioga and Lycoming counties,
1,200 acres; and in Bradford, 4,352 acres. By this
92 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
time, however, 4,771 acres had been sold for $14,061.71,
and after deducting commissions, $12,655.55 were paid
to the treasurer of the college. In describing the lands
in Bradford County Judge Dale says:
"I found it to be thin soil and gravelly land, neither well
timbered nor watered, thickly covered with oak, hickory, and
maple imderwood, some saplings of the same kind, and some
scattering large pine trees."
In some localities in Bradford County the soil was
better and there was a heavier growth of timber; so that
it was soon seized by "squatters" whom it was found
difficult to dislodge. The following letter will give some
idea of the state of afEairs:
"Stowb, September 13, 1813.
"Gen. Francis Swainb,
"Sir,
"As I have not any acquaintance with Doctor Muhlen-
berg and do not know even the names of the other trustees
of Franklin College, I shall state to you in order that you
may communicate the information the following circiun-
stances which if they have not already attracted the atten-
tion of the Trustees may be of use to the Institution.
"It appears by some drafts which I have seen that Frank-
lin College owns seven or eight tracts of land on and near
to Towandy in Bradford county, late Luzerne county. Such
of those tracts as adjoin Towandy Creek have no doubt set-
tlers on them, as it is closely settled on the creek from the
river to the head of it. Many of these settlers have lived a
long time on the lands and on an ejectment brought for a
tract which I believe adjoins the College lands intend to
prove twenty-one years' possession. If they cannot do this
"THE SQUATTERS." 93
now, they will in a short time be able to do so. It is of
importance, therefore, that the trustees should attend to this
business, otherwise they will lose the lands. I may add that
wherever there is valuable timber it is daily going and nearly
gone, and no doubt every good freshet some of the lumber
reaches Columbia or New Haven in the neighborhood of Lan-
caster.
"Dickinson College has lands adjoining and in the same
situation. "With respect. Yours,
"Sam. Baird."
In the records there are many references to the "squat-
ters" and to the troubles which their presence gave. No
doubt the annoyance was greatly due to the fact that
these unbidden settlers were sometimes left for years in
undisturbed possession, to be at last surprised by the
Board in a spasmodic attempt to recover its rights. In
a letter, dated September 7, 1815, Mr. Hubley says:
"There is no adage more true than this, that what is
everybody's business is nobody's business — and it is equally
true that in this country no concerns are more neglected than
the concerns of corporate bodies, especially if not attended
with a certain profit or interest, immediate or expectant, to
the individual members of the corporation."
Under such condition it is not surprising that the pay-
ment of taxes on the college lands was frequently neg-
lected until it was almost too late. On several occasions
the lands were advertised for sale for unpaid taxes, and
it was only by extra labor and expense that they were
recovered for the institution. There was, however, a
difference of opinion on the question whether the lands
were legally taxable, but the frequent efforts by the Board
94 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
to be exonerated appear to have been unsuccessful. In
writing to Walter Pranklin, Esq., in January, 1816,
Mr. Hubley says:
"Hitherto the lands haye been expensive to the Trustees
in respect of taxes, and no funds to defray them except what
arose out of private subscriptions, the legislature never hav-
ing granted a cent in aid thereof. In the Borough of Lan-
caster the legislature granted a brick building, which was
built for the use of Public Stores, of 100 feet in front and
35 feet in depth, two stories high; this building has been
constantly in use by the College for schools. The repairs
thereof have also been at a considerable expense, such as new
roofing, building chimneys and accommodations thereto; but
the Commissioners of the county have never taxed it, know-
ing that no rent arises thereout and that all the benefit of it
reverts to the public. If this buildiag with something better
than an acre of ground on which it is erected, and the lands
now belonging to the College can be retained there can be
no doubt that in time it will be of great utility to the state
of Pennsylvania. The Board, therefore, make every exer-
tion to uphold and transmit this promising seminary to the
rising generation."
Again, writing to Mr. Samuel W. Morris in 1818, Mr,
Hubley says:
"It was always doubtful whether these lands were taxable
so long as they remained the property of the College, the State
having granted them for a public seminary, not for a par-
ticidar county but for the use of the whole State, and no
part of their property was ever attempted to be taxed in
Lancaster county, though a considerable part thereof lies
within the city of Lancaster."
RESOLUTION OF THANKS. 95
Having quoted so largely from the letters of Mr. John
Hnbley, it may be well to state that their writer was by
far the most active and energetic member of the Board
of Trustees. He was successively Vice-President, Sec-
retary, Treasurer and President; and at times he seems
to have practically combined these offices in his own per-
son. In 1818 the Board took the following action:
"Resolved, That the thanks of the Board be given to our
President, John Hubley, Esquire/ for the care and attention
that he has so diligently and assiduously given to the inter-
ests of the institution."
It is to be regretted that during this period we have
no consecutive account of the internal development of the
school. We are even unable to furnish a list of teachers,
though the names of some of them may be found in finan-
cial accounts or in local publications. There were no
annual reports of the President — such as have since be-
come usual — and all the information we have been able
to gather is of necessity fragmentary.
Dr. Muhlenberg kept a sort of diary, or common-place
book from which some fragments of information may be
gathered. His grandson, the late Dr. P. A. Muhlenberg,
transcribed for the author such portions as seemed to refer
to Franklin College; but he was forced to confess that in
some places the manuscript was hardly legible and in
'John Hubley was born in Lancaster, December 25, 1747, and died
there June 2, 1821. He read law under the instruction of Edward
Shippen, and was admitted to the bar in 1769. Delegate, in 1776,
to the convention which met to adopt a State Constitution; in the
same year became a member of the Committee of Safety. In 1777
he became Commissary of Continental stores at Lancaster, with the
rank of Major. Member of the Supreme Executive Council, and
delegate to the State Convention that ratified the Federal Constitu-
tion. — Harris's Biographical History of Lancaster County.
96 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
Others utterly unintelligible. The elder Dr. Muhlenberg
seems to have had the habit of "thinking with his pen";
that is, while thinking, he took notes — sometimes writing
only a word or two to indicate a train of thought — ^with-
out caring in the least for style or chirography. We
shall endeavor to translate several passages which may
be found interesting:
"Aug. 6, 1789.
"What is to be the fate of our college?
"1. Thus far there are no funds at hand to accomplish
anything; but ought not the scholars themselves to furnish
some revenue if the school is properly conducted? How do
those of our teachers support themselves who receive no pub-
lic stipend?
"2. Instruction shoidd not merely consist in teaching
languages, but should include
" (1) Christianity — a thorough and complete knowledge
of the subject. Here is a difficulty: the denom-
inational differences.
"(2) History, Geography, Mathematics and Natural Sci-
ences.
"(3) Ordinary reading, writing and ciphering should be
a requirement. Writing letters.
"3. Pastors might spare us two hours each day, every fore-
noon. I formerly did so.
"4. Might not contributions still be collected here and
there in the country ?
"5. An ordinary Tutor might give instruction in reading
and writing German, Arithmetic, Composition, Geography
and History. Advanced scholars to receive instruction in
languages in the forenoon for at least two hours.
"6. I prefer to teach Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Geography,
History, Botany, Mineralogy or Dogmatics. Where? In
one of the rooms of the college or privately?
"7. An opportunity for the Germans is now at hand — will
it ever appear again? Or is it necessary to lay so much
MUHLENBERG'S DIAEY. 97
stress on German? I think we ought to preserve our lan-
guage for the sake of our religion. Ministers who preach
German and English will in time be very necessary.
"8. Latin and Greek to be taught only to scholars of spe-
cial talents and to those who desire to become ministers.
Others had better at once be admitted to an English class —
doctrine, etc., to be taught separately.
"9. A Tutor for the German language and literature and
for those who desire to study for the ministry. Salaries to
be paid individually; pupils to be arranged according to
religious denominations — ^two or three hours each day. 1
hour, reading; 1, grammar; 1, composition; 1, mathematics;
1, geography and history.
"A tutor who can play the organ would be most desirable.
"I do not think we can continue our German class (depart-
ment) unless we instruct many or all of the pupils gratis.
English scholars should always pay tuition.
"Propositions:
"1. Teachers to be paid from the regular income of the
school. House-rent alone to be allowed.
"2. Each denomination to raise collections for its bene-
ficiaries; income of endowment to be applied to similar pur-
poses; contributors may nominate a beneficiary. Subscrib-
ers retain the privilege of appropriating their gifts to stu-
dents of the Lutheran or Eeformed churches or of any other
denomination of Christians. Faculty to determine whether
students are to be admitted.
"3. The capital fund had better remain at interest. The
sixth part of the income must be appropriated (according to
the charter)."
(Here follows a sketch of a public appeal in behalf of
the college which we do not deem it necessary to translate.)
"4. As soon as the funds permit tuition shall be free for
all students without distinction.
"5. The tuition of pupils who do not learn English, with-
out languages, to be only £3.
98 PEANKLIN COLLEGE.
"6. If the college should fail, what then? As long as
there is any money left it must not fail."
Another extract from Dr. Muhlenberg's diary is some-
what amusing. We do not know the name of the
"master" to whom it refers, and perhaps it is better that
we do not; but is shows that Dr. Muhlenberg, as Presi-
dent of the institution, regarded it as his duty to look
into, and correct, if possible, the faults of his subordi-
nates. He says:
"Dec. 20, 1789.
"Our Latin master is not acceptable.
' ' 1. He is too careless in dress — ^his poverty is not the only
reason. He might brush his clothes and shoes and be more
neat. That indicates little consideration. Whoever •would
get along in the world must be xdafiio?.
"2. He is hasty and noisy in manner, speaks roughly to
his pupils, interrupts them too frequently and makes them
mere repeaters of what he has said. He ought to be more
Socratic.
"3. He is careless in domestic affairs; never makes him-
self useful; is ashamed of labor; therefore he is a burden to
others and becomes contemptible.
"4. He has no worldly wisdom; is unable to make pur-
chases ; knows nothing except dead languages, and these alone
do not suffice to help any man through this present world.
"Reflections: 1. Be neat in your attire.
2. Be not hasty nor noisy.
3. Take heed to your domestic affairs.
4. Learn to know the world."
Dr. Muhlenberg does not often refer to Franklin Col-
lege in his diary, but on the 20th of April, 1810, we find
the following entry:
"In our College — at least in so far as I am concerned —
more attention should be given
' THE PRESIDENT'S SUGGESTIONS. 99
"1. To Chronology and Geography;
"2. Composition and Oratory; i'i, v,
"3. And Natural Sciences.
"Orbis Pictus is reaUy, so far as style and thought are con-
cerned, a good and useful book."
It is therefore evident that, within five years of his
death, Dr. Muhlenberg was still teaching in Frantlin
College.
In respect to the organization of the institution Dr.
Muhlenberg's suggestions appear to have been generally
accepted. There were practically three schools whose
teachers were mainly supported by fees paid for tuition.
One of the schools was nearly always a select school in
which the higher branches were taught. The teachers
were appointed by the Board of Trustees, and stood under
the paternal supervision of Dr. Muhlenberg. The build-
ing was kept in good repair by the Board of Trustees,^
and the teachers paid no rent for the use of their school-
rooms. Some of them received an allowance for house-
rent, but this was not always granted.
As has already been intimated, the minutes of the
Board of Trustees give us little information concerning
the professors in Franklin College during the first quarter
of the nineteenth century. The names of some of them
are incidentally mentioned, but how long they served it
is often impossible to determine. Among them were
several men of decided ability, who became well known
as successful literary workers; but it is a curious fact
that concerning their personal history very little is known.
James Eoss, LL.D., was one of the foremost classical
'In 1810 the sum of $1,680.21 was expended in repairs and im-
provements.
100 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
scholars in America. He was a native of Delaware/ and
was probably a member of the well-known Koss family
of New Castle. He was born in 1743, and died in Phila-
delphia, July 6, 182Y, aged eighty-four.^ In 1784 he
was chosen a member of the original faculty of Dickinson
College, but as early as 1796 had removed to Chambers-
burg, where he conducted the Chambersburg Academy.
There he published the first edition of his celebrated
Latin Grammar, which was for many years almost exclu-
sively used in the classical schools of this country. Sub-
sequent editions were published while he taught in Lan-
caster, and in these he was careful to state on the title-
page that he was professor of Ancient Languages in
Franklin College. He came to Lancaster in 1801 and
remained here until 1809. The author has seen a letter
addressed by him, in 1806, to Judge Jasper Yeates in
which he invites him to be present at the annual examina-
tions of "our little college."
Professor Koss published several additional text-books
which were highly appreciated. Among these were a
Greek Grammar* and an edition of the Colloquies of
Corderius. He also translated the " Shorter Catechism "
into Latin. Dr. Theodore Appel gives some account of
a discussion between Professor Ross and the Eev. Dr.
C. L. Becker* — a dispute which began on the street and
'^ History of Franklin County, by Samuel P. Bates.
'He was buried in the graveyard of the old Ranstead Court
Church, but when the property was sold his remains were removed
to Carlisle for reinterment.
3 Historical Magazine, 1862.
♦Christian L. Becker, D.D. (1756-1818), was, from 1806 to 1818,
pastor of the Reformed Church of Lancaster. He was the author
of a volume of sermons.
PROFESSOR ROSS. 101
ended in the newspapers. !For some now forgotten reason
they began an earnest discussion, but found it difficult to
understand each other, as the one spoke German and the
other English. Becoming more excited they began to
speak Latin; but here the difficulty occurred that the
pronunciation of one was British and the other conti-
nental. Finally they secured space in a newspaper and
continued the discussion by publishing Latin articles
which can hardly be supposed to have been edifying to
the general reader. There appears, however, to have been
no real animosity; for Dr. Becker's son, Jacob Christian
— afterwards an eminent minister — remained a student
in Franklin College and a favorite pupil of the professor.
In 1804 Professor Ross published a Latin Ode in mem-
ory of the Eeverend Charles Msbet, D.D.,^ first president
of Dickinson College. An original copy in possession
of the author is dated : " Coll. Franklin, Lancastrise, Kal.
Mart. 1804."
After leaving Lancaster Professor Ross taught for some
years in Philadelphia^ and was also for a short time Pro-
1 Charles Nisbet was born at Haddington, Scotland, January 21,
1736; died at Carlisle, Pa., January 18, 1804. He was in 1783 per-
suaded by Dr. Rusb to accept the presidency of Dickinson College,
which had just been founded at Carlisle, Pa. He was received in this
country with expressions of great rejoicing. " Processions were
formed, bells were rung, and addresses of welcome delivered in Eng-
lish and Latin. This auspicious beginning was followed by long
years of trial and discouragement, incident to the building up of
an institution of learning in an American wilderness." — Wicker-
sham's History of Education in Pennsylvania, p. 397.
2 In Philadelphia one of his pupils was the afterwards celebrated
James Waddell Alexander. Dr. Alexander was accustomed to speak
with enthusiasm of the extraordinary attainments of his teacher.
While at school Professor Ross was in the habit of calling him
" Alexander Magnus " — in facetious allusion, it is said, to his rather
THE ODE.
Ad GULIELMUM HAMILTON
SALUTEM.
Hos ego verGculot; in ineinoriafn viri in*
tegerrimi, nee non et ex omnibus 'quos xtas
prasfens, annia multis per orbem terrarunt
tulit, doAidimi, uflerulam honoris,- typis, ad
Te, tuis mandandos, mitto ; quippe qui te
facllem et commodum tnets, aliis octaQoni*
busi baud fetnel prccibas dedifti.
JJt. Ross,
In Obitum
Viri clariffimi CAROLI NISBET, D. t>,
Coll. DtckinTon. Prslidis, qui oAodecidiO
Januarii, A. D. 1804, vita deceffit.
TE quoque, qui nostris dignatus vivere, Nisbett
Finibus, eripuit mors ! fera Te.eripuit I
Tu, tandem, fessus, metam finemque laboitini«
Doctc, invenisti, corpore deposito.
Frxclanu, turbas hominum, socio^que relictos,
Morce rrdemptus, nunc despicis altivolus.
Bivitias quoque habes partas hie, munera culm
Mentis nempe bonZ) quas dedit ipse Decs.
Hxc autem, vestes, aunim, popularis et aura.
Grata licet quondam, et fulgida, diffugiunt.
Finite ergo opete, propter quod missus inorbep*-
Tempore et expleto, convenit ut redee*.
Haud alitcr servus, longaslegatusin oras
Qui, domino, rediit, jam revocante domtutl,
Nuncius Americorum hie tristespervolatoras,
" Nisbet mortuus ! Heu ! doctus et Ule perit !•*
Mentibus, ore, oculis, Studiosi (Academiaploiat)
Nisbet nunc quarunt auxiljo ut subeat !
Nisbet namque docens, vestigia, qus sua, presuts
Non aliena sequens: legit at ille sua.
Nisbet eos docuit falso secemere verum,
Atque domiqne foris sedulus officio.
Nisbet' eos docuit renim cognoscere causas (
Nisbet et instituitquxrerevera bdna.
O quoties, prxco pandis cum themata sacra.
" Vivito" di.\i " nee sit itjevis hofa tua j
" OfelLt, sortitaHunc, feuita Columbia, tellus!
" Vivito Nisbet! nee mors fera Te rapiat ! "
• Fidite ne vestris ; heu! vana opera omnia.* dinC^
_' Confugite ad Jesum, vita in eoque salus/
Vivere si licuisset nunc, osi! frueiemur
Voce tua, Aspeccu, consilioqne pio.
O utinam yixisses ! omnia namque videntnr
Rapta simul Tecum, votaque nostra jacent !
Cecropidx Anytique reum flebantque Platona.
Nisbet. Te Juvenes non secus atque geraeiit !
Vivet in aternum virtus tua, nulla vetustas
Ueicbit famam, conspicuumque decus-
De patriaque tua fors si certabitur dim,
Te volet esse suum hac, ula/jue etesse suum.
Nulla xtasque futura tacrjit nomina Nisbet,
Per terrarum orbem dara, negata rnori.
Coll. Franklin, L,»nccittri«, Kal. JUart. 1804.
(102)
FRANKLIN ACADEMY. 103
fessor of Ancient Languages in Dickinson College. He
was twice married. His first wife, Rosanna, died April
13, 1788 ; his second wife, Catharine Irvin, died Decem-
ber 1, 1846, aged 82 years.
Dr. Joseph Smith says in his "History of Jefferson Col-
lege": "The author [of the Latin Grammar], James Ross,
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 learn-
ing, though his knowledge of Mathematics and the moral
and metaphysical sciences was but slender. Like the
celebrated Kousseau, 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 became an eminent teacher of the dead lan-
guages and in this vocation he continued till he was ad-
vanced in years, and old age disqualified him for his use-
ful 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 the pastor. 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, etc. When the Doctor an-
nounced his Text, which happened to be, 'Come unto me
diminutive stature; but it is possible that he rather referred to his
unusual mental ability.
For much of the above information the author is indebted to
Miss Martha B. Clark, of Lancaster.
104 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
all ye that labor,' etc., Mr. Koss 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 Jef-
ferson College."
In 1807 Franklin Academy was opened under the
direction of Thomas Poole, Professor of Languages,* who
had taught school in Lancaster since 1805. He was, we
think, the successor of Professor Eoss, but modestly pre-
ferred to call his school an academy. When he took
charge of the school he issued the following circular, of
which an original copy has been presented to the author
by Mr. Eudolph E. Kelker, of Harrisburg:
FEANEXIN ACADEMY,
UNDEE THE DmECTION OF
THOMAS POOLE, PEOFESSOR OF LANGUAGES,
In the Borough of Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
In this institution are taught Latin, Greek, English, French,
and all the branches of classical education; also History, Geog-
raphy, the use of the Glovesj' Surveying, Algebra, Geometry,
practical and theoretical.
The classes are thus arranged and nominated.
LITTLE FIGUEES, SYNTAX,
GEEAT FIGUEES, POETEY,
GEAMMAE, EHETOEIC.
' In Ellis and Evans's " History of Lancaster County " it is stated
that this school was kept in a new building on South Queen Street.
We think it much more likely that it occupied the building of
Franklin College on North Queen Street, which we know was thor-
oughly repaired about this time. It is hardly possible that in the
same small town there should simultaneously have been two literary
institutions bearing the name of Franklin.
2 Read Globes — an evident misprint.
REGULATIONS. 105
TEEMS OF TUITION.
Latin and Greek, $6.67 per quarter.
Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, and Booh-heeping, $5 per
quarter.
Pupils in the class of Little Figures, that is, spelling arid
reading, $4 per quarter for the first year. The additional
charge for either French, Geography, Surveying, Algehra, or
Geometry, $2 per quarter.
An able assistant is employed to instruct tlie pupils applying
solely to the English branch of education.
DISTEIBUTION OF TIME.
The school hours, from the 1st of April to the 1st of October,
commence at 6 J and end at Yf ; again from 9 and continue till
12 o'clock, and then from 2J and terminate at 5J.
From the 1st of October until the 1st of April, begin at 9
and continue till 12; and again from 2 till 5.
The periods of entrance are the 1st of January, the 1st of
April, the 1st of July, the 1st of October; but any pupil may
enter on any day, and pay up in proportion to the ensuing
quarter.
No deduction will be made for any pupil who may quit be-
fore the expiration of his quarter.
A quarterly examination is held in the presence of parents,
visitors, and other friends of literature. He who excels hie
class-mates shall be distinguished by premixmis.
And he who, by his teachers and companions, shall be deemed
to give the best example in moral rectitude is to be pre-emi-
nently distinguished.
Every reasonable point of discipline wiU be practiced for the
improvement of the young gentlemen, as well in their moral
as in classical attainments.
This Academy is limited to 35 in the languages, and 40 in
English.
Young gentlemen from a distance can be accommodated at
the Professor's house, which is adjacent to the Academy, at $30
per quarter, washing and linen mended included.
The greatest attention will be paid to such as are entrusted
to the special care of the Professor, both in their moral recti-
tude and classical attainment.
106
FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
R. E.
Each pupil that enters this Academy must contribute his
quota for fire-wood and for the rent of the school-rooms.
Everything that contributes to the rapid progress of the stu-
dents in this institution will be attended to by the Professor.
Hence the gentlemen, whose names are subscribed, will from
time to time visit the Academy and examine the progress of
the pupils.
Heney Muhlenberg, D.D.,
Colin MoFarquhar, Minister,
John Henry Hoffmeier.
Nathaniel E. Snowden, V.D.M.,
William Montgomery,
Andrew Ellicott,
T. M. Thomson,
Charles Smith,
Matthias Barton,
George Duffield,
George Eoss,
James Hopkins,
William Barton,
Esq'ra.
In the records of these early days we find occasional
references to teachers in Franklin College, but we have
little precise information concerning their term of labor.
Among the Rush papers there is a curious letter, dated
February 14, 1794, from Frederick Ludwig Heimberg
Drude, Director of Catharine College, Brunswick, Ger-
many, in which the writer applies for the position of
president of Franklin College. He explains in very
tolerable English that he is a successful physician, and
intimates that he might soon build up a medical practice,
thus partly relieving the Board of the expense of his sup-
port. It does not appear that this letter was brought
to the attention of the Board.
The following abstracts from advertisements in local
papers are interesting for their references to Franklin
College :
PROFESSOR SCHIPPER. 107
"Feb. 28, 1801. Mr. Doyle's Seminary will continue the
ensuing summer and fall in Franklin College, as usual."
"August 10, 1804. The ladies of Lancaster advertise for
subscriptions to repair the store-house, to render it a com-
fortable place for the accommodation of the several schools
now taught in it."
Sept. 30, 1808. Nathaniel E. Snowden advertises that
"the trustees are finishing the room for the accommodation
of the Latin and Greek students in the college, and that he
expects to move his school to that place in October."
On September 12, 1809, Benedict J. Schipper adver-
tised that on the 13th instant he would open an academy
"in Franklin College, permission being granted by the
trustees." Where he came from we do not know; but
from his minute acquaintance with the German language
M
y^
f
it may be presumed that he was a native of Germany.
For many years Professor Schipper not only taught
Greek and Latin, but had general charge of the grounds
and buildings. In 1821 the Board purchased "a high
arm-chair" for his recitation-room, and in 1823 he was
reimbursed for sundry repairs made to the college-build-
ing.
108 FRANKLIN COLLEaE.
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DR. BROWNLEE. 109
In 1812 Dr. Muhlenberg and Professor Schipper
joined in the publication of an English-German and Ger-
man-English Dictionary — ^the first of its kind printed in
America. For the times in which it was published it
was undoubtedly a great work, and even now it has not
entirely lost its value. It consists of two large octavo
volumes, and is especially remarkable for a great collec-
tion of idiomatic phrases. At the time of publication
Dr. Muhlenberg was advanced in years and greatly in-
terested in scientific studies, so that it has been supposed
that this great German dictionary was mainly prepared
by Professor Schipper. At any rate the publication was
a great credit to the college in the days of its infancy.
Professor Schipper is said to have spent his later years
in Philadelphia ; but the dates of his birth and death are
alike unknown. That there is no extant biography of
this eminent man is a fact which is greatly to be regretted.
Among the early instructors in Pranklin College there
were others whose connection with the institution deserves
to be remembered. The Reverend Dr. William C.
Brownlee — afterwards a very distinguished minister in
iN^ew York — ^taught here for several months, in 1815, be-
fore he became rector of the academy at IsTew Brunswick.
The late Dr. John L. Atlee was one of his pupils. The
following extract from the minutes of the Board, May
17, 1815, refers to his appointment:
"Resolved, That Mr. Joseph Clarkson, Samuel Humes and
John Hubley be a committee to view the College and find a
proper apartment for Mr. Brownlee, to teach the Latin and
Greek languages, as well as the most useful branches of
English literature; having respect to the apartment now
occupied by Mr. Cassidy and Mr. Armstrong; that the ex-
110 FEANKLIN COLLEGE.
pense of preparing the accommodation of the said teacher and
that of Mr. Brownlee for tuition be discharged by the persons
who employ Mr. Brownlee."
Professors Cassidy and Armstrong we have not been
able to identify. They probably belonged to families
bearing these names which have been prominent in the
history of Lancaster.
For the following incident we are indebted to the late
Dr. John S. Messersmith : One of the early teachers in
Franklin College was a young Dane named Thor T. l^orr.
He was a brilliant man and was highly esteemed by the
community. After resigning his position he undertook
a journey to the South; but at Norfolk, Virginia, he lost
his life in a remarkable manner. A negro had fallen
into the water and was in danger of drowning. Without
a moment's hesitation Mr. Norr leaped into the water
and swam to his rescue; but was himself drowned while
attempting to perform this act of genuine philanthropy.
We regret that we have no further information concerning
the biography of this noble foreigner.
Though our knowledge of these early times is neces-
sarily fragmentary, there are, as we have seen, certain
names which stand out prominently in this period of de-
pression. These are the names of Muhlenberg, Mel-
sheimer, Eoss and Schipper, which, with brief intermis-
sions, constituted a succession extending through the first
quarter of the nineteenth century. No doubt there were
teachers whose names are now forgotten; but we may
confidently affirm that the work of education was not
suspended. The Board of Trustees maintained its or-
ganization and the financial investments of the college
were well guarded.
A UNION THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY. Ill
The following gentlemen are known to have held the office
of President of the Board of Trustees of Franklin College :
General Daniel Hiester until his death, in 1804; John
Hubley, Esq., Vice President and acting President until
1813; was elected President June 17, 1813, and served
until his death; Kev. Christian Endress, D.D., elected
July 27, 1821, died September 30, 1827 ; Adam Eeigart,
Esq., President pro tern., 1827-1828 ; Kev. John C. Baker,
D.D., elected June 11, 1828, and continued in office until
his removal from Lancaster in 1853.
In 1818 it was proposed to extend the scope of the
institution by the establishment of what was termed a
joint theological seminary, representing the Lutheran and
Reformed churches. As we understand it, this movement
began in the Reformed synod which, at its meeting in
Carlisle, appointed committees to confer with the Ee-
formed Dutch and Lutheran churches on the general sub-
ject of theological education. The conference with the
Dutch church had no important results — principally, it
is believed, on account of the difference in language; but
in 1819 the second committee reported that they had
attended the Lutheran synod and had been very kindly
received. There was a very general opinion that the old
endovsrment at Lancaster might be utilized for the estab-
lishment of a literary and theological institution that
would serve the wants of both denominations ; and, indeed,
so far as we can see, there was in those days no insuperable
obstacle to the accomplishment of such a purpose. The
committee appointed by the Reformed synod consisted of
five ministers : J. H. Hoffmeier, F. Herman, W. Hendel,
Thomas Pomp and S. Helffenstein. The chairman of
112 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
the Lutheran committee was Dr. J. G. Schmucker, who
was profoundly interested and prepared an elaborate plan.
"The name of the institution was to be 'The Theological
Seminary for the Education of Pious Young Men to the
Evangelical Ministry. ' There were to be two professors, one
elected by the synod of each denomination, and eighteen
trustees, also equally divided. Among their duties they were
to 'watch against the gradual introduction of error, and lead
the students to a knowledge of unadulterated truth,' but
what this error and this truth are is not specified. A ' Maga-
zine' was to be published by the faculty, to which the pastors
of both synods were expected to subscribe, and for which
they were to secure subscriptions within their congregations.
The professors were to be members of the board, with both
a seat and vote, except in matters of personal interest. Both
synods were to make equal contributions towards the sem-
inary. ' '^
A joint meeting of the conference was held in August,
1820, at the house of the Eeverend J. H. Hoffmeier, in
Lancaster, but the result was not entirely satisfactory.
Dr. Endress was opposed to the plan and expressed his
views in the most decided manner.^ At the meeting of
his synod he had said: "Let the Reformed people cook
their soup on their own fire!" The phrase was fre-
quently repeated and its effect may readily be surmised.
At the conference Dr. Schmucker's plan was read and
debated, but Dr. Endress retained the document. As the
latter had for years managed the affairs of Franklin Col-
'" History of the Evangelical Lutheran Churchea in the United
States, by Henry Eyster Jacobs," American Church History Series,
Vol. IV., p. 323.
'Letter from the Rev. J. H. Hoflfmeier to Rev. Casper Wack. —
Harhwugh Papers.
DIVERGENT VIEWS. 113
lege it is perhaps not surprising that he should have de-
sired to control its future policy.
After this conference the plan for the establishment of
a union theological seminary appears to have been quietly
given up. At their meetings in the autumn of 1820 the
Lutheran ministerium and the Eeformed synod each voted
an appropriation of one hundred dollars for the support
of Franklin College; but it was well understood that
these gifts were chiefly made for the purpose of better
securing their rights in the history and property of the
institution. During the same year several of the classes
of the Reformed Church took action on this general sub-
ject. The Classis of Lebanon expressed its regret that
the plan for a union theological seminary had not been
laid before it but was favorable to its establishment; the
Classis of Zion was willing to cooperate if the plan was
accepted by the synods, but preferred an exclusively Ee-
formed institution, and suggested Chambersburg as a
suitable location; and instructed its delegates to synod
to exert all their influence in favor of the establishment
of a Reformed theological school. The Eeformed Synod
accordingly, at its meeting in Hagerstown, Maryland, in
September, 1820, adopted a plan for the establishment
of a theological seminary, and elected the Rev. Philip
Milledoler, of New York, to the professorship of theology.
It was not, however, until 1825 that the seminary was
actually founded at Carlisle.
The Proceedings of the Reformed synod and classes
in subsequent years contain occasional references to
Pranklin College, but these are not generally important
or interesting. The following extracts from the minutes
114 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
of classes may convey some idea of the divergent views
which were then prevalent :
"Whereas, this Classis can conceive of no advantage to
be derived by the German Church from Franklin College, in
Lancaster; therefore,
"Besolved, that this Classis does not regard it as expedient
to apply funds from the synodical treasury to this purpose."
— Minutes of Zion's Classis, 1823, Session III., § IS.
"The Committee begs leave to report it as their judgment
that our synod should under no circumstances relinquish its
share in Franklin College." — Minutes of Leianon Classis,
182S, Session II., § 4.
From what we have gathered it may seem that at this
period Franklin College was in a moribund condition;
but it appears from the minutes that the Board of Trus-
tees never lost hope. The funds of the institution were
gradually increasing; a good school was maintained, and
it was firmly believed that in due time an institution of
higher grade would be established. The name and fame
of the earliest patron were not forgotten. At a banquet
given in the college on New Year's day, 1801, in com-
memoration of the election of Thomas Jefferson to the
presidency of the United States,^ the following toast was
offered by Governor Thomas MacKean and received with
great enthusiasm:
"Franklin College: May her sons emulate the virtue and
useful knowledge of the great man whose name she bears."
* An interesting account of this occasion appeared at the time in
the Lancaster Intelligencer, and was reproduced by photo-engraving
in the issue of that paper on the 31st of December, 1900.
CHAPTEE IX.
THE LANCASTER COUNTY ACADEMY, 1827-1839.
County Academies — State Appeopeiation — A New Building —
Successive Pbincipals — Lancastebian Schools — Sale of
the " Stobe House " — The Academy Closed.
In 1827 an academy was founded in Lancaster. It
was not intended to be a rival to Franklin College — as
has sometimes been supposed; but was founded and con-
ducted by men who were at the same time members of
the college board. Though actually independent, its
relations with the college were so intimate that it deserves
a place in this general history.
It had come to be felt that the college had failed to
accomplish its original purpose. The synods had with-
drawn their patronage; and the elements constituting the
board were by no means harmonious. After the resigna-
tion of Professor Schipper the college-building was for
115
116 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
some time unoccupied, except by the janitor, who received
his rent and a stipend of two dollars per month for the
performance of duties which were by no means onerous.
For the first time in many years Lancaster had no class-
ical school, and a number of the prominent citizens of
Lancaster undertook to supply the want. For this pur-
pose they could not employ the funds of Franklin College,
but it was hoped that an academy might be founded by
private subscription which would serve to bridge the
chasm and prepare the way for further developments.
There was at this time an important educational move-
ment throughout the state which, a few years later, re-
sulted in the establishment of a system of public schools.
The Legislature had in several instances made appropria-
tions in aid of local academies, and it was believed that
an application in behalf of Lancaster would not be re-
fused. Though these appropriations were small, and
were always conditioned on a fixed amount of local con-
tributions, they led to the establishment of a number of
local academies.
In Lancaster between two and three thousand dollars
were subscribed. One of the original subscription papers
in our possession reads as follows:
"We, the subscribers, believing that the establishment of
an Academy in the County of Lancaster, under the conditions
contained in the Bill now pending before the Legislature for
the incorporation of the 'Lancaster County Academy' is not
only desirable but necessary, hereby agree to contribute the
sums affixed to our names respectively in aid of the same.
The money to be paid to such person as shall be designated
by the Trustees when demanded. Jany. 31, 1827.
INCORPORATION. 117
Edward Coleman $150 Molton C. Sogers $50
Wm. Jenkins 100 James Buchanan 50
Geo. B. Porter 100 Thos. G. Henderson. . . 50
Wm. Kirkpatriek 100 Eobt. Evans 50
Mrs. Yeates 100 Jasper Slaymaker 50
Langdon Cheves 100 Sam. Dale 50
William Coleman 150 Amos EUmaker 50
Cyrus Jacobs 150 E. C. Eeigart 50
Thomas B. Coleman. 100 F. W. Muhlenberg 50
Jno. KeynoldS 50. "
The act of incorporation of the Lancaster County
Academy was passed by the Legislature of Pennsylvania,
April 14, 1827.^ It was brief and simple, being evi-
dently intended to avoid the complications of the college
ehartfer. The corporators were: E,ev. William Ashmead,
Eev. Joseph Clarkson, Rev. Christian Endress, Adam
Keigart, George B. Porter, Edward Coleman, William
Jenkins, John Eeynolds, George Musser, Erederick A.
Muhlenberg, Samuel Dale, George H. Krug, George L.
Mayer and Jasper Slaymaker, all of the city of Lancaster.
The first president of the corporation was the Reverend
Joseph Clarkson.
By the act of incorporation the sum of three thousand
dollars was granted to the school; "two thousand dollars
thereof to enable them to erect a suitable building or
buildings for the said academy, and to purchase books,
mathematical instruments, and the necessary philosophical
apparatus . . . and the remaining one thousand dollars
to be placed in some productive fund, or funds, and the
income or profits thereof to be forever applied in aid of
' The Charter, By-Laws, and Regulations of the Lancaster County
Academy. Lancaster: John Reynolds, Printer, 1827.
118 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
other revenue and resources, to compensate a teacher or
teachers in said academy."* The sum appropriated was
not to be paid to the trustees until at least two thousand
dollars had been secured by private contributions. Four
scholars, at least, were to be instructed free of charge.
It may be supposed that the new academy might have
found a lodging in the buildings of Franklin College;
but apart from the fact that these were too large for the
purpose, it is probable that the state appropriation could
be secured only by the erection of a new edifice.
At any rate the new Board proceeded to purchase from
Michael Gundaker a lot of ground at the northeast corner
of Orange and Lime streets, on which the academy build-
ing was erected. The dimensions of the lot were sixty-
eight feet on Orange street and two hundred and forty-
five on Lime street. The building was put up in the
simmier of 1827 by Jacob Hensel and Joshua W. Jack,
contractors, for $2,325. It must, however, be remembered
that only a part of the building, as some of us remember
it, was erected at this time. As described in the original
plan it was of two stories, containing in front thirty-eight
feet in the clear and extending thirty feet in depth. On
each story there was a room thirty feet square, and on
the northern side an entry eight feet wide, in which the
stairs were placed. At the head of the stairs, on the
second story, there was a small room, about eight by
twelve feet in size. The roof, which was covered with
slate, was four-sided, coming to a point in the center, on
which was erected a small cupola, to contain the bell.^
' It may be interesting to note that this sum was invested in stock
of the Bank of the United States.
'The bell is still in existence, and is in possession of a gentle-
man residing near Petersburg, Lancaster County.
TEACHERS AND TEXT-BOOKS. 119
The Eev. Joseph Barr, of Williamstown, was chosen
principal of the academy, and though at first inclined to
accept the call, he finally declined at the request of his
congregations. James P. Wilson, Jr., a son of the Rev.
James Patriot Wilson, D.D., pastor of the First Presby-
terian Church, of Philadelphia, was then elected, and the
school was formally opened on the fourth Tuesday of
October, 182Y. In a circular issued at this time we find
the following rather curious statement:
"Youth may be here qualified to enter at least the Junior
Class in our most respectable colleges ; and as it is presumed
that Dickinson College will be generally preferred by parents
and guardians in this and the adjoining counties, particular
reference will be had to the requisites for admission to the
several classes of that Seminary."^
Mr. Wilson conducted the academy about two years.
At the opening there were about twenty scholars, and it
does not seem that the number was at any time much
larger. Why the school failed to prosper it might now
be difficult to determine; but we have seen a letter in
which it was claimed that the school was too exclusive,
and that the esteem in which scholars were held was
' The following text-books were ordered by the Board to be used
in the Academy: In English — ^Murray's Grammar, Woodbridge's
Geography, Rett's Elements, Blair's Lectures, Tyler's History,
Watt's Logic. In the Languages — Ruddiman's and Ross's Grammar,
Corderius Historia Sacra, Viri Romse, Selectse e Profanls, Csesar,
Ovid, Terence, Sallust, Virgil, Cicero, Horace, Juvenal and Persius.
In Greek — Wettenhal's Grammar, Testament, Grseca Minora, Lucian,
Xenophon, Grseca Majora, Homer, Epictetus and Longinus, Tooke's
Pantheon, Kennett's or Adam's Roman Antiquities and Potter's
Grecian Antiquities, Mair's Introduction, and Neilson's Greek Ex-
ercises. In Mathematics — Pike's or Bonnycastle's Arithmetic,
Bonnycastle's or Day's Algebra, Euclid, Hutton's Mathematics. —
Regulations of Lancaster County Academy, 1827.
120 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
greatly influenced by the social position of their parents.
The following letter of resignation sufficiently indicated
that the principal was not satisfied with the condition of
the school:
"Lancaster, Feb. 19, 1829.
"Dear Sir,
"My own interests now clash with a longer residence in
Lancaster and render it my duty to resign. I am young
and cannot waste the best part of my life in doing nothing
to any purpose. I feel grateful to the Trustees for their
kindness and attention, and proud also in having done my .
duty, I hope to their satisfaction. I shall remain till the
close of the session.
"Hoping that the Institution may prosper, and leaving
this as my resignation to the Trustees,
"I am. Sir, yours respectfully,
"James P. Wilson, Je."
"To the Eevd. Joseph Clarkson."
Kobert Birch, A.B., was the second principal of the
academy, if we except J. Erwin, who taught but a single
month. Mr. Birch was elected in 1829, having been
graduated at Dickinson College in the same year. He
brought highly commendatory letters — the originals of
which are still in the archives of the college — ^from Pro-
fessors Alexander McClelland, Henry Vethake and Joseph
Spencer. He was to receive an annual salary of $500,
but was subsequently granted the privilege of increasing
his income by giving private instruction. In his letter
of resignation, dated December 27, 1830, he says:
"I am pained to think that I have been incompetent to
the task of placing the institution committed to my charge
in that scale of literary and scientific advancement it so
A CERTIFICATE. 121
deservedly merits. ... If vigorous endeavors are persevered
in with my more suecessful successor 'hand dubie' you will
obtain the consummation devoutly to be wished." •
"On October 25, 1831, John B. Patterson became prin-
cipal, and was succeeded by Dr. James Power on June 8,
1832, who in turn gave place, August 16, 1833, to John Kee-
nan. Eev. A. Marcelus was principal in 1837, and engaged
J. J. Van Antwerp to assist him in the mathematical scien-
tific departments. It is probable that these were the last
teachers of the institution. "^
During a part of its history the academy received stu-
dents from the public schools, on certificate from their
principal teacher. Many of these certificates are pre-
served in the archives of the college, and of these the fol-
lowing may serve as a specimen:
"Lancaster, Jan. 19, 1828.
"George Hubley has been a member of the Public School
in this city upwards of three years. He has passed through
all the different degrees of preferment until he has attained
the station of monitor of' the first grade, a dignity inferior
only to that of Tutor. He is a very studious and intelligent
lad, making it his pride and his pleasure to secure the appro-
bation of being not only one of the best scholars but one of
the best boys in his class. His proficiency in Arithmetic,
English Grammar and Geography, well qualified him for a
more extended course of study.
"With many wishes for his future welfare I can cheerfully
recommend him as a youth of good disposition and one of
whom I have conceived no ordinary expectations.
"Alexe. Vaeian,
"Teacher of the Public School, Lancaster."
' Ellis and Evans's " History of Lancaster County," page 407.
122 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
It will be observed that the public schools were con-
ducted according to the so-called Lancasterian system,^
and that the relation between the schools and the academy
was very intimate. With all that could be done the latter
institution was, however, never prosperous. Some of the
original subscriptions remained unpaid, and, on the 19th
of October, 1830, the following circular was addressed to
delinquents :
"Dear Sir,
"To a Gentleman of your intelligence it would certainly
be useless to say one word about the Importance of Educa-
tion. It was discreditable to the City that we had no Acad-
emy or Grammar School. A number of public-spirited indi-
viduals petitioned the Legislature, who granted a Charter of
Incorporation in the usual manner, with an appropriation to
be paid to us on condition that we should raise by subscrip-
tion $3,000. Having obtained this subscription we pur-
chased a lot and erected a building; and since then a very
useful school has been kept in it. The number of scholars
is, however, barely — or perhaps not quite — sufficient to pay
the Principal and the current expenses. We are yet in debt
for a small part of the building, and are now called on for
the balance for the Lot. We have no funds to meet these
demands. Shall we suffer the school to be broken up, and
this Public Building to be sold under the Hammer for about
^ The Lancasterian Schools derived their name from Joseph Lan-
caster (1778-1838), an educational reformer who established schools
for the poor in England and America. He devised the plan of ap-
pointing some of the pupils as monitors and tutors to instruct the
others. The several classes, which were instructed by monitors, were
separated by screens or curtains, but could be overlooked by the
master, who occupied a platform at the end of the room. The school-
building at the corner of Chestnut and Prince streets, in the city of
Lancaster, was erected as a Lancasterian school.
AN URGENT APPEAL. 123
$550? TJnless those who subscribed, and on the faith of
whose subscription the building was put up, come forward,
this must be the case. No further appeal need, we trust, be
made to induce you to call upon the Treasurer at once and
pay the amount you owe.
"We address a similar letter to each delinquent subscriber,
and should this last notice not be attended to, after years of
indulgence given, you cannot blame either the Committee or
the Board for resorting to the only remaining mode of
enforcing payment. We ask you to discharge this sum before
the next meeting of the Board, which will be on the 37th
inst. We are convinced that you do not know the need we
have for money, or you would have paid this small siun long
since.
"Duty to the public is the only motive which could induce
us to be thus urgent.
"Very respectfully,
"Your friends and obt. servts..
It does not appear that this urgent appeal brought the
expected relief. For some years the academy struggled
on until its condition was almost hopeless. Its liabilities
were not large; but it may as well be confessed that no
philanthropist had sufficient confidence in its future to
make it the object of his benevolence. At last some one
wisely conceived the idea that the academy might secure
relief by reunion with the institution from which it had
sprung.
Franklin College had in the meantime maintained its
organization, though it had not been active in the work
of education. At a meeting held March 12, 1828, all
the vacancies in the Board were filled by election. This
124 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
was not an easy matter as, in order to meet the require-
ments of the charter, it was necessary to choose three
Lutheran ministers, two Lutheran laymen, one Reformed
minister, six Reformed laymen, two ministers of other
denominations and five laymen of other denominations.
In 1832 the college-building was repaired. It was sub-
sequently occupied by an "Infant School" which had at
one time more than one hundred scholars.
Eev. John C. Baker, D.D., pastor of Trinity Lutheran
Church, was elected President of the Board of Trustees
of Franklin College, June 11, 1828. He was also chosen
President of the Board of the Lancaster County Academy.
At the same time the Hon. Samuel Dale served as Secre-
tary of both boards. Dr. Baker was a man of great
ability and force of character, and mainly by his influ-
ence the ancient institution soon began to give signs of
new life.
In 1837 the charter of Franklin College was printed
in pamphlet form in the English language. Its resources
were carefully husbanded; so that, in July, 1840, the
endowment amounted to $27,826.79, and the entire assets
were estimated at $38,069.78.
It is not surprising that at this period the records of
the college and academy are somewhat confused, and that
it is sometimes difficult to determine to which of these
institutions a document properly belongs. It appears,
however, that the academy appealed to the college for
financial aid, especially for the purpose of satisfying a
mortgage which was about to be foreclosed. It was sug-
gested that the college board might sell its old building
on North Queen street and apply the proceeds to the relief
and restoration of the academy, without trenching on the
SALE OF OLD FRANKLIN COLLEGE. 125
invested funds of the college. At last, at the annual
meeting of the college board, held October 19, 1837, it
was, on motion of Dr. Schmucker,
"Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to dispose of
the present Eeal Estate of FraUklin College in the city of
Lancaster, provided the Trustees of the Lancaster Academy
are willing to dispose of their Eeal Estate in the city of
Lancaster and are able to make a good title for it; and that
if said Academy can be procured at a reasonable price the
same Committee be authorized to purchase the said academy
for the corporation of Eranklin College."
The proposed arrangement was soon effected, as was
no doubt anticipated when the above resolution was
adopted. The old college-building was sold at private
sale for $2,000 ; and by an act of the Legislature, passed
May 15, 1839, the trustees of the academy were author-
ized to convey their building and grounds to the trustees
of Franklin College. It appears that the latter paid for
the property of the academy the exact amount of the
pressing claim to which we have referred. The follow-
ing order — ^which is unfortunately not dated — is in the
archives :
"Treasurer of the Franklin College, pay to Samuel Dale,
Five Hundred and ninety-three dollars and thirty-four cents,
for the Heirs of Michael Gundaker to procure a release of the
said heirs of their claim on the Lot on which is erected the
Lancaster County Academy, which sum is to be applied in
the purchase of the said Academy for the use of Franklin
College.
"John C. Baker,
"$593.34. Pres."
126 PEANKIilN COLLEGE.
So far as Franklin College was concerned this was an
excellent stroke of business. Apart from an actual finan-
cial profit, the college secured a better location than the
one which it had previously occupied. In the autumn
of 1839 the academy was closed, and its board of trustees
practically ceased to exist. If the college was to continue
to exist it was desirable that a possible rival should be
removed, and this result was accomplished in the most
agreeable and satisfactory manner. Thus the way seemed
to be prepared for the reorganization of the college on a
new and more comprehensive plan.
CHAPTEE X.
THE REVIVAL.
An Onwaed Movement — The Building Enlakged — Peofessobs
F. A. Muhlenberg and James Regan — Rev. Db. Samuel
Bowman, Acting Pbesident — Professoe Jacob Chap-
man — A Professoe of Law.
A serious responsibility now rested upon the trustees
of Franklin College. An important work was expected
of them; but they could not fail to recognize the fact
that they were not ready to perform it. Some there were
who were desirous of establishing a full college at all
hazards, though the means at hand were manifestly in-
sufficient for such a purpose. Others went to the opposite
extreme and proposed that the academy board should be
revived, the use of the building to be given them at a
nominal rent, with the promise of an annual appropria-
tion from the college fund that might enable them to
maintain a first-rate boarding-school. The view which
finally prevailed was in fact a compromise between these
opposite opinions. The institution which they deter-
mined to establish was to be known as Franklin College,
though at first it could hardly be expected to accomplish
more than had been proposed for the academy. The
academy building was to be enlarged for the use of the
college by the erection of a northern wing, which was to
be the exact counterpart of the one already existing. It
was resolved to elect a president at an annual salary of
$1,200, and two assistants each of whom was to receive
$750. The election of a president was, however, subse-
127
128 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
quently indefinitely postponed, and a committee of super-
vision was appointed, consisting of the Reverend Samuel
Bowman,* the Reverend George F. Bahnson^ and John
R. Montgomery, Esq.* This committee attended faith-
fully to its duties, and Dr. Bowman was for some years
president of the college in all but name.
PKANKLIN COLLEGE. (THE LANCASTEB COUNTY ACADEMY.)
The addition to the academy building on Lime street
was erected in 1840 by Mr. John Sehner at a cost of
$1,972. In 1841 a small house was built for the janitor
at the northern end of the lot, at a cost of about $1,000.
On the 11th of September, 1840, Frederick Augustus
* Samuel Bowman was born in Wilkesbarre, May 21, 1800; died
near Treeport, Pa., August 3, 1861. Rector of St. James' Church,
Lancaster, 1827-1858; P. E. Bishop of Pennsylvania, 1858-1861.
'Pastor of the Moravian Church, Lancaster, 1839-1849. Bishop
of the Unitas Fratrum.
"A very distinguished lawyer. Died November 3, 1854.
PROPESSOR REGAN. 129
Muhlenberg^ and James Regan were elected professora
in Franklin College, as now reorganized. That Mr.
Muhlenberg had previously taught for a short time in
the academy is altogether probable, but the fact is not on
record. As a native of Lancaster and a member of a
prominent family he enjoyed certain advantages which
soon gave him the most influential position in the school,
though it was explicitly stated in the action of the board
that all the teachers were to be of equal rank. For six
years Mr. Muhlenberg was annually reelected, but on the
1st of June, 1846, he was unanimously chosen Professor
of Languages in Franklin College.
Concerning Professor James Regan we have little in-
formation. He was a native of England, to which coun-
try he returned in the summer of 1846. That he was
highly esteemed by the board appears from the following
extract from a report presented by Dr. Bowman, January
4, 1842:
"Two of our teachers having made no application for an
increase of their salaries, the committee will confine them-
selves to the case of Mr. Eegan. His circumstances are pecu-
liar; being a stranger in the country he labors under various
disadvantages, to which a native is not liable. He has a
1 Frederick Augustus Muhlenberg, D.D., LL.D., a grandson of the
first president of the college, was born in Lancaster, August 25,
1818; and died in Reading, Pa., March 21, 1901. He was graduated
at Jefferson College in 1836 and at Princeton Theological Seminary
in 1838. In 1855 he was ordained a minister of the Lutheran Church.
He was a professor in Franklin College, 1840-1850; professor of
Greek in Pennsylvania College, 1850-1867; first president of Muhlen-
berg College, 1867-1876; became professor of the Greek language
and literature in the University of Pennsylvania in 1876, and sub-
sequently held a similar position in Thiel College, Greenville, Pa,
As a Greek scholar he held high rank and he was also an influential
minister.
130 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
family to support and children to be educated. But not to
insist on these points, Mr. E. is, we believe, a scholar of such
attainments as we shall hardly meet with again — ^indefatiga-
ble and enthusiastic in his profession — and possessing skill
and experience which admirably qualify him for his present
post. Thorough master of four languages besides his own,
the committee are quite confident that should we lose the
services of Mr. K., it will not be possible to find one equal
to him, for anything like the salary which he receives, if
at all.
"For these reasons the committee recommend the follow-
ing resolutions :
"Resolved, That an addition of $100 per annum — a sum
about equivalent to his house rent — ^be made to the salary of
Mr. Eegan, beginning with Jan. 1, 1843.
"Resolved, That by this increase of Mr. E.'s salary no
precedence in point of rank is intended to be given him, the
addition being grounded entirely upon the facts and reasons
above stated, and his standing and authority to remain in
all respects what they were before."
When Mr. Eegan resigned his position, in 1846, very
complimentary resolutions were adopted, assuring him
of "the affectionate wishes of the Board, for his future
happiness and prosperity."
In 1841 an English Department was added to Franklin
College. Gad Day was principal, and for a time was
very popular. Mr. Day was the oldest of the four sons
of a New Englander, their names being Gad, Asa, Ira
and Dan. Gad Day was in 1838 teacher of the principal
public school in Lancaster, receiving a salary of $800,
which was in those days an unusually liberal compensa-
tion. In 1839 he was chosen Superintendent of all the
GAD DAY. 131
public schools in Lancaster, and was so popular with the
board that "seldom were any new departures made with-
out first consulting Mr. Day and getting his views.*
When he became connected with the college he had no
difficulty in gathering a large school; so that for a time
it seemed as if the English Department would swallow
up the rest of the institution. It was, however, said that
Mr. Day was too fond of novelties, and that the results
of his teaching were showy rather than permanent. He
was also accused of increasing the number of his scholars
by lowering the standard of admission. There was some
disagreement, and on the 5th of August, 1844, the fol-
lowing preamble and resolutions were adopted by the
board :
"Whereas, sudden and frequent changes in a collegiate
institution are to be deprecated; and, whereas, justice to our
teachers demands that they should not be discharged from
our service without timely notice given them; therefore,
"Resolved, That the college as at present constituted be
continued in operation until the 1st of April next, provided
that the expense thereof can be met without encroaching on
the capital of the institution.
"Resolved, That from and after the 1st day of April next
the English department be abolished and the branches therein
taught transferred to the instructors in classics and mathe-
matics. ' '
It may, we presume, be taken for granted that the
above date indicates the conclusion of the labors of Mr.
Gad Day.
The Keverend Jacob Chapman was, on the 1st of May,
' Ellis and Evans's " History of Lancaster County," p. 412.
132 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
1846, elected Professor of Mathematics in Franklin Col-
lege. He had previously been a Congregational minister,
but in the same year joined the Keformed Church and
became a member of the Classis of Lebanon. In this
way the Eeformed Church secured a representative among
the teachers of the college.
Mr. Chapman never was pastor of a charge in the
Eeformed Church, but he frequently supplied vacant
congregations and did some missionary work in Harris-
burg. He was very active at the time of the organiza-
tion of St. Paul's Church, Lancaster, and was very
highly respected. His literary labors were chiefly de-
voted to genealogical researches, in which he manifested
unusual patience and accuracy. In 1853 he was dis-
missed by the Classis of Lebanon to the Wabash Congre-
gational Association, of Illinois.
In the spring of 1902 Mr. Chapman was still living
at the age of ninety-two.^ Mr. D. H. Heitshu — a mem-
ber of St. Paul's Church, who had once been his pupil —
wrote him a courteous letter and received the following
interesting autograph reply:
"Exeter, N. H., April 1, 1902.
"D. H. Heitshu, Lancaster, Pa.
"My Dear Friend,
"I am too old and feeble to tell you many things which
happened to me at Lancaster, Pa. But I am obliged for the
information you gave me. I am glad to hear there were 51
additions to the church and that it has grown to near 800.
I wish I could remember to tell you of the history of the
church in Lancaster. We had a sad time when compelled
^It was recently stated in the newspapers that he was one hun-
dred years old, but this was an exaggeration.
PROFESSOR CHAPMAN'S LETTER. 133
to come out and organize a new church. But we had many
friends; and the blessing of God rested upon us and has fol-
lowed the church.
"I think my labors in Harrisburg and the town above
were blessed. In 1853 I began preaching in Marshall, 111.,
for twelve years. The chills and fever led me to return to
New Hampshire and preach six years in Deerfield and seven
years in Kingston. At the age of seventy I settled in Exeter,
where I expect to finish my labors before long. I have writ-
ten (I think) five volumes of the history of my labors.
"It is interesting to learn that the Lord has blessed your
church with such wonderful prosperity. I am obliged to
you for telling me of the continued prosperity which has
followed the church in which I always feel such an in-
terest. I always labored to aid the good work in which
the college was engaged. It never failed to have my sym-
pathy and assistance. I visited many places in the vicinity,
and lent my aid to build up the College which came in for
aid and support, though I had no expectation of having any
return for my labors. The college which came in from Mer-
cersburg had no place for me or my service, only to aid in
its commencement. I had an offer of a place among its
faculty, but it was not such a place as I would choose or
easily fill. I accepted a call to three churches near Terre
Haute, Indiana, and remained in the church at Marshall,
111., twelve years. Returned on account of the chills to N.
Hampshire and preached till I was seventy years of age ; then
wrote four volumes — ^history of my second wife's relatives
and my own father's early relatives in Greenland, N. H., etc.
"I think you will find in the Chapman Genealogy (which
I think I sent you) a more complete history of my labors in
the West. Now I am drawing near to the close of my labors,
continued so many years. It is not easy to write, as it used
to be, and the memory of many things is passing away. I
134 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
wrote a History of Kingston, N. H., where I taught and
afterwards preached for some years. But I must close.
"Yours truly,
"Jacob Chapman,
"Exeter, N. H."
Though the above letter contains some repetitions, the
fact is explained by the extreme age of the writer, and
it is otherwise so interesting that we have not ventured
to abbreviate it. As perhaps the last survivor of the
men who were prominent in the later history of Franklin
College, Mr. Chapman deserves a prominent place in the
records of the united institution.
In March, 1846, a union — or rather alliance — ^was
formed between the trustees and the directors of the pub-
lic schools of the city of Lancaster, and this arrangement
was annually renewed until September, 1849. During
this period the school board paid the salary of the pro-
fessor of mathematics, in consideration of the fact that
advanced scholars of the public schools were admitted to
the college free of charge for tuition, and that a room in
the college-building was granted without rent to the school
board for its meetings. The arrangement was terminated
by the school board in view of its purpose to erect a sep-
arate high school.
About this time signs of a new life began to appear.
In 1848 attendance on morning prayers was made obliga-
tory, and students were required to commit to memory
the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's Prayer and the Ten Com-
mandments. That there was more confidence in the
future of the institution is indicated by the fact that in
September, 1848, Mr. Coultas presented a herbarium and
that, one year later, H. E. Muhlenberg deposited in the
PROFESSORSHIP OP LAW. 135
library a mineralogical collection for the use of the college.
A larger immber of books was annually purchased for
the library and the old Benjamin Franklin Debating So-
ciety was revived.* Through the instrumentality of the
Honorable Thaddeus Stevens many government publica-
tions were secured from Washington.
In response to a petition signed by several members of
the bar, the board of trustees, on September 7, 1846,
established a professorship of Law and Medical Juris-
prudence in Franklin College, "provided that the salary
of the professor be not drawn from the funds of this
board." The Hon. Ellis Lewis* was elected to this pro-
fessorship. It was the evident purpose of the promoters
of this movement to establish a law school under the
charter of Franklin College, but it does not appear that
Judge Lewis accepted the appointment. The fact was,
however, universally acknowledged that the time for an
onward movement of some kind had come at last.
" The Lancaster Athenseum was closely connected with Franklin
C!ollege and maintained a reading room in the college building.
^ Ellis Lewis, LL.D., was born in York County, Pa., May 16, 1798,
and died in Philadelphia, March 19, 1871. Attorney General of
Pennsylvania, 1833; judge of Supreme Court, 1851; chief justice,
1854. He received the honorary degree of M.D. from the Philadel-
phia College of Medicine in recognition of his knowledge of medical
jurisprudence.
CHAPTEK XI.
THE UNION MOVEMENT.
Proposed Enlaegement — Plans foe Union — Agebement with
Maeshall College — De. J. C. Buchee's Success — Pttechase
or THE Lutheran Inteeest — Confiemation of the Union.
The expansion of Franklin College was delayed by
what seemed to be insurmountable difficulties. It is, of
course, true that the means at hand were not sufficient for
the establishment of an important institution; but by an
earnest effort the endowment might have been increased.
The chief obstacle, as we apprehend it, was the recent
establishment of denominational colleges which were sup-
posed to have occupied the field; so that at best the insti-
tution in Lancaster could hardly hope for more than local
patronage. The only conceivable way of escape from this
difficulty appeared to be to unite with some existing insti-
tution ; thus not only increasing the endowment, but secur-
ing the favor and patronage of that branch of the church
which it represented.
As early as 1835 the Board of Trustees of Erantlin
College had addressed a communication to the Reformed
synod, convened in Chambersburg, inviting that body to
remove its high school from York to Lancaster. The
proposition was rather formally worded, "as follows, to
wit:"
"That should it please your body to pass a resolution re-
moving the Classical School attached to the Seminary at
York, in this State, from the town of York to Lancaster,
136
AN INVITATION. 137
they, the trustees, from the disposition manifested at the
present meeting have no hesitancy in saying that they will
elect as Principal and Assistant the Principal and Assistant
of said classical school at York, and apply for their use and
accommodation their available funds and their buildings at
Lancaster and the lots on which the same are erected, they,
the present board of trustees, reserving to themselves and
their successors the right they now hold of acting as trustees,
agreeably to all the provisions of the charter of said college.
"Furthermore, That so soon as the President of this
board is apprized of the acceptance of this proposition, and
of the passage of a resolution removing the said classical
school to this place, measures shall be adopted to place the
buildings in a suitable state of repair."
To this proposition we shall have occasion to refer here-
after. At this place we can only say, that the Reformed
Synod was naturally unwilling to establish an institution
whose management would be beyond its control. The
proposition was accordingly declined and the school was
removed from York to Mercersburg.
After this failure there were many conflicting proposi-
tions. In 1844 it was proposed by some of the trustees
to set aside one-sixth of the capital of the college "for the
purpose of erecting a Charity School, in accordance with
the provisions of Article 13, of the charter of incorpora-
tion." It is supposed that this proposition was made in
behalf of the so-called "Infant School" which occupied a
part of the college-building. It was, however, finally
rejected.
The outlook was not promising, but positive action had
become a necessity. Propositions for union with Mar-
shall or with Pennsylvania College would have been wel-
comed, but there were none forthcoming. At last, on the
138 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
3d of September, 1849, the board adopted the following
preamble and resolution:
"Whereas, in the opinion of this board, it is absolutely
necessary for the welfare of Franklin College and the more
complete carrying out of the provisions of the charter, to
have a new and larger edifice erected for the accommodation
of students from abroad; therefore,
"Resolved, That Five Thousand dollars out of the treas-
ury, and such sum as may arise from the sale of the lot and
buildings on Orange and Lime streets, be appropriated to
effect the same; provided that not less than Ten Thousand
dollars be raised by subscription for the same purpose."
At the meeting at which this action was taken a bare
quorum was present, and there was no unanimity of senti-
ment. It is said, however, that within a short time about
$7,000 were subscribed for the proposed building. When
the board met again, three months later, it was found that
opposition had become formidable. It was urged that the
erection of a new building would by no means insure the
prosperity of the college. As it would necessarily become
a rival of existing colleges, would it not provoke their
hostility, if it did not actually become a cause of conten-
tion in the denominations which they represented ? It is,
therefore, not surprising that the following action was
immediately proposed:
"Resolved, That in the estimation of the Board, the pur-
poses of the charter of Franklin College can in no way be so
effectually and successfully accomplished as by an equal divi-
sion of the funds of said college between the Boards of Mar-
shall College, at Mercersburg, and Pennsylvania College, at
Gettysburg, respectively. ' '
OPENING THE WAY. 139
This would, no doubt, have been the easiest way out of
the difficulties of the situation, and might have been es-
pecially agreeable to the trustees of Pennsylvania College,
who had never manifested any inclination to remove from
Gettysburg. Such action would, however, have involved
the dissolution of Franklin College, and this was what
the local members especially desired to prevent. Though
the college was a small affair, it was their own. They
had waited for many years for the establishment of such
an institution as their fathers had proposed and naturally
did not desire their long cherished ideal to be shattered
in a moment. As it was known that such sentiments were
entertained by the majority of the trustees the proposed
resolution was finally withdrawn.
Immediately afterwards it was moved and seconded —
we do not know by whom:
"That in the estimation of this Board the ends and pur-
poses of the charter will be best secured and most success-
fully carried out by the merging of said college in Marshall
College, now at Mercersburg, in this State; provided that
said Marshall College, with its faculty, funds, and students,
be transferred and be established in the city of Lancaster. ' '
This resolution was immediately capped with an amend-
ment to the effect that "the same offer in substance be
made to the other Christian denominations, and that terms
be entered into with such body as shall make the most
advantageous proposals to this Board."
This proposed action was possibly premature, but it
led to a discussion that continued through two succeeding
days and actually opened the way for final union. On
the 5th of December, 1849, Dr. F. A. Muhlenberg offered
the following substitute:
140 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
"Whereas, the appropriate time has arrived for expand-
ing the usefulness of Franklin College as a literary institu-
tion, and preliminary steps having already been taken under
a resolution of this board for collecting a sufficient fund to
erect suitable college edifices; therefore, be it,
"1. Resolved, That an invitation be respectfully given to
Pennsylvania College, at Gettysburg, and Marshall College,
at Mercersburg, to unite their respective interests with Frank-
lin College, in the city and county of Lancaster, that an insti-
tution with foundation broad and deep may be erected, suffi-
ciently extensive to supply the wants and demands of the
Germans of Pennsylvania and their descendants for whose
benefit this corporation was erected.
"2. Besolved, That so soon as a junction of one or more
of these interests be effected, this Board will pledge itself to
elect one-third of the Faculty from the Lutherans, one-third
from the German Eeformed, and another from the third
denominations represented under the charter, the Principal
and Vice Principal to be selected as therein directed.
"3. Resolved, That this institution is worthy of the hon-
orable name she has assumed and will retain it. Since the
year 1787, under adverse circumstances, she has sustained a
classical and mathematical school, without participating in
the bounty of the State. It is true she received 10,000 acres
as a donation in waste lands from the State, but for many
years worthless and expensive to the Corporation; neverthe-
less, by careful conduct and an economical policy, she has
accumulated a capital of $40,000, whilst other sister institu-
tions, although sectarian and receiving the full bounty of
the State, have failed.
"4. Resolved, That as these propositions are of vital in-
terest to the future literary existence of Franklin College, no
final action be taken until the next annual meeting of this
Board, in December, 1850."
DR. BUCHER'S AMENDMENT. 141
The plan which was here proposed we can only char-
acterize as splendid. If it could have been carried out
the result would have reflected the highest glory on its
promoters. A little reflection is, however, enough to show
that it was, in fact, a revival of the plan of the original
founders of Franklin College, a plan which though mag-
nificent on paper had proved a lamentable failure. It
was probably for this reason that the above resolutions
failed to be adopted.
At this point the name of the Rev. John Casper Bucher
for the first time appears prominently on the records.
Immediately after the presentation of Dr. Muhlenberg's
paper, he moved that the fourth resolution be amended
to the following effect:
"That this Board will merge the two thirds of the funds
of Franklin College into Marshall College, or the institu-
tions at Mercersburg, Pa., on the condition that said Mar-
shall College be brought here; and we will pay one third of
said fund into the hands of the Trustees of the Lutheran
church, which one third they inay use as an endowment of a
professorship, on which they may elect a professor of their
denomination and call it the Lutheran professorship."
That Mr. Bucher did not make this proposition with-
out authority goes without saying. The whole matter
had been fully discussed in the Reformed Synod, held in
itforristown in October, 1849, and Mr. Bucher was simply
the informal representative of his church. How the way
was prepared for such a proposition we shall see hereafter
when we come to relate the history of Marshall College.
The minutes of the meetings whi«h were successively
held in 1849-50 are fairly complete; but it would be a
tedious task to consider anew all the propositions which
142 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
were then presented. There were frequent disagreements,
and motions to amend or to reconsider — to postpone or to
lay on the table — ^were exceedingly numerous. Gradually,
however, a plan of union was evolved from what at times
appeared to be confusion. A committee of conference —
consisting of three Lutheran and three Reformed mem-
bers — reported on the 5th of December, 1850, that they
had unanimously agreed to propose a plan of union on
the following conditions :
"1. That the two boards of Trustees apply to the next
Legislature for an alteration in their respective charters, so
that the new corporation may be called 'Franklin Marshall
College' to be established in the city of Lancaster or its
immediate vicinity.
"2. That provision be made in the new charter that one
third of the Board of Trustees shall forever be Lutherans,
and two thirds German Reformed, or such other persons as
the said Lutheran and German Eeformed members of the
Board may respectively see fit to elect.
"3. Two professors of the faculty to be nominated by the
Lutherans and elected by the board, their salaries to be equal
to those of the other professors."
These terms were referred to the Board of Trustees of
Marshall College, and were by them somewhat radically
amended. In the first article the word "and" was in-
serted between the words "Franklin Marshall," so as to
read "Franklin and Marshall SOoUege."^ The second
article was amended by striking out all after the word
^ It is rather amusing to observe how much zeal was expended on
this little matter. Attempts were subsequently made to strike out the
word " and " from the college title, and to substitute a hyphen, so
as to read " Franklin-Marshall " ; but the present form was finally
accepted.
RENEWED CONTROVERSY. 143
"charter" and inserting "that two-thirds of the Board of
Trustees shall forever be Grerman Eeformed, one-sixth
Lutherans, and the remaining one-sixth of said Board
shall be chosen from any other society of Christians."
The third article was entirely stricken out and the follow-
ing substituted:
"That one of the professors shall be of the Lutheran
church, whose salary shall rate with that of the other pro-
fessors generally ; and a second professor may be chosen from
the Lutheran church, provided that a fund for his support
be created by said church."
Marshall College also added the following condition :
"That the people of the city and county of Lancaster be
required to raise an amount not less than twenty-five thou-
sand dollars to purchase the ground and defray the expenses
of erecting the buildings for the college and professors'
houses, without touching the present funds of either Frank-
lin or Marshall College, the proceeds of the sale of Marshall
College to be placed in the general fund for the endowment
of Franklin and Marshall College."
Of these amended terms the first and fourth were ac-
cepted, but the second and third were rejected. There
was renewed controversy, and it seemed as if the proposed
union had utterly failed. It had become evident that if
the institution was to succeed it must be placed under the
care of a single religious denomination; and it was then
proposed that the Reformed Church should pay to the
Lutherans the value of their part of the property and
endowment of Franklin College. This was found to be
the only satisfactory course. The property of Franklin
College, in real estate and endowment, was carefully as-
144 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
sessed, and found to amount to $51,508.84. One-third
of this amount, representing what was known as the
Lutheran interest, was to be retained by the Board until
the Eeformed Church paid an equal amount into the
treasury, so that the original endowment might remain
intact. As soon as this was done the amount of this third
interest ($17,169.71) was to be paid to the Lutheran
members of the Board, by whom it was to be transferred
to the trustees of Pennsylvania College, at Gettysburg, for
the support of a professorship of ancient languages, the
first incmnbent to be chosen by the Lutheran members of
the Board of Franklin College, and subsequent nomina-
tions to be vested in the old Evangelical Synod of Penn-
sylvania. It was also resolved that before the union of
the colleges could be consummated the sum of twenty-five
thousand dollars must be raised by the citizens of Lan-
caster city and county and paid "in current funds" into
the treasury for the purchase of grounds and erection
of buildings for the use of Franklin and Marshall Col-
lege. These conditions were to be inserted into the bill,
the enactment of which was to be solicited of the Legis-
lature, and none of the previous resolutions were to be
valid unless they were literally complied with.
It was not generally believed that the Reformed Church
would be able to secure the required funds within the
stipulated time. The work was however undertaken with
great vigor, and the results were satisfactory. The Eev.
J. C. Bucher was appointed the agent of the Board of
Franklin College to secure the sum of $25,000 for the
building fund, and labored in Lancaster with the energy
for which he was famous. For some time he was effi-
ciently assisted by the Kev. David Bossier.
SEVENTEEN THOUSAND DOLLAR FUND. 145
The Synod of the Reformed Church undertook to raise
the sum needed to purchase the Lutheran interest in the
college. It was known as the Seventeen Thousand Dollar
Fund, and its collection in the brief time required de-
manded extraordinary efforts. Indeed, we may now con-
fess — ^what was in those days a profound secret — that not
all the money was actually in hand when its payment was
imperatively demanded; but several good friends quietly
advanced what was still needed, and were, of course, sub-
sequently reimbursed, when the subscriptions had all been
paid.
It is said that the meeting of the Board of Trustees of
Franklin College, held December 21, 1852, was decidedly
interesting. The Reformed members were slow in appear-
ing, and it was believed by some that their work had failed.
In a few minutes new propositions would have been pre-
sented, and an effort have been made to secure a declara-
tion that the conditions of union had not been met. Then,
however, the representatives of the Reformed Church
appeared and paid the amount due to the uttermost cent.
On the proceedings of this meeting the following resolu-
tions appear:
"Resolved, That the treasurer of Franklin College is
hereby directed to pay over to the Lutheran portion of the
Trustees of Franklin College, $17,169-^^1^, being the one
third of the appraised value of the property of said college.
"Resolved, That the President of Franklin College is
hereby authorized to certify that Twenty-five Thousand Dol-
lars have been paid by the citizens of the City and County of
Lancaster to a joint committee of Franklin and Marshall
Colleges; also that the German Eeformed Church have paid
into the treasury of Franklin College, Seventeen Thousand,
146 FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
One Hundred and Sixty-nine -^^^ Dollars, being the one
third of the appraised value of the property of Franklin
College, and that the same amount has been authorized to be
paid to the Lutheran portion of the Trustees of said Boards
and has been so paid over. ' '
It is but just to state that the success which attended
the negotiations between the colleges was greatly due to
the aid and sympathy of the Hon. James Buchanan and
the Eev. Dr. Samuel Bowman. Mr. Buchanan served
as President in the absence of Dr. Baker, and Dr. Bow-
man remained Secretary until the final dissolution of the
Board. They were faithful friends of the college, and
at this trying time their wisdom was "better than rubies."
Of course, there were many things to be done before
the union of the colleges could be actually consummated.
By a vote of the tax-payers of the city the third part of
the property of Franklin College, which was supposed to
be vested in "the outside community," was formally trans-
ferred to the Reformed Church; and on March 1, 1853,
the Hon. James Buchanan was authorized "to transfer
and convey all the estate real and personal of Franklin
College to Franklin and Marshall College."^ On the
same day the treasurer of Franklin College was directed
to hand over to the treasurer of Franklin and Marshall
College all the securities and other articles of value
then in his possession. These were the last important
acts of the Board of Franklin College, though several
meetings were held afterwards to fill vacancies in the
building committee. The last meeting of which we have
any record was held July 2Y, 1853.
'■ This deed was executed by Mr. Buchanan, June 28, 1853.
CONFIRMATION OF THE UNION. 147
The act of the Legislature confirming the union with
Marshall College was signed by the Governor April 29,
1850. The amount paid the trustees of Pennsylvania
College for the Lutheran interest in Franklin College was
duly applied to the endowment of the Tranklin professor-
ship of Ancient Languages, and the Rev. F. A. Muhlen-
berg became its first incumbent. The Lutheran Synod,
at its meeting in Pottsville, in 1850, "heartily approved"
of the arrangement.
Fifty years ago the union of the colleges was some-
times playfully referred to as the marriage of "Sir Mar-
shall and Lady Franklin" ; and in after-dinner speeches
there were pleasant allusions to the youthful bridegroom
and his somewhat venerable bride. Pursuing the ancient
analogy, we now beg leave to introduce the knight who
came from afar to woo and wed the lady whose story we
have tried to tell.
MARSHALL COLLEGE.
CHAPTEE XII.
THE HIGH SCHOOL.
The Chabteb — Theological Seminary — Classical Institution
AT York — The Principal of the School — liiTERABY Societies.
The charter of Marshall College was granted by the
Legislature of Pennsylvania during its session of 1835-
1836, receiving the signature of Governor Joseph Eitner
on the 31st of March, 1836. In this charter the first
article declares: "That the High School of German Ee-
formed Church, located at Mercersburg, be and hereby is
erected into a college for the education of youth in the
learned languages, the arts, sciences, and useful litera-
ture." It must, therefore, be our first purpose to give
some account of the High School vehich was thus honored,
though it may be well to premise that the latter institution
was itself derived from the Theological Seminary of the
Eeformed Church.
Though it is not our purpose to write the history of the
Theological Seminary, it is not easy to give a full account
of the college without trenching to some extent upon the
field properly reserved for the historian of the theological
institution. The seminary and college are closely related ;
and in the days when they occupied the same building
strangers sometimes found it difficult to distinguish be-
tween them. Eeferring to this intimate relation the cata-
logue of Marshall College says, in 1840:
"The primary object of the two institutions may be re-
garded as one and the same. The church needs ministers,
and she is concerned to have them properly educated for their
151
152 MARSHALL COLLEGE.
high and responsible work. It is her zeal for this work which
has given birth to Marshall College. Harvard University,
Yale College, and Nassau Hall owe their origin mainly to a
similar zeal on the part of the religious denominations by
which they were founded."
The best men in the Keformed Church had long desired
the establishment of a theological seminary, but several
successive efforts had resulted in disappointment. In
1820 it was proposed to found such an institution in
Frederick, Md., and the Rev. Dr. Philip Milledoler was
chosen Professor of Theology. There was much enthu-
siasm, and upwards of $30,000 were promised for the
endowment. Unfortunately these subscriptions were con-
ditioned on the acceptance of Dr. Milledoler; and when
the latter finally declined, after holding the call for two
years, the disappointment was keenly felt, and for some
time it seemed unlikely that the project would be revived.^
The demand for educated ministers, however, still con-
tinued, and it became evident that unless existing vacan-
cies in important pastorates were speedily supplied, the
churches themselves must be lost to the denomination.
The matter was felt to be of paramount importance, and
in 1823 the Synod of the Reformed Church resolved to
establish a seminary in Harrisburg, and the Rev. Dr.
* It was understood that if Dr. Milledoler had acepted the call,
Col. Henry Rutgers, of New York, would have contributed a large
part of the endowment. When Dr. Milledoler, in 1825, became presi-
dent of the college in New Brunswick, the name of that institution
was changed from Queen's College to Rutgers, " in honor of one,
its distinguished benefactor, Col. Henry Rutgers, of New York city."
We have heard it stated that it was once proposed to call the institu-
tion now in Lancaster " Rutgers College," but beyond these facts
there seems to be no authority for this statement.
DR. LEWIS MAYER. 153
Samuel HelfEenstein, of Philadelphia, was chosen to the
first professorship; but this plan was not carried out,
for reasons which we have no space to relate. In 1824
the trustees of Dickinson College presented a plan which
was deemed feasible, and it was accordingly accepted.
It was proposed that the seminary should be founded in
Carlisle, Pa., and that the professor of theology, in
return for the use of a recitation-room and the payment
of his house rent, should serve as professor of history
and German literature in Dickinson College.
Dr. Helffenstein was again elected professor of theol-
ogy, but he declined the call, and it was finally accepted
by the Kev. Dr. Lewis Mayer.^
"When I accepted that call," said Dr. Mayer subse-
quently," "the prospect of establishing a Seminary was so
dark and discouraging that no brother, whose situation at the
time was pleasant, could have been induced to accept the pro-
fessorship. I gave up a certainty for an uncertainty, relin-
quished a better living, and subjected myself to a series of
untried labors; resolved, at the hazard of all that I held
dear, if it were the will of God, to make the effort to lay the
foundation of an institution which I hoped would be a bless-
ing to the church for ages to come. ' '
■Lewis Mayer was born in Lancaster, Pa., March 26, 1783; died
at York, Pa., August 25, 1849. Pastor, Shepherdstown, Va.,
1808-21; York, Pa., 1821-25. Professor of Theology, 1825-37.
Author of " Sin against the Holy Ghost," " Lectures on Scriptural
Subjects," " History of German Reformed Church," Vol. I., and many
pamphlets.
' Letter to Dr. D. Zacharias, December 27, 1836.
154: MARSHALL COLLEGE.
The Theological Seminary was opened at Carlisle on
the eleventh day of March, 1825, with five students, but
within a year the number had increased to ten. They
were devout young men, but their teacher was greatly
discouraged by their lack of preparatory training. In
his successive reports to synod he complained that most
of the students were so imperfectly prepared that he was
actually compelled to spend most of his time in teaching
primary branches.
It had been expected that special opportunities for in-
struction would be afforded by Dickinson College; but
the condition of that institution was most discouraging.
The college had been founded as a Presbyterian interest,
but other literary institutions had been founded elsewhere
by the same denomination, and it now lacked adequate
support. Indeed, it was regarded as almost ruined, and
its authorities utterly failed to provide for the theological
seminary, so that Dr. Mayer found himself compelled to
give instruction in his private residence. A few years
later Dickinson College was transferred to the Methodist
Church and since that time it has enjoyed a high degree
of prosperity. There can be no doubt that the Eeformed
Church had a prior opportunity of securing this valuable
location, and that it was neglected was subsequently the
cause of much regret.
In Carlisle the seminary had many troubles, and in
1829 Dr. Mayer, on his own responsibility, removed to
York, where he had purchased what he regarded as a suit-
able property. This property the Church subsequently
accepted at the price which Dr. Mayer had paid for it.
Here the seminary was reopened, and the Kev. Daniel
Toung became assistant professor of theology. In the
THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY.
155
same year Dr. Mayer earnestly appealed to synod to es-
tablish a classical institution. At the same time he re-
quested the synod to investigate the affairs of Franklin
College, at Lancaster, and if possible to secure the value
of the Reformed interest in that institution for the pur-
pose of endowing the proposed school. Dr. Mayer's plan
was approved and it was resolved to establish a classical
institution as soon as the way was open. In 1830 a com-
THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY IN YORK.
mittee was appointed to confer with the Lutheran Synod
with regard to the reestablishment of Franklin College,
and the following year the Eeformed Synod expressed its
willingness to cooperate in such an undertaking; but it
need hardly be said that these efforts proved unsuccessful.
In the autumn of 1831 the Board of Visitors appointed
the Rev. S. Boyer "classical teacher" in the theological
seminary. He seems to have been kept sufficiently busy.
156 MARSHALL COLLEGE.
for at the end of the session he examined his classes in
Geography, Jacobs' Eeader, Virgil, Cicero, and the New
Testament in Greek. He did not remain long, for in
the summer session his place was supplied by the Rev.
W. A. Good, who was at the same time a student of theol-
ogy. Dr. Mayer taught German and some other branches
which were not properly included in his department as
Professor of Theology.
As soon as the seminary was thus enlarged the number
of students rapidly increased. Among the applicants
there were several who had no immediate purpose of
studying for the ministry. The time had now come for
the establishment of a classical institution, and with it
came the man.
The choice of a principal for the proposed institution
was not an easy matter. There were few ministers who
had enjoyed a classical education, and among these there
was not one who would have ventured to undertake the
work. There was some talk about calling a distinguished
graduate of some other institution ; but it was feared that
such a man would find it difficult to accommodate himself
to new and peculiar conditions. It was, therefore, a
most auspicious event when, at the meeting of synod held
in Frederick, Md., in September, 1832, a young man
appeared who evidently possessed the highest qualifica-
tions for this important work.
Dr. Frederick Augustus Kauch occupies so prominent
a position in this history that in a subsequent chapter we
shall endeavor to give a full account of his brief but bril-
liant career. At the time of his appearance at the synod
of Frederick he was but twenty-six years old — a hand-
some man of highly intellectual appearance, with manners
THE CLASSICAL INSTITUTION. 157
that were unusually genial and sympathetic. As he had
heen but a year in America his knowledge of the English
language was still imperfect; but when his errors were
pointed out they caused him a great deal of amusement.-'
Those who feared that the matter of language would
interfere with his usefulness did not recognize that to
a man so thoroughly trained in philology the acquisition
of an additional language was not a very serious matter.
Fortunately a number of Reformed ministers had made
the acquaintance of Dr. Eauch in the previous year, when
he was giving instruction in German in Lafayette College,
at Easton. It speaks well for the discernment of these
men that they discovered in this young German the ele-
ments necessary for successful labor in the institutions of
the Reformed Church. Letters of recommendation were
addressed to the synod by the Rev. Messrs. Hoffeditz,
Pomp, J. C. Becker and Isaac Gerhart, and it was to
these letters that the election of Dr. Rauch was chiefly due.
In the previous year the Rev. Daniel Young, Assistant
Professor in the Theological Seminary, had died, and
there was therefore a vacancy in that institution. The
synod elected Dr. Rauch to this position as Professor of
Biblical Literature, and at the same time directed him
to have exclusive charge of the Classical Institution. For
this double service he was to receive an annual salary of
$600. He declined a larger salary on the ground that
he had not yet proved his fitness for the position.
'It is said that Dr. Rauch began an English speech with the
words : " I am very much not glad." Many years afterwards the
incident was related to Dr. Schaff, while his knowledge of English
was still inadequate. " Yes ! " he responded reflectively : " That
was certainly a great mistake. He ought to have said : ' I am not
very much glad.' "
158
MARSHALL COLLEGE.
In establishing the Classical Institution Dr. Eauch was
very successful. In 1833 he reported that the number
of students was forty-seven and in the succeeding year
it had increased to seventy-six. The synod was so well
pleased that, in 1833, it directed the churches to take up
collections for the classical institution, as well as for the
theological seminary. Dr. Kauch was installed at York
on the 17th of October, 1832.
HIGH SCHOOL EST YOKK.
Tor one year the Eev. J. H. Agnew was Dr. Eauch's
assistant. Mr. Agnew taught English, Latin (Virgil and
Horace), U. S. history, mental arithmetic, algebra, geog-
raphy and natural philosophy. In the autumn of 1833
the Eev. H. Miller and the Eev. C. Dober were appointed
assistants. Mr. E. Blech also taught for some time at
the request of Dr. Eauch, but does not seem to have been
LITERARY SOCIETIES.
159
regularly appointed. Mr. Miller having resigned at the
close of the winter session, the Board selected Samuel A.
Budd, A.B., as his successor. Professor Budd subse-
quently became a member of the Taculty of Marshall
College and was very highly esteemed.
In 1835 the name of the Classical Institution was
changed by synod to "High School of the Keformed
Church." No doubt it had previously been popularly
known by the latter title. By this time the school ap-
peared to be firmly established; and among the students
there were a number of brilliant young men who subse-
quently gave a good account of themselves in church and
SAMUEL EEED FISHER.
state. In those days it was the highest object of a young
man's ambition to become a good writer and speaker, and
there was hardly a good school in the country which had
not a debating society. Such a society had been organized
in the High School at an early date, but as is often the
case after a year or two of activity, the society became
160 MARSHALL COLLEGE.
moribund and seemed atout to expire. Then, however,
a young man appeared to whose energy and perseverance
the organization of the literary societies is mainly due.
Samuel Eeed Fisher^ was a graduate of Jefferson Col-
lege, Canonsburg, Pa., and was now a student in the
theological seminary at York. While he was a student at
college he had been an active member of a literary society,
and was therefore well qualified to appreciate its benefits.
He was welcomed as a member of the Debating Society,
which at his suggestion was named "Diagnothian."^ The
society became prosperous and Mr. Fisher suggested that
it should be divided into two societies, standing towards
each other in the relation of generous rivals.
The proposed division was actually accomplished on
Monday evening, June 8, 1835. John B. Cox and Jesse
Steiner were directed to effect the division. Casting lots
for the first choice, the students present were alternately
chosen for one or the other society until all had been
placed. The following arrangement was finally adopted:
1. George W. Williard, Henry Williard, S. E. Fisher,
John B. Cox, Moses Kieffer, Isaac H. McCauley, William
'The Rev. S. E. Fisher, D.D., was born at Norristown, Pa., June
2, 1810, and died in Tiffin, Ohio, June 5, 1881. For many years he
was editor of The Messenger and Superintendent of the Publication
Interests of the Reformed Church.
"There is a tradition that the Diagnothian Society was named
after the literary society of which Dr. Fisher was a member while
he was a student of Jefferson College, Canonsburg, Pa. This, how-
ever, appears to be a mistake. " The literary societies of Jefferson
College were the Philo and the Franklin; those of Washington Col-
lege the Union and the Washington. Since the union in 1869 the
societies have been united under the names Philo and Union, Frank-
lin and Washington." — Letter of President J. D. Moffat of Washing-
ton and Jefferson College, Septemier 10, 1902.
NAMING THE SOCIETIES. 161
F. CoUiflower, Daniel Y. Hinkle, Amos H. Kremer and
Daniel Miller.
2. Jacob Ziegler, Jesse Steiner, Andrew S. Young,
Charles F. McCauleyj Isaac E. Houser, George H. Mar-
tin, Michael Eyster, John R. Kooken, E. V. Gerhart and
J. H. A. Bomberger.
Several students who were not present at this prelimi-
nary meeting connected themselves with the societies at
their first regular meeting, but by their absence at the time
of the division missed the opportunity of being enrolled
among the founders. Among these was Charles A. Hay
— subsequently professor of theology at Gettysburg —
whom the Diagnothian Society regards as its first initiate.
Immediately there was a spirited contest for the posses-
sion of the original name; but Mr. Eisher persuaded the
first section to call itself "Goethean," thus giving the
name "Diagnothian" to the second. This was regarded
as a generous concession, and served to keep the peace
between the societies.
When Dr. Kauch was infomaed that one of the literary
societies had been named after Germany's greatest poet
he was greatly delighted. He evidently regarded the fact
as a personal compliment, and at once became the enthu-
siastic champion of the Goethean Society. The Goetheans
were naturally elated, but the Diagnothians, of course,
were correspondingly depressed. If the principal of the
school favored their rivals what could the Diagnothians
hope to accomplish ? Would it not be better to acknowledge
defeat and disband the society ?
Charles F. McCauley — afterwards an eminent minister
— ^was an enthusiastic Diagnothian, and — as he long after-
wards told the writer — was so worried that he could
162 MARSHALL COLLEGE.
neither eat nor sleep. At last he solicited an interview
with Dr. Eauch and respectfully told him his trouble.
"It is not just," he said, "that you should give your
influence to our rivals."
Dr. Kauch received his visitor very kindly, but seemed
greatly affected by the implied reproof. "Do you blame
me?" he inquired. "If you were a poor refugee in a for-
eign land, as I am, would you not be pleased if a literary
society were named after the greatest man of your native
country? I thought your society could depend for its
membership on the prevailing English element of this
country, and that I might safely urge those who are proud
of German descent to do honor to the name of Goethe ; but
I find I was wrong, and henceforth I will occupy a strictly
impartial position between the two societies." "This
interview," said Dr. McCauley, "accomplished all that
was desired ; but before we were through with it we both
cried."
The students of the High School differed greatly among
themselves in knowledge and culture. The leaders were
young men who proposed to study for the ministry; but
students soon appeared whose early training had been
neglected, and who rather deserved pity than the ridicule
which they generally received. Dr. Fisher used to tell a
story about a country boy who gave his associates a good
deal of amusement. His name was Schof {i. e., Schaf),
but he had conceived the idea that as he was about to be
anglicized even his name must assume an English form.
When he entered the recitation room his appearance was
as comical as can well be conceived, and when the pro-
fessor asked him, "What is your name?" he promptly
replied: "My name is Mister Sheep." Immediately the
ASPIRATIONS. 163
boys began to bleat — "Baa! Baa!" — and the poor fellow
took his seat in confusion, not knowing what was wrong.
He remained in the school only a few days.
As the High School increased in numbers and efficiency
there was a general desire that it should be raised to the
rank of a college. This desire was no doubt strengthened
by the fact that the Lutheran Church had, in 1832,
founded Pennsylvania College at Gettysburg. Why the
institutions of the Reformed Church were not left in York
it is now not easy to explain. The location appears to
have been suitable, and the community was one in which
such institutions might have been expected to flourish.
Dr. Appel intimates^ that the seminary was under a cloud,
in consequence of a lawsuit which was one of the unfor-
tunate results of its troubles at Carlisle. The fact is that
these institutions might easily have been retained at York
if there had been any one to awaken the people to a sense
of their importance. As it was, while other places con-
tended for their location, the town of York made no
motion, and in the fall of 1835 the High School was
removed.
•"Recollections of College Life," p. 85.
CHAPTEK XIII.
THE REMOVAL,.
Choice of Location — The Revebend Jacob Mater — Mercebs-
BUEO — The Old Academy — First Board of Trustees
— A Smaix Faculty.
Though the High School had done good work it had
financially been less successful than might have been ex-
pected. There was a deficit which in 1835 had grown
to $2,037.87, and this sum had to be paid out of the
treasury of synod. That it was more alarming than a
much larger debt would prove at the present day, is per-
fectly plain.
A convention of ministers met at the invitation of the
Board of Visitors, in Jtme, 1834, to consider the affairs
of the High School and to propose to synod such action
as might be advisable. The attendance was not large;
but it was generally agreed to recommend to synod to
establish its literary institution, not necessarily in York,
but in the town from which the most advantageous offers
might be received, whether in the way of subscription to
the endowment or by the erection of necessary buildings.
Among the ministers present on this occasion was the
Reverend Jacob Mayer, pastor of the Reformed congrega-
tion at Mercersburg.-' That he conceived the idea of
' Jacob Mayer was born in Lykena Valley, Pa., September 15,
1798; and died in Lock Haven, October 29, 1872. He was succes-
sively pastor at Woodstock, Va., Shrewsbury, Pa., and Mercersburg
and Greencastle, Pa. For eight years he was the financial agent of
Marshall College and the Theological Seminary. He was not re-
lated to Dr. Lewis Mayer.
164
MERCERSBUEG. 165
securing the location of the institutions for his place of
residence, may almost be regarded as a stroke of genius.
Mercersburg was a village of less than a thousand inhabit-
ants, situated among the mountains of Franklin County.
The people were mostly of Scotch-Irish descent, belong-
ing to several branches of the Presbyterian church; but
there was a small Union church in which the Reformed
and Lutherans alternately worshiped. The Reformed con-
gregation was not large, but it included a number of in-
telligent and influential families.
Under such circumstances few men would have ven-
tured to undertake the task of making Mercersburg an im-
portant theological and educational center. Mr. Mayer
was, however, a man of extraordinary energy, and every
difficulty spurred him on to greater efforts. He succeeded
in convincing the entire community that this was an oppor-
tunity which, if promptly embraced, would bring dignity
and prosperity to their beloved town. Wot only the mem-
bers of the Reformed church, but Presbyterians and
Seceders, Lutherans and Methodists, were equally en-
thusiastic, and there was no difficulty in securing subscrip-
tions. Never before in the history of the town had there
been such unanimity in sentiment and purpose. Even the
Africans — ^who were very numerous — ^were affected by the
prevailing enthusiasm, and are said to have inquired of
every stranger : " When will the college come ?"
When the synod met in Pittsburg, in September, 1834,
the people of Mercersburg were ready with a subscription
of $10,000, and offered other substantial contributions if
the institutions were removed to their town. The only
additional proposals came from Chambersburg and Lan-
caster, but these appeared to be less liberal. As the num-
166 MARSHALL COLLEGE.
ber of delegates in attendance in Pittsburg was unusually
small it was thought best to refer the question of removal
to the consideration of a special Synod, to be held in Har-
risburg in the following December. At this meeting a com-
mittee, of which the Kev. Dr. B. S. Schneck was chair-
man, was directed to visit the places from which proposals
had been received, and to report at length in the following
year.
The report which was presented at Chambersburg in
1835 was in some respects curious, and may even now be
read with considerable interest. Its authors expressed
their desire to be entirely impartial, and yet there are indi-
cations of a decided bias. Chambersburg had offered a
subscription of $4,500, together with the local Academy
and a building known as the Hall. The committee, how-
ever, expressed a doubt whether the trustees had a legal
right to transfer the property of the academy, and there
were minor objections which we need not enumerate.
The invitation from Lancaster seemed cold and formal,
and was decidedly objectionable because the trustees of
Franklin College proposed to retain control of the united
institution after the removal of the High School. It was
suggested that though the Lancaster Board might elect Dr.
Eauch to the presidency there was no assurance that his
position would be permanent. Evidently, however, the
committee did not fully appreciate the value of the offer
from Lancaster. The assets of Franklin College were esti-
mated at $27,000, but it was cautiously suggested by the
committee that the unsold lands of the College might have
little actual value. We are not surprised that the pro-
posal from Lancaster was rather coldly received, for in the
form in which it was presented it Was certainly not
attractive.
THE LOCATION. 167
Mercersburg, in the opinion of the committee, possessed
excellencies which could not be too highly regarded. "The
situation of the village is healthy ; and on every side nature
presents the most impressive and charming prospects."
" Virtue and industry characterize the inhabitants — and
board is cheap. "^
The liberality of the people of Mercersburg is highly
commended. " They have not only subscribed ten thousand
dollars, but also offer to present to the institution a lot of
ground bearing a stone building, and will provide dwell-
ings for the professors until permanent residences are
erected." "The latter propositions, it is true, have not
been formally presented ; but the committee is assured by
the Reverend Jacob Mayer — ^who represents the people of
Mercersburg — that these assurances are thoroughly re-
liable." The building which was thus offered was the so-
called Academy, situated in the rear of the Presbyterian
church.
On Friday afternoon, October 1, 1835, the question of
removal was finally decided. On the first ballot it was
foimd that neither of the places proposed had received a
majority of votes, and the name of Chambersburg was
withdrawn. The second ballot resulted in the selection of
Mercersburg.
Immediately afterwards the following committee was
appointed to superintend the removal of the Institutions
to their new location: Kev. Henry L. Kice, Rev. John
Rebough, Rev. William A. Good, and the elders, Heyser,
King and Bantz. A board of trustees was also appointed,
and directed to take general charge of the affairs of the
'These extracts are translated from the German edition of the
Minutes of Synod, 1835.
168 MARSHALL COLLEGE.
High School, and as soon as possible to secure a collegiate
charter. This board, as originally constituted, consisted of
the following members: John E. Hoffman, of Heading;
Daniel Shafer, William McKinstry, Elliott T. Lane, Dr.
P. W. Little, William Metcalf and William Dick, of Mer-
cersburg; George Besore, of Waynesboro; Frederick
Smith, Barnard Wolff, John Smith, Hon. G. Chambers
and Hon. A. Thomson, of Chambersburg ; Hon. Peter
Schell, of Bedford; David Krause, of Harrisburg; Peter
Snyder, of Easton ; David Middlekauff, of Adams county ;
and Henry Schnebly, of Greencastle.
The Synod ordered its property in York to be sold, and
directed that the Institutions should be removed as soon
as its committee had received satisfactory security for the
payment of the subscriptions made in Mercersburg. Un-
fortunately, the latter direction appears to have been par-
tially neglected; for truth compels us to state that the
larger part of the Mercersburg subscriptions remained
unpaid.
It had been proposed to remove both, institutions imme-
diately, but in regard to the Theological Seminary an
unexpected difficulty appeared. It -was believed that in
case of removal the seminary would forfeit its charter, and
the treasurer actually declined to pay the salaries of the
professors unless the institution remained in York. The
matter demanded legal investigation and more than a year
passed before it became plain that there was no ground for
fear. It was also known that Dr. Mayer did not desire to
leave York, and so the removal of the seminary was de-
layed. In the case of the High School there were no such
difficulties, and preparations were made for its immediate
removal.
^-ci '^^A.
A SMALL FACULTY. 169
On a beautiful day in November, 1835, the students
arrived in Mercersburg. Fourteen of them came in two
stages, seven in each. " Four others were stragglers, who,
with the faculty consisting of two professors, reached their
place of destination in some other way. Seven of them
were Diagnothians and eleven Goetheans. This was about
all that was left of the High School to be removed."^
The people of Mercersburg received the students with
great kindness and did all in their power to make them
feel at home. Evidently, however, the removal had been
premature. The Academy needed extensive repairs, and
for a while the school occupied an old frame building, a
little west of the square, or " diamond," as it was generally
called. This building, after the organization of the college,
was for some time occupied by the preparatory department,
and was finally destroyed by fire. The houses which had
been promised to the professors were not ready, and dur-
ing the first winter the school and its teachers suffered
many privations.
Dr. Ranch and Professor Budd at first constituted the
entire faculty. Fortunately both were versatile as well as
learned, and taught uncomplainingly from morning till
night. Dr. Eauch was not fond of text-books; and this,
when we call to mind the character of the text-books which
were generally used in those days, is certainly not sur-
prising. Once, we have been told, he undertook to teach
logic in the usual way; but after several unsatisfactory
lessons he suddenly hurled the book across the room, and
exclaimed : " I don't want it ! I can teach you all that is
in Aristotle without a book."
Professor Samuel W. Budd was a man of high culture
' Appel's " Recollections of College Life," p. 94.
170 MARSHALL COLLEGE.
and great ability. He was not only a fine mathematician,
but possessed many social accomplishments which rendered
him popular. Both professors were young, and — as Dr.
Appel says — " looked out upon the world through gold-
rimmed spectacles."
The number of students rapidly increased and an appli-
cation for a charter was made to the Legislature of Penn-
sylvania. It was a happy day when the news was brought
to Mercersburg that Marshall College had been incorpor-
ated, and that the legislature had generously added an
appropriation of ten thousand dollars to the endowment
of the new institution.
CHAPTER XIV.
THE FIRST PRESIDENCY.
The Obganization — Pkesident Frederick Augustus Rauch —
Biography and Personal Characteristics — Psychology
— The Seminary Bctldinq — The Law School —
Early Professors — Arrival op Dr. J. W.
Nevin — Death of Dr. Rauch.
Marshall College is said in its charter to have been
named " in testimony of respect for the exalted character,
great worth, and high mental attainments of the late John
Marshall, Chief Justice of the United States." Who it
was that first suggested the name might now be difficult to
SEAL of MARSHALL COLLEGE.
determine. There is a tradition that it was due to an
agreement between several friends of the institution in
Virginia; and it is altogether probable that Dr. Bernard
C. Wolff, who was a native of Martinsburg in that state,
was the actual sponsor.
171
172 MARSHALL COLLEGE.
The name of the college appears to have been accepted
some time before the incorporation. Judge Marshall died
at Philadelphia, July 6, 1835; but before his death he
was informed that a college was to be named after him, and
he is said to have been gratified by this information. The
portrait which appeared on the seal was presented to the
college by a member of his family.
Judge Marshall was recognized as the foremost Ameri-
can jurist, and the college that was founded in the year
of his death was justly regarded as a proper monument
to his memory.
The Board of Trustees of Marshall College held its first
meeting in Mercersburg at the house of John Shaffer on
the 12th of July, 1836. The Hon. Alexander Thomson
was temporarily called to the chair; but when the board
was permanently organized the Kev. Henry L. Rice was
elected president. According to a plan which was then
adopted, the new institution was to consist of two depart-
ments: the College and the Preparatory School. In the
College provision was made for five departments of instruc-
tion: Ancient languages and literature, including Latin,
Greek and Hebrew ; mathematical and natural sciences, in-
cluding chemistry, mineralogy, geology and botany; in-
tellectual and moral sciences; belles lettres and history;
and the German language and literature. It was resolved
that Commencement should be annually celebrated on the
last Wednesday in September, and that the winter session
of the College should open in six weeks from that day.
The election for members of the Faculty was not ex-
citing. Dr. Kauch and Professor Budd each received the
compliment of a unanimous election. The former was
elected president and professor of Hebrew, Greek and
THE FIRST PRESIDENT. 178
German; the latter became professor of mathematics, nat-
ural philosophy, chemistry and mineralogy. Two addi-
tional professors were to be chosen as soon as a special
committee was prepared to present suitable candidates.-^
Frederick Augustus Kauch, Ph.D., who thus became the
^^Ri/iZcuuA.
first president of Marshall College, was bom at Kirch-
bracht, Hesse Darmstadt, July 27, 1806, and was the son
of a Reformed pastor. Concerning his early life very little
is known. He was fond of music and at an early age be-
came an accomplished pianist. At the age of eighteen he
entered the University of Marburg, where in 1827 he re-
ceived the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Subsequently
he spent a year at Giessen and another at Heidelberg. At
the latter university he came under the personal influence
of the celebrated eclectic philosopher and theologian,
Charles Daub, who showed him much kindness and to
whom he became warmly attached. Daub was not only a
man of immense learning, but was recognized as one of the
most profound thinkers of Germany. Though he could
hardly be said to have formulated an independent system,
he had studied and comprehended the works of all the great
philosophers from Kant to Hegel, assimilating their dis-
'A professorship of mental and moral philosophy was offered
to the Rev. Dr. Samuel A. Van Vranken, then pastor of the Reformed
Dutch Church at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., but the invitation was de-
clined. Dr. Van Vranken was subsequently professor of didactic
theology in the Theological Seminary at New Brunswick and also
professor of Christian evidences and logic in Rutgers College. Dr.
Corwin says concerning him : " He never made any special preten-
tious display of scholarship — not because he did not possess it but
because he was above it." — Manual of the Reformed Ghurck in
America, p. 864.
174 MARSHALL COLLEGE.
coveries and rejecting their errors. As an instructor he
was unequalled, and the brightest young men of the father-
land were inspired by his genius. " He was a man," says
Dr. IN'evin, " who lived for the invisible and the eternal,
and on whose soul the visions of the Almighty, in the per-
son of Jesus Christ, had unfolded their glory."
Having completed his course at the university Dr. Kauch
served as professor-extraordinary at Giessen, and was then
appointed to a full professorship in the department of
metaphysics in the University of Heidelberg. This was a
distinguished honor and seemed to open the way to a bril-
liant career. Dr. Ranch was at that time only twenty-
four years old. " Such an appointment at so early an
age," says Dr. Schiedt,^ " has to my knowledge only once
been repeated in this century — ^viz., in the case of Friedrich
Nietzsche, who is by many considered the profoundest
philosophical thinker of modem Germany."
Just at this time occurred the events by which the career
of Dr. Ranch was entirely changed. He still retained many
of the enthusiasms of his student days and on some public
occasion said a word in behalf of the political fraternities
(Burschenschaften) which existed among the students, but
which the government was seeking to suppress. It was an
imprudent act, as he afterwards confessed, but when the
word had been spoken it could not be recalled. In such
cases the government was merciless, and his only hope was
in instant flight. After a brief interview with his father
at midnight he hurried across the frontier, and as soon as
possible sailed to America.
When Dr. Ranch arrived in this country, in 1831, he
was almost destitute. He found his way to Easton, Penn-
sylvania, where he became German instructor in Lafayette
' " On the Threshold of a New Century," p. 27.
PERSONAL TRAITS. 175
College, at the same time teaching music to a number of
pupils in the town. Here he made the acquaintance of sev-
eral Reformed ministers, and mainly through their in-
fluence became principal of the High School at York.
That his work was appreciated is evident from the fact that
he was chosen the first President of Marshall College.
It has been said that Dr. Eauch had enough enthusiasm
to found a university. He rapidly acquired the English
language and became an acceptable preacher. His learn-
ing and piety were undoubted ; but there was in his nature
a joyous element which endeared him to his students. The
reminiscences of his own school-days were still fresh, and
he could sympathize with boys who found it difficult to
submit to strict scholastic discipline. Indeed, it might
have been said of him, as it was of Loyola, that he made
special efforts to gain the friendship of unruly boys and
rarely failed to convert them to better things.
Once — it is related — ^while he occupied a room on the
first floor of the college building, he was roused from sleep
by a tremendous noise. In a few minutes the noise was
repeated, and it became certain that some one was rolling a
log down the circular stairs from an upper story. Hastily
dressing, the Doctor left his room, and taking his place in
a corner of the hall, watched for the offender. Very soon
a student, whom he recognized, stole down the stairs with
the evident purpose of securing the log and repeating the
exercise. The Doctor made an attempt to catch him, but
before he could succeed the student — ^pretending not to
recognize the professor — ^turned upon him and, shaking
him violently, exclaimed : " Who are you, anyhow ? I
could not sleep on account of the noise, and have come
down to see what is the matter. I'll report you to Dr.
176 MARSHALL COLLEGE.
Kaucli — that's what I'll do !" At this the Doctor could no
longer restrain himself and burst into loud laughter. " Go
to your room," he said, " and I will see you in the morn-
ing." Next day he called the student aside and whispered :
" I ought to punish you for that aflfair last night, but it
was too funny. Don't tell anybody — let us keep it a
secret!"
This may have been poor discipline, but somehow the
President found the way to the student's heart.
As a lecturer Dr. Eauch was absolutely splendid. He
possessed the unusual gift of making difficult things appear
easy, at the same time adorning them with the choicest
flowers of poetry.
It was, of course, as a teacher of mental and moral
science that he excelled. Though in philosophy he was
accounted a Hegelian he had experienced Schleiermacher's
sense of dependence, and was not without sympathy for the
mysticism of Schelling. As he himself said, there was no
reason why the wonderful discoveries of German philoso-
phers should be rejected on account of the occasional
aberrations of their promoters. It was his purpose to in-
troduce the study of German thought to the attention of
American thinkers, and to this end he worked with all his
might. In 1840 he published his " Psychology — a View
of the Human Soul," which was intended to be the first
of a series treating of the same general subject. As was
said in the preface it was " the first attempt to unite Ger-
man and American mental philosophy," and as such it was
enthusiastically received by the most competent critics. It
was recognized as a work of genius, and became a text-
book in many literary institutions. Though now super-
seded for purposes of instruction, it occupies a position in
DOMESTIC RELATIONS. 177
the history of education of which it can never be deprived.
It was Dr. Kauch who in America introduced the study
of psychology as a distinct science.
In his domestic relations Dr. Eauch was unusually for-
tunate. His wife was a woman of great ability and force
of character. She was a daughter of Loammi Moore, of
Morristown, New Jersey, and a younger sister of Mrs.
Sarah A. Young, the widow of the Eeverend Daniel
Young, who had been in York, a professor in the Theologi-
cal Seminary. Mrs. Young had established a select school
for girls in Mercersburg, and it was there that Dr. Ranch
made the acquaintance of her sister.-'
Mrs. Ranch became her husband's assistant in many
ways, and was his competent instructor in the use of the
English language. By the students she was always re-
garded with profound respect.
The labors which Dr. Ranch was called to perform were
numerous and varied. Immediately after the removal to
Mercersburg the synod authorized the erection of a build-
ing for the theological seminary. This building, it was
' The Moore family was intimately eomiected with the early his-
tory of Marshall College, especially on account of the marriage of
several of the daughters, all of whom were women of remarkable
intellectual ability. The author is, therefore, pleased to reproduce
an extract from a letter of Dr. Edgar Moore Green, dated November
10, 1902. Dr. Green says:
" My grandfather, Loammi Moore, married Huldah Byram, and
had the following children: Sarah Ann married Silas Pierson; after
his death she married the Rev. Daniel Young. Naphtali Byram
married Eliza Woolfolk. Susan Maria married Caleb D. Baldwin.
Phebe Bathiah married the Rev. Dr. P. A. Rauch; after his death
she married Dr. John P. Hiester. Abby Elizabeth married the Rev.
Andrew S. Young; after his death she married Professor James
Henry Coffin. William Henry married Annie E. Irwin. Harriet
married Dr. Traill Green. James Edgar died unmarried." Several
other children died in infancy.
178
MARSHALL COLLEGE.
understood, was to be of sufficient size to acconunodate both
the seminary and college until the number of students
should render the erection of a college-building imperative.
Dr. Rauch's peculiar relation to both institutions rendered
him the natural superintendent of the work, though he
was ably assisted by "William McKinstry, Daniel Shafer,
James O. Carson, and other residents of Mercersburg.
THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY IN MERCERSBUBG.
The Seminary Building was erected in the summer of
1836. The grounds, originally consisting of four acres at
the eastern end of the village, were purchased of Mr. Wil-
liam McKinstry for $500, which was the exact amount of
his subscription. The contractor and builder was Nicholas
Pearce, of Chambersburg. He undertook to put up the
building for $9,500, leaving the basement and upper
story unfinished, engaging at the same time to complete
the unfinished stories for $1,600. As the building was at
once completed we may conclude that its cost, according to
the contract, was $11,100 ; but as the contractor complained
HENRY L. RICE. 179
that he had lost money, the synod in 1837 made him a
free gift of $400. There may possibly have been other
extras ; but the building was substantial and beautiful, and
the cost was almost incredibly low. According to the re-
port presented to synod, in 1837, it contained forty-four
rooms, besides spacious corridors extending the whole
length of the building ; thirty-four rooms were to be occu-
pied by students, and there were also a chapel, a library,
four recitation rooms, a refectory, and rooms for the
steward and his family. The building was entirely com-
pleted in December, 1837. In the same year one of the
professors' houses was erected, and the other was com-
pleted in the subsequent summer. As soon as the building
was completed it was leased, by order of synod, to Mar-
shall College, the Seminary retaining only the use of such
rooms as it absolutely needed. In lieu of rent the Semi-
nary received for each room occupied by a college student
a fee of $2.50 in summer and $3.50 in winter.
The first severe blow which fell upon the young institu-
tion was the unexpected death of the president of its Board
of Trustees, the Rev. Henry L. Eice,^ of Chambersburg.
He had been enthusiastically devoted to the work of estab-
lishing the new college, and in a few months had by per-
sonal solicitation collected nearly six thousand dollars. His
death was believed to have been caused by labor and ex-
posure. Dr. Eauch delivered his eulogy which was pub-
lished and extensively circulated. Col. David Schnebly
" Henry Leffler Rice was bom in Washington county, Pa., June
25, 1795, and died at Chambersburg, Pa., May 3, 1837. He was
graduated at Troy University, 1818, and studied theology at Prince-
ton. After serving as missionary in the west be became pastor of
the Reformed (Dutch) Church at Spotswood, N. J., Pastor of Ger-
man Reformed Church, Chambersburg, 1834-37.
180 MARSHALL COLLEGE.
became the successor of Mr. Kice as President of the Board
of Trustees.
There was some difficulty in securing a professor of
Ancient Languages and Belles Lettres; but on November
13, 1836, the Eev. Joseph F. Berg,^ of Harrisburg, ac-
cepted the position. He remained in Mercersburg about a
year, resigning September 27, 1837. As a teacher he was
not very successful, and when he resigned the Board inter-
posed no objection, though it formally protested against
the suddenness of his departure. He does not seem to have
liked Mercersburg, and possibly that mountain village did
not furnish a field for the exercise of his peculiar talents.
When Dr. Berg resigned Mr. Edward Bourne was tem-
porarily engaged to fill his professorship. He was a gradu-
ate of the University of Dublin, and his scholarship was,
of course, beyond dispute ; but he was eccentric, and though
the students liked him they laughed at him. One of his
peculiarities was to fill his pockets with silver coin, and
' Joseph Frederick Berg, D.D., LL.D., was born June 3, 1812, on the
island of Antigua, W. I., where his father was a, Moravian mission-
ary; and died, July 20, 1871, at New Brunswick, N. J. He was
educated in England and at the Moravian Seminary. Having con-
nected himself with the German Reformed Church he became, in
1835, pastor in Harrisburg. After leaving Mercersburg he was
called to the pastorate of the Race Street church, Philadelphia,
where he remained until 1852. Having become involved in a con-
troversy with the theological professors at Mercersburg, he joined
the Reformed Dutch Church and served for nine years as pastor
of the church at Seventh and Brown Streets, Philadelphia, and then
became professor of Didactic and Polemic Theology of New Bruns-
wick. He was a powerful controversialist and voluminous author.
NEW PROFESSORS. 181
when he walked or talked he amused himself by jingling
his money.
The Reverend Albert Smith, of Williamstown, Mass.,
was elected professor of ancient languages, April 14, 1837.
The ministers of the Board declare him to have been a
graduate of the University of Cambridge and " preemi-
nently qualified for his position." His inaugural address
— delivered at Commencement, September 26, 1838 — was
certainly a production of a very superior order. It was
not only printed but enjoyed the extraordinary honor of a
second edition.
In 1838 Professor Smith was granted the privilege of
nominating an assistant, and at his suggestion David T.
Stoddard, of New Haven, Conn., was appointed tutor. He
was, we believe, a near relative of Professor Smith. Mr.
Stoddard's scholarship could not be questioned, but he
seems in some way to have provoked the hostility of the
students, and they were merciless. He remained but a
single year. Professor Smith held his professorship until
1840, and then returned to New England. He was highly
esteemed, but it is said that he could never become quite
reconciled to the " Anglo-German " character of Marshall
College. On the 29th of September, 1840, the Board
elected as his successor, William M. ISTevin, Esq., then of
Sewickley, Pa. Professor Nevin's long and faithful labors
are still affectionately remembered, and we shall have fre-
quent occasion to refer to them in subsequent chapters.
It was fortunate for the new institution that among the
earliest students there were a number of talented young
men who were able to assist in teaching. Several of these,
after graduation, served as tutors in the college or academy
while they were students in the theological seminary.
182 MAESHALL COLLEGE.
Here we need mention only the names of such men as John
H. A. Bomberger, E. V. Gerhart, Andrew S. Young, Moses
Kieffer and George H. Martin, all of whom subsequently
became eminent in their chosen profession.
The Law School was established at Chambersburg in
February, 1838, and the Hon. Alexander Thomson was
elected professor of law. Judge Thomson was one of the
most learned jurists in the country, and a number of
students read law in his office. As he was an enthusiastic
friend of Marshall College, and a prominent member of
its Board of Trustees, it was suggested that he should
organize a Law School and " give instruction to graduates
of the college and other young gentlemen " who might
desire to prepare themselves for the legal profession. This
school, which was maintained in Chambersburg until the
death of Judge Thomson, in 1848, was not closely con-
nected with the institutions in Mercersburg; but the stu-
dents who had completed their course were annually grad-
uated by Marshall College, receiving the degree of Bachelor
of Laws. Among these graduates was the Hon. John
Scott, U. S. Senator from 1869 to 1875, and subsequently
General Solicitor of the Pennsylvania Railroad. The Hon.
Thomas A. Hendricks, Vice-President of the United
States, was a nephew of Judge Thomson and completed
his legal studies in his uncle's school, but for some unex-
plained reason he appears never to have been formally
graduated.
The Theological Seminary and College continued to
occupy the same building and their relations were neces-
sarily intimate. In the Seminary there were theological
disagreements; but it is not in our province to examine
them in detail. In a general way it may be said that two
PREPAEATORY DEPARTMENT. 183
types of theology were there represented, and when they
came into contact there was considerable friction. As the
main subjects of discussion were theological, even the col-
lege students assumed to be theologians; and it has been
said that it was almost impossible to keep the Freshmen
from preaching. Dr. Mayer, in 1839, finally withdrew
from his professorship, and for a time the seminary and
college were both conducted by Dr. Rauch.^
Not only on account of the prevailing theological in-
fluence, but because the building was actually overcrowded,
the Board, in 1838, resolved to erect a suitable edifice for
the accommodation of the college. A tract of land, in-
cluding some six or seven acres at the southern end of the
village, was accordingly purchased from Mrs. Brownson
for one thousand dollars, and no one doubted that the
College would soon be built.
At this point the Preparatory Department presented its
claims with renewed vigor. It had hitherto occupied a
miserable, frame structure in the western part of the vil-
lage, and the students had been compelled to take lodgings
wherever they could find them. It was justly urged that
the college could not hope to prosper without a good acad-
'■ The number of students in the College rapidly increased. Many
of these were prepared for admission at local academies, which were
then numerous. One of the most successful preceptors in early
days was the Rev. Bayard R. Hall, of Bedford, Pa., who prepared
many students for Marshall. Among these were such well known
men as David H. Hofius, W. P. Sehell, John Cessna, Francis
Jordan, Jacob Sehell, Oliver C. Hartley and Rufus K. Hartley.
The Hartleys came from Bloody Run, and while at College the boys
accordingly nick-named them " Old Bloody " and " Young Bloody."
They subsequently removed to Texas, where they became eminent.
Oliver C. Hartley published first the " Digest of the Laws of Texas,"
and, assisted by his brother, prepared many volumes of Supreme
Court Reports. Hartley County, Texas, has been named in his honor.
184 MARSHALL COLLEGE.
emy, and that the necessities of the latter institution were
more immediate and pressing. As the means at hand were
not sufficient for the erection of both buildings there was
some disagreement as to the institution which deserved
preference, and so the matter dragged on for several years.
At last, on the 8th of January, 1841, the building occu-
pied by the Preparatory Department was destroyed by
fire. How this happened will probably forever remain a
secret. It occurred exactly at the hour for morning
prayers, and the boys, of course, hurried away to see the
blaze. There was, however, one exceedingly devout stu-
dent who had already taken his seat and seemed unaffected
by the prevailing confusion. As the crowd rushed past the
door some one called to him : " Won't you go to the fire ?"
" Why !" he replied in innocent surprise, " Won't we have
prayers first ?"
It costs a great deal of money to found a literary insti-
tution, and the work at Mercersburg could hardly have
been accomplished without the beneficence of the State. In
1836, as already remarked, the Legislature of Pennsylva-
nia had granted to Marshall College an appropriation of
$10,000, which was afterwards increased to $12,000. In
consideration of this gift the college was required to in-
struct twenty poor students free of charge. The amount
secured by Henry L. Eice and Bernard C. Wolff was re-
ported in 1840 to have nearly reached $21,000, and includ-
ing the appropriations of the State and the contributions
secured by Jacob Mayer, Daniel Bossier and other agents
we may estimate at the utmost the sum received by the
college in the first five years of its existence at about $50,-
000. A large portion of this amount was secured by the
sale of perpetual scholarships which entitled the holder to
DISCIPLINE. 185
designate a student to receive free tuition. The sale of
scholarships afforded immediate financial aid, but it nat-
urally decreased the number of students who paid tuition,
and its ultimate advantage may be regarded as ques-
tionable.
From our present point of view the resources of the col-
lege at this early day appear insignificant; but when we
remember that — apart from the State appropriation — ^the
individual contributions were small, the amount was at
least creditable. It was the gift of a rustic community
that had been trained to habits of the strictest economy.
In those days a pastor who received an annual salary of
four hundred dollars was regarded as " passing rich " ; and
the writer can vouch for an instance in which a minister
in such circumstances for several years contributed one
fourth of his annual salary to the support of the college.
With all that could be done, there often was financial trou-
ble in Mercersburg; and there is a tradition that once, at
a time of unusual depression, a worthy minister was so
greatly impressed by the gravity of the occasion, that he
rose in his seat at synod and seriously offered to divide
with Dr. Kauch his slender stock of meal and potatoes.
As has already been stated the general tone of the col-
lege was serious, if not theological. That there were, how-
ever, occasional cases that demanded serious discipline, is
evident from the records of the Faculty. In 1838 two
students were with difficulty restrained from fighting a
duel ; and in the following year a boy — who is said to have
been very young and to have been under the special care of
the president — ^was found guilty of dissipation ; and it was
ordered that he should be " confined for one week, without
dinner, and deprived of pocket-money to the end of the
186 MARSHALL COLLEGE.
The following miscellaneous extracts from the records
may possibly prove interesting :
On the 15th of August, 1837, the Hon. B. Champneys,
of Lancaster, delivered an address before the Literary So-
cieties. This was the first of a long series, known as
" biennial addresses " because the orators are alternately
elected by the literary societies.
In 1838 it was ordered that a German oration should be
delivered at every subsequent Commencement. In the
same years circulars were ordered to be sent to parents,
reporting the grade of students in scholarship and con-
duct. The Faculty adopted the system of marks and de-
merits which was in use at Yale College, and it was ordered
by the Board that the Laws of Princeton College, in so far
as they were applicable, should be adopted for the govern-
ment of the institution.
The Rev. Dr. John Williamson E^evin arrived in Mer-
cersburg, with his family, in the spring of 1840. He had
previously been elected Professor of Didactic Theology in
the seminary as the successor of Dr. Mayer. To Dr.
Ranch his coming brought relief from a part of his labor
in the seminary, and at the same time secured him the
blessing of congenial companionship. The two men were as
different as possible in disposition and early training ; but
they soon learned to appreciate each other's talents and
personal excellence, and became intimate friends. In a
letter to the Rev. Charles F. McCauley Dr. Rauch said:
" Our seminary possesses a man in Professor Nevin whose
talents and learning and scientific spirit are not equaled
by any one in this country. I say this with deliberateness
and coolness. He is an excellent teacher, constantly active,
and much experienced in ecclesiastical affairs." Long
DEATH OF DR. RAUCH. 187
afterwards Dr. Nevin said of Dr. Eauch in a public ad-
dress : " I perceived soon that his learning and intellectual
power were of a higher order altogether than I had before
felt authorized to expect. ... I could not but look upon
it as a strange and interesting fact that the infant college
of the German Reformed Church should have placed at its
head, there in Mercersburg — without care or calculation or
consciousness even on the part of its friends generally —
one of the very first minds of Germany, which under other
circumstances might well have been counted an ornament
and honor to the oldest institution in the land."
These intimate relations continued for less than a year,
but their permanent influence on the thinking of Dr. Nevin
has never been doubted. The latter had indeed given some
attention to German philosophy before he came to Mer-
cersburg, but it was Dr. Ranch who showed him a path
through its tangled mazes.
It had for some time been observed that the health of
Dr. Ranch was not robust, but no evil consequences were
anticipated. He himself ascribed his condition to the fact
that he had neglected to take sufficient exercise. Dr. Appel
says that when Dr. Rauch was thirty-three years old he
looked like a man of fifty. Constant mental labor, without
relaxation, was no doubt the principal cause of his early
decline. As he grew weaker he sometimes instructed his
classes in his private room, reclining upon a couch ; but as
yet no one dreamed that he was suffering from more than
a passing indisposition.
Suddenly, on the morning of March 2, 1841, it was an-
nounced that Dr. Rauch had died. That this was a heavy
blow to the institution may easily be imagined. Old men,
who were students then, declare that in all their lives they
188 MARSHALL COLLEGE.
have never felt another shock that viras so dreadful and
depressing. Everything had depended on Dr. Eauch, and
it was feared that unless immediate action were taken
there was danger that his work might go to pieces. The
Faculty accordingly held an immediate meeting and re-
quested Dr. John W. Nevin, of the Theological Seminary
to assume the presidency imtil other arrangements could
he made. He accepted the invitation and from that
moment another administration may be said to have begun.
Dr. Kauch was buried on the college grounds in a place
which had been set apart for a college cemetery. A monu-
ment which was then erected now stands in front of the
Eeformed church of Mercersburg. In 1859 his remains
were removed to Lancaster, where his grave is marked by
an appropriate memorial.
Of course, at the time of Dr. Kauch's burial there were
eulogies and addresses, several of which were published,
and the records contain many expressions of sorrow. We
doubt, however, whether even the best friends of Marshall
College fully recognized the greatness of its first president.
CHAPTEK XV.
THE SECOND PRESIDENCY.
President John Williamson Nevin — Peofessob William M.
Nbvin — Db. Tbmt.t, Geeen — Pbofessobs Poetee, Baied anp
Appel — De. Philip Schafp — A Bbilliant Recep-
tion LlTEBABT LABOES — PeCULIAE PEOPLE
— Receeations.
Thougli Dr. Nevin assumed the duties of the presidency
in March, 1841, immediately after the death of Dr. Ranch,
his relation to Marshall College was not immediately re-
garded as permanent. He was a professor in the theologi-
cal seminary, and to that institution he owed his first
allegiance. If the synod that placed him there should
grant permission he was willing to assume the direction
of the College; but this was to be regarded as voluntary
labor for which he would accept no salary.
The Board of Trustees appears to have found some diffi-
culty in defining this somewhat peculiar relation. On the
6th of April, 1841, he was unanimously elected " Presi-
dent of Marshall College until a successor shall be ap-
pointed." Subsequently the permission of the authorities
of the Seminary, for this extra service on the part of a
member of its Faculty, was asked and granted ; and finally
the Synod, to which the whole matter had been referred,
declared itself satisfied with the appointment of Dr.
iN^evin; but at the same time expressed a hope that the
finances of the College would soon be in such a condition
as to render it possible to relieve him by electing another
president.^
'Dr. Nevin received no compensation in money for his services
in the College for nine years, at least. The Board frequently passed
189
190 MARSHALL COLLEGE.
As it was during the presidency of Dr. Nevin that Mar-
shall College attained its highest celebrity and usefulness,
it is proper to say something concerning his earlier history.
John Williamson Nevin was bom February 20, 1803, in
Franklin county, Pennsylvania. He was of Scotch-Irish
ancestry, and several of his forefathers were eminent in
church and state. His paternal grandmother was a sister
of Hugh Williamson, LL.D., a signer of the Constitution
of the United States. The family were strict Presby-
terians, and most of them have remained closely attached
to their ancestral form of faith. His father was a farmer,
but had been graduated at Dickinson College in the days of
Dr. ISTesbit, and was a good classical scholar. He put the
Latin grammar into his son's hands at an early age, in-
forming him in unmistakable language that it was a thing
that itmist be studied. The boy was but fourteen years old
when he was matriculated as a student of Union College at
Schenectady, l^ew York — ^then under the presidency of
Dr. Nott. Though he graduated with honor in 1821, his
health appeared to be utterly broken, and for several years
it was feared that his scholastic career was ended. His
health, however, improved, and in 1823 he entered the
Theological Seminary at Princeton. Here his ability and
scholarship were at once recognized; and when he had
completed his course he was, in 1826, invited to supply
temporarily the place of Dr. Hodge who spent two years in
resolutions expressive of its appreciation of his " magnanimity "
and occasionally offered him a modest testimonial. In 1843 they
made him a present of three scholarships — supposed to be worth
$1,500 — ^which we may be sure he never sold. They also declined
to accept payment of his subscription of $500 to the endowment
of the College. After 1847 he was granted the free use of a house
which had been built on the College grounds; and in 1851, when he
resigned his position in the Seminary, the college board agreed to
make itself responsible for a salary of one thousand dollars.
CALL TO MERCEESBURG. 191
Europe. During this time he wrote his " Biblical Antiqui-
ties," a book which was subsequently published in number-
less editions.
Before leaving Princeton, in 1828, Dr. Nevin had been
selected to fill the chair of Biblical Literature in the
Western Theological Seminary in Allegheny, where he
labored for twelve years. Having been ordained to the
ministry he supplied neighboring congregations, and also
edited a paper, called The Friend. Many of his sermons
were published, and he became widely known for strength
and courage. Having become interested in German litera-
ture he persevered until he was able to read the language
with remarkable fluency. He was, indeed, among the first
in this country to plead for the more general study of
German philosophy and theology.
In 1835 Dr. Nevin was married to Martha, second
daughter of the Hon. Eobert Jenkins, of Windsor Place,
Lancaster county. She proved a worthy consort to her
distinguished husband, whom she survived; and for her
talents, her culture, and her genial hospitality she is still
respectfully remembered.
The circumstances attendant upon Dr. !N^evin's call to
Mercersburg are so well known that we need not consider
them in detail. He was elected to his professorship by the
Synod of the Kef ormed Church convened in Chambersburg
in January, 1840. That the Synod should have chosen a
minister of another denomination to occupy its most im-
192 MAHSHAIX COLLEGE.
portant professorship has always appeared inexplicable.
The Kev. S. E. Fisher was the only member of the body
who had ever heard him preach, and beyond a vague re-
port that he was studying German theology, he appears to
have been almost unknown. His nomination was a sur-
prise, but as one of the members of the Synod afterwards
said, " it came like a divine inspiration." The names of
other candidates were withdrawn, and Dr. Nevin was
unanimously elected.
Kev. Samuel E. Fisher and Rev. Benjamin S. Schneck
were appointed a committee to present the call. In the
depth of winter they crossed the mountains in a sleigh,
though most of their friends believed that their efforts
would be fruitless. The result proved that Mr. Fisher was
right when he said at Synod : "If we can satisfy Dr. Nevin
that it is his duty to take charge of the professorship at
Mercersburg, the whole Presbyterian Church combined
cannot prevent him from doing so." He accepted the call
as a matter of duty, believing that the Lord was sending
him on a mission to a special work. In taking this step he
had the full approval of Dr. Archibald Alexander and
other leading Presbyterians, who regarded him as simply
passing from one branch of the Reformed Confession to
another which offered a more promising field of usefulness.
He did not, however, accept the call in any half-hearted
way. In his letter of acceptance he said : " I give myself
wholly to the German Reformed Church, and find no
difficulty in making her interests my own." From the first
he so completely identified himself with German thought
and life that the Reformed Church accepted him with
unreserved confidence.
Dr. Nevin was at this time thirty-seven years of age.
A GREAT TEACHER. 193
An idea of his appearance in these early days may be
gained by studying the portrait painted by Eichholtz in
1841, and afterwards engraved by Sartain. He was tall
and slender, and was always faultlessly dressed in black.
His features were strong but regular and his forehead was
unusually high. In manner he was somewhat stern, and
students were at first inclined to be afraid of him ; but they
soon learned to reciprocate the affection with which he
regarded them. Though his courtesy never descended to
familiarity he was ready to perform the humblest service
in behalf of those who actually suffered. The Rev. H. A.
Winter, of Madison, Wisconsin, relates that when he came
to Mercersburg — a poor German immigrant — ^Dr. Nevin
received him into his house and personally bathed his
frozen feet.^
As a teacher Dr. Nevin was unequalled, especially in
the department of Mental and Moral Philosophy. He pos-
sessed the rare power of reproducing the profoundest
thoughts of the great German philosophers in such a way
as to render them fascinating to thinking minds. Some-
times he impressed his lessons on the minds of his stu-
dents in a manner that might almost be called dramatic.
Once, it is said, he concluded a lecture in the following
words : " We have now come to the greatest of all ques-
tions : ' How did evil come into the world V Here all
philosophy ceases — ^the class is dismissed."
When students read essays in his presence he was quick
to detect and reprove any approach to the " spread-eagle "
style which was then so common. A rather dull freshman
inserted a pompous and inflated sentence into his weari-
some platitudes. " Where did you get that ?" inquired the
' " Die Vorhut der Lippischen Auswanderer, 1846," p. 4.
194 MARSHALL COLLEGE.
Doctor. " From a novel called Stanley," was the reply.
" I thought so," was the response, " it is worthless stuff —
Go on, sir." The hoys were astonished at their teacher's
acuteness, failing to realize that he could discover the
plagiarism as readily as they could have detected a crimson
patch on a dingy garment.
On another occasion a youthful essayist spoke of
" climhing the ladder of transcendentalism to regions of
unexplored fancy." " Come down !" said the Doctor.
" Your ladder will fall."
Professor William M. Nevin who, as we have seen, be-
came the successor of Professor Smith in the department
of Ancient Languages, was a younger brother of President
John W. Nevin. He was a graduate of Dickinson Col-
lege and had been admitted to the bar. He was a fine
classical scholar and a lifelong student of English Litera-
Tifn^.i^^tMe.
ture. That he was highly esteemed is indicated by the fact
that he held a professorship in our institution for more
than fifty years — serving as professor of Ancient Lan-
guage in Marshall and Franklin and Marshall College
until 18Y2 when he was elected Alumni professor of Eng-
lish Literature and Belles Lettres, which position he held
until death terminated his labors. In 1886 he was made
Professor Emeritus, but it was his pleasure to continue to
lecture until within a few weeks of his death, which oc-
curred February 11, 1892, when he had reached the ma-
ture age of eighty-six years and four months.
No teacher was ever more loved than Professor IN'evin.
In manner he was gentle and somewhat reserved, but he
A GENTLE HUMORIST. 195
Was at the same time gifted with a rich vein of hmnor that
rendered his conversation exceedingly pleasant. He wrote
many beautiful lyric poems, which deserve to be collected,
and his metrical translations of some of the Odes of Horace
are among the best that we have seen. In the days when
the anniversary exercises of the literary societies were in-
troduced by metrical prologues, he was kept busy in pre-
paring such compositions. Occasionally he could not re-
frain from poking a little fun at the theologians who then
seemed to be in absolute control. In a letter accepting an
invitation to write a prologue, he says : " I hope you will
expect nothing broadly humorous. In these churchly times
its presentation would hardly be tolerated by the church."
Mild as he was, the students were in those days thor-
oughly convinced that Professor Nevin was equal to every
occasion, and that, in fact, he was not to be trifled with.
He had a curious way of asking what appeared to be lead-
ing questions in Greek or Latin, inquiring " Is it not so ?"
and when the student had responded in the affirmative,
blandly replying, " No, sir, it is not so."
Once, it is said, he declined to excuse a class that was
determined to enjoy an excursion, as the sleighing was
good. The boys met in the recitation-room before the arri-
val of the professor, and some of them undertook to play
the old trick of stuffing the stove-pipe, so that the room
might be filled with smoke, and a recitation rendered im-
possible. Anticipating something of the kind the professor
waited until the trick was complete, and then entered the
room, apparently without taking notice of its condition.
Calling in the boys, who were gathered outside in a laugh-
ing group, he directed them to their seats ; then taking his
stand in the entry, where there was plenty of fresh air, he
196 MARSHALL COLLEGE.
lectured to them through the open door for a full hour,
while they were choking in the smoke. It was a lesson
which they never forgot.
In the earlier years of Dr. Kevin's presidency there were
several changes in the Faculty. Dr. Traill Green^ was
elected Professor of Natural Sciences, April 21, 1841, and
held this position until September, 1848. His ability was
fully recognized and he was always treated with great re-
spect. Though he did not at this time regularly practice
medicine he was the medical counsellor of the students,
and his advice was often solicited in important cases.
Though chemistry was his favorite study he was an excel-
lent botanist, and his students accompanied him on many
long walks among the mountains. As has been well said
of him :
"In the broadest and best sense he was ever a teacher — a
teacher of the people, young and old, in all matters pertain-
ing to their best interests; a teacher of teachers who lived
and taught as they had been inspired by him."'
When Dr. Green resigned there was some difficulty in
securing an acceptable successor. In !tfovember, 1849, an
invitation was extended to Dr. William Mayburry, of
Philadelphia; and when he declined Dr. J. B. Rodgers, of
the University of Pennsylvania, was requested to deliver
^Traill Green was born, Easton, Pa., May 25, 1813, and died
there, April 29, 1897. He was educated under the special care of
Dr. John Van Derveer, and graduated in medicine, in 1835, at the
University of Pennsylvania. Professor in Lafayette College,
1837-41; Marshall College, 1841-48; Lafayette College, the second
time, 1848-97. During his later years he successively occupied sev-
eral professorships in Lafayette College and also practiced medi-
cine. In 1890-91 he was the Acting President of the latter instit
tion. He was a member of many learned societies, and was th
author of numerous treatises on scientific subjects.
! " In Memoriam," p. 64.
DEATH OF PROFESSOR BUDD. 197
an annual course of lectures on chemistry. It was not until
the spring of 1849 that the Keverend Thomas C. Porter, *
of Reading, Pa., became professor of Natural Sciences.
He was a brilliant man and holds a prominent place in the
history of the institution.
On the 23d of September, 1846, Professor Samuel W.
Budd, Jr., died after a short illness. He had been coh-
nected with the institution since its beginning and his loss
was greatly deplored. The Resolutions adopted by the
Board express profound sympathy for his young wife, and
for his father who was then still living.
An effort was made to secure the services of the Rev.
George W. Schenk, of Princeton, to be Mr. Budd's suc-
cessor as Professor of Mathematics, and when he declined
a call was extended to Thomas D. Baird, principal of a
school in Baltimore. The latter entered upon the duties
of his professorship in January, 1847. As a teacher he
was successful, but in 1849 he resigned and in March,
1850, returned to Baltimore. He was subsequently ac-
tively engaged in philanthropic work. ^
1 Thomas Conrad Porter, D.D., LL.D., was born January 22, 1822,
at Alexandria, Pa.; died at Easton, Pa., April 27, 1901. Graduated
at Lafayette College and studied theology at Princeton. Pastor
Monticello, Ga., 1847; Second Reformed Church, Reading, 1848-49;
First Reformed Church, Easton, Pa., 1877-84. Professor Marshall
College, 1849-53; F. and M. College, 1853-66; Lafayette College,
1866-1901. A distinguished botanist and voluminous author.
2 In 1857 Professor Baird became president of the Boys' Central
High School which through his influence, became the Baltimore
City College. He died at Baltimore, July 9, 1873. Funeral ser-
vices were conducted by the Rev. Dr. Backus, at the Central Presby-
terian Church, corner of Liberty and Saratoga Streets. The scholars
of the Baltimore City College, one hundred and seventy-five in num-
ber, attended the funeral. Professor Baird was an active member
of the Maryland Bible Society, Prisoner's Aid Society and other
benevolent asociations. See Baltimore Netes, July 11, 1873. Also
History of Education in Maryland, published by the U. S. Bureau of
Education, p. 207.
J 98 MARSHALL COLLEGE.
After the resignation of Professor Baird the depart-
ment of mathematics was for two years supplied by tutors.
In 1851 the Eev. Theodore Appel — ^who was at that time
pastor of the Keformed Church of Mercersburg — accepted
the position and for some time united in one person the
offices of pastor and professor. It need hardly be said that
his united salaries would at present hardly be regarded as
sufficient to support a student comfortably at college. Dr.
Appel labored faithfully and with great self-denial, as a
professor both in Mercersburg and Lancaster, until 1877,
since which time he has lived in retirement.
The arrival in Mercersburg of the Kev. Dr. Philip
Schaff was to the student an event of the greatest possible
interest. It is true, of course, that Dr. Schaff was called
to be a professor in the Theological Seminary; but on
April 11, 1844, he was elected Professor of German in
the college, and after this date he held both positions. In
fact, his relations with the college were in many ways so
intimate that he deserves a prominent place in the history
of the institution. To make this plain it is necessary to
go back a little for the purpose of considering the circum-
stances under which he was called to America.
Immediately after the death of Dr. Kauch there had
been a general desire that an eminent German theologian
should be called to take his place in the seminary. It was
not, however, until January, 1843, that the synod agreed
to extend a call to the Kev. Dr. F. W. Krummacher, of
Elberfeld, Prussia. As Krummacher was at that time
the most celebrated preacher in Europe, it is somewhat sur-
prising that the synod should have ventured to invite him
to come to Mercersburg, but there had been previous cor-
respondence, and it was known that he was not disinclined
Traill Green.
Joseph R. Berg.
Philip Schaff.
Thomas C. Porter.
William M. Nevin.
Alexander Thomson.
MARSHALL COLLEGE PROFESSORS.
PHILIP SCHAFF. 199
to make the change. In order that the call might be pre-
sented in the most impressive manner the Kev. Dr.
Benjamin S. Schneck and Theodore L. Hoffeditz were ap-
pointed commissioners to go to Germany and by all proper
representations to urge Dr. Krummacher to accept the invi-
tation.
This mission naturally attracted much attention; but
it was soon found that the German church would not agree
to the removal of its greatest pastor. Though Dr. Krum-
macher himself was not unwilling to accompany the dele-
gates, the King of Prussia actually forbade it.^ Unwilling
to have made their journey in vain the commissioners then
appealed to the leading theologians of Germany to sug-
gest a proper candidate for the vacant professorship at
Mercersburg, and after long deliberation they agreed to
recommend Dr. Philip Schaff,^ who was at that time a
private docent in the University of Berlin.
' The kings of Prussia were generous benefactors of the Theolog-
ical Seminary. Frederick William III. had given money and books
to the institution, while it was at Carlisle; and on this occasion his
successor, Frederick William IV. — though he was unwilling to part
with his favorite preacher — handed the Commissioners an unsolicited
donation of fifteen hundred Prussian thalers — equal at the prevail-
ing rates of exchange to $975 in American currency. In accordance
with the suggestion of the donor this sum was applied to the pay-
ment of the expenses of the Commissioners, and a small balance was
expended in the purchase of books for the Library.
2 Philip Schaflf was born at Chur, Switzerland, January 1, 1819;
died in New York, October 20, 1893. Professor at Mercersburg,
1844-63. Secretary of Sabbath Committee, 1863-69; and after 1870
Professor of Sacred Literature in Union Theological Seminary. He
was the author and editor of more than fifty volumes.
200 MARSHALL COLLEGE.
The candidate was only twenty-four years of age, but he
had already distinguished himself as a historian and
author. The American synod elected him professor of
theology on the 19th of October and in the following year
he came to America.
That the calling of a theological professor should have
caused so much excitement as almost to render it a "na-
tional affair " is now hardly credible ; but this was actually
the case. No immigrant was ever — for better or worse —
more thoroughly advertised. Perhaps Dr. Schaff himself
may have been somewhat imprudent. He preached a ser-
mon in Germany in which he spoke rather freely of the
moral character of recent emigration to America; and as
garbled extracts from this discourse soon found their way
to this country the foreign element was greatly excited, and
in the West indignation meetings were actually held.
Such opposition naturally failed to accomplish its pur-
pose. It actually incited the friends of the institutions to
greet the new professor with expressions of joy that to
strangers might have seemed extravagant. When he ar-
rived at Mercersburg, August 12, 1844, the whole village
was prepared to bid him welcome. A committee had been
sent to meet him in Greencastle ; but in the meantime the
students and their friends had placed emblems of rejoicing
in every available place. A triumphal arch was placed
over the entrance to the campus, and long festoons of ever-
green were twined around the massive pillars that sup-
ported the porch of the Seminary. The students met the
professor a short distance from the village and stood with
uncovered heads while he passed between their double line.
It was twilight, and almost immediately all the windows
in the buildings connected with the institutions, and many
THE RECEPTION. 201
others, were brightly illuminated. It has been described
as a brilliant sight, and we do not doubt it. When the
procession arrived at the Seminary there was an English
address by a member of the Senior class, Mr. P. S. Neg-
ley, and one in German by Max Stern, who afterwards
became a successful missionary in the West. A German
song of welcome, composed by a student of the Seminary,
was sung with great enthusiasm. It was really an ex-
cellent composition, but the new professor was not aware
that many of those who sang most lustily did not under-
stand the words which they were singing. It is not sur-
prising that he expressed his surprise that so many of the
students were familiar with the German language. Of
course, the professor replied to the addresses in appropriate
terms, and after several hours the exercises of this gala
day were concluded with a serenade.
There is always " a fly in the apothecary's ointment,"
and a document in our possession renders it evident that
there was one department that regarded itself as slighted,
and felt no hesitation in expressing its emotions. This
document is so fierce and caustic that it becomes amusing,
and it therefore deserves to be preserved :
"Peepaeatokt Department, August 10, 1844.
"At a meeting of the Preparatory students held this day
the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously
adopted ;
"Whereas the Theologians and College students have
held a meeting relative to the defraying of the expenses
incurred in the reception of Dr. SchaS, without giving notice
to the Preparatory students, and have passed a motion that
they would illuminate the Preparatory in order to get the
Preparatorians to bear part of all expenses. This we con-
sider as an act of the meanest kind, and void of all generous
feeling toward them; therefore.
202 MARSHALL COLLEGE.
"Resolved, 1st, that we view with contempt and merited
indignation the attempt of the College students to dictate
to us and pass resolutions for us, as if we were not able to
do so ourselves.
"Resolved, 2d, that the conduct of some Theologians and
some College students has been highly insulting to us, in
regarding us as mere tools whom they might use as they
thought fit.
"Resolved, 3d, that we spurn with contempt the propo-
sition to illuminate the Preparatory Department on condi-
tion that we assist in defraying all the expenses.
"Resolved, 4th, that we declare ourselves entirely free
from all measures adopted at the College, and that we will
not assist them in any manner whatsoever.
"Resolved, 5th, that we illuminate the Preparatory De-
partment ourselves, and will defray the expenses thereof,
without asking the assistance of the College students.
"Resolved, 6th, that the College students be requested to
make laws for their own government, and not trouble them-
selves about us, for we are perfectly able to take care of our-
"Resolved, ^th, that we pay $2.50, as half of the sum to
be incurred in bringing Dr. Schaff from Greencastle.
"Resolved, 8th, that copies of these resolutions be distrib-
uted in the CoUege Building and also in the Preparatory
Department. ' '
Though Dr. Schaff was impressed with the fluency of
the students in singing German, it was not long before he
was undeceived with regard to their linguistic attainments ;
and he expressed himself in unusually strong terms con-
cerning " the abominable necessity of acquiring the Eng-
lish language." As far as the substance of the language
was concerned he found no difficulty. He was soon able
to write it idiomatically ; but the pronunciation presented
difEculties which he was never entirely able to overcome.
LITERATURE. 203
The literary labors of Drs. !Nevin and SchafE gave the
institutions at Mercersburg their chief celebrity. There
was a long series of theological controversies which under
other circumstances it would be interesting to describe.
As the students were profoundly interested in these con-
troversies, and made them the subject of their daily con-
versation, it may be desirable to say something about them,
though we shall not attempt to furnish a description of each
particular storm.
The first important controversy occurred before Dr.
Schaff's arrival. It was induced by the fact that the Re-
formed Church of Mercersburg was, in 1843, about to call
a pastor who was an extreme representative of what was
called the new-measure system. Dr. Nevin protested
against the extravagances of this system in a little book,
entitled " The Anxious Bench." It created much excite-
ment and received several replies ; but it has been greatly
misrepresented by later writers, who have evidently not
taken the trouble to read it. The book was not an attack
on revivals of religion, but was rather intended to show
that genuine revivals must grow out of the real life of the
church, and need not be promoted by artificial excitement.
It has been said that this book changed the current of
thought and life in the German churches of Pennsylvania.
The second conflict occurred immediately after the ar-
rival of Dr. Schaflf. The latter's inaugural address, de-
livered at Eeading, October 25, 1844, was entitled " The
Principle of Protestantism." It was intended to furnish
a new argument in defence of Protestantism on the ground
that it is the result of historical development, and does not
necessarily antagonize the earlier forms of faith and
worship.
204 MARSHALL COLLEGE.
This address was actually an extensive treatise, and but
a small part of it was read at the inauguration. It was
immediately printed in German; but, as its author once
said to the present writer, " it might have been suffered
to remain in the obscurity of a foreign language if Dr.
Nevin had not translated and supplied it with a vigorous
introduction." As for the address itself the author said:
" I put into it everything that my professors had told me,
and had no idea that my audience was not prepared to
receive it."
Here, we think we have the chief occasion of subsequent
troubles. !Reither the audience, nor — ^we may add — ^the
church in America was prepared to receive the doctrine
which he taught. If the teaching of Dr. Eauch had
awakened antagonism, it is not surprising that old ortho-
doxy became suspicious when another stream of German
theology came flowing into Mercersburg.
It was perhaps unfortunate that the acknowledged
leader of the Anti-Eoman party in this country was a
minister of the Eef ormed church. To Dr. Berg the doc-
trine of historical development was very offensive, and
it was mainly through his influence that the Synod, in
1845, devoted four days to the investigation of the ortho-
doxy of the professors. The result was an almost unani-
mous expression of confidence by which the professors were
greatly encouraged. " If the result had been otherwise,"
said Dr. Schaff, " I should have gone right back to Berlin."
The succeeding years were marked by intense theological
and literary activity. The two theological professors, Drs.
Nevin and Schaff, labored together in perfect harmony,
and their influence was felt far beyond the limits of the
Reformed Church. In 1846 Dr. ISTevin published " The
MERCERSBUEG THEOLOGY. 205
Mystical Presence, a Vindication of the Keformed or
Calvinistic Doctrine of the Holy Eucharist," a book which
has been held to mark an epoch in the history of American
theology. This was followed, in 1847 by " The History
and Genius of the Heidelberg Catechism," and in the fol-
lowing year appeared the following tract, entitled, "Anti-
christ, or the Spirit of Sect and Schism." In the mean-
time Dr. Schaff was laboring with all his might to influence
the German churches through the medium of their own
language. In 1848 he began the publication of Der
Kirchenfreund, a monthly magazine devoted to the inter-
ests of the German churches of America. Among the con-
tributors were learned men of different denominations. In
1851 he published in German his " History of the Apos-
tolic Church," the first of the long series of historical
works that flowed from his prolific pen. Finding it impos-
sible to have good printing done in German in the neigh-
borhood of his residence, it is related that he actually pur-
chased a font of German type and brought a compositor
from a distance, so that the work might be done under his
personal supervision.
In 1848 the alumni of Marshall College began to issue
the Mercersburg Review, a quarterly publication which
under different titles has been continued to the present
day.-' For some years Dr. Nevin was its editor, and some-
times almost its only contributor; and on its pages great
theological battles were fought.
The united labor of the professors resulted in a form
of thinking and teaching which was widely known as
" Mercersburg Theology," but it is known that Dr. Nevin
' The Reformed Church Review, edited by William Rupp, D.D.,
and G. W. Richards, D.D.
206 MARSHALL COLLEGE.
was the most important factor in its development. Though
it may be beyond onr province to treat of such themes, the
following extract from an article in the " American Ency-
clopaedia " (1863) — with which we know Dr. Nevin was
not displeased — ^may be interesting to some of our readers :
"The cardinal principle of the Mercersburg system, is
the fact of the incarnation. This, viewed not as a doctrine
or speculation, but as a real transaction of God in the world,
is regarded as being necessarily itself the sphere of Christi-
anity, the sum and substance of the whole Christian redemp-
tion. Christ saves the world, not ultimately by what He
teaches but by what He is in the constitution of His person.
His person, in its relation to the world, carries in it the
power of victory over sin, death, and hell, the force of a real
atonement or reconciliation between God and man, the tri-
umph of a glorious resurrection from the dead, and all the
consequences for faith which are attributed to this in the
Apostles' Creed. In the most literal sense, accordingly,
Christ is held to be 'the way, the truth, and the life,' 'the
resurrection and the life,' the principle of 'life and immor-
tality,' the 'light' of the world, its 'righteousness' and its
'peace.' The 'grace which bringeth salvation,' in this view,
is of course always a real effluence from the new order of
existence, which has thus been called into being by the exalta-
tion of the Word made flesh at the right hand of God. It
must be supernatural as well as natural, and the agency and
organs by which it works, must, in the nature of the case,
carry with them objectively something of the same character
and force. In this way the church is an object of faith ; the
presence of the new creation in the old world of nature; the
body of Christ through which as a medium and organ He
reveals himself and works until the end of time. It medi-
ates with supernatural office, instrumentally, between Christ
and His people. Its ministers hold a divine power from
him by apostolic succession. Its sacraments are not signs
THE REVIEW. 207
merely but the seals of the grace they represent. Baptism
is for the remission of sins. The eucharist includes the real
presence of Christ's whole glorified life, in a mystery, by
the power of the Holy Ghost. The idea of the Church, when
it is thus held as an object of faith, involves necessarily the
attributes which are always ascribed to it in the beginning,
unity, sanctity, catholicity, and apostolicity. The spirit of
sect, as it cleaves to Protestantism at the present time, is
a very great evil, which is of itself sufficient to show that
if Protestantism had any historical justification in the be-
ginning, its mission thus far has been only half fulfilled,
and that it can be rationally approved only as it can be taken
to be an intermediate preparation for some higher and better
form of Christianity hereafter. The distinguishing char-
acter of the Mercersburg theology, in one word, is its Chris-
tological interest, its way of looking at all things through
the person of the crucified and risen Saviour. This, as the
world now stands, embraces necessarily all that enters into
the conception of the church question, which this system
holds to be the great problem for the Christianity of the
present time."
The long controversies concerning the " church ques-
tion " may best be studied in the successive volumes of the
Mercersburg Review. They attracted much attention, but
their purpose was often misunderstood. When Dr. Nevin
vtrrote his articles on " Early Christianity " it was not for
the purpose of posing as the champion of Rome; but he
rather desired to show that the position of the Puseyites —
who desired to restore the constitution and ceremonial of
the church as it existed about the fourth century — could
not be maintained by Protestants, because many of the
present peculiarities of the Roman church had even at that
time become matters of general observance. With respect
to the controversies themselves it may be said that they
208 MARSHALL COLLEGE.
were in the air. In Germany and England the same
themes were violently discussed, and it is hardly surprising
that the sound of such battles should have been heard in
Mercersburg.
As has already been intimated the students were in-
tensely interested in these discussions. Sermons were in-
teresting in the degree in which they were profoundly
theological. Once, it is said Dr. Nevin preached in the
college chapel on a summer evening, immediately after
supper, and it was expected that the service would be con-
cluded long before it grew dark. On this occasion the text
was : " When the Son of Man cometh shall he find faith
on the earth ?" John 18, 8. The discourse was intensely
solemn; and it was much longer than usual, but no one
seemed to notice the fact. At last — ^before the discourse
was ended — it grew dark, and the janitor entered the hall,
bearing lighted candles. At the sight the preacher started
— as if awakened from a trance — and, breaking off sud-
denly, exclaimed : " Oh ! Receive the benediction !"
It is curious to recall what peculiar persons came to
Mercersburg in these early days. A few of them were for
a short time teachers in the college or academy ; but others
hung around the institutions, either as nominal students or
as humble dependents. There was Henry C. Bernstein
who taught Hebrew and German in 1841-2. He was gen-
erally called " the Rabbi," because it was believed that he
had once held that office. The boys suspected him of
rationalism, but, in his own way, he was very cautious;
and when they worried him for his opinion as to the
genuineness of the claims of the witch of Endor they only
succeeded in exciting him to such a degree that he roundly
cursed the unfortunate woman.
CURIOUS PEOPLE. 209
A big German once applied for a position as instructor.
" What can you teach ?" he was asked. " 0," was his reply
in unusually vigorous German, " I can teach Latin and
Greek, Hebrew and Chaldee, Ethiopic and Sanscrit, and
any amount of such accursed stuff." It is hardly necessary
to add that he did not receive an appointment.
The Kev. Gardiner Jones was Tutor in Ancient Lan-
guages, 1841—43, and also Hector of the Preparatory De-
partment. He was a convert from the Roman Catholic
church and was constantly declaiming against its " corrup-
tions." That he was a good scholar was not denied, but
as Dr. Appel says,^ " he was not well balanced." Some-
times he " put on airs " and would not speak to anybody ;
at other times he cast aside all restraint and acted like a
little boy. He was not popular and found it necessary to
retire. It is said that he returned to the Catholic church
and spent his later years as a member of an ascetic order.
Another convert to Protestantism was Edward Leahey,
the monk of La Trappe, France, who was, in 1844, a
nominal student in the Seminary. Though these men
were always ready to denounce " Romanizing tendencies "
it is conceded that their presence in the institutions did
more harm than good.
Students of Marshall College remember " Broatsic " —
he was known by no other name — ^who regarded himself
as a poor dependent of the institution. He was at best a
learned tramp and was probably insane. Though gen-
erally taciturn he could speak Latin fluently ; and when the
students occasionally addressed him in well prepared Latin
sentences he responded with such alacrity that they were
glad to seek cover. For his dinners he depended on the
^ " Recollections of College Life," p. 183.
210 MARSHALL COLLEGE.
people of Mercersburg; and in the morning and evening
he regularly appeared at the door of the refectory and
silently accepted whatever was given him. At night he
made his way to one of the recitation-rooms and slept on a
bench. The students at last, at a general meeting, formally
declared "Broatsic" a nuisance, and requested the Fac-
ulty to have him removed from the building. How this
was accomplished we have not been informed.
The social life of Marshall College was more intimate
and pleasant than would be possible in a larger institution
or in a larger town. Entertainments in the present sense
were hardly thought of, but students of good character were
welcome everywhere.
Dr. Schaff was married to Miss Mary Schley, of Fred-
erick, Maryland, and thus another family was added to
the hospitable college circle. The surviving students of
" old Marshall " have no more pleasant recollections than
those which concern the evenings quietly spent in the
families of the professors.
On Saturday afternoon it was the proper thing to take
a long walk. " Stony Batter " — ^the birthplace of Presi-
dent Buchanan — ^was frequently visited; and occasionally
a journey might be made to " the Cove " or " the Comer."
When there happened to be a sufficient intermission in
the college exercises to render possible a trip by stage to
Greencastle or Hagerstown, or possibly to Chambersburg,
it was an occasion long to be remembered. Camp-meetings
and circuses gave the professors much trouble and often led
in different ways to disobedience and discipline.
The mountains near Mercersburg were covered with
chestnut trees, and the crop was sometimes abundant.
Every autumn the students claimed a holiday, and actually
SOCIAL LIFE. 211
gathered chestnuts in large quantities. " Chestnut Day "
became a recognized " institution " ; and it is a curious
fact that it survived for several years after the removal
to Lancaster, though in the neighborhood of the latter city
chestnuts are scarce. The students, however, claimed their
holiday on the ground of long-established precedent ; and it
required much persuasion to induce them to renounce it
peaceably, even after it had become an evident absurdity.
On the mountain-side, several miles from Mercersburg,
there was a village appropriately called " Africa," as it
was entirely occupied by negroes. Here dwelt " Aunt
Milly," a celebrated " sermon-taster," who was very proud
of her accomplishments. Seated in front of her cabin she
was fond of intercepting students, who passed through the
village on their mountain walks, by inquiring : " What
was your minister's text last Sunday?" If the student
confessed that he had forgotten, he received such a lecture
as made his ears tingle ; but if he attempted to deceive her
by quoting a text that happened to occur to him, his fate
was apt to be even worse. " Yaas," she said, "dat was de
text, but what were de p'ints ? A sermon is no good widout
de p'ints." Having gone so far the student probably at-
tempted to outline a sermon, to which " Aunt Milly "
listened attentively, but finally uttered the merciless judg-
ment : " Dat may all be true, but eider you or dat minister
can't preach."
In many respects the social life of Mercersburg was very
pleasant, though professors and students often complained
of the isolation of the place. The college was regarded as
prosperous, and it had the support of the entire community.
When Dr. Nevin entered upon his presidency the Col-
lege had trouble in consequence of financial embarrass-
212 MARSHALL COLLEGE.
ments, and to save themselves from loss the Trustees were
actually compelled to purchase a hotel. Of course, they
sold it as soon as possible, but in the meantime the affair
gave rise to much amusement.
In 184:1 the Keformed Church held a Centenary cele-
bration in commemoration of its establishment in this
country, though no particular event was selected as worthy
of special honor. The benevolent contributions of the
churches were of great advantage to the institutions, and
in 1841 the synod declared that, as compared with the
seminary, the college had received more than its proper
share. Greatly encouraged, the Board once more resolved
to erect a College Building, and the Rev. Samuel Miller
was appointed agent to gather contributions for this special
purpose. A building committee was appointed, and its
members, somewhat prematurely, purchased a great quan-
tity of brick, which was duly unloaded on the campus.
It is said that there was brick enough for a building twice
as large as the one which had been contemplated. To the
best friends of the college it was evident that the erection
of a building of such size must lead to financial disaster.
A good man declared in his own simple way that " the
weight of the brick rested heavily on his heart and kept
him from sleeping at night." Dr. Nevin insisted that the
finances of the institution would not at that time warrant
the undertaking ; and as soon as he " put down his foot "
the case was practically settled. The minutes of the Board
have nothing to say about this affair, except that a mild
resolution was passed, directing a roof to be placed over the
brick, so as to protect them from the weather. There they
long remained, but — as will be seen in the following
chapter — they incidentally led to the erection of several
beautiful buildings.
CHAPTER XVI.
THE BUILDING OF THE HALLS.
Plan and Puepose — Eivaley of the Literaby Societies — En-
thusiasm OF THE Students — Cabinets and Museums —
" Em:ctioneebinq " — German Litebabt Societies —
Deserted Halls.
The Literary Societies had by this time become impor-
tant organizations. They were keen rivals and sometimes
got into violent collision. Hitherto both had met in the
" prayer-hall " on different evenings, but the room was not
pleasant, and its location was fatal to the secrecy which
society hall.
was in those days regarded as a necessity. The Goethean
Society once sent the Faculty a gift of twenty-five dollars,
to be used in the purchase of better seats for the chapel.
No doubt the Faculty appreciated the satire which the
gift involved; for though they courteously accepted the
contribution they immediately sent the society an equal
sum, to be applied to the enlargement of its library.
213
214 MARSHALL COLLEGE.
In 1843 the Board of Trustees, at the suggestion of Dr.
Nevin proposed that the societies should erect halls on the
college campv^, for their exclusive use, offering to each
society a contribution of $500, which was afterwards in-
creased to $1,000, provided that the whole amount should
be paid in brick. The general idea was no doubt derived
from Princeton College, whose literary societies had
erected similar halls. The fact that materials for building
were at hand may also have influenced the action of the
Board.
The buildings as thus suggested were to be forty feet in
front by fifty-five in depth, to be externally exactly alike,
and so situated that the proposed College Building could
be erected between them. It was estimated that the cost of
each building would be $2,500, but the actual sum, in
each case, turned out to be about six thousand dollars.
That the students undertook to erect these buildings was
greatly to their credit. They were few in number, and
most of them were poor, but their enthusiasm was bound-
less. They not only submitted to many personal sacrifices,
but — especially during vacation — almost literally scoured
the coxmtry in search of contributions. It is said that their
enthusiasm was contagious, so that in the neighborhood of
Mercersburg there were many people, not connected with
the college, who publicly ranged themselves on the side
of one or the other society.
Before the building was actually begun it was deemed
desirable that the societies should be legally incorporated,
so that they might " sue and be sued, plead and be im-
pleaded." Charters were accordingly granted by the Court
of Franklin County, and the societies flattered themselves
that they could conduct their affairs without the inter-
THE HALLS. 215
ference of the Board, so that they actually ventured to
make changes in the external appearance of the halls. The
Goetheans put a window where a door ought to have been,
and the Diagnothians, whose building was not quite so
far advanced as that of their rivals, immediately retorted
by extending their hall five feet to the rear. As a natural
consequence the Board was compelled to interfere, and the
societies were ordered to adhere rigidly to the original plan.
The Board, however, eased the situation by agreeing that
the expense of the alterations which had now become neces-
sary should be paid by the treasurer of the College.
The Corner-stone of the Goethean Hall was laid on
Goethe's Birthday, August 28, 1844. Dr. SchafE read a
poem and David Paul Brown, Esq., of Philadelphia, de-
livered the address. The Diagnothians deferred the laying
of their corner-stone until the 4th of July, 1845, on the
evening of which day they, as usual, celebrated their Anni-
versary. The orator of the occasion was Dr. Lewis W.
Green, professor in the Western Theological Seminary
at Allegheny, Pa.
In such an enterprise financial trouble was to be ex-
pected, and the experiences of the two societies were simi-
lar. At the end the Board of Trustees granted to each
society several scholarships, but it is doubtful whether all
of them were sold. It is certain that by far the greater
part of the cost of the buildings was defrayed by the liber-
ality or the personal exertions of the members of the socie-
ties. It took a long time to settle all the accounts, and at
least in the case of one of the societies, it was not until
1848 that the building committee was finally discharged.
A small sum was loaned by the College to each society for
the payment of a remaining debt.
216 MARSHALL COLLEGE.
The Halls when completed were certainly handsome;
and it is not too much to say that similar buildings could
not now be erected for twice their cost. They were de-
signed by Professor Samuel W. Budd and became a monu-
ment to his taste and skill. A Catalogue issued by the
Goethean Society in 1844 contains a picture which will do
equally well for either Hall. It represents a building of
classic style, with a portico supported by five Ionic columns.
The interior arrangement was similar to that of the Halls
at present in Lancaster. The first story was divided into
two rooms for the use of the library and museimi, and the
second was occupied by a large room for the meetings of
the society. Over the chair of the President of the
Goethean Society there was a picture representing a ray of
light falling upon a globe that was almost covered with
darkness. It was, of course, symbolical of the motto of the
society: Ftviabat <paz — "Let there be light!" The Diag-
nothians followed suit with a representation of their seal
which bore as its device a goddess crowning a young man
with laurel — equally suggestive of their motto: 2zsfu
zcixmvraz doz^v dperij — " Virtue crovsms her followers."
That the societies were proud of their halls goes without
saying. They were regarded as sanctuaries in a sense
which we can hardly appreciate, and the admittance of a
stranger to their sacred precincts was a favor which could
not be too highly esteemed. Members were actually re-
quired to remove their shoes before entering the place of
meeting, and to put on a pair of slippers. The assumption
of secrecy was, in the case of both societies, possibly carried
to extremes. Nothing that happened at a meeting could
be revealed under the severest penalties ; and the names of
the speakers at anniversaries and exhibitions were gen-
LIBRARIES AND CABINETS. 217
erally kept secret from the rival society until the evening
of the performance.
In their libraries and cabinets the societies took great
pride. The former were begun immediately after the or-
ganization of the societies, and in 1844 each library num-
bered about 2,000 volumes. The cabinets, or museums,
were begun later, and naturally consisted chiefly of objects
which the students had gathered, and which they regarded
as curiosities. There were, however, some rare specimens
— among others the gar-fishes, presented by Mr. Wells,
which were subsequently borrowed by a great scientist, but
never returned. The Diagnothian cabinet was smaller
than the other; but in 1848 this society purchased in Ger-
many a geological collection which enabled them to make
up for previous deficiencies.
At the opening of the fall term each society made stren-
uous efforts to secure the larger number of new students.
They were received with all possible kindness, and might
easily have been persuaded that they were persons of great
distinction. An upper-classman might have been seen
engaged in assisting a Freshman to carry his trunk ; and to
be permitted to assist him in arranging his room was a de-
cided honor. In fact, however, the new student was care-
fully guarded by those who had first made his acquaint-
ance, and to introduce him to a member of the rival society
was a misdemeanor. Such extraordinary courtesy — which
was known as " electioneering " — ^was continued until the
stranger had joined a literary society, after which event he
was expected to do his part in attracting others, and nat-
urally took his proper place in the social life of the
institution.
On retiring from the office of Speaker of the Diagnothian
218 MARSHALL COLLEGE.
Society, July 26, 1842, Mr. John Cessna — then a member
of the Senior class — delivered a playful address in which
he treated at some length of the subject of " Electioneer-
ing." That it was delivered to but one of the societies is a
matter of no account, as the methods of both societies were
practically alike.
Mr. Cessna said :
"Electioneering is a subject which is more difiScult to be
described than the act is to be performed. It is a duty which
we owe to Society — one, too, of no small importance. In
the performance of this duty the first thing that is necessary
is to know yourself — ^to be in the right spirit. If there is
a single member here who is not satisfied with Society —
who is not out and out a thorough-going, whole-souled
Diagnothian — let that member never attempt to electioneer.
For as you cannot convince unless you are convinced, so you
will accomplish little in influencing new students if you are
lukewarm or dissatisfied yourself.
' ' The next thing necessary is to know the individual whom
you wish to influence. Never begin to argue with a new
student on the merits of Society before you have conversed
with him long enough to read him and to understand his
character and disposition. If you wish to make a deep
thrust into any material you will surely seek the softest spot.
So it is in this case. If you find a student in whom you
discover, after reading him, a soft spot, direct all your blows
to that quarter and success is certain. If you meet with
one who is really desirous of studying — who is studious and
diligent — by being frank and open you may soon make your-
self his friend and give him some advice as to the manner
in which he may rid himself of bores and interlopers.
Whenever you get so "thick" with him that he comes to
you voluntarily and asks your advice, he is pretty safe. He
then considers you his confidential friend and you can gen-
erally get him without saying a word about Society. If you
ELECTIONEERING. 219
meet a lad that is very vain, praise him a little, if you don't
have to stretch your conscience, and perhaps even that
would be allowed in such a case, if not in any other. Tell
him all about the Fourth of July, and give him an indirect
hint that a man of his genius would stand a pretty fair
chance to be elected to represent society on the Fourth.
After you get such members as these, don't forget to harden
their soft spots. Try to suit yourself to every grade of
character and kind of disposition. Mould yourself to suit
his circumstances and you will soon be fast to him, some-
thing like two boards — ploughed, grooved and well joined.
Such conduct might not suit in the common transactions of
life, but certainly all is fair in our politics that is not dis-
honorable. Never run down the Goetheans before a man
of sense. If you yourself are a little softer than the new
student whom you wish to influence, you had better stay at
home. When you visit a room and find the occupant engaged,
beg his pardon for intruding. Tell him you know he is very
much troubled, and start off. If he insists very much on
your staying, you can judge from his manner whether you
are welcome or not. If you think you are welcome you may
know that he considers you a friend. A little advice would
then be well received as to the manner in which he might
act in order to receive fewer visits. Tell him that you will
speak to other Diagnothians and request them to call less
frequently, taking all the responsibility on yourself. Tell
him too that this will give the Goetheans a great advantage
over you, but that he must not make up his mind until he
has seen all the Diagnothians. If he promises this he may
be considered pretty safe.
"There is yet another problem in relation to this subject
which is difficult to be solved. It is, whether the members
should go in companies or alone, when on the business of
electioneering. This should be determined by the nature
of the individual visited. If he is fond of company he
should be visited by large companies. If he is fond of
study one can do more with him than a large number. It
220 MARSHALL COLLEGE.
may be well to visit an individual once with as many mem-
bers as can be got together, in order to create an impression;
but such visits ought not to be repeated. If a new student
be of a serious-sober turn send the most serious members to
meet him; if he be somewhat wild, send the wild ones, if
you have any of that description. If you have none let some
of your members get wild for a few days, until they get
him, and then return to their former habits.
"The iinal visit — or any visit which is made with the
expectation of getting the letter — should be made with by
one member alone. Let him be one of those with whom the
new-comer is most intimate. Individuals would always
rather divulge their secrets to one alone, upon whom they
look as a private and confidential friend. The telling of
the secret works pretty hard on an individual, as he does
not like to come out and take his stand, for he knows that
by so doing he will dissatisfy one half of the students and
render himself somewhat unpopular with them. This is a
matter which he will not disclose to every one, and an ad-
vantage is consequently gained by having him alone with
some one who is able to work himself into his good graces.
"These, I believe, are about all the rules which can be
laid down on this subject, as the business is one which must
be attended to as circumstances require. That rules for all
cases may be invented, and the D. L. S. come off victorious,
is the ardent wish of him who wishes for, but can not par-
ticipate in the conflicts of the coming campaign for new
members."
Of course, in an institution in which the rivalry of the
societies was developed to this degree, the " hazing " of
Freshmen was never even suggested.
The anniversaries and exhibitions were occasions in
which the societies took a profound interest. On the 28th
of August the Goethean Society celebrated the birthday
of Goethe with a procession and address; but their exhi-
GERMAN SOCIETIES. 221
bition — which attracted greater interest — ^was at first
held at New Year and afterwards on the twenty-second of
February. The Diagnothians selected the Fourth of July
as their anniversary, and many of their orations were nat-
urally of a patriotic character. The exhibitions were, of
course, important occasions, and everything possible was
done to render them attractive. To be successful as an
orator was in those days the highest distinction to which
a student could aspire.
It is not generally remembered that in those early days
each of the literary societies had a German annex. At
least as early as 1837 there was a German literary society,
composed of members of both English literary societies.
Its members met regularly for practice in German oratory
and composition, and once, at least, they gave a public en-
tertainment in the language of the fatherland. In 1841
they divided into two societies which respectively assumed
the names of Schiller and Kauch. The Schiller society
was composed of Goetheans and the Eauch of Diagnoth-
ians. Henry Harbaugh joined the Eauch society, but as he
was not very familiar with pure German he horrified the
society by insisting on speaking in Pennsylvania-German,
which he afterwards used to such excellent effect in his
well-known dialect poems. The absorbing interest of erect-
ing the halls may have been the chief occasion for neglect-
ing the German societies, for about 1848 they ceased to
exist.
The Reformed congregation of Mercersburg had hitherto
worshiped in the old Union church, which was in many
respects uncomfortable. It was, therefore, an acceptable
proposition when the Board of Trustees of Marshall Col-
lege, in 1844, offered to contribute brick to the amount of
222 MARSHALL COLLEGE.
one thousand dollars for the erection of a new Keformed
Church. The church was built and is still standing. In
it the college had the guaranteed right of holding its com-
mencements.
When the institution was finally removed from Mercers-
burg no grief was so great as that of the literary societies,
which were compelled to give up their beautiful halls, l^o
use could be assigned to them and their position on the de-
serted campus was peculiarly desolate. Professor N"evin
wrote some touching verses concerning them, but we have
room only for a single stanza :
" Ah, now they're standing all forlorn,
Or turned to other use;
While we their sad condition mourn.
Their ruinous abuse —
Their ruinous abuse, my boys;
Yet still they wake to view
The times lamented that were ours.
When these two Halls were new;
When these two Halls were new, my boys.
When these two Halls were new! "
CO
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CO
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LlJ
o
en
Hi
CHAPTER XVII.
TOWN AND GOWN.
Eaelt Confucts — The Abolition Riot — " The Big Fight "
— MitD Discipline.
Thougli tlie relations of the town and college were gen-
erally friendly, there were occasional collisions whicli some-
times degenerated into actual " fights." In these conflicts
the substantial citizens took no part, except to aid the
Faculty in preserving order ; but there were some " fellows
of the baser sort " who delighted in testing their strength
with the students of the college. As is well known there
was hardly a literary institution in the country which was
entirely exempt from similar troubles.
To relate all the traditions, concerning such conflicts,
which have come down to us, would be to extend this
chapter beyond its intended length; but we have pretty
full accounts of two collisions which may be regarded as
typical.
The earliest of these conflicts was known as the Abolition
Eiot. It occurred in July, 1837, and created great excite-
ment. It was, of course, one of many that occurred all over
the country ; but in some respects it was not uninteresting.
Mercersburg, it will be remembered, was very near the
line of Maryland and almost under the shadow of the
South Mountains. Fugitive slaves from the South had but
to follow the line of the mountains to find their way to
liberty. Many of them remained in Mercersburg, and the
negro population of the village and its vicinity became con-
223
224 MARSHALL COLLEGE.
siderable. As a rule the negroes^ were respectful and gave
no trouble, but there was a general sentiment that the sub-
ject of slavery must not be publicly mentioned. The
negroes might remain unmolested as long as they behaved
themselves properly, but to reflect on " the peculiar insti-
tution " of the South was not only unwarranted interfer-
ence, but might prove dangerous to the whole community.
" Abolitionists " were by the majority regarded as political
incendiaries, who must at all hazards be prevented from
spreading their pernicious doctrines.
One day the Eev. G. Blanchard came to Mercersburg.
He was a Congregationalist minister, and was subsequently
president of Knox College, Illinois.* As a gentleman of
culture he was courteously received by the Faculty and
students. At the hotel where he was staying he, however,
rather incautiously informed the landlord that he proposed
to deliver a lecture on " Slavery," and was immediately
ordered to leave the house. He secured lodging at the resi-
dence of Daniel Kroh — a married student who kept a
boarding-house.
Mr. Kroh had previously been regarded with some sus-
picion. At a debate in the Diagnothian Society he had
* Several negroes were in an especial sense the humble frienda
of the students. Arnold Brooks, the coachman of the " Mansion
House " was admired for his strength and bravery. He regarded
himself as the special champion of Dr. Nevin, and threatened a
terrible fate to his enemies, of whom he had heard though he had
never seen them. Davie Johnson, who was long the janitor of the
college, was regarded as a model of unaffected piety. The writer
well remembers how earnestly he pleaded for the gift of a skull
which an early student had somehow obtained and had left in his
room. "Give it to me!" he said, with tears in his eyes, "I knew
the man it belonged to, and I want to bury it." The skull was given
him, and he actually buried it in the graveyard, after which he
offered a solemn prayer.
"Dr. Appel's "Recollections of College Life," p. 108.
ABOLITION RIOT. 225
spoken against slavery, and was consec[uently called an
abolitionist, though his views were by no means radical.
That he had received a notorious abolitionist into his
house was a sin which a certain part of the community
could not easily forgive. It was proposed to attack his
house, but a prominent citizen of the town had secretly
given him a gun, and with it he walked up and down the
street, to show that he was prepared to defend himself.
On Sunday evening Mr. Blanchard started out to at-
tend worship in the Methodist church. Mr. Kroh desired
to accompany him, but at Mr. Blanchard's request he fol-
lowed at some distance, hoping thus to attract less atten-
tion. Before Mr. Blanchard could enter the church he
was assailed with a shower of eggs and stones, so that he
was compelled to seek refuge in a boarding-house kept by
Mr. Wolfensberger. Here the students rallied to his de-
fence, and one of them, Jacob Ziegler, is said to have suc-
cessfully defied the crowd. Mr. Blanchard was escorted
to the house of Mr. Kroh, and — after he had been made
presentable — ^there delivered a lecture on his favorite sub-
ject. Next morning he was sent to Greencastle in a private
carriage, accompanied by an athletic student — John
Hiester — ^who would have made a good showing, if they
had been attacked on the way.
The " abolition riot " gave the Faculty a good deal of
trouble. It was brought up in various forms, and there
was one citizen of Mercersburg who seemed never to grow
weary of presenting charges against Mr. Kroh. The chief
preliminary question was to determine whether Mr.
Blanchard's discourse had been a lecture to which students
had been invited, or a mere social conversation. As it was
proved that it was opened and closed with prayer it was
226 MARSHALL COLLEGE.
finally declared to have been a political lecture — ^which
students were forbidden to attend — and Mr. Kroh received
a reprimand.
The " big fight " — as it was generally called — occurred
ten years later. Trouble had for some time been brewing
between the students and some of the mechanics of the
town, and the conflict was not unexpected.
On Saturday evening, September 4, 1847, AKred Dubbs
was walking alone along the main street when he was met
by several " town fellows," one of whom came up to him
and deliberately blew tobacco smoke into his face. The
student immediately knocked him down, and defended him-
seK as well as possible from a general attack. Several stu-
dents were near at hand and came to the rescue. The news
was carried to the college and in a few minutes the students
came down the hill " like a swarm of bees." The " me-
chanics " also received reinforcements and the parties were
soon engaged in a pitched battle. Tutors appeared upon
the scene, and ordered individual students to return to
their rooms. They obeyed at once, but most of them
merely took time to change their hats and coats, and thus
partially disguised they were soon again in the midst of the
fray. Some of the boys were perhaps not thoroughly in
earnest. One of them — afterwards an eminent judge —
ran into McKinstry's store, and seizing a big butcher-knife
that lay on the counter, carried it out to the comer of the
house and began rubbing it up and down the bricks. " Just
wait," he said, " till I get my knife sharp." He continued
rubbing until the fight was done.
For some time the conflict was serious and each side had
its victims, but we have not learned that any one was per-
manently injured.
SLIGHT CENSURE. 227
The natural consequence of these events was a summons
to appear before the Faculty. The minutes say that some
of the " mechanics " were also invited to be present at the
meeting; but it does not appear that the invitation was
accepted. Mr. Dubbs was the first to be heard, and his
prospects were certainly not promising. The President
sternly addressed him in the words : " It must be perfectly
evident that you have grievously broken the laws of the
college " ; but Professor Baird — ^who had been a lawyer —
immediately added : " But he had provocation." Pro-
fessor Baird thus became the voluntary counsel of the ac-
cused, and made an excellent speech. How the matter was
settled appears in the following extract from the Minutes
of the Eaculty :
"After a careful examination of the circumstances it was
resolved by the Faculty that Messrs. Gray and Dubbs, be
both slightly censured for being on the street as spectators
in study hours, especially as they had been remanded to
their rooms by Mr. Eeinecke earlier in the evening. In the
case of Mr. Dubbs too the Faculty thought it wrong in him
that earlier in the evening, he had taken the least notice
whatever of an insult, the blowing of tobacco smoke on his
face, as he passed him on the street, by a low fellow of the
town; the notice taken in all such cases being more gratify-
ing to such low fellows than an overlooking of them alto-
gether."
This action appears to have been sufficiently gentle ; but
it may be added that in the case of several other students,
who had been " more intimately connected with the fray,
even unto fighting," the discipline was more severe.
Other stories, similar to those related in the present
chapter, might easily be gathered. To tell them now may
seem to be useless ; but, after all, these conflicts constitute
228 MARSHALL COLLEGE.
a part of the history of the institution, and without them it
would hardly be possible to form a correct idea of its pecu-
liar life. Nearly every American institution has passed
through similar experiences; but they may generally be
congratulated on the fact that such evils no longer exist.
In Lancaster, at any rate, there appears to be not a single
trace of the ancient rivalry of Town and Gown.
CHAPTEE XVIII.
LITBRAKY AMENITIES.
Peculiab Laws — Eaelt Poets — " Youth's Phantasies "
" SLrrBBERDEGtILr.IOUS."
The earliest printed copy of the College Laws contains
the following regulation:
"No student shall keep for his use or pleasure any horse,
dog, gun, or fire-arms and ammunition of any description,
or any dirk, sword, or any other deadly weapon."
This rule led to much amusement, and may not have
been very highly regarded ; hut in one instance, at least, it
was somewhat ostentatiously observed.
A certain student owned a dog whom he named " Jake."
The dog was ordinarily well-behaved, but had the bad
habit of following his master, and sometimes disturbed a
class by appearing at recitation. The owner was accord-
ingly reminded of the law, and promised that the offending
animal should be removed. Returning to his room he sum-
moned a company of his cronies, whom he called the
" Amphictyonic Council," and it was agreed that " Jake "
must be legally tried and convicted. The dog was placed
on a table and compelled to listen to the reading of the
College Laws. When his misdemeanors had been made
suiSciently evident the law was applied ; and " Jake " was
found guilty and sentenced to be shot.
The sentence was actually carried out and the dog was
buried with a great deal of serio-comic ceremony. A pro-
gram had been prepared, in which the owner appeared as
229
230 MARSHALL COLLEGE.
chief mourner. Verses, which are supposed to have heen
sung at the funeral, were written in English, and in a kind
of mongrel German which was amusing on account of the
pure atrocity of its composition. The first stanza of the
so-called " German ode " read something like the follow-
ing:
"Und bist du todt, Du armes Thier?
In de kalt Grund you must verfrier;
Und muss ich sagen, Du bist todt?
Kannst nicht mebr essen Fleisch und Brod,
Und bist du todt, I>u armer Hund?
And must we stick you in de Grund?"
Of the English verses two lines only are remembered :
"Jake never stole an ounce of meat,
But took it by the pound."
All the rest is forgotten. Indeed, the account of the
incident, as handed down by tradition, has become indis-
tinct, and it is possible that we have not done full justice
to all its particulars.
The students of Marshall College, as we have seen, were
generally solemn and inclined to philosophy, but there
were always a few who preferred poetry. Fortunately
for these the poet's art was everywhere highly esteemed,
and the successful composition of verses — ^whether in Latin
or English — ^was the highest accomplishment which a stu-
dent could possibly acquire. It was cultivated in the
literary societies, and was justly regarded as an important
part of the training of a scholar.^
In 1842, Henry 0. Beeler, of Pittsburg, acquired con-
siderable reputation in the college — and possibly else-
^In 1841 Professor N. C. Brooks, of Baltimore, delivered before
the Diagnothian Society, in lieu of an address, a long poem on " The
History of the Church." It was a composition of a superior order,
and was very highly esteemed.
YOUTH'S PHANTASIES. 231
where — for a number of successful poetical pieces. He
died young, and we are not aware that any of his work has
been preserved.
Henry Harbaugh wrote many verses while he was a stu-
dent, and some of them were published in the Messenger;
but his compositions were all religious, and it was not sup-
posed that he would " achieve a volume."
The publication of a volume of verses by a student, in
1847, created a decided sensation. The book was entitled
" Youth's Phantasies," and its author was Charles H.
Albert, who was at that time a member of the Junior class.
Many of the separate pieces were no doubt composed while
the author was a Sophomore. They are generally ex-
tremely sentimental, and their character may perhaps be
best expressed in the opening lines of a lyric, entitled
"The Wish":
" I wish I were in love with some fair creature —
That some fair creature were in love with me."
There is a full assortment of stanzas with such titles as
" Lines to ," " Mght Hours," " Life's Despondences "
and " Love's Woes," and we are even granted the privilege
of reading a fragment from an unpublished drama.
The latter part of the volume is occupied by a mock-
heroic poem in four books, named " Cupid Abroad." It
is " respectfully inscribed to the Ladies of Mercersburg,"
and some of them probably found it interesting. Many
proper names are indicated by blanks which it is now im-
possible to supply. It may be briefly said that " the argu-
ment" is purely classical. Jupiter determines to estab-
lish a seminary of learning, and Apollo is directed to attend
to the matter. Juno, however, is displeased at something
232 MAESHALL COLLEGE.
— as she usually is on such occasions — and determines to
be avenged. She accordingly sends Venus and Cupid to
destroy Apollo's work by smiting the students with the
tender passion. A great number of charming maidens are
brought to Mercersburg :
" From Shimpstown, Loudon, Middleton,
And Chambersburg tne fair ones come";
and their influence is, of course, irresistible. At last
Apollo and Venus meet and agree, in lines that are too
numerous to quote, on the number of days in each week
which the students are to be permitted to spend in the
company of the ladies. Purgatorians (that is, Prepara-
torians) are not to visit them at all, spending all their time
in the service of Apollo. Freshmen are granted a single
evening, but the number increases with each year of the
college course until the seniors are allowed to spend four
evenings of every week in such pleasant society. In a burst
of generosity Apollo finally exclaims:
" The Theologians I deliver
To Venus' tender hands forever;
Nor ask one moment of their time
To offer at high Learning's shrine."
" Cupid Abroad " attracted considerable attention, and
a student at Gettysburg wrote a reply, which he called
" Cupid Abroad Arrested." It is a witty composition, and
has been reprinted.
Sometimes the students of Marshall College indulged in
literary amusements which have been termed " feline
amenities," because they are apt to scratch. Almost every
year, at Commencement a rhymed satire appeared, which
was supposed to be devoted to the " dissection " of the
"THE SLUBS." 233
graduating class. It was called " SlubberdeguUious," or
more briefly, " Slub." The name was probably derived
from " slubberdeguUion " — an old English word which,
according to Webster, signifies " a mean, dirty, sorry
wretch." How it came to be applied in this case we do not
know, but it was certainly not entirely inappropriate.
Students rarely realize the evil which is done by such pub-
lications, and for the sake of a little amusement express
themselves in terms which, though not intended to be
serious, cannot fail to be painful and often leave a rank-
ling wound.
Without attempting to excuse them, it may be confessed
that the " Slubs " were not as scurrilous as their name
would seem to indicate. They were, of course, anonymous,
and it is hardly likely that at this late day any one will lay
claim to their authorship. It may, therefore, be said that
they do not evince any extraordinary literary ability. Of
course, the wit has evaporated and the local allusions are
rarely comprehensible. " The lights are fled — the garlands
dead." Here and there, however, we may still discern the
flash of wit or feel the genial glow of humor.
The earliest "Slub" that has come to our notice is dated,
" Ten days before Miller's Millennium." This, of course,
fixes the year as 1843, for it was then that " Father
Miller " announced the consummation of all things. The
document is entitled : " Programme of Perambulation,"
and is, in fact, in great part a mock programme. It begins
with the following " explanatory stanza " :
" Senior ClasB took a boat to go to Texas ;
Windus arose, stormus erat, thunderque revolvit,
Boatum upset, omnes drownderunt.
Qui Swim away non potuere."
234 MAESHALL COLLEGE.
Throughout the Order of Procession there is a good deal
of this peculiar kind of Latin, some of which may as well
remain untranslated. There are many local allusions and
high honors are ascribed to the great poet " Horatius
Smartus."^ The Mormons must have been troublesome;
for a prominent place in the procession is given to the
Mayor and Council of I^auvoo and the editor of the Mor-
mon " Times and Seasons." Why a similar position is
given to James Gordon Bennett, LL.D., editor of the I^ew
York Herald, we are unable to determine. The Seminary
is not suffered to escape without some sly thrusts ; for the
Roman Citizen — ^whoever he may have been — is in the
line. Krummacher and the German Mission are also
there; and there is an announcement of an elaborate dis-
sertation on " Pussey-ism."^
The whole affair is supposed to conclude with a
"Dirge," which is, in fact, a parody on " Scots wha hae wi '
Wallace bled." There are suggestions of a cremation ; for
the concluding stanzas — ^which contain some bad advice —
are as follows :
" Here we burn great, glokious themes,
Of which each line with wisdom teems.
Filled up with bright and burning dreams
Of immortality ;
All of which now ends in smoke.
And gives our hopes a deathlike stroke.
And it is in fact no joke,
Though 'tis sport to ye.
And as we now this victim burn
May you to our example turn,
And make this service your concern
For evermore and aye.
Ne'er let this custom be forgot.
And as you go, why, pay your scot,
And peace and plenty be your lot,
Is what we ask and pray."
' Smart's Translation of Horace.
'The writings of Dr. Pusey were generally read.
COLLEGE RHYMES. 235
The first " slubberdeguUious " was, we think the least
objectionable. The poetry certainly did not improve in
subsequent years ; and their individual peculiarities might
be — as old Pompey (who announced auctions in Mercers-
burg) used to say — " too re-tedious to mention." Once
in a while, even among the personalities, a couplet appears
that strikes us as amusing. A student had been accused
— quite innocently, as we happen to know — of having kept
a popular novel, called " Stanley," out of the library for a
longer time than the law permitted. This was enough for
the poet, who exclaimed, with reminiscences of " Mar-
mion " :
" On, Stanley, on ! and tear yourself loose
From the thraldom of Richard — the Middletown goose."
In the " Order " for 1846 there is a reminder of the
fact that the proposed College Building had not been
erected. The procession is directed " to proceed to the
new College Building, where one of the trio (sic) will
mount the slab and discourse of ' The Sublimity of Vege-
tation.' " Further on we have an allusion to the doctrine
of historical development in a song which is to be sung at
" the Initiation of the next Tutor " :
" Development is now the rage,
Obedience comes next, sirs;
The Senior Class, I'm glad to say.
Has taken both as text, sirs.
Choklts by the Class :
" Right, dear Doctor, right and true.
Your praise our hearts doth swell up;
If we have but enough to eat.
We'll certainly develop."
There was little amusement in Mercersburg, in the
modern sense of the word ; but youth has everywhere pecu-
236 MARSHALL COLLEGE.
liar ways of finding pleasure. There are, of course, tra-
ditions of " tricks " and practical jokes ; but so far as we
have been able to learn they manifested no extraordinary
originality. Music was cultivated with some success, and
the serenades of the " club " were highly appreciated.
Athletics, as a separate department of work, were hardly
thought of ; but the students took plenty of exercise. Mar-
shall College — it has never been doubted — ^produced good
scholars and stalwart men.
OHAPTEE XIX.
APPROACHING CHANGES.
Gradual Increase — Prepasatobt Depaetmbnt — ^Tutoes — Financial
Trouble — Scholarships — Statement of Funds and Prop-
erty — Invitation from Lancaster — The Removal.
The College gradually increased in numbers and in-
fluence. The literary labors of the professors attracted gen-
eral attention, and students began to come from distant
regions. Several whose home was in New England were
subsequently ranked among the most decided adrocates of
the peculiar philosophy of the institution. Governor Van
Eomondt, of St. Martin's — a West India Island — sent
three of his sons. The isolation of Mercersburg and diffi-
culties of travel prevented large accessions from a distance ;
but it seemed as if the College might aspire to higher
things.
Until 1847 the Preparatory Department was closely
connected with the College and its Hectors had a seat in
the Faculty. The prosperity of the school depended
greatly on the popularity of the Rectors. During the
presidency of Dr. Ranch, the Reverend William A. Good
had acceptably held this position. Then followed in rapid
succession Andrew S. Young, Jeremiah H. Good, A. J. M.
Hudson,^ Joseph S. Loose, David Snively, Clement Z.
Weiser and Samuel G. Wagner — all of them, either then
'Mr. Hudson, who had previously been teaching at the Trappe,
in Montgomery County, Pa., was successful in bringing a number
of excellent students to the institution. Among these — to use their
later titles — ^may be mentioned: Governor John F. Hartranft, the
Rev. Dr. Jacob Fry, and Judge A. B. Longaker.
237
238 MARSHALL COLLEGE.
or subsequently, ministers of the Gospel. Among the
assistants in the Academy were a number of recent grad-
uates who subsequently became tutors in the College.
The Tutors were in those days very important persons.
The fact that they were young brought them into close
touch with the students, and in this way many permanent
friendships were formed. The names of the tutors in the
days of Dr. Ranch we have already mentioned. Follow-
ing the line to its end we find such men as Christian R.
Kessler, Theodore Appel, John Cessna, George D. Wolff,
Max Stern, E. W; Reinecke, David A. Wilson, Franklin
D, Stem, John S. Ermentrout, C. Beecher Wolff, George
B. Russell and Clement Z. Weiser.
To the students, no doubt, the College appeared suffi-
ciently prosperous; but the Faculty might have told a
different story. A college is at best an expensive affair;
and we often wonder that Marshall College could be main-
tained on the slender means which it actually possessed.
After the State appropriations had ceased the necessities of
the institutions became urgent ; and at one time the arrears
of salary due to professors amounted to several thousand
dollars. The financial condition of the Seminary, it
should be remembered, was no better than that of the Col-
lege, and all the professors were made to suffer. If it had
not been for the fact that the President possessed some
private means, which he was willing to use in the service
of the institution, it would probably have been necessary
to close its doors.
In 1846 Dr. Nevin formally proposed to lay down his
offices in both institutions, to serve as an agent to gather
benevolent contributions in their behalf. In this way, he
said, the amount of his salary as a professor in the Semi-
SCHOLAHSHIPS. 239
nary miglit be applied to other needs. The Synod, of
course, declined to accede to this proposition; but re-
newed its efforts to stimulate the benevolence of the
Church. Eev. Bernard C. Wolff, and other leading min-
isters, undertook to gather the gifts of the people and ac-
cording to the standard of the times their labors were
successful. The contributions, though numerous, were not
large, and it could not well be otherwise. Money was
scarce, and from most men even a small contribution in-
volved an actual sacrifice. Some of the churches were
partly alienated from the institutions, on account of pre-
vailing theological discussions. A few friends in the Re-
formed Dutch church of New York kindly remembered
Mercersburg ;^ but, of course, the sum of the gifts received
was hardly more than enough to relieve immediate distress.
Scholarships were still occasionally purchased, but they
were no longer very favorably regarded. On payment of
five hundred dollars, it will be remembered, the pur-
chaser, his heirs or assigns, received the perpetual privi-
lege of having a student at college, free of charge for tui-
tion. In many instances scholarships of early date had
passed out of the hands of the original owners, and had
literally become the subjects of barter and sale. Students
secured their use at the lowest possible price, and often
passed them from hand to hand. The college, of course,
received little or nothing from tuition, though to keep
proper records of the scholarships required considerable
clerical labor. In this way what was at first a blessing at
last became a burden.
In 1849 the Chairman of the Financial Committee pre-
' Mrs. Cornelia Van. Renssellaer, annually forwarded a contribu-
tion of fifty dollars.
240 MARSHALL COLLEGE.
sented to the Board the following statement of the funds
and property of Marshall College :
Scholarship notes and parts of scholarships bear-
ing interest, $9,508.97
Amount of invested funds, including Seminary
debt, 9,289.98
Notes due College and bearing interest, 979.83
Cash in the hands of the treasurer, 300.00
Amount of scholarships, no bond but interest paid, 1,500.00
Amount of suits instituted and subscriptions se-
cured, considered good, 3,089.98
Amount of tuition due by students, 509.30
Philosophical apparatus, 1,000.00
Due upon scholarships, 9,530.66
Estimated balance of subscriptions, uncollected,.. 7,000.00
Estimated Real Property.
Society Halls, 11,000.00
Preparatory Building, 6,000.00
Professor's House and Appendages 5,000.00
Cost of Ground, 3,000.00
Libraries and Cabinets, 3,000.00
$69,698.71
Though the above inventory was possibly as nearly cor-
rect as it was possible to make it, it must be remembered
that the real estate had been secured for a literary institu-
tion that had been projected on a considerable scale, and
that it was practically useless for any other purpose.
There were also several thousand dollars of floating debt
which ought to be subtracted from the above total.
It was evident that great changes were impending. The
synod declared that the time had come to determine
STERN NECESSITY. 241
whether the educational interests of the church could be
successfully maintained. A proposition was made to
transfer the publication interests to Mercersburg, in the
hope that the institutions might thus be financially
strengthened, but this plan proved impracticable. It is
not true that the Faculty were tired of Mercersburg, and
therefore sought a pretext for removal. On the contrary
they had become warmly attached to the town and the com-
munity, and could not think of leaving them without real
sorrow. Dr. Nevin is said to have declared that if but five
thousand dollars could be provided in cash to meet the
emergency he would oppose all propositions for removal.
Indeed, we can hardly see how any person could live
for any time in Mercersburg without growing fond of
the place. Isot only the magnificence of the surround-
ing scenery, but the intelligence and courtesy of the
people, furnished attractions that constantly grew
stronger. We, therefore, do not hesitate to say that it was
stem necessity alone which prompted the removal of Mar-
shall College.
For some time there had been private correspondence
concerning the union of the institutions at Mercersburg
and Lancaster. It has been said — ^we do not know on what
authority — ^that the correspondence was simultaneously be-
gun at both places, and that the first two letters crossed
each other on the way. At the Reformed Synod of Norris-
town, in October, 1849, the Rev. John Casper Bucher
made a stirring speech on the importance of protecting the
interest of the Church in Franklin College ; and the synod
ordered those of its members who were also members of
the Lancaster Board of Trustees to be regular in their
attendance at all meetings; or, if this was impossible, to
242 MARSHALL COLLEGE.
vacate their seats, so as to make room for the appointment
of others who would not fail to attend to their duty.^
The earliest official communication from the authorities
of Franklin College was dated December 6, 1849, and was
presented to a meeting of the Board of Trustees of Mar-
shall College, held at Chambersburg on the 27th of the
same month. It gave an account of recent proceedings of
that Board, and formally presented terms of union.* In
order to test the sense of the meeting the following resolu-
tion was offered :
"Resolved, That Marshall College is not so bound by any
engagements springing out of its location at Mercersburg,
as to prevent the Trustees from freely considering the ex-
pediency of its removal."
After a long debate this resolution was adopted by a
vote of sixteen to ten. There was, of course, a protest from
the minority on the ground that the Board had " no moral
nor legal right to remove Marshall College from its present
location." The Board, however, took no further action at
this time, preferring to leave the matter to the final judg-
ment of Synod.
The people of Mercersburg were naturally displeased,
and held a kind of " indignation meeting " in the Metho-
dist church, at which they protested against the " violation
of plighted faith " involved in the proposed removal.
They anticipated that if the college were removed to Lan-
caster it would become " completely sectarian in its char-
'At the same meeting the Synod directed that the amiual bonus
of $300, paid by the firm of M. Kieffer and Co., for the privilege of
issuing certain publications, should henceforth be paid into the
treasury of Marshall College.
' See " The Union Movement," Chapter XI. of this volume.
ACTION OF SYNOD. 243
acter." They even agreed to avail themselves of the laws
of the land, if necessary, to prevent the occurrence of this
disaster.
We can well understand the feelings of the people of
Mercersburg. Apart from the fact that the prosperity of
their toAvn was supposed to depend upon the institutions,
these people had been warm friends in times of trouble
and had contributed in various ways to their support. The
advocates of the proposed removal were, however, con-
vinced that the charge of " violation of plighted faith "
could not be established.-
A special meeting of the Reformed synod was held
at Harrisburg, January 30, 1850. At this meeting the
subject of the removal of the College was fully discussed
and the following resolution unanimously adopted:
"Resolved, that in the opinion of the synod there is no
legal or moral difficulty in the way of the removal of Mar-
shall College to some other place."
The accusation of violation of plighted faith " was dis-
posed of in subsequent action, by explaining that the
Theological Seminary had been located in Mercersburg,
in 1835, in consideration of " stipulations and agreements
that had not been fully complied with."*
At the same meeting the Synod formally approved of
the proposed union of colleges, and requested the Board of
Trustees of Marshall College " to take through its com-
mittee, the necessary steps to complete the plan of union,
' In 1838 the agent of the institutions reported that of the
$10,000 originally subscribed in Mercersburg it had been possible
to collect no more than $3,934.37. Though bonds had been given, it
was found that to enforce them would cause great distress, and at
last the securities were exonerated.
244 MARSHALL COLLEGE.
and to make the division of the funds of Franklin College,
as proposed by the Lutheran and other Trustees of said
college." In the history of Franklin College we have re-
lated the succession of events with some particularity.
The act for the consolidation of the two institutions, as we
have seen, was passed by the Legislature of Pennsylvania
on the 19th of April, 1850; but some time elapsed before
its provisions could be carried into effect. Obstacles ap-
peared at every step, and it required time and patience to
overcome them. The original act had required that the
Literary Societies should transfer their real estate to
Franklin and Marshall College ; but it was found that they
had no authority capable in law of making the convey-
ance, and a supplemental act of the Legislature therefore
became necessary. The property as a whole was offered
to the citizens of Mercersburg at a stipulated price, but
they declined to accept it, and for some years it remained
unsaleable.
These are a few of the knots which had to be untied
before the separation from Mercersburg could be effected.
It was, however, even more difficult to meet the financial
requirements of the Act of Union. It will be remembered
that before the union could be consummated more than
$42,000 had to be collected and paid in cash into the
treasury of Franklin College. The sum of $17,169.61,
which was paid for the Lutheran interest, was secured
with comparative ease, for, according to the report made
to Synod in 1852, " Every Classis cordially responded
to the call." The sum of $25,000 raised in Lancaster City
and County to pay for the grounds and buildings of the
new college, required great labor and perseverance. That
it was finally secured was due in great measure to the
RESTLESS YEARS. 245
unremitting toil of the Reverend J. Casper Bucher. He
was undoubtedly " the prince of collectors," and the col-
lection of this fund was certainly not the least of his
achievements. In the meantime the College in Mercers-
burg was visibly declining. It might have been better if
the institution could have been removed sooner, but three
years of restlessness were not without unfavorable effects.
The students could not understand the causes of the pro-
longed delay and became dissatisfied. After Dr. Nevin
had resigned his professorship in the Theological Semi-
nary, and it became known that he did not propose to
accompany the College to Lancaster the state of affairs
became even more tmsatisfactory. That grade in scholar-
ship rapidly declined is not surprising. One of the stu-
dents declared that he felt like Abraham when he was
called to go into a strange country, not knowing whither
he went.
When it was announced that the College was to be re-
moved during the spring recess of 1853, and that the
summer term would open in Lancaster, the news brought
actual relief to professors and students. The general
superintendence of the removal was committed to Mr.
Jacob G. Peters, then a member of the Senior class, and
the work was satisfactorily accomplished. The last official
meeting of the Faculty was held in Mercersburg on the
21st of March, 1853.
That the Theological Seminary and the Preparatory
Department were to remain some time longer in Mercers-
burg was a ground for general regret, though it was felt
to be unavoidable. Apart from the fact that there were
no adequate accommodations in Lancaster, the authorities
were no doubt convinced that the removal of one of the
246 MARSHALL COLLEGE.
institutions was all that could at that time be safely under-
taken.
Here the separate history of Marshall College properly
ends; but a few words concerning the subsequent educa-
tional history of Merqersburg may not be unacceptable.
Dr. Nevin had retired from the Theological Seminary in
1851, but Dr. Schaff continued to occupy his professorship
until 1865. Dr. Bernard C. Wolff was elected Dr. ISTevin's
successor in 1852, but did not enter upon his duties until
1854. In consequence of Dr. Schaff's prolonged absence
in Europe the Theological Seminary was closed for one
year. When Dr. Wolff retired in 1864 he was succeeded
by Dr. Henry Harbaugh, who occupied the position until
his death which occurred in 186Y. On the resignation of
Dr. Schaff, Dr. E. E. Higbee was chosen to take his place,
and was Professor of Church History and Exegesis until
18Y1. In 1868 Dr. E. V. Gerhart was called to fill the
vacancy occasioned by the death of Dr. Harbaugh. He
was the only member of the Faculty who accompanied the
institution on its removal to Lancaster, in 1871.
In 1857 a Theological Tutorship was established, partly
on the basis of a fund invested in Germany, the gift of
Baron von Bethmann-Holweg, the Prussian minister of
cultus. The successive incumbents, while the Seminary
was in Mercersburg, were William M. Eeily and Jacob B.
Kerschner. This tutorship has since been raised to a full
professorship.
For two years after the removal of the College a Pre-
paratory Department was maintained in Mercersburg,
under the care of Kev. Samuel G. Wagner and Eev.
Clement Z. Weiser. The school then passed into private
hands and was successively conducted by the Eev. John
THE CONCLUSION. 247
E. Kooken, and the Kev. Charles G. Fisher. In 1865 the
Synod granted authority to its Trustees to lease its prop-
erty in Mercersburg to the Classis of Mercersburg for edu-
cational purposes. Mercersburg College was organized at
this time and was for some years a vigorous institution.
Eev. Dr. Thomas G. Apple, was President until 1871,
when he accepted a call to a professorship in the Theolog-
ical Seminary which had just been removed to Lancaster.
Rev. Dr. E. E. Higbee remained in Mercersburg and was
for several years President of Mercersburg College. The
college was well attended and was recognized as an excellent
institution, but financial difficulties proved insurmountable,
and it was finally closed. It was subsequently conducted
as an Academy or Collegiate Institute by the E,ev. Dr.
George W. Aughinbaugh. In 1893 the Rev. Dr. William
Mann Irvine, previously a professor in Franklin and Mar-
shall College, took charge of this interest, and under his
presidency and with the fostering care of the Synod of
the Potomac, Mercersburg Academy has grown to be an
institution of great importance. The old Seminary Build-
ing has been greatly enlarged and beautified; and the
school is in all respects thoroughly equipped for successful
educational work.
Marshall College had a separate existence of only seven-
teen years ; but its brief career was certainly not inglorious.
Though financially weak it was intellectually strong ; and
the achievements of its leaders show what may be accom-
plished by men of exceptional ability under the most ad-
verse conditions. Marshall College is the main source of
the life of the present institution ; and its history presents
ideals which in their simple dignity are worthy of our
constant imitation.
c
rZ^rii^
i^2<?'^^
<i^CC^i^<ii>1^2.-iSC'':'Z^
FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL
COLLEGE.
CHAPTER XX.
NEW FOUNDATIONS.
Lajtoasteb Fifty Ybabs Ago — James Buchanan — Pbominent
Citizens — Coixege Faculty — Foemal Opening of the
College — First Alumni Dinneb — College Life
— Pbesidbntial Campaign — Early
Difficulties.
Fifty years ago Lancaster was a compact little city with
not more than fifteen thousand inhabitants. It had been
laid out by Governor James Hamilton as early as 1730,
and was an important place during the colonial period.
Many important Indian treaties were made here, and it
became the center of the lucrative Indian trade. It was
the shire-town of Lancaster County, which was regarded
as the most fertile region in America; and Philadelphia
itself was greatly dependent on supplies conveyed by Con-
estoga teams. In September, 1778, the Continental Con-
gress held a meeting here; but it hurried away to York
which was supposed to be less exposed to the danger of a
British raid. From 1799 to 1812 the borough of Lancas-
ter was the capital of the State; and in 1818 it was incor-
porated as a city. Though the statement may now seem
hardly credible, it is a fact that for many years it was the
largest inland city in the United States.
In 1853 the center of the city was fairly well built of
brick, and there were some fine old residences, of which
several are still standing. In the back streets were long
rows of one-story houses which were not imposing in ap-
pearance, but occupied much ground and were very com-
fortable. Many old customs still prevailed, and at night
251
252
FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
the ■watchman called the hour on his round. Gas had
recently been introduced, but was not generally used in
private houses. Fire companies were important organiza-
tions, and several of them had erected handsome houses.
Their members were, of course, greatly attached to " the
machine," which they were only too ready to defend against
every threatening danger. There were a few manufac-
^£':^'J^■?'^?^^
OLD HOUSES IN LANCASTER.
tories, of which the cotton mills were the most important.
At the time of which we speak the new Court House and
the First Keformed Church were in course of erection.
These fine buildings were greatly admired, and seemed to
indicate the beginning of a period of great prosperity.
James Buchanan — subsequently President of the
United States — ^was regarded as the foremost citizen of
Lancaster. He lived at " Wheatland," a mile from the
city — ^but there were few persons who failed to recognize
THE LEADERS. 253
him when he appeared upon the streets. In 1853 he was
sixty-two years old, but actually looked older. His portly
form, his head inclined to one side and the peculiar top-
knot of white hair — ^these were characteristics that could
not well be mistaken. Courtesy had become his second
nature, and it was remarked that he spoke to boys on the
street " as if they had been princes of the blood." Though
often absent from Lancaster he was naturally given the
foremost place in every public enterprise.
Thaddeus Stevens was a distinguished lawyer; but, of
course, no one dreamed that he would ever become the
" Great Commoner." Other eminent members of the bar
were Emanuel C. Eeigart, B. Champneys, Thomas E.
Franklin, John R. Montgomery, Reah Frazer, A. L.
Hayes, Nathaniel EUmaker, Oliver J. Dickey and D. W.
Patterson. Thomas H. Burrows was also an eminent
lawyer, but is best known as the father of the Free School
System of Pennsylvania.
The pastors of the city churches were almost without
exception men of unusual ability and force of character.
The Kev. Dr. Samuel Bowman — afterwards Bishop of
Pennsylvania — ^was rector of St. James. Dr. Henry Har-
baugh and N. A. Keyes were pastors of the Reformed
churches. Dr. J. C. Baker resigned the pastorate of
Trinity Lutheran church in the spring of 1853, and was
succeeded by the Rev. G. F. Krotel. Rev. John Baldwin
was pastor of the Presbyterian church and Bishop Henry
A. Schultz held the same position in the Moravian. The
Rev. Pennell Coombe preached in the Duke Street Metho-
dist church, and a little later Dr. D. W. Bartine attracted
general attention by his extraordinary eloquence. Father
Bernard Keenan was rector of St. Mary's, and commanded
254 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
the respect of the whole community. There were younger
pastors of great ability ; but those we have mentioned en-
joyed more than local reputation, and their names are still
honorably remembered.
The physicians of Lancaster were distinguished in their
profession. In this connection we need but mention the
names of Drs. John L. Atlee, F. A. Muhlenberg and Henry
Carpenter.
To enimierate the eminent citizens of Lancaster is be-
yond our purpose. All of them, we believe, were friends
of the new college. The Board of Trustees of Franklin
and Marshall College — ^which included a number of the
most prominent citizens of Lancaster — ^held its first meet-
ing on the 25th of January, 1853. The officers elected at
this meeting were : President, James Buchanan, LL.D. ;
Vice Presidents, Rev. Drs. John F. Mesick and Samuel
Bowman; and Kecording Secretary, Kev. N. A. Keyes.
Mr. Jacob M. Long was the first permanent Treasurer.
The Faculty of Marshall College — consisting of Dr. J.
W. Nevin and Professors Wm. M. Nevin, Thomas C.
Porter, and Theodore Appel — ^were elected to the same
professorships in Franklin and Marshall. Adolph L.
Koeppen was chosen Professor of History and German
Literature, and Dr. John L. Atlee became Professor of
Anatomy and Physiology. James Merrill Linn was ap-
pointed Tutor in Ancient Languages. It was resolved
that the institution should be opened in old Franklin Col-
lege; but committees were immediately appointed to sug-
gest a site and to make arrangements for the erection of
a new building.
The College began its work at the appointed time under
circumstances which were by no means encouraging.
FORMAL OPENING. 255
There was no President, for Dr. Nevin had declined to
accept the call. Only fifty-three students appeared, and
most of these had previously been connected with Mar-
shall. Some trifling alterations had been made for the
p^irpose of accommodating the libraries, but the old
college was very uncomfortable. Indeed, it must be
confessed that there was considerable disappointment.
Lancaster was dissatisfied because the college had not
brought more money; and the college was disappointed
because Lancaster had not contributed a larger number
of students.
The Formal Opening of Franklin and Marshall College
was held in Fulton Hall on the 7th of June, 1853. Ad-
dresses were delivered by the Hon. A. L. Hayes, the Eev.
Dr. J. W. l^evin, and the Right Reverend Alonzo Potter.
For vigor and spirit these addresses were of a superior
order. In his discourse Dr. IsTevin compared Pennsylva-
nia to a Sleeping Giant who needs to be roused from his
ignoble slumbers. With intense earnestness he urged his
hearers to elevate the college to a position worthy of its
grand ideal. " Lancaster should see to it," he said, " that
Franklin and Marshall College be not permitted to perpe-
trate the bathos^ of surmounting for all time to come the
most magnificent site in her neighborhood with a mere
twenty-five-thousand dollar scheme of public improve-
ment."
On Tuesday, July 24, 1855, the College held its first
Alumni Dinner. Dr. F. J. F. Schantz who, as a member
of the graduating class, was privileged to attend, has con-
tributed to the " Oriflamme " for the present year (1903)
an extract from his diary including the following account
of this interesting occasion :
256 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
"At 8.45 P. M. about one hundred persons attended the
Alumni Banquet at Michael's Hotel on North Queen street.
President Gerhart sat at the head of the table; to his right
the Eev. John W. Nevin, D.D., LL.D. ; to his left the Eev.
Philip Sehaff, D.D. After prayer had been offered the
bounties of the table were enjoyed. To the first toast —
'The Memory of Dr. Eauch, the first President of Marshall
College' — the Eev. Dr. Bomberger replied. To the second
toast, 'The Eeverend Dr. ISTevin,' the venerable Doctor re-
sponded. Other toasts were offered to which the following
responded: Eev. Drs. "Wolff and Fisher, President Dr. Ger-
hart, John Cessna, Esq., John W. Killinger, Dr. Steiner
(M.D.), Eev. Mr. Gans, Eev. Mr. Kremer, Professor Dr.
Atlee, Mr. Penn, Mr. William Miller, Eev. Mr. Bucher and
others. The writer made an entry in his journal with
reference to the harmony that characterized this delightful
banquet. ' '
In the meantime the College pursued the even tenor of
its way, pretty much as it had done in Mercersburg. Com-
mencements and Society Exhibitions were held at the
appointed times and were highly appreciated. Young
ladies were interested in the literary societies, and aided
them in decorating the stage for their anniversaries.
Tickets of admission were distributed among the friends
of the students and the hall was always crowded.
The Societies held their regular meeting on Saturday
morning, the Goetheans meeting in the College and the
Diagnothians in the Odd Fellows' Hall, on South Queen
street. It was but rarely that a member failed to deliver
an oration or to read an essay at the appointed time, and
the weekly debates were well studied and interesting. At
the opening of the term the societies were recruited after
THE OLD COLLEGE. 257
the ancient fashion and new students were treated to un-
limited ice-cream.
Students boarded wherever they pleased, though the
Faculty, of course, exercised general supervision.^ As
they were few in number they attracted little attention, and
some of them conceived the idea of wearing caps bearing
the letters, " F. M. C." The characters were rather bril-
liant and could not fail to be noticed. The hoodlums of
the town, however, insisted on translating them to mean,
" Fools Must Come," and the students were unmercifully
twitted. It is needless to say that the letters were soon re-
moved.
On five mornings of each week the students met for
prayers in Franklin College, on North Lime street. The
room which served as a chapel was on the first floor, on the
south side of the building, and was also occupied as a reci-
tation room by Professor W. M. ITevin. In the center of
the room stood a great barrel-stove which, in winter, was
generally kept at a red heat. There was a desk, and around
three sides of the room extended benches on which the stu-
dents sat, with their backs to the wall. This was all the
furniture, except a row of shelves bearing a remnant of
the library of Franklin College. At prayers the roll was
called, and on a certain day in each week students were
expected to state whether they had been at church on the
previous Sunday. It was usual, after prayers to hear an
' A number of students rented a house and boarded themselves.
This organization was called, The Club. Harry Stiff — the town
idiot — ^knew every student by sight but remembered no names. He
had heard of the Club, and must have supposed that the term was
to be applied to all the students. He seemed omnipresent, and
whenever he saw a student he was sure to shout : " How are you
Club!"
258 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
oration by a Senior, or a declamation from one of the
lower classmen who were expected to declaim in regular
order.
After prayers professors and students repaired to the
several recitation rooms, where they were occupied until
noon. In the afternoon there were no recitations. Dr.
Theodore Appel taught mathematics in the room in the
second story, at the southern end of the building. In the
northern room on the first floor — of which a part was sepa-
rated by a rude partition and by courtesy called the labor-
atory — Dr. Thomas C. Porter taught the natural sciences ;
and above his head, on the second story. Professor Koeppen
discoursed in his peculiar way on history and German
literature. Dr. Porter's lectures on geology were highly
appreciated. Occasionally Dr. Atlee lectured on anatomy
and physiology; but his professorship was hardly more
than honorary, and his extensive medical practice occupied
nearly all his time. It was a privilege to hear his lectures,
and his eminence in his profession was fully recognized.
Tutor J. M. Linn was very popular. He was a
brother-in-law of Dr. Harbaugh, and had but recently
graduated at Lewisburg. In later life he became a lawyer,^
To complete the personnel of the College it is necessary
to mention the name of William Marshall. For fourteen
years he was the Janitor of Franklin and Marshall College,
and no one in this position was ever more highly esteemed.
To students he was always kind, and they were well aware
that they had no better friend in Lancaster.
The teaching of the College was practically the same as
'James Merrill Linn was a brother of John Blair Linn^ a grad-
uate of Marshall College of the Class of 1848. The latter was
Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania under Governor
Hartranft, and was also an industrious historical author.
THE FIRE COMPANIES. 259
in Mercersburg, except that Professor Koeppen enlivened
his department in his peculiar fashion. Dr. Nevin's manu-
scripts were carefully transcribed by the students, and
closely followed in the study of mental and moral philos-
ophy. As in all institutions of that day the study of Greek
and Latin was deemed worthy of double honor ; and to be
regarded as a good classical scholar was the highest object
of ambition.
It is often said that at first the students and the boys
of the town did not agree, so that there were frequent
repetitions of the troubles of Town and Gown. The tradi-
tion, we believe, rests upon a very slender foundation. In-
dividual students may have got into trouble, especially
when curiosity led them into company which it would have
been better to avoid ; but there was no conflict of any im-
portance. In fact, the students were so few in number that
they could not afford to cultivate a belligerent disposition.
The trouble, such as it was, was derived from the rivalry
of the Fire Companies. Whenever there was a fire the
students " ran with the Union," a company which included
among its members many intelligent young men. Mem-
bers of other companies were consequently displeased, and
sometimes attempted to provoke a fight. There was, how-
ever, no violent outbreak, and in course of time all became
serene.
In these early days the students were greatly interested
in politics. It was, indeed, a momentous period in the
history of the country, and there was a general feeling that
important events were near at hand. The slavery question
was fiercely debated, and in the literary society which
had the larger number of Southern members the feeling
became intense. The prominence of Mr. Buchanan in
260 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
national affairs was not without its effect in making Lan-
caster a center of the gathering political storm. Even
while he was minister to Great Britain Mr. Buchanan was
regarded as the leading Democratic candidate for the
presidency, and most of the students were naturally en-
thusiastic for his nomination.
Mr. Buchanan had been a faithful friend of the college.
While it was in Mercersburg he had bought a scholarship
for five hundred dollars, and at its removal to Lancaster
he had contributed one thousand dollars to the fund which
was then raised for the erection of buildings. As presi-
dent of the Board of Trustees he was supposed to direct the
policy of the institution ; and when he was in Lancaster he
was always present at its public exercises.
When Mr. Buchanan returned to Lancaster in the spring
of 1856, there was little doubt of his nomination to the
presidency of the United States. From this time he kept
" open house," and the number of his visitors was very
great. During the succeeding summer Lancaster was full
of politicians, many of whom afterwards became famous
on the field of battle. Of course, many of the students
visited Wheatland almost every day, for the place was a
center of never failing interest.
When Mr. Buchanan was nominated for the presidency
by the Cincinnati Convention, in June, 1856, the college
boys became intensely excited. A company of them were
among the first to hear the news, and they all immediately
started on a run to inform Mr. Buchanan of his nomina-
tion. In this race William A. Duncan — afterwards a
member of Congress — is said to have won the prize. Very
soon, however, a considerable company gathered on the
lawn at Wheatland, and Mr. Buchanan made a pertinent
JAMES BUCHANAN. 261
speech. In conclusion he said : " Yesterday I should have
made a longer speech; but I must now remember that I
am the representative of the Cincinnati Platform, and to
that document I must refer you for a declaration of my
principles." This utterance was used against him during
the subsequent campaign.
At the society anniversaries Mr. Buchanan's courtesy
was especially apparent. For each of the youthful speak-
ers he had a kind word which was borne away as a precious
remembrance. It was usual in those days to present
bouquets to the orators, and some of them received a large
number. Meeting a student after an exhibition carrying
a nvmiber of bouquets, Mr. Buchanan said pleasantly:
" You are over-burdened with flowers." The student
begged him to relieve him of part of the burden by accept-
ing one of the bouquets. " O, no," he replied, " I will not
rob you of your well-earned laurels."
At the Commencement held on July 23, 1856, Mr. W.
W. Davis delivered the Marshall Oration on " The Dc
cline of Political Integrity." In the course of his speech
Mr. Davis denounced the conduct of Mr. Brooks who had
recently committed a violent assault on Senator Sumner.
Mr. Buchanan afterwards told him that he looked on the
dark side of the picture, and that though Mr. Brooks had
been inconsiderate, his act had not been without serious
provocation. The incident was, of course, reported to the
New York Tribune, and became the subject of a violent
political article.
It was in an address to the students of Franklin and
Marshall College, in ITovember, 1856, that Mr. Buchanan
for the first time outlined his policy of conciliation, declar-
ing that the object of his administration would be " to de-
262 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
stroy any sectional party, whether in the north or in the
south, and to restore national and fraternal feeling between
the different sections."^ Alas ! that such brilliant antici-
pations were doomed to disappointment, and that the later
years of the president were clouded with sorrow.
Though the college enjoyed a certain prominence in
consequence of the intimate relations with Mr. Buchanan,
there were conditions that interfered greatly with its pros-
perity. For several years the institution was without a
president, and there was no immediate prospect that the
vacancy would be fiUed. The ability of the professors was
recognized, but there was not one of them who could
claim precedence, except in age, and the college was
actually without a head. Professor W. M. Nevin presided
at the meetings of the Faculty but was not otherwise promi-
nent in the government of the institution.
Under such circumstances effectual discipline was
almost impossible. Thus, at the very time when enthu-
siasm and vigorous action should have carried the institu-
tion a long distance on its way to prosperity, there was no
one to serve as leader and representative before the Church
and the community. In the following chapter we hope to
show how this difficulty was finally and fortunately over-
come.
'"The American Cyclopaedia," edition of 1879, page 381.
CHAPTEE XXI.
ELECTING A PRESIDENT.
De. John W. Nevin's Election — Letter op Decunation — Call to
De. Philip Schaff — His Reply — ^Dr. Schaff's Visit to
Germany — Election of Dk. E. V. Geehaet —
Acceptance.
The fact that Dr. John W. Nevin, the former president
of Marshall College, declined to accompany that institu-
tion to Lancaster, presented a serious difficulty. Every
possible means was employed to induce him to reconsider
his decision. His former students united in an appeal
which he must have found it hard to resist. The majority
of the new Board of Trustees appeared convinced that he
was the only man who could make the College what it ought
to he, and for a long time they hoped against hope that he
might finally be induced to accept their call. That Dr.
Nevin remained unmoved by successive appeals appeared
to them an indication of the strength of will and firmness
of character which were essential to the man who was to
be the successful leader of a new educational movement.
There was, indeed, a minority who were ready to sub-
mit to conditions which they regarded as inevitable, and
who consequently urged the immediate election of a presi-
dent who would be willing to accept their call. Though
they declared their willingness to unite with the majority
in the election of Dr. Nevin, if there were the slightest
indication of his willingness to accept their invitation, they
urged that no time was to be lost and that a president
should be chosen who would be willing to enter upon the
263
264 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
duties of his office without delay. Some of the minority
even insisted that the president of the College ought not to
have been prominently connected with recent theological
controversies. They accordingly proposed the name of the
Kev. Dr. John F. Mesick, pastor of the Eeformed church
of Harrisburg.*
Dr. Mesick was greatly interested in the new College
and served for several years as the Vice-President of its
Board of Trustees. That his theological views did not
harmonize with those of Dr. Nevin is evident.
On the 2d of March, 1853, Dr. Mesick was nominated
for the presidency of Franklin and Marshall College.
Immediately it was moved that the name of Dr. Nevin
be substituted for that of Dr. Mesick, and the former was
elected by a vote of nineteen to thirteen, with one fion
liquet. It was ordered that Dr. Nevin be immediately in-
formed of the action of the Board, and that he be urged to
accept the call. In response the following letter was re-
ceived :
" Merceksbukq, March 30, 1853.
"To THE Hon. James Buchanan, the Rev. N. A. Keybs,
AND THE EeV. H. HaEBAUGH,
"Gentlemen, Your communication of the 19th inet.,
informing me of my having been elected President of Frank-
lin and Marshall College has been received.
' John F. Mesick was born at Guilderland, Albany County, New
York, June 28, 1813. Graduated at Rutgers College, 1834. Pastor,
Reformed (Dutch) Church, Rochester, N. Y., 1837-40; German Re-
formed Church, Harrisburg, 1840-5. Returned to Dutch Church.
Pastor, Raritan, N. Y., 1855-82. Subsequently without charge.
He contributed frequently to "The Guardian" and to the "Protestant
Quarterly." Among his publications are " The Papacy the Anti-
Christ of Scripture," " Evils of Dancing," " Temperance and Patriot-
ism," etc. He is still living in York, Pa., at the age of ninety-one.
DECLINATION. 265
"For the honor thus done me by the Board of the Insti-
tution I beg leave to return through you my very respectful
and sincere thanks. It is hardly necessary to add that,
notwithstanding my previously announced views and feel-
ings on the subject, the peculiar circumstances of the call,
backed as it has been by urgent private appeals from all
sides, have engaged me to treat it with the most anxious
and serious consideration. The question of duty in the
case has been conscientiously reexamined in the fear of
God, with proper time and pains taken to avoid the reproach
of a rash decision.
"The result of this new deliberation is, that I find myself
constrained to decline respectfully the call which you have
placed in my hands in behalf of the Board of Trustees of
Franklin and Marshall College; and you will please to re-
ceive and make known this letter accordingly, as my refusal
in form to accept the honorable and responsible post to
which I have been appointed.
"It is not necessary, I presume, that I should enter
minutely into the reasons by which my mind has been in-
fluenced in coming to this decision. Had the measure of
removing Marshall CoUege to Lancaster been carried through
at once when it was first proposed, it was my purpose, in
case it had been desired, to unite myself with the new insti-
tution for a few years; but always with the expectation of
being able to fulfil my previous wish by retiring from a
position into which I had been forced at first without my
own will, and which I found to be in many respects not a
Mttle irksome and severe. By the delay of the removal the
time to which I looked forward for this liberty of retiring
has been already reached; and I cannot feel that I am now
required to take a step which to be of any account must
bind me again for some years, if not indefinitely in time to
come. To no such prospective engagement can my mind
at present be reconciled. It would be impossible for me to
266 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
throw myself into it with that sort of confidence and ani-
mation, that buoyancy of spirit and determination of zeal,
which the success of the enterprise demands. Other claims
and interests, partly of health, partly of taste and comfort,
but most of all, I may say, in the form now of theological
inquiry and religious conscience, stand powerfully in the
way of my assuming responsibilities in this form, which
reach with such uncertain distance into the future, and the
bearing of which it is so impossible beforehand to calculate
or foresee. With these views, I feel that it would be wrong
for me to commit myself for life, or any considerable period
of time, to the engagement which is proposed to me in this
call; and that it is best to decline the invitation in full and
at once. No merely temporary or provisional service in the
case could be expected to be of any material account. The
present juncture seems to offer the most favorable oppor-
tunity I can expect for canying out my ultimate purpose,
and it would appear to be but right and proper that it should
be now firmly embraced for this end. Having come to such
conclusion then, after full and sufficient deliberation, I lose
no time in reporting to you the fact; so as to have it under-
stood that the important post in question is still vacant; and
in order that the way may be open for a new election to fill
it, if it be thought proper, at the next meeting of the Board.
"With the best wishes for the prosperity of Franklin and
Marshall College, and praying that God may be pleased to
preside over the conduct of its affairs, and to make them
all subservient to his praise,
"I remain. Gentlemen,
"Very respectfully yours,
"John W. Nevin."
There was great disappointment when the letter of Dr.
Nevin was read, but it was now acknowledged that there
must be no further delay. On the next day, April 19, an
DR. SCHAFF'S LETTER. 267
election was held for president of the College and Dr.
Philip Schaff was chosen. Twenty-five votes were cast for
Dr. SchafiF and eleven for Dr. Mesick, with two non liquet.
It was supposed that the call would be immediately accept-
ed, for it was known that Dr. Schaff and his family would
have been well pleased to remove to Lancaster ; but here an
unexpected obstacle intervened. In a letter of acknowledg-
ment Dr. Schaff informed the Board that his engagements
with the Theological Seminary at Mercersburg were of
such a nature that it would be " both unconstitutional and
disrespectful " to accept or decline the call without con-
sulting the Synod. He, therefore, asked permission to hold
the call under consideration until after the meeting of that
body, to be held in the following October. The desired
permission was granted, though at the time delay seemed
dangerous. In the following letter the result of the
application to Synod is fully related:
"Lancaster, Pa., Kov. 1, 1853.
"Eev. H. Haebaugh, Cor. Secretary oe the Board of
Trustees of Franklin and Marshall College,
"Reverend and dear Sir: Agreeably to my last letter ad-
dressed to you as the Corresponding Secretary of the Board
of Trustees of Franklin and Marshall College, I tendered
my resignation as Professor in the Theological Seminary at
Mercersburg to the Eastern Synod of the German Eeformed
Church, lately convened in the city of Philadelphia, with the
view to accept the call to the Presidency of the College, at
least for some time, until a more permanent arrangement
could be made which would be satisfactory to both parties.
I had hoped that such a disposition could be made of my
request, which would meet the expressed wish of the Trustees
of Franklin and Marshall College without interfering at all
268 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
with the interests of the Theological Seminary now located
at Mereersburg.
"I have now to give you the information that the Synod,
although deeply sympathizing with the present urgent wants
of the College, felt itself constrained nevertheless to refuse
my resignation by the following resolution:
" 'Resolved, that Synod cannot consent to relinquish the
services of the Kev. Dr. Schaff, or to his retirement from the
chair which he has so ably and faithfully filled in our Sem-
inary. '
"Although the result is somewhat contrary to my expecta-
tions, I have, of course, no idea of disobeying the voice of
my Church, especially since I am convinced that the above
action proceeded from the kindest feelings to myself and
from sincere regard to the interests of the Seminary at
Mereersburg.
' ' I consider it, therefore, my painful duty, to decline with-
out delay the office of the Presidency of Franklin and Mar-
shall College, which you did me the honor to ofEer in the
name of the Board in April last, and thus to open the way
for another election, or for such interimistic arrangement
as may seem best to the wisdom of the Board.
"Thanking the Board once more for the confidence placed
in my humble abilities, and assuring you of the deep interest
which I shall continue to cherish in all that may concern
the promising literary institution under its care — an insti-
tution which I am fully convinced has a great mission to
perform to this country and perhaps to the world — I sub-
scribe myself, with the highest regard,
"Your obedient servant,
"Philip Schaff."
That Dr. Schaff was deeply disappointed by the action
of the Synod we have heard from his own lips. Not to
ANGLO-GERMANISM. 269
mention other grounds, it may be taken for granted that
after the removal of the college his position in Mercersburg
was lonely and depressing. His health began to fail and
in the winter of 1853-54 he visited Europe. In Leipsic,
on the 6th of March, 1854, he issued a circular, addressed
to the publishers of Germany, earnestly soliciting the con-
tribution of new and valuable books to the library of Frank-
lin and Marshall College. In presenting the claims of the
institution the author may have been rather too enthu-
siastic, for he boldly anticipated the time when the little
college should have grown to be a great university. " Its
prevailing character," he said, " is Anglo-Germanic ; that
is, it seeks to bring about an organic union of the best ele-
ments of English and German culture. Most of its pro-
fessors are familiar with both languages; why should it
not in time grow to be an institution with four faculties,
after the German type, such as does not now exist in Amer-
ica?" All this, he is careful to say, depends on public
liberality, and especially on the interest taken by the gov-
ernment of the state, whose good offices may in due time be
solicited.
As a result of this appeal the College received four hun-
dred and fifty valuable works which together presented an
excellent resume of the current literature of Germany. An
acknowledgment of the receipt of these volumes was sent
by the Board to the leading papers of Berlin.
After Dr. Schaff had declined the presidency the Board
appeared to be for a time at their wit's end. Dissensions
began to appear and every little coterie had its favorite
candidate. A year passed and still the college remained
without a president. An effort was made, in 1854, to
gather funds for the endowment of a professorship of Eng-
lish literature, but the attempt proved unsuccessful and
contributions were returned to the donors.
270 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
It was on the 25tli of July, 1854, that Dr. William
Mayburry, of Philadelphia, secured the adoption of a reso-
lution referring the election of a president to a committee
of seven, directing them, if possible, to nominate a candi-
date on whom all could cordially unite. It is not often
that such a result is achieved in this way ; but on this occa-
sion the plan actually proved successful. Next day Dr.
Mayburry, as chairman of the committee, nominated the
Eev. E. V. Gerhart,! of Tiffin, Ohio. Dr. Gerhart had
not the most remote idea that he would even be nominated,
and the notice of his election came to him as a great sur-
prise. He had, however, been very successful in building
up the institutions at Tiffin, and it was this fact that sug-
gested his call to Lancaster. He was at this time thirty-
seven years old, and in the full possession of health and
strength. In physical as well as mental vigor he was gifted
beyond most of his contemporaries, and all his powers
were needed in the great work to which he had been called.
The following is a copy of his letter of acceptance :
"Tiffin, 0., Sept. 30, 1854.
"To Eev. S. Bowman, D.D., and Rev. N". A. Keyes, Reg.
Sec. op the Board of Trustees of Franklin and
Marshall College:
"Dear Sirs: Perhaps I have kept the Board of Trustees
in suspense somewhat longer than it anticipated. This has
not been done designedly. My only apology for the delay
' Emanuel Vogel Gerhart, D.D., LL.D., was born at Freeburg, Pa.,
June 13, 1817. Graduated at Marshall College, 1838. Ordained
1842. Pastor at Gettysburg, Pa., 1843-49. Missionary in Cincinnati,
Ohio. President of Heidelberg College, Tiffin, O., and Professor in
Theological Seminary, 1851-55; president of P. and M. College,
1855-66; subsequently Professor of Systematic and Practical Theol-
ogy at Mercersburg and Lancaster. Author of " Philosophy and
Logic," " Institutes of the Christian Religion," etc.
DR. GERHART'S ACCEPTANCE. 271
of my final reply is, that my appointment to the Presi-
dency of the Faculty and the Professorship of Moral and
Intellectual Philosophy which you have communicated to
me under date of July 27'th, involved some difficult ques-
tions of duty that I could not solve to my satisfaction in
the course of a few weeks. I have taken time for careful
investigation and inquiry into all the facts that should in-
fluence my mind, and for serious and prayerful consideration
of the subject in all its bearings upon that branch of the
Protestant church of which I am a member and a minister,
in order that my decision may have the full approval of my
judgment and conscience.
"I now accept the appointment which you have tendered
me in behalf of the Board of Trustees of Franklin and
Marshall College.
"As I am at present holding the office of Professor of
Theology in the Theological Seminary at Tiffin, 0., I must
comply with an article of the Constitution of the German
Reformed Church which requires, that 'when a Professor
wishes to resign his office he shall give notice thereof to the
President of the Board of Trustees six months previous to
his resignation.' Under date of the 27th inst., I sent my
resignation to the President of the Synod of Ohio, to take
effect on the first day of April, 1855, when, God willing,
I intend to remove to Lancaster and enter upon the duties
of my office.
"The trust which, in accordance with the unanimous voice
of your Board, I have consented to assume, I feel to be
solemn and difficult. In view of the direct relation of the
College to Education, Science, and Religion in the Keystone
State, especially among the Germans and their descendants
who constitute a very large and influential proportion of
the population; and in view of its intimate connection with
the Church that will give to the Institution its exclusive
patronage, in order to provide its candidates for the ministry
272 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGK.
with the requisite preparatory training and instruction; I
can not but be impressed with the fact that its mission is
broad and momentous, involving vital interests of both
Church and State. To preside in your Institution, under
these circumstances, imposes a responsibility that I do not
undertake without hesitation. All I can do is to unite my
energies with those of the members of the Faculty already
on the ground, in a vigorous and persevering effort to have
it fulfil its mission. Whatever ability I may possess will
be steadily and untiringly devoted to this end. Having
decided to labor in the service of Franklin and Marshall
College, I shall do it with all my heart.
"The chief reliance of the Faculty for efficient aid must
be upon the sympathy, wisdom and activity of the B9ard
of Trustees. My knowledge of its members, not residing
in the city and county of Lancaster, as well as the favorable
personal acquaintance I formed, during my recent visit, with
those who are citizens and will always be in close contact
with the College, affords me a guarantee that the necessary
assistance and support will always be extended. The belief
of this fact has had no little influence on my mind in com-
ing to a final decision. In the confidence that the Faculty
will receive all the aid and co-operation from the Board that
an enterprising spirit and comprehensive views of education
dictate; and looking at the present and prospective re-
sources as well as at all the relations of the Institution; I
indulge in the hope that, honorable as its past history is, it
will become more eminent still for thorough training and
Christian science, and that, therefore, my time and strength
will not only advance sound learning, but contribute also
directly to the promotion of true religion. Without these
hopes I could not give up the sphere of a pastor nor resign
the office I hold in a Theological Seminary.
FAVOKABLE CONDITIONS. 273
"Hoping that a bright future awaits the College with
which in the Providence of God I am to be identified,
"I remain, with much respect,
"Your ob't serv't,
"E. V. Gekhabt."
It was a favorable circmnstance that during the long
interregnum the members of the Faculty were without
exception men of ability and character. Though students
were occasionally disobedient, then as now, it never oc-
curred to them to doubt the learning of their preceptors.
The personal relations of professors and students were
intimate and cordial. It thus became possible to bridge
a threatening chasm, and to prepare the way that led to
solid ground.
p«.»™n,„„.
CHAPTER XXII.
GROUNDS AND BUILDINGS.
Grounds and Buildings — Peepabatoet Departments — Choosing a
Site — Plan of College Building — ^Haden Patrick Smith —
Laying of Corner-stone and Dedication — Society
Halls — ^Additional Buildings.
The archives of Franklin and Marshall College during
its earliest years are in great part composed of legal docu-
ments, which though important in their day are not now
particularly interesting. For our present purpose it may
be enough to say that the real estate of Marshall College,
situated in Mercersburg, was transferred to Franklin and
Marshall on the 15th of June, 1853. The deed by which
the property of Franklin College was similarly transferred
is dated on the 28th day of the same month. The former
deed was signed by John W. Nevin and the latter by Jamea
Buchanan. The Mercersburg property was offered by the
Board to citizens of Mercersburg at a nominal price, to be
used for educational purposes; but as they refused to
accept the offer, it was finally sold to certain individuals of
the same place for $6,000. The Board was not unwilling
to sell, and it is pleasant to know that the purchasers suf-
fered no loss.
Franklin College was occupied until the new building
of Franklin and Marshall was almost completed, and was
then sold at public auction in December, 1855. The build-
ing is still standing, but has been divided into four resi-
dences. Several houses have since been built on ground
which was then unoccupied.
274
\j0^.^\y\^
THE LOCATION. 275
A remnant of the college lands in Bradford county was
sold soon afterwards, and the records contain no further
references to these ancient " benefactions of the state."
An academy was founded in Lancaster in 1853, under
the direction of the Board of Trustees, by the Reverend
Joshua H. Derr. A building was rented on East King
street, but the number of students was small. In two years
the school passed into the hands of Messrs. J. J. Naille and
C. Beecher Wolff. In the meantime, however, a Prepar-
atory Department was successfully maintained in Mercers-
burg by Clement Z. Weiser and Samuel Gr. Wagner.
That a new College Building was to be erected was fully
understood at the time of the union of the colleges. It was,
we remember, for this purpose that the sum of $25,000
had been contributed by the citizens of Lancaster. There
was, however, considerable difficulty in determining upon
a site, for there were many persons in and near Lancaster
who had land to sell. A tract at the western end of Orange
street was strongly urged, and there were some who favored
a location at the eastern end of the city.-' One day the
members of the Board took carriages, and visited all the
sites that had been proposed. On their return it was
found that they had become imanimous. There was, in-
deed, no location in Lancaster or its vicinity that could
well be compared with the one which was finally chosen.
It is the highest ground in Lancaster or its vicinity, but
rises so gradually that the ascent is barely perceptible.
" Thank God !" said Dr. Harbaugh, at the laying of the
corner-stone, " the college stands higher than the jail. Edu-
'When this site was proposed President Buchanan said: "I do
not think the best location for a literary institution is between the
court-house and the jail."
276 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
cation must be lifted up and let crime sink to the lowest
depths."
There were, of course, people who objected to the choice
of the Board. What is now the campus, it must be remem-
bered, was then composed of fields which were but slightly
cultivated. The place had a peculiarly desolate appear-
ance, and it was boldly asserted that trees would never grow
upon that barren hill. It was not imtil 1855 that College
Avenue was opened from the Harrisburg turnpike to Bach-
man's Lane.
The campus of the college includes about twenty-two
acres. Ten acres, on which the main building stands, were
bought of Jacob Griel for $2,500. The rest was purchased
in several tracts of Hartman Kuhn and Henry Becket, of
Philadelphia.
The plan for the new building which was finally adopted
was prepared by Dixon, Balbimie and Dixon, architects,
of Baltimore. The Building Committee, appointed by the
Board, was composed as follows: Professor Thomas C.
Porter, Christopher Hager, Joseph Konigmacher, the Hon-
orable Heiiry G. Long, Robert McClure, and Jacob M.
Long.
On the 31st of August, 1853, the Building Committee
was authorized to enter into a contract for the erection of
the College. At this point appears the contractor, Haden
Patrick Smith, who was for several years an important per-
sonage, and who certainly made things exceedingly lively.
We regret our inability to furnish a biographical sketch
of Mr. Smith, but he was indisputably an Irishman. He
aimed to be regarded as " a gentleman of the old school,"
and was probably the last person in Lancaster to appear
habitually in what is generally known as Continental cos-
THE CONTRACTOR. 277
tume. He was always carefully dressed, but his antiquated
garments, and especially the " silver buckles on his knee,"
gave him an appearance which to the students, at least, was
somewhat amusing.
According to the contract the College Building was to
have been erected at a cost of eighteen thousand and
twenty dollars; but it soon became evident that, on ac-
count of the rapid increase in the price of materials, it
would actually cost considerably more. Mr. Smith claimed
that the increase in the cost of materials amounted to be-
tween three and four thousand dollars, and insisted that, as
a matter of equity, this sum should immediately be as-
sumed by the Board. As the Building Committee mani-
fested no disposition to display such extraordinary gener-
osity, there was disagreement from the beginning. The
contractor was of a fiery disposition and his conflicts with
the chairman of the Building Committee were fierce and
frequent.
The plan was changed in some respects, and this led to
some confusion and to ultimate payments for extra work.
The wings of the building were each extended ten feet;
but, on the other hand, it was determined not to place a
clock in the tower, as had originally been intended. It
had been proposed to have a basement which was to be, in
part at least, devoted to a laboratory, but this part of the
plan was given up. The chapel, as then erected, had not
more than one-half of its present length, an addition having
been made at a subsequent period.
On the 24th of July, 1854 — ^the day preceding Com-
mencement — ^the comer-stone of the College Building was
formally laid. A procession was formed at Franklin Col-
lege, on Lime street, and proceeded to the grounds where
278 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
the building was to be erected. Hon. D. W. Patterson was
chief marshal and many prominent citizens of Lancaster
were in the line. The Eev. Dr. B. 0. Wolff laid the cor-
ner-stone and the principal address was delivered by Dr.
Harbaugh.
To relate the whole story of the building of the college
would demand more space than we could possibly afford.
It was a tangled affair, and several years passed before a
settlement was finally effected. The whole cost of the
Building, as then reported, was $25,136,521/^.
The new College was formally dedicated on the 16th
of May, 1856. On this occasion addresses were delivered
by the Kev. Dr. E. V. Gerhart and Emlen Franklin, Esq.
The literary societies were peculiarly unfortunate with
regard to the time and circumstances of the erection of
their new halls. In equity they ought to have been com-
pensated for their losses by the removal from Mercersburg,
but unfortunately the Board was not in a position to aid
them to the extent which might have been desired. In
response to their urgent appeals, the Board on August 31,
1853, resolved to renounce all claims for money advanced
in Mercersburg ; to give each society the sum of one thou-
sand dollars, and to lend to each the sum of one thousand
dollars for three years without interest. Now it was true
that the Board had, in Mercersburg, advanced to each
society about sixteen hundred dollars, which had never
been repaid, but the fact had almost been forgotten, and
the revival of the claim — even in this form — *ame to the
societies as a great surprise. It was estimated by the
Board that the actual loss to each society by the removal
would in this way be reduced to about three thousand
dollars.
SOCIETY HALLS. 279
It speaks well for the energy and enthusiasm of the
literary societies that they were willing, under the circum-
stances, to undertake what was to them the gigantic task of
erecting new halls. They were few in number, and many
of the members were as poor as can well be imagined ; but
there was no hesitation. The corner-stones of the proposed
halls were laid July 20, 1856. The students were willing
to make all possible sacrifices, and there were not a few
who actually suffered in order to be able to pay their sub-
scriptions. One said, " I will stop smoking " ; another de-
clared his willingness to do without a new overcoat; but
of them all, we believe, there was not one who refused to
do his part. During vacation the students " begged " for
the new halls, and succeeded in collecting a good deal of
money. But the object was not one which readily com-
mended itself to the sympathies of those whom they ad-
dressed. If they had collected for the college itself the
responses might have been more liberal; but the people
could not understand the purpose of the societies, and
their contributions were, therefore, reluctant and small.
After the societies had each collected about $5,000 they
were compelled to confess that they had reached the limit
of their ability. The expense of building was found to
be much greater than it had been in Mercersburg ; and be-
fore the buildings were completed a debt had accumulated
which it seemed impossible to pay. The contractors were
clamoring for their money, and even threatened legal proc-
ess. It was a dark and dreary time ; and the societies and
their friends could discover no means of relief. Even the
Board of Trustees could not help them, without decreasing
the endowment, and with this they were bound by solemn
agreement not to interfere. It was then that Dr. Gerhart
280 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
came to the relief of the distressed societies. Though in
no way required to undertake the task, he voluntarily
assumed the burden of collecting the money necessary to
pay the debt that rested upon the Halls. That he actually
secured between four and five thousand dollars was not the
least of the achievements of his active energetic life.
During his absence his place in the College was supplied
by Dr. J. W. Nevin, who had in the meantime taken up
his residence in the neighborhood of Lancaster. In 1859
both of these gentlemen were formally thanked by the
Board of Trustees for their services in behalf of the liter-
ary societies.
The Goethean Society dedicated its hall on the 28th of
July, 1857, and the address was delivered by Dr. Lewis H.
Steiner, Professor of Chemistry in the Maryland College
of Pharmacy. On the following day, July 29, similar
exercises were held by the Diagnothian Society, and the
address was delivered by the Kev. George B. Kussell.^ The
latter orator based his discourse on the motto of the society,
and announced his theme as " The Principle of Virtue and
the Virtue of Principle."
In 1855 Dr. Harbaugh proposed the erection of a large
boarding-house, to the known as " Marshall Hall." Its
main purpose, as originally suggested, was to accommodate
students for the ministry. Plans were secured and a
lithograph of the proposed building was published; but
financial difficulties prevented its immediate erection. The
project was subsequently revived, as we shall see hereafter,
and was named " Harbaugh Hall." Though the latter
structure no longer stands, it holds a place in the memory
of many alumni.
"These dates are taken from the title-pages of the addresses,
as published by the societies in pamphlet form.
THE TOWER. 281
The buildings enumerated in this chapter — including
the Janitor's house, the erection of which was ordered in
1856 — constitute the original group, to which others were
added as circumstances demanded. Though some of the
latter are more beautiful and convenient, the old College,
with its lofty tower, still overlooks them all.
CHAPTEK XXIII.
PROFESSOR KOEPPEN.
SCHOLAB AND HISTORIAN — EaBLY LIFE — FBOFESSOB IN GbEECE — ^RE-
MOVAL TO Ameeica — ^An Impressive Lectubeb — Personal
Eccentricities — ^Liteeaey Work — ^Leaves Lancaster
— Returns to Greece — Tutor to the Crown
Prince — Last Days.
As has already been stated, Professor Koeppen was, in
1853, elected professor of History and Modem Languages.
Through trials and troubles innumerable he held this posi-
tion for eight years — constantly worried by students who
loved him in their own peculiar way — and finally leaving
Lancaster amid an unexpected chorus of regret. That he
was a remarkable man is indicated by the quaint sayings
and amusing anecdotes which gather about his name.
Many of the stories which are now related are probably
apocryphal; but those which are undoubtedly authentic
represent him as one of the most peculiar persons that ever
occupied the chair of a professor in an American college.
The learning of Professor Koeppen has never been
doubted; but it may not be generally known that in his
special department he ranked among the foremost men
of his time. While he was connected with Franklin and
Marshall College he published a work in two volumes,
282
EAKLY LIFE. 283
entitled " The World in the Middle Ages," which is still
valuable. It is not properly a history ; but rather an his-
torical geography, giving a full account of the political
changes which occurred during the mediseval period. Con-
cerning this work Dr. Charles Kendall Adams says:^
" The author has made ample use of the best geographical
authorities, and has brought together a vast amount of
minute information on subjects that are often very obscure.
. . . The book will be found too dry for the general
reader; but for a student in want of geographical details
it has great value." That a man who could perform such
honorable work deserves to be remembered in an institution
for which he labored will be readily acknowledged, and we
shall, therefore, give at some length the biographical facts
which have come to our knowledge.
Adolphus Louis Koeppen was bom in the city of Copen-
hagen, Denmark, February 14, 1804. His father was a
merchant, but several of his ancestors had been engaged in
literary pursuits. He had an only sister to whom he was
sincerely attached, and who, like himself, remained un-
married.
The schools of Copenhagen have always been celebrated,
and the university is an institution of the highest rank. At
the time when Koeppen was a student the latter insti-
tution was however in a somewhat depressed condition.
The buildings had been destroyed during the British bom-
bardment, and the university occupied temporary quarters
which the professor described as very uncomfortable.
" Lectures," he said, " were delivered all over town." In
the meantime, however, the funds were increasing, and
the university was finally enabled to erect a suitable build-
ing.
'"Manual of Historical Literature," p. 155.
284 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
Professor Koeppen's father had destined him for a mili-
tary career, but he did not take kindly to mathematics,
which were considered essential to success. As a classical
scholar he took high rank, and acquired modern languages
without apparent effort. From the first he studied history
with intense delight, and according to the manner of the
times he exercised his marvellous memory in committing
its minute details.
It was in the days of the Greek revolution and every
student was full of enthusiasm for awakened Hellas.
Prince Otho, of Bavaria, was made King of Greece ; and
two years after his accession Koeppen followed him.
Travelling by easy stages — generally on foot and studying
antiquities by the way — ^he finally reached Athens. At
first he was greatly disappointed, because he could not
make the people understand his ancient Greek. It took
him six nionths to acquire the modern forms of speech, but
then, as he said, it all came at once.
In 1834 King Otho invited Koeppen to occupy the pro-
fessorship of history, archa3ology and modem languages in
the Royal College of the Euelpides, which was then situ-
ated on the Island of ^gina.* It was a position that ex-
actly suited him. Near at hand were the remains of the
temple of Zeus Panhellenicus, where, a few years earlier,
had been discovered the magnificent antique statues which
were repaired by Thorwaldsen and are now in Munich.
Hardly a day passed without the discovery of some interest-
ing relic of antiquity, and the professor was very happy.
When the college was removed to Athens, and called a
university, he continued to fill his chair with great accept-
' See Koeppen's article on " The Island of .^gina," in the Mer-
cersburg Review.
ORIENTAL JOURNEYS. 285
ance. In vacation he took long pedestrian journeys and
made many archaeological discoveries. He is said to have
been the first among modem geographers to trace the third
of the long walls of Athens, known as the Phaleric walL
It is also asserted that he was the first to direct attention
to the " imperceptible curves " which are peculiarly char-
acteristic of Greek architecture. When he started on his
long pedestrian journeys he carried with him a bag of
dried biscuit and onions which were sometimes for weeks
his only food, except the figs which he gathered on the
way. At night he could find a resting-place under any
tree, for he was never affected by malaria. The country
was full of brigands, but he did not fear them. Like
Schliemann, at a later date, he disarmed them by reciting
passages from Homer, or by eloquently addressing them on
the ancient glories of Greece.
After nine years there was a revolt against the German
system of government in Greece, and all foreigners were
required to leave the country. Koeppen parted from his
Greek friends with sincere regret, but as he was a foreigner
he had to go with the rest
He then took a long journey through oriental countries,
where, he said, every moment was a delight. How long he
remained in the Orient we do not certainly know; but it
was long enough to become somewhat familiar with the
languages and social life of the people.
Eeturning to Denmark he spent three years in his native
country. In the autumn of 1846 he came to America and
spent the succeeding years in delivering lectures on his-
tory to literary institutions and learned societies. In this
way he addressed the Historical Society of Pennsylvania,
the Lowell Institute in Boston, the Smithsonian Institu-
286 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
tion, the University of Virginia, and other similar bodies.
Though he was grammatically familiar with the English
language and spoke it fluently, his pronunciation was de-
fective, and this fact must have interfered with his success
as a lecturer. In 1852 he addressed a lyceum in Lancaster,
and made the acquaintance of Dr. Bowman, who subse-
quently secured his election to a professorship in Franklin
and Marshall College. Weary of wandering he accepted
the call, though the circumstances of the institution were
far from encouraging.
In foreign universities Koeppen was no doubt a success-
ful lecturer, but he was utterly unable to adapt himself
to new conditions. His learning was, of course, more than
adequate, but like many other eminent men he could not
bear to spend his time in teaching rudiments. " Is this a
college," he would exclaim, " two colleges in one — or is it
only a grammar school ?" As a lecturer he was impressive
and at times eloquent, but his eccentricities prevented him
from receiving the appreciation which he deserved. His
descriptions of scenery must be characterized as magnifi-
cent, and his early military training enabled him to depict
battles with great accuracy. He seemed to imagine him-
self in the thick of the battle, and sometimes he jumped
on a chair and hurrahed when the field was won.
Though the professor's historical memory was mar-
vellous he often failed to remember the most ordinary
affairs of daily life. He was frequently unable to recall
the names of the several classes — such as Freshman and
Sophomore — and sometimes prefaced a lecture by inquir-
ing: "Is this the Freshamore class?" This naturally
caused amusement, and as the professor could not compre-
hend its occasion, he became excited, and burst forth in a
AN EARLY RISER. 287
long string of expletives -which were fortunately expressed
in foreign tongues. He could never be induced to keep a
roll, and rarely called a student by his proper name. In
his efforts to remember surnames he seems to have tried
some system of association, which failed him at the critical
moment. If a student's name had been " Lamb," he would
probably have called him " Mr. Sheep " ; or if it had been
" Hare," he might have insisted on naming him " Mr.
Eabbit." That he called Mr. Orr, " Mr. Gold," was prob-
ably due to the fact that in his mind Orr, which he pro-
nounced " Ore," was suggestive of " gold ore " ; but why
he always insisted on calling Mr. Balsbaugh, " Mr. Good-
rich " we have never been able to determine.
In stature Professor Koeppen was rather short, but mus-
cular and vigorous. He had a small head, partly bald, and
wore a large moustache, which was then a very unusual
ornament. His general bearing was military, and in con-
versation he was genial and courteous. Nothing afforded
him so much pleasure as to be visited by students, and it
was certainly a rich treat to spend an hour in his society.
His dress was scrupulously neat, though its fashion seemed
strange and foreign. It was said that he not only dressed
for dinner, but for lunch too. His wardrobe must have
been very extensive, for with every day he seemed to pre-
sent surprises, especially in the matter of waistcoats and
cravats. In the evening he was fond of wearing an
Arabian costume, and occasionally he took a walk arrayed
in this peculiar manner. Of course, on such occasions he
was followed by a crowd of little boys, and once he is said
to have been arrested as a suspicious character.
Professor Koeppen was an early riser, and took long
walks in all kinds of weather. Once, when he came to col-
288 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
lege at eleven o'clock, some one inquired : " Professor, have
you been taking a walk this morning ?" " O, a little walk,"
he replied, " to Ephrata and return." Ephrata is at least
thirteen miles from Lancaster. Sometimes his jaunts were
much longer. In company with a student he took a walk
from Lancaster to the Catskill Mountains. On their way
they visited the present writer, who accompanied them for
a few miles. The professor had a peculiar swinging gait,
and it was difficult to keep up with him. He seemed per-
fectly happy, singing college songs and shouting for joy.
Walking he regarded as a panacea for all kinds of ills.
" When I feel unwell," he often said, " I take a long walk,
and that drives out the evil one." In a letter written from
Germany in 1862, he says: " I have been hors du combat,
at least for active war, all summer, on account of that
thrice-horrible vertigo, which made me stagger and reel on
the street, brought me into danger on the staircase, and
made me flee even the very innocent sun of cold and rainy
Saxony. At last, in my despair, I resolved to run it away ;
and since you, dear pedestrian companion, were beyond the
Atlantic, I chose for my chum a fine young Greek gentle-
man, Prince Michael Sturtza, a boarder at. the pension
where I dwell. We made a quick march to the valley of
Tarandt, fifteen English miles from Dresden, and back
the same evening, without dinner or refreshment. I re-
tired almost sinking (having kept the strictest diet for a
month), and instead of sweet sleep in the arms of
Morpheus, I had violent fever all night long. Very angry
at this I next day accepted an invitation to the American
Kev. Dr. Lowman, an excellent preacher who was just leav-
ing for Denmark. Mr. Magraw and myself found there a
very charming company of young ladies from New York
PERSONAL PECULIARITIES. 289
and Boston and some German barons and heroes who were
whipt in Denmark in 1848. I spoke there some five or six
languages, all was excitement, my fever helped me won-
derfully and I again helped my fever by drinking some
glasses of strong punch; this proved a most excellent
remedy — it forced Mephistopheles to show his cloven foot.
Think of my astonishment when next day, fever, vertigo —
all gone, but my neck, shoulders and left arm covered with
erysipelas. I kept in my room, then took a hot bath, and all
was gone like a dream. So I am myself again; my
paroxysm lasted from Jime 5, on the Acropolis, to middle
of August, Dresden. Now I would challenge you to a trip
into Bohemia and the Ertzgebirge (Brass mountains), if
you are not mustering for the James river or Shenandoah."
That the students in Lancaster were personally attached
to Professor Koeppen has already been intimated; but
there were times when the temptation to worry him proved
irresistible. Of discipline he had not the remotest idea.
Sometimes he got along pretty well for a good while with-
out it, but suddenly there was an outbreak of disorder
which disturbed the whole institution.
Professor Koeppen's religious views appear to have been
somewhat vague, and were indicated rather by shrugging
his shoulders than by actual speech. He said : " I am a
Lutheran, but I believe what I please." In Lancaster he
generally attended St. James' Episcopal church, where he
attracted attention by holding his hat before his face for a
few moments before taking his seat This is a European
mode of offering silent prayer and he never laid it aside.
One Sunday he did not go to church, but spent the morn-
ing in completing the manuscript of his history. As soon
as the work was finished he ran to the church and, entering
290 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
the vestry room, immediately after the congregation had
been dismissed, exclaimed : " Rejoice with me, Dr. Bow-
man ! My book is done ! My book is done ! See, the ink is
on my fingers yet. Eejoice ! Eejoice !" It never occurred
to the old historian that there was any impropriety in
rejoicing at such a time and place.
For people who pretend to be more pious than others he
professed great contempt, and for some now forgotten
reason called them " camels and dromedaries." It was his
constant grievance that in America " camels and drome-
daries " are more likely to be respected than men of
science. That he took pleasure in ridiculing " white
chokers " was not calculated to render him popular with
those who wore them. Once the Board of Trustees warned
him to put religion into his teaching. Por some time
afterwards he occasionally stopped in a lecture and said:
" The Board of Trustees wants religion in my lectures.
Here is a good place to put in a little. Consider it put !"
Koeppen was a historian of a school that laid stress on
particulars, without taking sufficient account of underlying
principles. Of the true meaning of history as the develop-
ment of the life of G«d in the world he evidently had not
the slightest conception. When he received a warning on
the subject he inquired in utter astonishment : " What
has God to do with history V In its own way his teaching
was, however, not without effect. His enthusiasm was con-
tagious, and his magnificent descriptions of historic scenes
stimulated the imagination. He had a proper conception
of oije of the purposes of history when he said : " I want
you to be able to see absent things as if they were present."
Many of his pupils acquired a fondness for historic reading
which they retained during all subsequent years.
THE PINAL EVENT. 291
Professor Koeppen's recitations became more and more
disorderly. For their conduct the students were no doubt
greatly to be blamed ; but the eccentricities of the professor
furnished innumerable provocations. It was said that he
had " spells," during which he was believed to be irrespon-
sible. To tell the story of his peculiar " capers " would
more than fill a volume.
It was evident that such a state of affairs could not be
permanent. The Board was, however, unwilling to take
radical measures, and it was hoped that he could be in-
duced to resign. In 1858 a resolution was actually
adopted which directed the secretary to inform the pro-
fessor that " on account of its financial embarrassments "
it would be necessary to dispense with his services ; but on
the following day this action was reconsidered, and it was
resolved to reduce his salary to five hundred dollars. The
professor was not, however, disposed to take such hints.
If the board was embarrassed, he said, he was willing to
make all possible sacrifices. He was not teaching for
money, and he thought five hundred dollars would support
him comfortably. Affairs grew worse, and in 1861 the
Board resolved to dispense with his services. Then the
sympathy of the students was excited, and there was much
dissatisfaction. At the Commencement, on the following
day, the Valedictorian ventured to reflect on the Board
for removing a favorite professor. The President of the
College immediately directed him to take his seat; and as
he declined to do so the band was directed to play. Some
members of the graduating class became greatly excited
and there was much confusion. The valedictory was sub-
sequently delivered from the balcony of an adjoining build-
ing, but the exercises of Commencement were brought to a
292 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
violent conclusion. The valedictorian and another mem-
ber of the class were refused their diplomas ; but they sub-
sequently confessed their errors and a reconciliation was
finally effected.
Professor Koeppen left Lancaster almost immediately
after these events, and sailed for Europe in the following
September. He traveled extensively, spending some time
in Greece, Italy and Spain. In the letter from which we
have already quoted he declares himself perfectly happy.
" In the morning," he says, " I take a long run, and in the
evening I study my beloved Greek worthies. Since I left
New York last September I have read the entire Iliad and
Odyssee (for the third time) with commentary, most of
the comedies of Aristophanes both in ancient and modem
Greek, Thucydides, Aeschylus entirely, and parts of
Sophocles and Euripides. O, how far more interesting are
they when read in Greece, under the deep, blue sky, and
on the phosphoric waves of the Mediterranean!"
Before completing his wanderings the professor revisited
America, and paid a prolonged visit to his friends in Lan-
caster. Then he returned to Greece and the King made
him tutor to the Crown Prince. He became very popular,
and though few of the people remembered his name, he
was known throughout the country as " Ho Didaskalos."
As his royal pupil was very young his duties as tutor were
not very onerous, and he spent much time in examining
the newspapers of other countries and translating such
articles as he thought the King would find interesting. As
a member of the royal suite, he was required to attend the
King on his morning rides ; and on one of these occasions
occurred the accident which ultimately caused his death.
Etiquette demanded that the King should mount first, and
LAST DAYS. 293
that the members of his court should follow immediately.
Failing to leap to the saddle at the proper moment,
Koeppen's foot caught in the stirrup and he was dragged
some distance. On his partial recovery he solicited an
audience with the King and said: " Your Majesty, I am
an old man and cannot mount my horse as quickly as the
younger officers of your court." Then he received the
privilege of mounting before the rest of the suite, so that
he might be ready when the King appeared. He was not
able to make much use of this privilege, as it was found
that his injuries were more serious than was at first sup-
posed. In the hope of recovering his health he once more
started on his travels; but growing weaker returned to
Athens, where he died April 14, 1873.
With all his peculiarities Professor Koeppen was a man
of sterling integrity, and as such was universally respected.
He was a delightful companion and a faithful friend. In
many houses he was a welcome guest, and his old-fashioned
courtesy was highly appreciated. His failure in the class-
room was chiefly due to the peculiarities of his tempera-
ment ; but he was personally so agreeable — so generous and
kind — ^that he has been long and affectionately remem-
bered.
CHAPTER XXIV.
KALEVALA AND HIAWATHA.
An Eminent Professob — Cleegyman, Botanist and Litekaet
Cbitic — ^An Amebican Epic — Inteeesting Lectubes —
Tbanslations — Latee Yeaes.
Dr. Thomas C. Porter, who had accompanied the College
on its removal from Mercershurg, continued to occupy the
chair of Natural Sciences until 1866. That he was a dis-
tinguished botanist is well known; but it is possible that
his literary ability may not be so generally appreciated.
His skill as a translator of prose and poetry was, however.
7fu/tCiJcnrU^
remarkable, and his familiarity with the niceties of lan-
guage quite unusual. In several languages his reading was
extensive, and there can be no doubt that he was a man
of the highest culture.
As has already been mentioned^ Dr. Porter was born at
Alexandria, in Huntington county, and was, as he him-
self said, " a German Scotch-Irishman." His father was
a Presbyterian elder, and his mother was a granddaughter
of John Conrad Bucher,* an early German Reformed
» " History of Marshall College," p. 197.
'John Conrad Bucher was born at Schaffhausen, Switzerland,
June 10, 1730 and died at Lebanon, Pa., August 13, 1780. He was
educated for the ministry; but for some now forgotten reason en-
listed in the army of Holland, and was subsequently transferred to
the British service. Having come to America he rose to the rank of
captain and distinguished himself in several battles with the Indians.
294
AN INTERESTING TEACHER. 295
minister. Though he was proud of his paternal descent
he was always most closely attached to his mother's people.
After graduating at Lafayette, he served for some time as
pastor of a Presbyterian church in Georgia, hut returned
to Pennsylvania to take charge of a new Reformed church
in Reading. Even at this time his fondness for natural
history was well known, and on the resigaation of Dr.
Traill Green he was called to a professorship in Mercers-
burg. He was a fine preacher, but was more familiar with
science than any other minister of the Reformed church,
and it was recognized as his duty to accept the call.
In Lancaster Dr. Porter served the college in many
ways. He was the chairman of the building committee
and, it has been said, " fought the battles of the college."
As a teacher of science — and particularly botany — ^he was
always interesting; and when he started out on long
botanical excursions the students followed him gladly. It
was said that no one since the days of Muhlenberg had
made himself so thoroughly familiar with the flora of Lan-
caster county. An annual excursion to Safe Harbor with
the Sophomore class, at the season when Nymphcea and
Pontederia were in bloom, was an occasion long to be re-
membered. At such times the professor laid aside the
dignity of the class-room and there was plenty of fun.
Even in those days Dr. Porter was hard at work on his
Flora of Pennsylvania, and many more or less apocryphal
stories were related concerning his enthusiasm in the col-
lection of specimens. Once late in autumn, it was said, he
swam across a stream to secure a rare plant while his corn-
Deeply impressed by the religious necessities of the German people
he resigned from the army and was ordained a minister. He
founded the Reformed church at Carlisle, and was pastor at Lebanon
and other places, serving also as a chaplain in the Revolution.
296 FEANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
panions stood shivering on the bank. On another occasion,
somewhere in the West, he lost his way in the woods and
subsisted for some days on roots and fungi. Such stories
may have been mere inventions, but it is certain that Dr.
Porter was a hard worker, and that besides collecting a
large herbarium he performed a great deal of excellent
literary work. He published a prose version of GJoethe'a
"Hermann und Dorothea," a translation of Schaff's
" Life of St. Augustine," and a " Life of Zwingli," after
the German of Hottinger.
It has been said that Dr. Porter and Professor Koeppen
could not agree ; but this we think is an exaggeration. It
is true that Koeppen could at times be sufficiently pro-
voking ; as, for instance, when he reproved a class in Dr.
Porter's presence for " wasting their time in the childish
pursuit of collecting flowers, when they might be occupied
in studying the affairs of nations." Dr. Porter, however,
was not vindictive, and the professors were generally very
good friends.
As a literary critic Dr. Porter was keen and sometimes
cutting. He could be exceedingly sarcastic, and his criti-
cisms were not always gratefully received. In a poetic
composition no one was more capable of supplying the
missing word. The author has elsewhere related^ an inci-
dent which may serve as an illustration of his peculiar
methods. Dr. Harbaugh had, in 1857, published in The
Guardian a poem entitled " The Mystic Weaver," in
which the processes of history are profoundly represented
by the beautiful analogy of the weaver's work. In its
earliest issue the poem begins :
' " Eulogy on Thomas Conrad Porter," Proceedings of Pennsyl-
vania-German Society, 1901.
LITERARY CRITICISM. 297
" Weaver at hia loom is sitting,
Throws the shuttle to and fro."
When Dr. Porter read these lines in Dr. Harbaugh's
study, he assumed stupidity and inquired: "Weaver at
his loom is sitting — ^is that Jim Weaver or Bill Weaver ?"
Of course, Dr. Harbaugh was indignant, and under pro-
test explained the purpose of his lines. " O," said Dr.
Porter, " if that is your meaning, would it not be better,
instead of
' Weaver at his loom is sitting,'
to write
At his loom the weaver, sitting,
Throws his shuttle to and fro!"
Dr. Harbaugh took the hint, and it is thus that the poem
appears in his published volume.
In 1855 Longfellow published his " Hiawatha." The
poem was everywhere received with the most extravagant
praise. It was supposed to be original in substance, form
and meter, and was declared to be " the long expected
American epic." Hiawatha became a " craze " and many
imitations were published.
One day Dr. Porter was examining Professor Koeppen's
library, and there he found a recent German version of the
" Kalevala," the national epic of Finland. He became
interested, and was greatly surprised to find that not only
the meter but many of the incidents of " Hiawatha " were
unquestionably derived from the ancient Finnish poem.
The poem of Hiawatha was splendid, but it lacked the
originality which is essential to the highest order of liter-
ary composition. It was not a plagiarism, but in many
important respects it was unquestionably an imitation.
In meter, form, and the use of similar incidents the resem-
blance was too close to be accidental.
298 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
Dr. Porter imported the original poem from Finland
and devoted much time to its study. In the work of trans-
lation he was assisted by Professor Koeppen and by Pro-
fessor Castren, a native of Finland who was then visiting
Lancaster. The latter was, we believe, a near relative of
the gentleman who first translated " Kalevala " into the
Swedish language.
The English versions of passages from the " Kalevala,"
published by Dr. Porter in the Mercersburg Review
for October, 1856, are excellent — fully equal to those con-
tained in the translation of the whole poem which has
since been published.^
To enable the reader to observe the resemblance of the
two compositions, especially in style and manner of con-
struction, we quote a few lines from each — premising that
hundreds of similar resemblances may be found elsewhere.
The following is an extract from the prelude to
" Kalevala" :
" These the words we have received.
These the songs we do inherit,
Are from Wainamoinen's girdle.
From the forge of Ilmarinen,
Of the sword of Kaukomieli,
Of the bow of Joukahainen,
Of the borders of the North-field,
Of the plains of Kalewala."
" Hiawatha " is thus introduced :
" Should you ask me whence these stories.
Whence these legends and traditions.
With the odors of the forests.
With the dew and damp of wigwams.
With the rushing of great rivers.
With their frequent repetitions,
' " The Kalevala," by John Martin Crawford, two volumes. New
York, 1888.
THE AMERICAN EDDA. 299
And their wild reverberations
As of thunder in the mountains?
I should answer, I should tell you,
From the forests and the prairies.
From the great lakes of the Northland,
From the land of the jib ways.
From the land of the Dacotahs,
From the mountains, moors and fenlands.
Where the heron, the Shuh-shuh-gah,
Feeds among the reeds and rushes:
I repeat them, as I heard them.
From the lips of Nawadaha,
The musician, the sweet singer."
In his articles on this subject^ Dr. Porter did not de-
preciate the talents of our great American poet. Speak-
ing of " Hiawatha " he said : " Its descriptions of nature
are wonderfully accurate, even when subjected to the
severest scrutiny. The language and rhythm are fault-
less — raised to the highest pitch of elegance." But in the
production of his " American edda " the poet had followed
a model and his work was not " the long-expected epic."
Of course, Dr. Porter's articles led to a controversy in the
Boston newspapers, though the poet himself said nothing.
The facts could not, however, successfully be assailed, and
it was generally acknowledged that the critic had " made
his point." To the last Dr. Porter was an enthusiastic
admirer of " Hiawatha," though it was greatly due to his
articles that the poem assumed its proper place in Ameri-
can literature.
Boys are boys all the world over; and though the stu-
dents admired Dr. Porter he could not entirely escape
annoyance. One of them, who was a great mimic, took
down one of the professor's geological lectures in short-
^ National Intelligencer, November 26, 1855, and subsequently in
other periodicals.
300 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
hand, committed it to memory, and delivered it wherever
he could find an opportunity. In it occurred a passage
descriptive of fossil animals which was declaimed with
great unction. Though we cannot vouch for its authen-
ticity, we can at least recall the striking sentence :
"There were the gigantic pterodactyls, flying through the
air, opening their tremendous mouths, and swallowing every-
thing they came across; and the little bits of ferns, which
are now a foot or eighteen inches in height, were then fifty
or sixty feet high, as high as the tallest oak."
A certain class objected greatly to the professor's habit
of extending his recitations beyond the appointed hour;
and when the clock struck twelve they became exceedingly
restless. At such a time the professor reproved them,
and said in his peculiar way : " You seem to be extremely
hungry. Would it not be well to bring your lunch to
college, so that you might lose no time ?" This was enough
for the boys; and next day when they were similarly re-
proved, each one took a lunch-box from his pocket and
began to eat. The professor looked at them for a moment
in mingled wrath and sadness, and then walked out of the
room without saying a word.
When Dr. Porter accepted a call to Lafayette College
there was general regret.^ It may be said, however, that
he continued to cherish the warmest affection for the insti-
tution with which he had been so long and intimately con-
nected and that he was pleased to be its guest on every im-
portant occasion. He continued his literary work, and it
' Dr. Porter preached a farewell sermon to the students of Frank-
lin and Marshall College on the 23d of July, 1866, in the First Re-
formed Church of Lancaster. It was very tender and afifecting
and was highly appreciated by his audience.
HYMNOLOGY. 301
is said that his published work on the subject of botany
alone includes more than fifty titles. In recognition of his
services to botanic science the genera Porterella, in the
Lobeliacese, and Porteranthus in the Eosacese bear his
name, and no less than thirteen species or subspecies have
been named in his honor. He also continued his purely
literary work, taking special pleasure in metrical transla-
tions from the Latin or German. To him translation was
a fine art, and he spared neither time nor toil in repro-
ducing the minutest shades of meaning. His versions of
the Dies Irw and of Luther's "Ein feste Burg" have been
greatly admired. Several of his hymns appear in Schaff's
" Christ in Song," and a considerable number are enumer-
ated in Julian's " Dictionary of Hymnology." His last
published article, so far as we know, appeared in the Re-
formed Church Review for January, 1901. It was an
essay on the English versions of the Dies Irw, and was
marked by all the excellencies which rendered his work
delightful
Dr. Porter was present at the laying of the corner-stone
of our new Science Building, but even then he was growing
feeble. On the 27th of April, 1901, while he was engaged
in writing a letter to a friend, there came a stroke by
which his long and useful life was ended.
Dr. Porter was a man of brilliant talents, and he used
them for the benefit of young men. By the colleges which
he served he should be remembered with sincere respect
and affection-
CHAPTEE XXV.
HARD TIMES.
Political Excitement — ^The Civil Wab — Buildings Occupied as
Hospitals — ^Mb. Buchanan's Betibement from the Pbesi-
DENCY OF the BOABD — ELECTION OP MB. CESSNA — TeM-
POBAET Scholabships — ^Tbbcentenabt Yeab
The Fisheeman — Changes in the
Faculty.
The College was, we think, unfortunate in coming to
Lancaster at a time of great political excitement. As has
already been intimated the prominence of Mr. Buchanan
in the affairs of the institution naturally excited the preju-
dice of his opponents. In 1853 he secured the election to
membership in the Board of the Kev. B. Keenan, a worthy
Koman Catholic clergyman, believing that the College
should represent all classes of the community. For this
election there was a precedent in the fact that as early as
1787 the Beverend Mr. Cousie, pastor of St. Mary's, had
been an active member of the Board of Franklin College.
The later choice may, however, have been less prudent,
for it occurred at the time of the so-called " Know Noth-
ing " movement, which swept over the country like wild-
fire and was characterized by intense opposition to foreign-
ers and Roman Catholics. As soon as the gentleman who
had been elected learned that the affair was likely to cause
trouble he resigned his position ; but this made little dif-
ference. The matter was taken up by political extremists
and there were a number of virulent articles in the papers
of the day.
The Civil War appears not to have affected the College
302
WAR TIMES. 303
as greatly as might have been expected. Again and again
the President reported that the number of students had not
decreased. There were alumni of the College on both sides
of the conflict; and among those who distinguished them-
selves we may mention General B. Frank Fisher, chief
signal officer of the army of the Potomac, and General H.
Kyd Douglas, the intimate friend and secretary of Stone-
wall Jackson. The students, however, for a long time
continued to attend to their duties, unmoved by the excite-
ment of the times. Curious as it may appear, the number
of students gradually increased, and in 1862 twenty-eight
students were graduated. This was a fine showing, con-
sidering the fact that many other institutions were actually
closed. It is an interesting fact that several students from
Virginia made their way across the line, in order that they
might not lose their place in College.
It was not until the government ordered a draft that the
college began to break up. Students preferred to volun-
teer, rather than to wait until an unlucky number should
compel them to take their place in the ranks with strangers.
It is related of a student, who has since become distin-
guished, that he preferred to enter the navy, and was ap-
pointed an ensign. He was ordered to report for service
on a gunboat on the Mississippi. It so happened that on
the day when he reported all the superior officers were
either disabled or temporarily called away, and he was
compelled to take command of the vessel. He was, how-
ever, unwilling to confess his incapacity, and studied the
manual of arms by sections. Having drilled the men for
some time he retired behind a pile of cotton bales and
studied a section, leaving the non-commissioned officers
to examine arms and accoutrements. In this way he got
304 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
through his work, without any one discovering that he was
a " tender-foot." Next day the superior officers were in
their places, and he was relieved from his responsibility.
For two years, in 1863 and 1864, the college was closed
several weeks before the end of the term ; but Commence-
ment was always held at the appointed time. In 1863 —
just before the battle of Gettysburg — ^there was great ex-
citement, and the dismissal of the students became a neces-
sity. Detachments of the Southern army had reached the
Susquehanna and no one could teU how soon they might
enter Lancaster. Long lines of refugees passed through
the city, leading horses which they sought to save from the
invaders. Of course, under such circumstances, study was
impossible, and the students had actually returned to their
homes before the battle of Gettysburg was fought.
After the battle the government seized the buildings of
the College, and the halls of the societies were occupied as
hospitals for the wounded. For several months the halls
were thus occupied, and the buildings were considerably
damaged; but the societies never received any compensa-
tion for their losses. The occupation was, however, chiefly
during the summer vacation; and in the autumn the Col-
lege opened pretty much as usual, though with a reduced
number of students.
After the conclusion of his presidential term Mr.
Buchajian lived at Wheatland in strict retirement. He
continued to take an interest in the affairs of the College ;
and we have seen a letter, written in 1864, in which he
recommended the institution in the warmest terms. In a
community which had been overwhelmingly opposed to his
presidential policy his position was unpleasant; and there
were friends of the College who did not hesitate to suggest
c^^
AN ELECTION. 305
that, on account of his personal unpopularity, he ought
to retire from the presidency of the Board. The fact came
to Mr. Buchanan's knowledge, and at several successive
annual meetings he tendered his resignation; hut at the
request of the Board it was regularly withdraAvn. The
agitation, however, continued, and when, in 1865, he again
asked to he relieved his resignation was, perhaps unex-
pectedly, accepted. The following resolution was then
adopted :
"Resolved, That we receive with regret the renewed re-
quest of the venerable President of this Board to be released
from the position he has so long and acceptably filled since
the foundation of our Institution in its consolidated form;
but as this request has been reiterated for a number of suc-
cessive years, and as advancing age has a claim to release
from such more public duties, we hereby respectfully accept
the resignation of the Hon. James Buchanan with thanks
for his past services, and the hope that he may be long spared
to favor this Board, as one of its members, with his presence,
counsels and sympathy."
On the following day, July 25, 1865, the Board elected
as its president the Honorable John Cessna, of Bedford.
We have no record of Mr. Buchanan's attendance at any
subsequent meetings of the Board. His health rapidly
declined, and he died at Wheatland, June 1, 1868.
That the College was slow in gaining friends is suffi-
ciently evident. Its chief trouble was, however, financial,
and there are probably few persons now living who fully
appreciate the straits to which it was reduced. The en-
dowment was at best utterly insufficient ; but there had also
been unfortunate investments, and some money was lost by
the failure of a local bank. In 1861 the treasurer re-
306 FRANKLIN AND MAKSHALL COLLEGE.
ported that he was unable to collect funds on account of
the state of the country. In that year the College owed
between three and four thousand dollars to five professors,
and the Board agreed to allow interest on unpaid salaries.
In a recent article Dr. Gerhart says :^
"That was an epoch of suspense and doubt. The college
was a stranger in the city and county. It had no standing,
because it had been known chiefly through the men who did
not come. For the same reason it had no hopeful outlook.
For some eight or ten years the faculty had to work against
the tide. Only by the slow process of persevering toil did
Franklin and Marshall gain recognition and win confidence.
No one conversant only with the institutions as they now
crown the West End can form any just conception of the
dark clouds that hung over the faithful men that toiled here
on small salaries fifty years ago."
The responsibility which rested upon Dr. Gerhart was
very great; and we can well believe him when he tells us
in the same connection, that when he accepted the office of
president he did not fully appreciate the consequences of
the step which he was taking. He proved a very successful
teacher; but during most of his time he was occupied in
providing for the financial needs of the institution. From
one congregation to another he traveled, enduring priva-
tions of which at the present time we can hardly form a
proper conception ; for in those days there were few rail-
roads, and in winter the roads were often almost impass-
able. He preached many sermons, and delivered innumer-
able addresses; but though the people heard him gladly
they had not been trained to liberal giving, and the amount
of their gifts sometimes seemed hardly to warrant the labor
'^ Reformed Church Messenger, January 15, 1903.
TEMPORARY SCHOLARSHIPS. 307
and expense that were required for their collection. That
Dr. Gerhart succeeded, under such circumstances, in rais-
ing considerable sums of money is a sufficient proof of his
energy and perseverance. In 1858 five thousand dollars
were collected among the close friends of the college for the
relief of pressing necessities.^ At the same time the Board
ordered the sale of temporary scholarships, by which on
the payment of fifty dollars the holder was entitled to
designate a student for free tuition during the four years
of his college course. More than five hundred temporary
scholarships were sold. A part of this work was per-
sonally performed by Dr. Gerhart; though it was con-
tinued by Mr. John Heilman and other. Mr. Heilman
was peculiarly successful, for he thoroughly knew the
people among whom he labored and found no difficulty in
gaining their confidence. He was for many years one of
the most energetic and active members of the Board of
Trustees.
As has already been intimated Dr. Gerhart collected be-
tween four and five thousand dollars for the relief of the
literary societies. This was, perhaps the most difficult
part of his financial work.
In 1863 — ^which is known as the Tercentenary Year —
there were " streaks of daylight." Mainly at the sug-
gestion and through the influence of the Keverend Dr.
Henry Harbaugh the Keformed Church resolved to cele-
brate the three-hundredth anniversary of the publication
' In 1859 the Faculty proposed to publish a catalogue in the Ger-
man language for circulation in the German counties of Pennsyl-
vania. The manuscript was prepared and one sheet of the proposed
publication was actually printed; but the printer had failed to
present a, proof for correction, and his work was found to be so
miserable that it was finally rejected.
308 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
of the Heidelberg Catechism, its chief doctrinal symbol
The celebration was undertaken with great energy and
enthusiasm, and continued throughout the year. It in-
volved the holding of a Convention in Philadelphia on the
19th of January, 1863 ; the enrollment of all the members
of the Church, and the reception of memorial free-will
offerings from those who desired to present them ; and the
preparation and publication of several important volumes
having special reference to the celebration.^
At the Convention in Philadelphia Dr. Gerhart met
Henry Leonard, an elder of the Reformed church at Basil,
Ohio, who had previously served as financial agent of the
institutions at Tifiin. After a prolonged conference con-
cerning the affairs of the college at Lancaster, Mr. Leonard
agreed to collect the funds necessary for its relief, provided
that Dr. G«rhart would properly introduce him in a field
to which he was a stranger. It was to this introduction,
and to the superintendence of the work by Dr. Gerhart,
that his subsequent success was chiefly due.
Mr. Leonard was in some respects a remarkable man.
He was of Swiss descent, and not only spoke English and
German fluently but was thoroughly familiar with several
Swiss dialects which he occasionally used to excellent pur-
pose. In manner he was entirely impretentious, and it
took him but a few minutes to win the confidence of those
' The celebration was practically confined to what are now Icnown
as the three eastern synods. The enrollment, which was written on
specially prepared blanks, was to have been bound in many volumes,
as a memorial of the festival. It was deposited in the Publication
House at Chambersburg. but was destroyed on the 30th of July,
1864, when the town was burned by a detachment of the Southern
army. The loss of these documents is greatly to be regretted, as
they would even now be of great historic importance, and their
value would increase with each succeeding year.
TEKCENTENARY YEAR. 309
•whom he addressed. He was very devout, and there was
in his nature an element of mysticism which led him to be-
lieve that he had been specially called to the work of saving
the institutions of his Church from pressing financial
embarrassment. He was generally known as " The Fisher-
man," because he was constantly engaged in " fishing "
for benevolent contributions; and there was no title that
could have pleased him better. On his portrait, which was
widely circulated, he was represented carrying a valise,
and this may have been intended to call attention to the
fact that he was almost constantly traveling. It may be
added that he was not destitute of literary ability, as his
published " allegories " sufficiently indicate.
The success of Mr. Leonard in his agency was certainly
phenomenal. In less than four months he had collected
about $25,000 in cash, mostly in small gifts, besides secur-
ing promises which were subsequently realized. Though
he was prevented by circumstances from continuing in the
work as long as he had originally intended, the aid which
he brought to the college was most opportune. He always
regarded the West as his peculiar field ; but his brief ser-
vice in the East deserves to be gratefully remembered.
The Tercentenary Year brought the College other gifts,
mostly in the form of free-will offerings from members of
the Keformed Church. At the end of the year the Treas-
urer reported that he had received additions to the endow-
ment amounting to $36,596.10. In the following year
he was able to announce that the college was at last free
from debt.
It was a time of intense activity and many interests of
the Church were greatly advanced. In the literary work
of the year the Faculty were actively engaged. A General
310 FEANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
Catalogue of the College was published in 1863, and must
have demanded considerable labor. Drs. E. V. Gerhart,
J. W. Nevin, Theodore Appel, and Thomas C. Porter
wrote or translated monographs for the " Tercentenary
Monument " — a large volume composed of contributions
from eminent men in Europe and America ; and Dr. Ger-
hart was chairman of the committee which published the
" Triglot " edition of the Heidelberg Catechism.
The financial situation having been somewhat relieved,
the Board in 1864 proceeded to elect a professor of Ger-
man. The position had been vacant since the removal of
Professor Koeppen, though instruction had been given by
Drs. Porter and Gerhart, and subsequently by Tutor John
A. Van Haagen. There was, however, a general senti-
ment in favor of the election of a regtilar professor of Ger-
man, and this led to the choice of Dr. E. W. Alexander
Ealk, a gentleman who was in every way worthy of the
station. For the substance of the following biographical
sketch we are indebted to his son-in-law, the Rev. J. W.
Gilman, of Racine, Wisconsin :
Frederick William Alexander Falk was born in Landes-
hut, Silesia, November 10, 1805. His father was Super-
intendent in the Lutheran church at Landeshut. The
celebrated Prussian minister of cultus of the same name
was his nephew.
Dr. Falk was graduated at the University of Breslau;
then went to Lauban as instructor in the Gymnasium
there ; afterwards he went to Ottolangendorf , a large estate
which he had purchased, situated near Wartemberg,
Silesia; and there carried on the business of the estate
until he entered political life. In 1848 he was elected a
member of the parliament at Frankfort on the Main, as
AN INTERESTING CAREER. 311
a representative of the liberals who were in favor of a
united Grermany. In 1849 he was again elected a mem-
ber of the parliament at Berlin, representing the same
party. During his prolonged absence his private affairs
were mismanaged and he lost a great part of his estate.
Dr. Falk and his wife and adopted daughter sailed for
America in 1852. After staying a while in Washington,
D. C, he purchased a small farm at Rockville, Mont-
gomery county, Maryland. Here his first wife, Matilda
Grueschki, died, and shortly afterwards he was called to
the chair of Latin and Greek in St. James College, near
Hagerstown, Maryland. He was ordered deacon in the
Protestant Episcopal Church by Bishop Whittingham in
1858, and ordained priest in 1859. St. James College
suffered so much during the Civil War that it was closed.
Dr. Falk then went to Lancaster, Pa., where he was
chosen professor of German Literature, also giving
instruction in Political Economy. Here he was married
to Mrs. Martha R. Charles. In 1867 he was called to
Racine College, where for twenty years he held the position
of Professor of Modem Languages. In the last year of
his life he was made professor emeritus by the trustees of
that institution. His published works are mainly a trans-
lation into German of the orations of Lysias and a few
sermons. He died in Racine, ^November 15, 1887.
Besides the instances we have mentioned there were,
during Dr. Gerhart's presidency, but few changes in the
Faculty. In 1862 Dr. John W. Nevin was chosen pro-
fessor of History, and his son, Robert J. iN^evin, became
tutor in Greek. Professor Porter, in 1866, accepted a
call to a professorship in Lafayette College ; but Professor
William M. Nevin and the Rev. Theodore Appel con-
tinued to labor in their several departments.
312 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
After the tercentenary celebration there were several
years of profound depression. As often happens after a
special effort, there were few gifts, and the friends of the
institution were discouraged. It seemed impossible to
recover from the depression induced by the war, and the
number of students actually decreased, so that in 1866
there were but six graduates. The latter fact especially
attracted much attention, and the Alumni Association re-
quested the Board to consider the state of the institution.
In 1866 there were four meetings of the Board, and all
kinds of suggestions were made, but most of them proved
impracticable. There was, for instance, a project to erect
a large building, so that the Faculty and students might
live under one roof. It was held that in this way there
might be a revival of the sociability which had been so
marked a characteristic of Marshall College. The plan
failed on account of the expense involved ; and it is doubt-
ful whether under any circumstances it could have been
made a success.
All were apparently agreed that something must be
done ; but what it was to be no one seemed to know. It is
surprising that the college was not broken up by the
troubles of this eventful year.
We do not propose to describe this peculiar movement
in all its varying phases. It may be said that it finally
assumed a form very different from the one which its pro-
moters had originally anticipated. It was resolved that
the Faculty should be reorganized, and for this purpose
all the professorships were declared vacant. Then the
Board proceeded to hold an election to fill these vacancies.
Ever since the College came to Lancaster there were
people who ascribed its misfortunes to the fact that on its
A NEW PLAN. 313
removal it had not been accompanied by the president of
Marshall. Now that Dr. Nevin had made his home in the
vicinity of Lancaster the number of these people had
greatly increased. They believed that, if he could be per-
suaded to become even formally the head of the institu-
tion, its troubles would cease, and that his friends and
admirers would immediately supply the deficiencies in
its endowment. In such a case, it was said, a movement
to raise two hundred thousand dollars would immediately
be inaugurated with every prospect of success.
There was no personal opposition to President Gerhart.
On the contrary his learning and ability were fully
acknowledged, and it was hoped that he would continue
his work in the College. It was, however, believed that he
would cheerfully accept a subordinate position — for a time
at least — ^to make room for the accomplishment of the pro-
posed plan.
When the election for a new Faculty was held the
Keverend John W. Nevin, D.D., was made President,
Professor of the Philosophy of History and Esthetics, and
President of the Faculty. The Kev. E. V. Gerhart, D.D.,
was elected Professor of Mental and Moral Philosophy and
Vice-President of the Faculty. The other members of the
former Faculty were reelected without opposition. It is
proper to state that Dr. Nevin had declined to allow his
name to be used in connection with the presidency, and the
election was held without his consent. With reference to
Dr. Gerhart the following resolution was adopted :
"Resolved, That in the selection now made for the first
chair in the Faculty of the College, we most explicitly dis-
claim the slightest refiection upon the administrative ca-
pacity, the literary ability, or fidl qualifications in every
314 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
respect, of the Reverend Dr. Gerhart, the present incumbent
of the chair. On the contrary, we esteem it a privilege to
bear testimony to the wisdom, fidelity and eflSciency with
which he has always discharged the governmental functions
of his office; as well as to the learning and rare skill in
imparting knowledge and educating young men which he has
displayed with such entire satisfaction in his professorate,
during his twelve years of service as President of the Col-
lege, and as incumbent of the important chair of Mental
and Moral Science."
For two years Dr. Gerhart served as Vice-President and
Professor of Mental and Moral Philosophy. He was then
elected by synod to the professorship of Systematic and
Practical Theology in the Theological Seminary at Mer-
cersburg. In the autumn of 1868 he removed to that
place, remaining there until the Seminary was removed
to Lancaster.
CHAPTEK XXVI.
LABOR AND HOPE.
Db. Nevin's Second Presidency — Conteoversies — New Institu-
tions — Removai, of the Theological Seminary to Lancasteb
— Enlabgement of the Faculty — Haebauqh Hall — ^Thb
AuDENEiED Bequest — ^Db. Nevin's Educational
Theoby — Retibement — The End of a Well-
Spent Life.
After earnest consideration Dr. Nevin accepted the
call to the presidency of the College. He was no longer
young, and it may well be supposed that the hopefulness
of youth had passed away. He knew the difficulties of the
work, and we believe that nothing but a stem sense of duty
could have induced him to take up the burden which in
former years had proved too heavy. His friends were,
however, convinced that the prestige of his name would be
of immense importance to the institution, and that the
brightest hopes for its endowment could speedily be real-
ized ; and he felt that he dare not refuse his aid to the cause
which he loved so well. In the following formal accept-
ance his views and anticipations are fully expressed :
"I acknowledge thankfully the honor which the Board has
been pleased to confer upon me, in calling me a second time
to the Presidency of Franklin and Marshall College; and
as the reasons I had for declining the office some years ago
no longer exist in the same force, while the circumstances
in which the call is renewed are such as to give it new weight,
I do not feel myself at liberty, however much I may still
shrink from its responsible cares, to turn aside in. the same ab-
solute way. It is placed before me as a part of a general move-
315
316 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
ment, by which it is proposed to enlarge the operations of the
Institution on a scale answerable to the wants of the present
time ; a movement which contemplates an addition of at least
$200,000 to its endowment as it now stands. It is said that
the success of this movement depends on my being placed at
the head of the College, and that without my name in such
position it cannot be carried forward with effect. Too much
account is made, I am afraid, in this view; but where, in a
case like this, so much importance is attached to it by others,
a sort of necessity is laid upon me not to withhold it from so
worthy an enterprise. I therefore consent to cooperate with
the friends of the Institution in carrying out the plan pro-
posed for its enlargement, by accepting provisionally and
conditionally the office of President to which I am now
called. I say provisionally and conditionally; for I am not
willing to be bound in the case, beyond what may be found
to be the readiness of others also, to do what is needed for
the accomplishment of the work in hand. I am willing to
join with others in trying to give the College new life and
force; but others must also join with me in the large and
arduous task. Without this, my name and service will not
avail to rescue the Institution from comparative insignifi-
cance. There must be strong and full cooperation from all
sides in its favor, diiring the coming year; and on this, I
wish it to be well understood, must hang in the end the
question of my full, formal acceptance of the honorable
situation now offered to me by the Board.
"J. W. Nevin.
"Lancaster, July 23, 1866."
In response the Board expressed its great satisfaction
and its cordial sympathy with Dr. Nevin in the sentiments'
expressed, pledging itself " in dependence upon Divine
grace, to give him its earnest support in carrying out these
EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS. 317
The Board now proceeded to take further action by
which it was hoped that its purposes would be accom-
plished. Its representatives were directed to present the
cause of the College to the citizens of Lancaster city and
coujity and to the Synod of the Eeformed Church, at the
same time making it plain that, in the judgment of the
Board, not less than $200,000 should be secured, not more
than $50,000 of which sum should be appropriated to the
erection of additional buildings. The seats of all the
members of the Board were declared vacant, and the Synod
was requested to elect thirty persons to serve as a new
Board in which the former denominational ratio should
be preserved, upon condition that the necessary changes
in the charter could be secured. The Synod accepted the
proposal and declared it to be " its duty to raise at least
$100,000 towards the fuller endowment of the institu-
tion." It was further resolved that " in assuming this
trust and providing for its present necessities, this Synod
declares their purpose to hold it under such condition as
will enable them to combine, if deemed advisable, with the
present college organization, other educational interests
of the German Reformed Church in a more comprehensive
way. The consolidation contemplated in this resolution
shall go into effect, so far as the removal of the Theological
Seminary to Lancaster is concerned, as soon as $50,000
shall be raised by the citizens of Lancaster city and county
and the Trustees of Franklin and Marshall College, for
the general interests of the imited institutions." It was
on the authority conveyed by this resolution that the
Theological Seminary was finally removed to Lancaster.
Efforts were immediately made to secure the contem-
plated increase in the endowment. Dr. B. C. Wolff,
318 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL. COLLEGE.
though advanced in years, immediately started out and
obtained $16,000 by subscription; but at this point he be-
came seriously ill, and the work was consequently delayed.
Aided by Dr. Theodore Appel he subsequently secured
several thousand dollars, but the great work which he had
contemplated remained unfinished. After his death, in
1870, the Rev. 0. U. Heilman became the agent of the
College, and was especially successful in inducing the
alumni to subscribe to the endowment of a professorship
of English Literature of which Dr. William M. Nevin
became the first incumbent. Mr. Heilman obtained sub-
scriptions amounting to about twenty-six thousand dol-
lars ; but truth compels us to say that, in consequence of
prevailing controversies in the church, a considerable
number of these subscriptions remained unpaid.
During the first year of Dr. Nevin's presidency the con-
tributions received were much smaller than had been ex-
pected, and there was considerable discouragement. Dr.
Nevin did not hesitate to say that he had been misled ; and
on this ground he refused to be formally inaugurated.
Looking back from our present standpoint we may easily
comprehend the conditions that prevented immediate suc-
cess. It was in the period of the Liturgical Controversy,
and the Eeformed Church was disturbed and divided as
it had never been before. Indeed, there were plenty of
people who did not hesitate to say that the Church was
utterly ruined. Dr. Nevin was prominent in the con-
troversy, and though he was sustained by the majority of
his synod, he was strongly opposed by an influential
minority. Capital is proverbially sensitive, and it is not
surprising that large benefactions failed to be secured in
the midst of such a storm.
REMOVAL OF SEMINARY. 319
Partly as a result of the prevailing controversy institu-
tions were established which could not fail to be regarded
as rivals of the parent college. Mercersburg College had
been founded in 1865, mainly for the purpose of utilizing
the buildings at Mercersburg; and under the presidency
of Drs. Thomas G. Apple and E. E. Higbee it manifested
extraordinary vigor. Between Mercersburg and Lancas-
ter there was harmony of doctrine and sentiment ; but as
both to some extent occupied the same field the number-
of students at Lancaster was necessarily decreased.
Ursinus College was founded in 1869, under the Presi-
dency of the Eev. J. H. A. Bomberger, D.D., the first
graduate of Marshall College, and naturally secured the
patronage of those who stood with him in the liturgical
controversy.
The most cheering event of this period was the removal
of the Theological Seminary from Mercersburg to Lan-
caster. The Board of Trustees of the College donated to
the Theological Seminary three and one-half acres at the
southern end of the campus, of an estimated value of
$5,000, for the erection of necessary buildings. It was,
however, chiefly due to the perseverance of the Rev. J. W.
Steinmetz, D.D., now of Reading, that the financial condi-
tions of the removal were met. He canvassed the Re-
formed churches and secured $36,000 for this special pur-
pose. In this way the means were provided for the erec-
tion of professors' houses, and considerable additions were
made to the endowment of the institution.
Dr. E. V. Gerhart was the only professor who accom-
panied the Seminary on its removal to Lancaster, in Sep-
tember, 1871. Dr. Thomas G. Apple had, however, been
elected Professor of Church History and Exegesis, and
320 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
took his place in the Faculty in November of the same
year. The Theological Tutorship was vacant, but the posi-
tion was filled by the appointment of the Kev. F. A. Gast
who had previously taught in the college. Two years later,
in 1873, this tutorship was changed to a professorship of
Hebrew and Old Testament Theology, and Dr. Gast was
chosen to fill the position.
The accommodations provided for the Seminary were
at first entirely inadequate. Two rooms — one on the sec-
ond story of the college building and the other on the
third — ^were set aside for Seminary lectures; and in the
room on the third story shelves were put up for the library.
As there was not enough room for the books they were in
many instances arranged in several rows on the same shelf,
the most important being supposed to be placed in front.
Of course, it was all very inconvenient; but in some re-
spects the close relations of the two institutions were not
unattractive. Professors and students were brought into
close intimacy, and in some respects the early conditions
at Mercersburg were revived. The " college community "
was enlarged and the moral and religious tone of the Col-
lege became more pronounced. A congregation — ^now
known as St. Stephen's — ^had been organized on Palm Sun-
day, 1865, but it was not until after the arrival of the
Seminary that it became vigorous and prosperous. During
the term of Dr. Nevin's presidency the church was in his
pastoral care; but since his retirement Dr. Gerhart has
been the presiding pastor. At an expense of about $5,000
the congregation, in 1873-74, enlarged the college chapel
to its present dimensions.
During the presidency of Dr. Nevin there were a nmn-
ber of changes in the College Faculty. Dr. L. H. Steiner
YOUNG PROFESSORS. 321
had, in 1866, declined a call to the professorship of Nat-
ural Sciences; and in 1867 Dr. Budd was chosen.
Charles Henry Budd was bom in Pemberton, N. J.,
December 8, 1822 ; and died in Philadelphia, October 22,
1880. He was a younger brother of Professor Samuel
W. Budd, and studied at Marshall College, but did not
graduate. He was graduated in medicine at the Univer-
sity of Pennsylvania, and subsequently practiced his pro-
fession in Darby, Pennsylvania. During the Civil War he
held important positions in connection with the hospitals
of Philadelphia. From 1867 to 1871 he was a professor
in Franklin and Marshall College, and from the latter date
to his death he held a similar position in Girard College.
Appleton's Cyclopasdia of American Biography says con-
cerning him : " He was an early member of the Academy
of Natural Sciences, and an active participant in its work.
Possessed of considerable mechanical skill he constructed
scientific instruments, and also devised several processes
that have since become of coromercial value."
Early in Dr. Nevin's presidency a group of young pro-
fessors appeared upon the scene. As recent graduates of
the institution they were peculiarly familiar with its
wants, and by their energy and enthusiasm added greatly
to its effective force. In 1867, the year of his graduation,
the Rev. John S. Stahr became Tutor in German and
history, and in the following year was elected adjunct pro-
fessor. In 1871 he became Professor of Natural Sciences
and Chemistry — a position which he held until he was
called to the presidency of the College. In 1868 the Rev.
Daniel M. Wolf became an adjunct professor; and in 1871,
when Dr. W. M. Nevin was transferred to the department
of English Literature, he succeeded him as Professor of
322 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
Ancient Languages. In 1872 the Eev. Walter E. Krebs
succeeded Dr. Theodore Appel in the department of Mathe-
matics, and Dr. Appel was transferred to the chair of
Physics and Astronomy.
The year 1869 was especially fruitful in plans for the
enlargement of the college. A so-called " Dollar Plan "
was proposed by which a contribution of one dollar was
to be solicited from every member of the Eeformed Church
within the scope, or purview, of the institution ; but it was
soon found that this was not feasible. About five thousand
dollars were contributed in this way and then the move-
ment came to an end. Though there might have been a
general response if an appeal could have been properly
presented, the labor and expense was too great to render
nl^OA/^cujjsk
it successful. It was, however, felt that something must
be done to provide accommodations for students, for since
two rooms had been assigned to the Theological Seminary
the College Building was greatly crowded; and for some
reason which we do not comprehend students found it diffi-
cult to secure lodging in the city. At first it was proposed
to erect two dormitories; then it was resolved to build a
chapel somewhere on the campus, and to divide the chapel
connected with the College Building into rooms for stu-
dents. Finally the Board determined to erect a large
boarding-house on the college grounds and this plan was
actually accomplished. At the Commencement of 1871
the comer-stone was laid, and the building was named
" Harbaugh Hall " in honor of Dr. Henry Harbaugh, who
HAEBAUGH HALL. 323
had first proposed its erection. It was a structure of
considerable size, and cost about $15,000. Its external
appearance was, however, more satisfactory than its in-
ternal arrangements. Many of the rooms were uncom-
fortable, and the means of heating them in winter, though
costing a great deal of money, were from the beginning
deficient. The College imdertook to furnish the building,
and to engage a steward who was to conduct the refectory.
The treasurer of the Faculty was directed to receive the
money paid by students for board and room rent, and to
pay the expenses of conducting the concern. A tutor was
directed to take charge of the building and to preserve
order.
Many earlier students retain pleasant recollections of
Harbaugh HalL Happy hours were spent within its walls,
and friendships were formed which continued through life.
There was plenty of fun, and nothing can now be more
delightful than to recall recollections of innocent enjoy-
ment. It will, however, be remembered that many stu-
dents decidedly objected to the rule which required them
to room there, and that, as soon as it was permitted, they
hurried away to find another dwelling. To the Faculty
the hall was a source of constant trouble, especially on
account of the difficulty of securing and retaining efficient
stewards ; and as a financial investment it proved an utter
failure. It was finally removed to furnish an acceptable
site for the present Science Building.
When an institution or an individual begins to build,
the end of the work can rarely be foretold. New wants
appear, and what was intended to be a single house may
become a cluster of buildings. It now became evident that
the erection of an Academy Building could no longer be
324 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
deferred without serious loss to the College, and in 18Y2
the Board directed that the work should immediately be
undertaken. A building was erected during the following
year at a cost of about $20,000, and the school was placed
under the sole direction of Cyrus "V. Mays, a graduate
of the College of the class of '56. Professor Mays was
successful in building up a prosperous school, but on ac-
count of failing health was compelled to withdraw at the
close of its second year.
The erection of these buildings was no doubt necessary ;
but it became a serious drain on the resources of the insti-
tution. As no special fund had been provided for this
purpose it became necessary to pay for them out of the
treasury, and the endowment was correspondingly de-
creased. This was, of course, regarded as a temporary
loan, but years passed before the amount which had been
withdrawn could be formally replaced.
The earlier years of Dr. Kevin's presidency were not
particularly eventful. Thoughtful students appreciated
the privilege of receiving his instruction, and he is re-
membered with profound affection. Theological con-
troversies, however, still continued, and it would be wrong
to say that they did not, in certain directions, limit his in-
fluence. He was a powerful controversialist, and never
suffered personal considerations to prevent him from
taking the field in defence of what he conceived to be the
truth.
Gradually the financial condition of the college im-
proved, and a more comfortable feeling began to prevail.
Gifts were received from friends who did not desire their
names to be publicly announced, and we must even now
respect their wishes. Mr. Jacob Bausman was, in 1867,
LEWIS AUDENRIED. 325
elected Treasurer of the Board, and the financial interests
of the institution were conducted with care and fidelity.
Since his death the same office has been worthily occupied
by his son, J. W. B. Bausman, Esq.
The Audenried bequest, received in 1875, was the
largest which had hitherto been obtained by the College
from a single source. The testator consequently deserves
a prominent place in the history of the institution, and it
may be interesting to relate a few of the incidents of his
somewhat remarkable career.
Lewis Audenried was born at Maiden Creek, Berks
county, Pennsylvania, October 19, 1799. His father,
George Audenried, was a native of Switzerland, and was
a man of intelligence and influence. Lewis was his third
son, and seems to have shown signs of talent at an early
age, as it is evident that he enjoyed the advantages of a
better education than was usual in those days. In 1819
he taught school in northern New York, thereby becoming
familiar with the school-system which had been introduced
into that state; and it was at his suggestion that his
brother, WiUiam, then a member of the Legislature, intro-
duced a bill from which the present school system of Penn-
sylvania is claimed to be derived. Having entered into
business he began to deal extensively in coal and lumber.
In 1829 he built a forge, but this enterprise proved unsuc-
cessful and he became financially involved. Having sub-
sequently recovered himself, he surprised his creditors by
paying all his old indebtedness with interest in full.
It was not until he was forty-three years old that Mr.
Audenried removed to Philadelphia, and embarked regu-
larly in the coal trade. Here his operations gradually
attained to great magnitude. He was among the first to
326 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
ship coal from Port Eichmond, and his cars are said to
have been the first to pass over the Central Railroad of
New Jersey. At various times he was a partner in many
firms, but the most important of these was the house of
Lewis Audenried & Co., which had branches in many
cities. In 1854 he became largely interested in the Honey-
brook coal-lands, on which stands the town of Audenried
which has been named in his honor. He was often in
Europe and was as well known there in business circles as
in his native land. He was never married.
In early youth Mr. Audenried had been admitted by
confirmation to membership to the Eef ormed Church ; but
like many others he had suffered the cares of business to
monopolize his attention to such a degree that he ceased
to be a communicant member. For many years he was not
connected with any congregation ; but held pews in several
churches, to whose support he also otherwise contributed.
In the concluding years of Mr. Audenried's life the im-
pressions of early days began to revive, and he became
peculiarly susceptible to religious instruction. Having
made the acquaintance of the Eev. J. H. Dubbs, pastor of
Christ Eeformed Church, there grew up between them a
friendship that was intimate and sincere. On the first day
of October, 1872, he was admitted to membership in Christ
church by renewed profession. On this occasion he said
with tears : " It is an unspeakable comfort to me that I
have taken this step — I wish I had taken it long ago."
After this event Mr. Audenried became more decidedly
interested in the church and its institutions. His later
days were earnest and devout. His death occurred Sep-
tember 17, 1873.
The fact that Mr. Audenried had been in his youth re-
AUDENRIED PROFESSORSHIP. 327
ceived into the Eeformed Church was well known, and it
had long been hoped that he would leave a portion of hia
great wealth to support its institutions. As early as 1867
the Kev. Dr. B. C. Wolflf and Dr. William Mayburry —
the latter his nephew by marriage — had ventured to pre-
sent the claims of the college, and a suggestion that he
should endow a professorship had been favorably received.
It was, however, feared that in subsequent years the mind
of Mr. Audenried had been unfavorably influenced by
prevailing theological discussions, and that the hope of the
friends of the college would fail to be realized. As he was
regarded as peculiarly unapproachable, no one inquired
concerning his purpose; and it was, therefore, somewhat
of a surprise when, after his death, it appeared that he had
bequeathed the sum of thirty-five thousand dollars for the
endowment of a professorship in Franklin and Marshall
College. As a codicil to the will the following paragraph
also appeared :
"As I have provided in my said will for the endowment
of the Audenried Professorship of History and Archaeology
in Franklin and Marshall College at Lancaster, Pennsyl-
vania, I desire and request that the Eeverend Joseph Henry
Dubbs, now Pastor of Christ Eeformed Church on Green
street (near 16th) Philadelphia, shall if he be living when
said endowment is paid over, be appointed to said Professor-
ship, that he shall occupy the chair thereof so long as he
may desire and be able to fulfill its duties."^
In this connection it may be enough to add that Mr.
Dubbs was elected Audenried Professor on February 16,
"Mr. Audenried also bequeathed five thousand dollars to Christ
Reformed Church, Philadelphia, and an equal amount to Bethany
Orphans' Home, at Womelsdorf, besides leaving considerable legacies
to other churches and benevolent institutions.
328 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
1875. Under the circumstances lie felt it to be his duty
to accept the call, and entered upon his duties on the first
of July of the same year.
The Eeverend Nathan C. Schaeffer was, on the 25th
of July, 1875, elected Professor of Ancient Languages.
He succeeded Professor D. M. Wolf, whose health had led
him to retire. Dr. Schaeffer remained connected with the
college for two years, and then accepted the presidency
of the Keystone State Normal School. He has been for
ten years Superintendent of Public Instruction in the
State of Pennsylvania.
During the period of Dr. Nevin's presidency the number
of students did not greatly increase. This fact may have
been partly due to the educational policy which then pre-
vailed. The college was proud of its curriculum^ and
there was a general dread of " letting down the bars."
In 1868 Dr. Nevin wrote a prospectus which appeared in
successive catalogues for ten years, at least, containing a
defense of what he regarded as the best form of liberal
culture. Times have changed, and the scope of all literary
institutions has been greatly extended; but it may be
interesting to reproduce the argument, if only to show
what can be said in favor of a system to which for a long
time the college held with exceptional tenacity. The fol-
lowing is the most important section in the annual pros-
pectus; and, whatever we may think of the contents, its
vigor and candor are unmistakable :
" Character and Design. — The College was created
originally in the service of classical and liberal learning;
and it aims to be true still to this object. A wide popular
demand, it is known, prevails at this time for education in
more practical forms ; and it has become the fashion largely,
AOOLPHUS L. KOEPPEN.
William Mann Irvine.
John L. Atlee.
Walter E. Krebs.
Theodore Appel.
F. W. Alexander Falk.
Nathan C. Schaeffer.
Martin L. Herb.
Daniel M. Wolf.
FORMER PROFESSORS, FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
LIBEKAL CULTURE. 329
of late, to shape collegiate training in conformity with it,
by combining, in various ways, what are termed scientific,
professional or technic studies with liberal studies properly
so called. Such business discipline is, of course, highly
important in its place; and it is well, perhaps, that different
Colleges, which have it in their power to do so, are testing
the question how far it can be successfully joined with cul-
ture in the other view. But no experiment of this sort is
felt to be the mission of Franklin and Marshall College;
and in no such character, therefore, does it bespeak public
attention or favor.
"The ambition of the institution is to be a College, in
the old American sense of the term. What that means is
shown by its course of studies. This is one and uniform;
and it has for its ruling object throughout mental culture
for its own sake.
"There are therefore no optional courses in Franklin and
Marshall College, in which the learner is allowed to choose
for himself what he shall learn. It receives no irregular
students, as they are called, and has no provisional or mixed
classes.
"This may be with one class of persons an objection to
the institution. But there is a difEerent class with whom
it cannot fail to be a recommendation. If there be a call
for mere business education on the part of many, there is
still a demand, also, for true liberal education on the part
of others; and for these, at least, there must be felt to be
always a special advantage in a collegiate system devoted
expressly and exclusively to this object.
"A liberal education, in its very nature, regards not
primarily any ends of business or professional work. It is
not without reference to these, indeed, as an ulterior object,
since all true human culture must show itself to be at last
practical in some way ; but what it aims at immediately, and
for the time being exclusively, is the cultivation of the mind
for its own sake. All may easily see that this is something
330 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
very different from forming the mind to be a fit instrument
simply for securing other interests, which lie outside of
itself, and are not at once, therefore, of its own constitution.
Training for such outward utilitarian purposes (whether in
lower or higher forms) involves, of course, mental culture —
a discipline, as far as it goes, of the student's capacities and
powers. But it is not, as such, liberal or free training; be-
cause the mind is held bound in it always as means to an
outward end. Only where education has its end in itself
can it be truly of this high character. That is just what
the term liberal properly here means.
"Such education in the end is eminently practical. It
is not at once, in and of itself, a fund of professional knowl-
edge, or an apparatus of technic skill for the use of industry
and trade. But what is far better, it is the culture of human
personality itself, on the perfection of which, in its own
wholeness, first of all, must ever depend at last the success-
fur application of its powers instrumentally to all purposes
beyond itself. There is no work or walk in life for which
such free human culture is not of the very highest practical
account.
"Where this sort of education is to be secured it is easy
to see that it must go before other forms of training in the
order of time, and not follow after them, nor yet be mixed
up with them in the same course. Hence the old idea of
the American College, according to which a discipline of
four years (beyond the academy or high-school) was con-
sidered not too much to devote to the object of general per-
sonal culture, as a preparation simply for entering on pro-
fessional or business studies, strictly so called. We hear
much now of a self-styled 'E"ew Education,' which is sup-
posed to be in the way of changing all that. But so far
as its main principle is concerned the old theory here was
unquestionably right; and no change can be made for the
better that pretends to set it wholly aside.
A CHERISHED PURPOSE. 331
"It will be generally felt too by those who understand
and value the object of the old college education, that it
cannot well be joined successfully with other schemes of
study in the same institution. Where different courses are
thus combined — one classical and humane in the old college
form, and another, or perhaps two or three others, of the
new polytechnic scientific sort — ^it is hardly possible that the
classical course should be carried forward with proper spirit
and effect. The department devoted to it will be found,
in the midst of such uncongenial surroundings, working
against wind and tide. Students themselves will have but
small faith, and therefore no animation, in their studies.
And so, as the result of all, it is likely to be only an apology
for a liberal education at best that is reached in this way —
even if this itself should not break down ingloriously in the
middle of the college course.
"A liberal education, it is plain, can be prosecuted with
fidl advantage only where it is the sole reigning object and
care of the institution in which it is carried forward.
"Such is the one single purpose of Franklin and Marshall
College. The institution asks no patronage in any other
character. It does not invite students promiscuously to its
halls; but only students who desire a full classical education
for its own sake. This may make its classes smaller than
they might be otherwise. But for the end here in view the
importance of the institution does not depend on the size
of its classes. It depends altogether on the fidelity with
which this end is itself regarded and pursued."
Tor many years Dr. Nevin cherished the purpose of
securing a sufficient endowment to justify the College in
giving free tuition to all its students. Of course, it was
never proposed to abolish the minor fees which are neces-
sarily collected for contingent purposes. At first free
332 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
tuition was offered to students residing in Lancaster, on
condition that a certain sum was contributed by the city
and county. It was in pursuance of this plan that Mr.
Diodorus Diffenbacher — then a student in the Theological
Seminary — collected about $8,000 from citizens of Lan-
caster. Subsequently it was proposed, on similar condi-
tions, to extend the same privileges to counties and school
districts ; but it was not until a later period that the Col-
lege could be declared free.
During the later years of his presidency Dr. Nevin was
cheered by the prospect of securing for the College an
important addition to its resources. The Wilhelm family,
of Somerset county, had declared its intention of leaving
to the institutions at Lancaster a very considerable estate.
The gift was slow in coming; but the heart of the aged
president was encouraged by anticipation. It was not,
however, until after he had retired that this matter be-
came generally known, and we, therefore, defer its con-
sideration to a subsequent chapter.
Feeling the burden of advancing years President Nevin,
in 1876, tendered his resignation, and after due considera-
tion it was reluctantly accepted. In subsequent years
he continued to reside at Caenarvon Place, near Lancaster,
devoting much of his time to the contemplation of the
mysteries of the world to come. He continued to write
for the press, and it was evident that his pen had not lost
its vigor. At times he preached in the College Chapel;
and, to those who knew and loved him, his discourses
seemed like messages from another world. When he grew
feeble friends gathered more frequently at his home ; and
to them he addressed words which, if they could have been
preserved, might have exerted a powerful influence on sub-
IS MEMORIAM. 333
sequent generations. It was a grand and glorious privi-
lege to receive instruction from his venerable lips.
President John Williamson Nevin died June 6, 1886,
and was buried at Woodward Hill Cemetery. In the Col-
lege Chapel there is a window which is dedicated to his
memory. It represents the apostle John with an eagle at
his side. Close at hand is a beautiful lectern that bears
the name of his faithful wife.
We feel unable to do justice to the person and work
of Dr. Nevin. In the Church and the institutions which
he served his memory is green. " Of his name and fame
future ages will not be ignorant."
CHAPTER XXVII.
GRADUAL PROGRESS.
Pbesident Thomas G. Apple — ^The Wilhelm Estate — Chables
Santee — The Centennial — De. Apple's Retjbbment.
On the resignation of Dr. John W. Nevin the College
was left for some time without a president. For many
years it had received the service of a distinguished man
at a salary that was hardly more than nominal; and the
Board was now confronted by a two-fold difficulty. It
was, of course, not easy to find a man who was in all re-
spects suited to the position; but even if they had suc-
ceeded in finding him, there were no means at hand to pay
a respectable salary. The Board, therefore, resolved to
defer the election of a president for one year, in the mean-
time requesting Professor William M. Nevin to occupy
ad interim the position which had so long' and ably been
filled by his brother. That he performed this duty credit-
ably is well known. It was a quiet year and the College
was prosperous.
On the 27th of June, 1877, the Board elected the
Eeverend Thomas Gilmore Apple, D.D., President of
Franklin and Marshall College, " it being understood that
he be permitted to retain his position in the Theological
Seminary."
In taking this action the Board followed the precedent
which had been established in Mercersburg in the election
of Drs. Kauch and Nevin, both of whom had been pro-
fessors in the Theological Seminary. The authorities of
the Seminary interposed no objections, and Dr. Apple en-
334
THOMAS GILMORE APPLE. 335
tered upon the duties of his presidency in the autumn of
the year of his election.
Thomas Gihnore Apple was born in Easton, Pa., No-
vember 14, 1829. " He came from German, Irish and
English ancestry, and possessed some of the best elements
of these three different nationalities."^ When he was
eleven years old he removed with his parents to Saeger-
towu, Crawford county, Pennsylvania; but returned to
Easton in 1845 to attend the classical school of the Rev. Dr.
John Vanderveer, who prepared him for college. Entering
the Sophomore class in Marshall College in the spring of
1848 he was graduated with honor in 1850. In the next
year he was married to Miss Emma M. Miller, of Easton,
and in 1852 took charge of the school of Dr. Vanderveer
who withdrew to place it in his care. He studied theology
privately and was in the same year ordained a minister
of the Reformed Church. Having successively served as
pastor at Riegelsville, Greensburg and Irwin, Mechanics-
burg and Greencastle, he was in 1865 appointed president
of Mercersburg College. As has already been stated he
was in 1871 called to the professorship of Church History
and Exegesis in the Theological Seminary at Lancaster.
When he was invited to the presidency of the College the
arrangement was supposed to be merely temporary, but it
was actually continued for twelve years. That he was
able, for so long a time, acceptably to hold two positions
demanding extraordinary ability, is a sufficient indication
of his physical and mental strength.
Dr. Apple was in his favorite departments of study an
excellent teacher. The peculiar philosophy of the institu-
tions he expounded with ability and enthusiasm. As a
""Obituary Record," Vol. I., p. 281.
336 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
disciplinarian he possessed the unusual gift of governing
most when least he seemed to govern. When dissensions
occurred between individual students he manifested mar-
vellous power in leading them by a few questions to mutual
confessions and apologies. In manner he was dignified
and courteous, and from the students he commanded uni-
versal respect.
In the affairs of the religious denomination with which
he was connected Dr. Apple was profoundly interested.
He was president of the Eastern Synod in 1868 and of the
Greneral Synod of the Reformed Church in 1893. He was
a member of the committee that framed the Order of Wor-
ship, and was also a member of the so-called Peace Com-
mission. Twice he visited Europe as a delegate to meet-
ings of the Alliance of Reformed churches, held in Belfast
and London, and in the meeting of the same body in
Toronto, Canada, he took a prominent part. There have
been few men who were better qualified to preside over a
deliberative body.
For some years Dr. Apple was the editor of the Be-
formed Church Review, and he also wrote extensively for
other religious periodicals. From 1879 until his death he
was the president of the Oliosophic Society — generally
called " The Clio " — a literary and social organization
which has exerted an important influence in bringing the
city and the College into more intimate relations.
From all this it may be concluded that Dr. Apple was a
man of unusual power. Though his college presidency
necessarily occupied but half of his time, he enjoyed the
unique distinction of accomplishing more than his friends
had anticipated. He will always hold a prominent place
in the history of Franklin and Marshall College. During
^^^ ^ ^c^t
WILHELM ESTATE. 337
Dr. Apple's presidency there were several changes in the
Faculty. In 1877 the Reverend Dr. Theodore Appel and
the Reverend Walter E. Krebs withdrew, and in the same
year Dr. John B. Kieffer succeeded Dr. Schaeffer as Pro-
fessor of Ancient Languages, and Frederick K. Smyth
became Professor of Mathematics. Professor Smyth, who
was a graduate of Bowdoin College, held his professorship
until 1880, when he resigned, subsequently removing to
California. In the same year he was succeeded by Dr.
Jefferson E. Kershner, who had previously been a Tutor
in Mathematics. The Reverend George F. Mull, who had
been Rector of the Academy from 1883 to '85, became in
1886 Adjunct Professor of English Literature and assist-
ant in Latin; and in 1888 the Reverend Richard 0.
Schiedt was appointed Adjunct Professor in Natural
Sciences and the German Language. In 1892 Professors
Mull and Schiedt were both promoted to full professor-
ships.
In 1877 the death of Mr. Peter Wilhelm, of Somerset
county, directed renewed attention to a subject to which
we have referred in a previous chapter. For many years
the matter of the " Wilhelm Estate " has occupied so
prominent a place in the proceedings of the Board of Trus-
tees that it seems necessary to give some account of the
manner in which it came into the possession of the College.
To relate all its particulars is, however, by no means an
easy undertaking; and we must crave indulgence if we
fail to do full justice to all the elements that enter into
this somewhat remarkable story.*
' For our facts we are chiefly indebted to " The Life and Work of
John Williamson Nevin," by Theodore Appel, CD. ; " History of
the Wilhelm Legacy," by A. B. Koplin, D.D., an article in The Col-
lege Student for March, 1901; and to the Proceedings of the Board
of Trustees.
338 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
When Dr. Koplin was called, in 1858, to a pastorate in
Somerset county there lived, in the vicinity of Elk Lick,
a family named Wilhelm. At that time its surviving
members were three brothers and a sister, all of whom
were advanced in years and had remained unmarried.
Two deceased sisters had been married and had left de-
scendants. According to the standards of the time and
place they were accounted wealthy, though they lived in
the most unpretentious manner. Their integrity was un-
doubted, and to their tenants and servants they were kind
and liberal. Though they understood English they pre-
ferred to speak Pennsylvania-German, and to address
them in this dialect was the most certain way of gaining
their confidence.
The Wilhehns were of Eeformed and Lutheran descent,
but were not church members. Soon after Dr. Koplin'a
arrival in the neighborhood the eldest brother, Abraham,
was taken with fatal illness, and expressed an earnest
desire to be admitted to church membership, and having
professed his faith he received the Lord's Supper. Im-
pressed by this edifying example the surviving members
of the family joined the pastor's catechetical class and
were in due time received into the church.
When truly honest men take such a step they do not
shrink from the responsibilities which it involves. In this
instance there was complete consecration, and from the
beginning they manifested an inclination to make all pos-
sible sacrifices. At their request a church was organized
in the immediate vicinity of their home, and Benjamin
and Peter Wilhelm became the first elder and deacon. In
the performance of their duties these aged men explored
the surrounding region, and urged the people to attend
BENEVOLENCE. 339
religious instruction and service. In 1863 it was resolved
to erect a new church — ^to be known as St. Paul's — ^but in
that year the pastor was called to another field of useful-
ness and the building was postponed. Pastor Koplin was,
however, in 1867 persuaded to return to his former field
and now there was no more delay. A church was built
which cost $14,000 and of this amount the Wilhelm's con-
tributed more than $11,000. They also presented to the
congregation a fine organ which, with their churchly feel-
ings, they regarded as a matter of the highest importance.
To subjects of general benevolence they showed themselves
Unusually liberal. When " The Fisherman " (Mr.
Leonard) presented the cause of Heidelberg College, at
Tiffin, Ohio, the Wilhelms presented him a contribution
of three hundred dollars in gold. It was at one time pro-
posed to establish an important literary institution in the
special interest of the Reformed Church in western Penn-
sylvania, and Westmoreland College, at Mount Pleasant,
was founded with this purpose. On this occasion the
Wilhelms promised to leave a bequest of $25,000 for the
endowment of the presidency ; but as the school was closed
in about five years for want of sufficient support this
promise was necessarily withdravm.
When Abraham Wilhelm died he left his undivided in-
terest in the estate to his brothers, Benjamin and Peter.
Even at this early day there seems to have been an under-
standing that the property should be kept intact as long
as either of the brothers survived and then transferred
to some promising charitable interest.
As this purpose became evident many efforts were made
to induce the brothers to leave their property to local in-
terests, but they were firm in their purpose to limit their
340 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
benefactions to the institutions of their church. The Hon-
orable W. J. Baer was their legal adviser and intimate
friend; and they also had the fullest confidence in their
pastor, the Eeverend A. B. Koplin ; but they were slow to
speak, and in many respects kept their own counsel. Pres-
ident Nevin wrote to Messrs. Baer and Koplin, soliciting
their influence in behalf of the institutions at Lancaster,
and it was fully and cheerfully granted. At the laying
of the comer-stone of St. Paul's church Dr. Theodore
Appel preached, and he received from the Wllhelm brothers
encouraging assurances. When the church was conse-
crated Dr. ilfevin preached, and when he left they told
him that they would leave the greater part of their estate
for the endowment of the institutions at Lancaster.
On August 11, 1873, Benjamin Wilhehn conveyed his
undivided interest in the estate to his brother Peter, and
died on the 17th of September following. Three months
later Dr. Koplin, whose health had begun to fail, removed
to a charge which required less exposure, and the Eeverend
C. TI. Heilman became his successor. Mr. Heibnan, it
will be remembered, had previously been an agent of the
College, and his influence was altogether favorable. To
him the Wilhelms immediately gave their confidence and
he was subsequently nominated one of the executors of the
estate.
Arrangements were now made to carry out the original
purpose of the family. On May 16, 1876, the surviving
sister, Anna Maria (generally known as " Polly ") con-
veyed her undivided share of the property to her brother
Peter. In consequence of, certain local affairs in which
Mr. Wilhehn was interested the making of a will was, how-
ever, delayed until February 20, 1878, when he simul-
THE BEQUESTS. 341
taneously signed his will and executed a deed of trust by
which the greater part of his estate was left to Franklin
and Marshall College and to the Theological Seminary of
the Keformed Church at Lancaster " in the proportion of
two-thirds part thereof to the former and one-third to the
latter." He provided for the comfortable maintenance of
his sister, and left considerable bequests to some of his
heirs at law, though some of these were intentionally ex-
cluded. He also left minor bequests to a number of re-
ligious and charitable institutions.
When Mr. Wilhelm executed his will no one supposed
that the end of his life was near at hand; but he died
March 13, 1878, less than one calendar month after the
document was signed. According to the law of Pennsyl-
vania this fact invalidated the bequest, and on the last day
of his life Mr. Wilhelm was much disquieted by this
anticipation. He said : " Gott weiss wohl ich habe es gut
gemeird."
For some time after Mr. Wilhelm's death it was feared
that the bequests were lost. The intentions of the Wilhelm
family were, however, so well known and had been so fre-
quently expressed that the best friends of the college were
not without hope. On the advice of Mr. George F. Baer
a bill in equity was filed in the court of Somerset county,
in the names of Charles Santee, Jeremiah J. Folk, Her-
man L. Baer, C. U. Heilman and John A. Kimmel, Trus-
tees, in behalf of Franklin and Marshall College and the
Theological Seminary. The successive stages in the suc^
ceeding negotiations we have not space to describe; but
a compromise with the heirs at law was finally effected.
There were upwards of thirty heirs and with these in-
dividual settlements were made. In this work the Hon-
342 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
orable John Cessna performed excellent service, and many
other friends of the College labored with untiring energy.
The value of the estate which passed into the possession
of the institutions at Lancaster it is not easy to deter-
mine. In a report made to the Board of Trustees in 1880
Mr. Cessna says : " No one places the estimate of its value
at less than sixty thousand dollars; others fix it at
seventy-five thousand; and some make it one hundred
thousand dollars." A mining engineer who examined the
land at the request of the Board presented a much higher
estimate; but his figures were derived from supposed
mineral deposits from which nothing has hitherto been
realized.
The Wilhelm estate consisted of more than two thou-
sand acres of land, which was probably at that time more
valuable for agricultural purposes than it would prove
at present. As secured by the institutions it was subject
to the payment of several special legacies, besides the
amount paid by way of compromise to the heirs at law.
Dr. Stahr informs us that the amount paid out until 1889,
including accumulated interest, was $40,793.92. All this
had been repaid to the institutions from the proceeds of
land sold; and in addition the College had received $16,-
469 and the Theological Seminary $9,234.32. Since that
time more land has been sold, and the estate has been
a source of income. The Board, however, has been careful
to sell only surface rights, in each instance retaining the
mineral rights for the benefit of the institutions. That
there is much coal on the land has never been doubted, and
there is little doubt that it will finally provide a consider-
able source of income. The surface rights of one of the
farms and of part of another still remain unsold, so that, in
DANIEL SCROLL OBSERVATORY. 343
the judgment of the president, we may still at least expect
a sum sufficiently large to endow a professorship.
Though the Wilhelm estate did not enrich the institution
to the extent which its friends expected, it was at the time
peculiarly valuable. To the general interests of the Col-
lege it gave an impetus which was greatly felt in succeed-
ing years. In the institutions which it benefited the gen-
erosity of the Wilhelm family should always be gratefully
remembered.
The Daniel SchoU Observatory was founded by Mrs. J.
M. Hood, of Frederick, Maryland, by a special contribu-
tion of ten thousand dollars. The structure was named
in memory of the deceased father of the generous donor.
Mrs. Hood also provided an endowment of the Observa-
tory, and a number of friends of the College contributed
to its equipment. The clock is a memorial to Nevin A.
Swander, a deceased member of the class of 1884, and is
the gift of his parents. The eleven-inch Clark-Repsold
Equatorial is a superior instrument, and under the care of
Dr. J. E. Kershner every facility is at hand for first-class
astronomical work. The Observatory was dedicated, June
16, 1886, on which occasion an appropriate address was
delivered by Professor C. A. Young, of Princeton. For
the success which attended this enterprise the institution
owes much to the cooperation of the Rev. E. E. Eschbach,
D.D., of Frederick, Md.
There were at this time many indications of progress.
The G-arber Herbarium was secured for the College, and
the Fahnestock, Fries and Heisler cabinet of minerals was
also added to its collections. J. W. Wetzel, Esq., of Car-
lisle, and Dr. R. K. Buehrle, of Lancaster, endowed prizes
which have done much to stimulate the energy of students.
344 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
Under the care of John Heilman, John C. Hager and
others the campus became beautiful. There were few
large gifts, but on several occasions the members of the
Board of Trustees quietly furnished needed relief.
Though we cannot venture to enter into particulars it is
no more than simple justice to refer to the benevolence of
Mr. Charles Santee, of Philadelphia. In 1886 he con-
tributed ten thousand dollars to the endowment of the
institution, but this by no means indicates the extent of
his benefactions. Year after year he brought his gifts, and
these were so silently presented that their extent was
hardly known. Knowing the purity of his benevolence
and the modesty of his disposition we feel even now a cer-
tain hesitation in referring to his numerous gifts.
Charles Santee was a native of Northampton county,
and became in early life a member of the Reformed
Church to which he always remained sincerely attached.
When in his youth he removed to Philadelphia he brought
with him the principles of probity and rectitude which he
had acquired at home, and in his long and active career he
never departed from them. Having entered into business
he studied the subject with all the powers of an acute
mind, and it was to his skill in finance that the successful
establishment of the great wholesale house of James, Kent,
Santee & Co. was generally ascribed. At a later period
many other important interests were confided to his care ;
and it need not be said that those who trusted in his
judgment were not disappointed. His charities were
numerous and liberal; and there are many churches and
benevolent institutions which owe much of their present
prosperity to his beneficence. " Santee Hall " — ^the beauti-
ful chapel of the Theological Seminary — ^was one of his
latest gifts.
THE CENTENNIAL. 345
Mr. Santee was more than a liberal giver; he was a
prudent counsellor. For more than forty years he was a
member of the Board of Trustees ; and as a member of the
Committee on Finance his advice was of great value.
When he went to his reward in April, 1898, his departure
left a vacancy which it has been found difficult to fill.
For more than twenty years Mr. George Gelbach, also
of Philadelphia, was Mr. Santee's companion in attend-
ing the meetings of the Board. He was also a generous
benefactor of the institution; and after his death, which
occurred in 1886, a memorial window was very appro-
priately placed in the college chapel.
As the year 188Y approached there was a general desire
that the Centennial anniversary of the founding of Frank-
lin College should be appropriately observed. It was also
suggested that the Semi-centennial of Marshall College
might be celebrated at the same time, though absolute his-
torical accuracy would have demanded a somewhat earlier
celebration. For the celebration itself the Alumni Associa-
tion deserves the chief credit, though it was cheerfully
aided by the Board of Trustees and all the friends of the
institution.
The Centennial was in every respect successful. It was
celebrated in connection with the Conmiencement of 1887,
and began with the Baccalaureate Sermon on Sunday,
Jime 12. Dr. Thomas G. Apple preached an excellent
discourse on the words : " Without me ye can do nothing."
John 15, 5. On Monday and Tuesday there were the
usual college exercises; but on Tuesday evening a mass
meeting was held in the Court House. At this meeting
the Honorable John W. Killinger presided, and an address
346 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL, COLLEGE.
was delivered by Dr. William Pepper, LL.D.,* Provost of
the University of Pennsylvania, on " Benjamin Frank-
lin " ; and another by the Honorable K. W. Hughes, of
Virginia, on the " Life and Character of John Marshall."
After these addresses Governor Beaver made an impromptu
speech which was highly appreciated.
Next day there was a great assembly on the College
Campus. A large tent had been put up, and it was said by
the papers of the day that fifteen hundred people partook
of the alumni dinner, though this may have been an ex-
aggeration. There were official representatives from the
University of Pennsylvania, Princeton, Kutgers, Lafay-
ette, Dickinson, Muhlenberg, and other colleges. Among
those who responded to toasts were Hon. John Cessna, Hon.
George F. Baer, Dr. F. A. Muhlenberg, Dr. Traill Green,
Dr. Stanhope Orris of Princeton, and possibly others.
At 3 o'clock the Eev. Dr. J. Spangler Kieffer delivered an
address on the " Relations of the College to the Church."
On the evening of the same day a second meeting was
held in the Court House. Addresses were delivered by Dr.
Lewis H. Steiner and the Honorable W. U. Hensel, and
a Centennial Ode was read by the Eeverend C. E. Siegel.
The audience was very large, and the meeting was one of
the most successful of the series. We well remember how
at a late hour Mr. Hensel roused the audience to enthu-
siasm by an address on " The Eelations of the City to the
College."
The Commencement was held on Thursday in ancient
form, and the " Centennial Class " was duly graduated.
' It was a pleasant but rather unusual incident that when Dr.
Pepper met the treasurer he not only declined compensation for his
services but insisted on his acceptance of a check for one thousand
dollars as a contribution to the endowment of the College.
RENEWED EFFORTS. 347
A public reception was held in the evening in the College
building, and the attendance exceeded all anticipation.
The crowd was actually so great that the waiters experi-
enced much difficulty in distributing refreshments; but
every one was in a good humor and the reception was de-
clared an abundant success. An unforeseen event was the
simultaneous explosion of a number of fireworks which
it had been proposed to set off from the roof of Harbaugh
Hall. The sight was magnificent while it lasted, but was
too brief to be entirely satisfactory. Fortunately no harm
was done to persons or property.
The Centennial was certainly a great occasion in the
history of the College and it seemed as if everything had
been done to render it interesting. Even the invitations
and programs had been printed in antique style on hand-
made paper, and were greatly admired. A complete
series is now a desideratum.
The success of the centennial celebration encouraged the
friends of the College to renewed efforts. It was deemed
of the highest importance that the presidency should be
fully endowed, and there was also a demand for increased
facilities in scientific research. Dr. J. S. Stahr undertook
the task of making a personal canvass, and for this pur-
pose was temporarily relieved from teaching. For nearly
two years he was engaged in this work, assisted for some
time by the Kev. J. F. De Long, D.D. The results of this
agency were very gratifying, amounting in all to upwards
of forty thousand dollars. In the same year Drs. Kieffer
and Schiedt secured contributions for the Library and
Biological Department, amounting in all to about four
thousand dollars and the " Greometrical Progression"
plan, inaugurated by the ladies, brought nearly thirteen
hundred.
348 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
The prospects of the College were now brighter than
they had been for years. The number of students was
gradually increasing, and there was general anticipation
of brighter days. The endowment of the presidency hav-
ing been nearly completed President Apple felt that
the time had now come when he might honorably retire
from his work in the College to devote himself entirely to
his professorship in the Theological Seminary. In 1888
he offered his resignation, but was persuaded to remain
another year. He loved the College and the separation
was naturally painful ; but he began to feel the weight of
advancing years, and in 1889 his resignation was finally
accepted. For nine years longer he labored in the Theolog-
ical Seminary, continuing his studies and literary labors
almost to the end. He died September 17, 1898. His
faithful and disinterested service to the institutions of his
Church will always be gratefully remembered.
CHAPTEK XXVIII.
RECENT HISTORY.
President John S. Stahb — Death op Hon. John Cessna — Elec-
tion OF Dr. Geo. F. Baeb — Free Tuition — Biennial Tests
— Athletics — MilitabY Science — New Theological
Seminary — Present College Faculty — Death
OF Dr. W. M. Nbvin — Watts-dbPeysteb
Library — Science Building — Academy.
The incidents which we have still to relate may be
supposed to be well remembered. They are, indeed, so
near at hand that they can hardly be presented in proper
proportions. All that we can hope to do is to give a brief
summary of recent events, thus enabling the reader to
form some idea of the present condition of the institution.
When Dr. Thomas G. Apple retired from the presi-
dency of Franklin and Marshall College, in 1889, Dr.
John S. Stahr, Professor of Natural Sciences, was ap-
pointed president pro tern. In the succeeding year, 1890,
Dr. Stahr was elected President; and duly inaugurated
at the opening of the fall term. On the latter occasion
the exercises were under the general supervision of a com-
mittee of which the Reverend Dr. J. O. Miller was chair-
man.
President John Summers Stahr was bom in Bucks
county, Pennsylvania, December 2, 1841. He was grad-
uated at Franklin and Marshall College, in 1867, and
subsequently received the degrees of A.M., 1870, Ph.D.,
1883, and D.D., 1891, the latter degree having been con-
ferred by Lafayette College. Before he entered college
349
350 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
he had been a successful teacher, and his appointment as an
instructor immediately after graduation was in recogni-
tion of his talents in this field. He was ordained to the
ministry in 1872, and is extensively known as a preacher
and as a contributor to the religious and educational press.
Having been for many years engaged in the service of the
institution, his elevation to the presidency gave assurance
of faithfulness to the past and of earnest and unremit-
ting labor in days to come.
The Honorable John Cessna was president of the Board
of Trustees until his death, December 13, 1893. He
had held this office since 1865 when he was chosen to
succeed President James Buchanan. That he was earn-
estly devoted to the interest of the College has never been
doubted. In caring for its financial investments no labor
seemed too great, and at the meetings of the Board he was
rarely if ever absent from his place. Though in later
years he was overtaken by misfortune his affection
for the College never wavered. Less than a year before
his death he delivered at Commencement an address which
was full of hope and enthusiasm.
John Cessna, LL.D., was born in Colerain township,
Bedford county, Pennsylvania, June 29, 1821. His
father was a farmer and he was the eldest of twelve chil-
dren. Having been prepared by the Kev. B. K. Hall he
entered Marshall College where he was graduated in
1842. Among his fellow students he was a natural
leader, and he was noted for his sturdy independence of
character. It is said that as long as he was a student he
regularly made journeys on foot between the College and
his home in Bedford county, a distance of forty miles.
IMPORTANT CHANGES. 361
After his graduation Mr. Cessna was for a year a tutor
in Marshall College and then studied law. That he be-
came a distinguished lawyer need hardly he said; and
during the period of his public life there were few im-
portant political movements in which he was not pro-
foundly interested. He was twice elected Speaker of the
House of Representatives of Pennsylvania, and was also
an eminent member of the National Congress. In 1892
he was again elected to the Legislature, after an absence
of thirty years, and of this body he was a member at the
time of his death.
When the Board of Trustees of Franklin and Marshall
College proceeded to choose a successor to Mr. Cessna
there was no difference of opinion. On the 19 th of June,
1894, George F. Baer, LL.D., of Reading, was elected
President, and this important position he still occupies.
Dr. Baer has been since 1872 a member of the Board
of Trustees. Indeed, he has been identified with the in-
stitution for a much longer period, for in earlier years
he was a student. He has always been an earnest sup-
porter of the College; but since he has become its official
head his wisdom and liberality have been important ele-
ments in its development. That in connection with his
important duties as President of the Philadelphia and
Reading Railroad, he should find time to attend to the
affairs of Franklin and Marshall College is a source of
constant surprise and gratitude.
The closing decade of the nineteenth century brought
many changes in the external and internal conditions of
the institution. There was an earnest desire to accom-
modate the College to recent conditions, especially in the
advancement of the Scientific Department. Liberal con-
352 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
tributions received during the centennial year from the
Black and Eyennan families, members of the Third
Street Reformed Church of Easton, Pa., through their
pastor, the Eev. Henry M. Kieffer, D.D., and from Mrs.
Hood, of Frederick, Md., rendered it possible to provide
a chemical laboratory. Though small it served an excel-
lent purpose, and its erection has been held to mark an era
in the history of the College.
There were, indeed, evident signs of progress. The
course of study was rearranged and a number of addi-
tional studies were included in the curriculum. In 1891
tuition was made free, so that since that date no student
has had to pay for the instruction which he receives. This
was an end to which the friends of the College had looked
forward for many years, and there was great rejoicing.
College fees are still collected, as has always been done;
but they are smaller in amount than in most literary
institutions. It is partly due to the abolition of fees for
tuition that the necessary expenses of students may be kept
within unusually narrow limits.
It was also in 1891 that the Biennial Test examinations
were abolished. To the present generation of students it
may be necessary to explain that these examinations were
held at the end of the Sophomore and Senior years, and
were in their day regarded as the chief "bugbear" of the
course. In each instance the student was examined on all
the branches studied during the previous two years, and
on his success in this examination his promotion depended.
This method had been employed since 1857, and it hardly
seemed possible that it could ever be abrogated. The
Sophomore Test was peculiarly trying, and many students
failed to be promoted. Efforts were frequently made to
C 9f^.
ATHLETICS. 353
escape the ordeal, but generally without success. Once,
however, it is said, a "smart" Sophomore, who felt the
Test approaching, applied for a regular dismissal to an
institution in which no such examination existed. The
application could not well be refused and the transition
was duly made; but at the opening of the next term he
was, at his own request, dismissed back to Eranklin and
Marshall and was admitted ad eundem to the Junior class,
thus escaping the Sophomore Test. If this story is au-
thentic it was a peculiarly sharp trick.
The Tests were, of course, intended to promote study,
as well as to preserve the unity of the course; but it
was claimed that they induced inordinate "cramming"
and in some instances wrought positive injustice. How-
ever this may have been, it is certain that the institution
did not suffer from their discontinuance.
Franklin and Marshall College has always declared
that education concerns the whole man, involving the de-
velopment of the body, mind and soul. That physical
health is essential to mental and spiritual culture has never
been doubted; but it must be confessed that in the early
history of the institution no one seems to have given to
athletics the attention which the subject manifestly de-
serves. The sports in which students engaged were those
of their earlier years, and for want of proper direction
were frequently rough, not to say improper. In 1862
Dr. Gerhart proposed to the Board of Trustees the erec-
tion of a Gymnasium, "or partial substitute," to supply
students with the means of securing vigorous and exhil-
erating exercises. It was accordingly ordered that there
should be erected on the college grounds "leaping-bars,
exercising ladders and a swinging pole or poles" and that a
354 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
"hand-ball-alley and a cricket-ground" should also be pro-
vided. To what extent this resolution was carried out
we have no means of knowing ; but as it was passed in the
days of the Civil War and many of the students were
soon afterward invited to engage in a very different sort of
exercise, it is not probable that much was accomplished.
Many efforts were subsequently made to advance the cause
of athletics, especially by Professor Smyth who was an
accomplished athlete ; but it was not until 1890 that any-
thing important was actually accomplished. In that year
a meeting was held on the campus on the day before Com-
mencement, and a number of subscriptions were secured
for the erection and furnishing of a Gymnasium. That
this movement proved successful was chiefly due to the
efforts of the Honorable W. U. Hensel. The building
was completed in 1891, and was fully provided with all
the requirements for athletic work. The bowling alley
was supplied by the liberality of Mr. H. S. Williamson,
who has taken great interest in athletics and from whom
Williamson Field derives its name. The cost of the
building was $7,000, of which about $4,000 were sup-
plied by voluntary subscription.
In 1891 Dr. William Mann Irvine became Physical
Instructor and Director of the Gymnasium, at the same
time serving as Assistant Professor in Political Economy
and English. He had been known as an athlete at Prince-
ton, and was an enthusiastic advocate of gymnastic exer-
cises and athletic sports as an important element in college
discipline. In organizing the department of athletics,
and under his direction the foot-ball team became formid-
able. Among the students there was great enthusiasm;
and there was some surprise among the older people when
MILITARY SCIENCE. 355
it was found that devotion to college sports did not make
students rough and boisterous, but on the contrary rend-
ered them more orderly and amenable to discipline.
There is nothing in the world more admirable than the
development of manhood, but unless such development is
harmonious it will be stunted or distorted. Youthful
vigor is a precious possession; but if it is not properly
guarded it may easily lead to excess. Athletics have not
only taught with renewed force the ancient lesson that
"he who striveth for the mastery is temperate in all
things"; they have long since ceased to be regarded as
mere recreations, and are fuUy recognized as a necessary
preliminary to healthy and vigorous manhood. Since
the resignation of Dr. Irvine, in 1893, the position of
Physical Director has been successively held by Greorge
W. Hartman, Frederick Benner, Dr. H. S. Wingert, Dr.
John H. Outland, Dr. John Hedges and John G. Chal-
mers. The department is highly esteemed, and has been
the source of many struggles and triimiphs whose story
enthusiastic athletes are best fitted to relate.
In 1894 Military Science and Tactics became a depart-
ment of instruction. An officer of the army of the
United States was specially detailed by the government
for service in the College, giving military instruction and
drill. This position was held until 1900 by Captain
Edgar Wellington Howe, who was succeeded by Major
Eobert F. Bates. Kegular drill was no doubt beneficial
in many ways, and military exercises were, of course, a
pleasant sight; but the arrangement did not prove in all
respects satisfactory, and in 1901 the detail was at the
request of the College withdrawn, and the arms which had
been furnished by the government were duly returned.
356 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
The Theological Seminary, as we have seen, had for
many years occupied rooms in the College Building.
Though the intimate relation of the institutions was in
many respects pleasant, it is evident that both were greatly
crowded. As the Faculties increased the pressure be-
came greater, and it was felt the best interests of both in-
stitutions required a local separation.
Dr. E. V. Gerhart had earnestly appealed to the
Church for aid which the Theological Seminary urgently
needed. It was necessary, he insisted, that the number
of professors should be increased, and that a suitable build-
ing should be erected. At the meeting of the Eastern
Synod, held in 1884 at Pottstown, Pa., the work was taken
up with great enthusiasm, and the synods of Pittsburg
and the Potomac immediately cooperated. Each of the
latter synods succeeded in completing the endowment of a
professorship, and in each instance a member of the body
was chosen to be the first incumbent. The Eev. Dr.
John C. Bowman was, in October, 1890, elected Professor
of New Testament Exegesis, as representing the Synod of
the Potomac; and the Eev. Dr. William Eupp, of the
Synod of Pittsburg, was in October, 1893, installed Pro-
fessor of Practical Theology. The Eastern Synod tem-
porarily limited its efforts to completing the endowment
of the professorship of Old Testament Theology, held by
Dr. E. A. Gast, and to gathering the nucleus of a fund for
the erection of a suitable building.
If we were writing a history of the Theological Semin-
ary we should have to devote a long chapter to the latter
work. Never before in the history of the Keformed
Church had there been such an outpouring of general bene-
volence, and there are many individuals who for their
THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY. 357
liberality hold a prominent place in the financial records
of the institution. In gathering contributions for the new
building the Rev. Dr. J. 0. Bowman was especially active,
but he had efficient coadjutors whose names are mentioned
in the Proceedings of their respective synods. The
Library, which is connected by a corridor with the main
building, was erected by a separate subscription, and the
names of contributors appear on a tablet at the entrance.
Alcoves in the library were endowed by individuals; and
in brief everything was done to render the building attrac-
tive and complete. The stream of benevolence, which had
at times been almost imperceptible, now swelled into a
flood, and the friends of the institution were correspond-
ingly delighted.
The new Theological Seminary was dedicated on the
10th of May, 1894. The services were conducted by the
Rev. Drs. E. V. Gerhart and T. G. Apple, and the dedi-
catory sermon was preached by the Rev. J. H. Dubbs,
on Psalms 48, 12-14.
The Seminary Building is universally admired. At
the time of the dedication the sum reported as actually
expended for grounds and buildings was $77,965.74 ; but
by the subsequent purchase of grounds and the erection
of additional buildings this amount was considerably in-
creased. That no debt was suffered to accumulate is
highly creditable to the friends of the institution. The
Faculty of the Theological Seminary, as constituted in
1903, is as follows: Rev. Emanuel V. Gerhart, D.D.,
LL.D., President of the Faculty, Professor of Systematic
Theology; Rev. George W. Richards, D.D., Professor of
Church History; Rev. Frederick A. Gast, Professor of
Hebrew and Old Testament Theology ; Rev. John C. Bow-
358 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
man, D.D., Professor of New Testament Exegesis; Rev.
William Rupp, D.D., Secretary of the Faculty, Professor
of Practical Theology; John Q. Adams, B.L., Professor
of Oratory ; Rev. John L. Swander, D.D., Lecturer on the
Foundation of the Swander Memorial Lectureship.
The removal of the Theological Seminary to its new
home left more room for the expansion of the College.
The numher of students increased and it soon became
necessary to divide the classes into sections. In this way
the labor of individual professors was greatly increased;
but there was no one who failed to perform the duties
assigned him. It was felt that new conditions impera-
tively demanded a new arrangement of studies. In the
higher classes elective studies were introduced, and efforts
were made to arrange the schedule in accordance with
modem requirements. Several distinct courses of under-
graduate study were recognized, and plans for advanced
reading were prepared for graduates who desired to con-
tinue their studies. It was, however, in the department
of Science — as we shall see hereafter — ^that the greatest
advances were made.
In the constitution of the College Faculty but few
changes were made. In 1893 the Reverend C. Ernest
Wagner became Professor of the English Language and
Literature. Professor Anselm V. Hiester began to teach
in 1892, became Assistant Professor in 1894, and was in
1898 promoted to his present professorship of Political and
Social Science. During his temporary absence, from
1896 to 1898, his place was supplied by Professor Samuel
W. Kerr. Professor Clarence ITevin Heller has since
1895 continuously served as Assistant Professor of
Ancient Languages, except that during his absence in
THE FACULTY. 359
1897-98 his place was supplied by Professor Ambrose
Cort. John Michael Groye was from 1895 to 1901, As-
sistant in Natural Science, and in the latter year Herbert
Huebener Beck became Assistant Professor of Chemistry.
The department of Oratory which was formally estab-
lished in 1885 has been in charge of Mr. Silas J. Neff
(1885-1892), Miss Minnie L. Morgan (1893-1896), Pro-
fessor Claude B. Davis (1897-1902), and Professor John
Quincy Adams. Dr. William Kurrelmeyer was, in 1899-
1900, Professor of Modem Languages and in the latter
year he was succeeded by the Kev. Elmer Ellsworth
Powell, Ph.D. The department of Anatomy, Physiology
and Hygiene was revived in 1894 by Martin L. Herr,
M.D., who labored faithfully and with great self-sacrifice
until his death, which occurred in 1902. Since the death
of Dr. Herr this post has been held by Dr. Charles Patter-
son Stahr. The Faculty of the College as at present con-
stituted is as follows :
Eev. John Summers Stahr, Ph.D., D.D., President,
Professor of Mental and Moral Science, -(Esthetics, and
the Philosophy of History; Eev. Joseph Henry Dubbs,
D.D., LL.D., Audenried Professor of History and Arch-
eology; John Brainerd Kieffer, Ph.D., Librarian, Pro-
fessor of the Greek Language and Literature; Jefferson
E. Kershner, Ph.D., Professor of Mathematics and Phys-
ics ; Rev. George Eulmer Mull, A.M., Secretary, Professor
of the Latin Language and Literature; Eev. Eichard
Conrad Schiedt, A.M., Ph.D., Professor of Natural Sci-
ence and Chemistry; Eev. C. Ernest Wagner, A.M., Pro-
fessor of the English Language and Literature; Anselm
Vinet Hiester, A.M., Professor of Political and Social
Science, and Assistant Professor of Mathematics; Clar-
360 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
ence Nevin Heller, A.M., Treasurer, Assistant Professor
of Ancient Languages; Eev. Elmer Ellsworth Powell,
Ph.D., Professor of Modern Languages; Herbert
Huebener Beck, A.C., Assistant Professor of Chemistry;
Charles Patterson Stahr, A.M., M.D., Lecturer on Anat-
omy and Assistant Professor of Bacteriology; John
Quincy Adams, B.L., LL.B., Professor of Oratory;. John
G. Chalmers, Physical Instructor and Director of the
Gymnasium.
There are at present no Tutors officially connected with
the institution. Since the union of the colleges that posi-
tion has at various times been occupied by the following
gentlemen : J. Merrill Linn, William Leaman, Wilberf orce
Nevin, Robert J. Nevin, John Van Haagen, John S.
Stahr, Albert E. Truxal, Thomas S. Land, J. E. Kershner,
Cyrus J. Musser, A. P. Horn, P. M. Trexler, Lewis Robb,
A. M. Schmidt, Lewis T. Lampe and William E. Bushong.
The only death of a member of the Faculty which has
occurred during the present presidency — ^besides that of
Dr. M. L. Herr — ^has been that of Dr. William M. Nevin.
It was an occasion of profound sorrow, for there have
been few men more generally beloved; and his departure
appeared to involve the breaking of the last link that
bound the College to its early history in Mercersburg. It
may be interesting to read the memorial action taken by
the Faculty at the time of his death:
"IN MEMORIAM.
"Peof. William M. Nevin, LL.D.
"1806-1892.
"Prof. William M. Nevin, LL.D., late Emeritus Alumni
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DR. WILLIAM MARVEL NEVIN. 361
Professor of English Literature and Belles-Lettres in Frank-
lin and Marshall College, died on Thursday evening, Feb-
ruary 11, 1892, having reached the mature age of 86 years
and 4 days.
"For more than fifty years Professor Nevin was engaged
■without interruption in the service of Marshall College and
Franklin and Marshall College, having begun his career in
the former as Professor of Ancient Languages in 1840.
When Franklin and Marshall College was organized at Lan-
caster in 1853, he continued under the new organization as
incumbent of the same chair, acting also as President until
the Kev. Dr. E. V. Gerhart was elected to the Presidency.
In 1872 he was elected Alumni Professor of English Litera-
ture and Belles-Lettres, which position he held until death
terminated his labors. In 1886 he was made Professor
Emeritus, but it was his pleasure to continue to lecture until
within a few weeks of his death, and his interest in the Col-
lege was unabated until he passed quietly and triumphantly
into the presence of the great Teacher.
"When a career so long, so useful and so honorable is
brought to a close, it is fitting that the event should receive
more than a passing notice, and therefore the members of
the Faculty of the College with a view both to express their
sense of the great loss which the College has suffered, and
to put upon record their high appreciation of the life and
character of their distinguished colleague, unanimously
adopted the following:
"Resolved, 1st. That we deem it a privilege to bear wit-
ness to the high culture and eminent abilities of the late
Dr. William M. Nevin, whose thorough acquaintance with
the ancient languages, supplemented by loving familiarity
with English Literature, rendered him peculiarly qualified
for the position which for many years he so worthily occu-
pied.
"Resolved, 2d. That the purity of his life, the faithful-
362 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
ness of his service, and the gentle courtesy of his manner
endeared him to his associates and secured the lasting affec-
tion of those who enjoyed the privilege of receiving his in-
structions.
"Resolved, 3d. That we record our appreciation of the
distinguished merits of our departed colleague in the full as-
surance that the name of Dr. William M. Nevin, which has
been so long and so honorably connected with this institu-
tion, will in all its future history be held in reverent and
loving remembrance."
Dr. W. M. JiTevin's "Lectures on the History of English
Literature," edited by Dr. Theodore Appel, were pub-
lished by the Alumni Association in 1895 as a memorial
volume. The fine pipe organ which through the efforts
of Mrs. J. B. Kieffer and other ladies of the congregation
has been placed in the college chapel is also dedicated to
the memory of Dr. W. M. Nevin.
It is sad to reflect on the numerous changes which have
occurred in the Board of Trustees. Since 1890 no less
than twenty-one prominent members have died. Though
we have no room to speak at length of their labors in be-
half of the institution they have left an honorable record,
and their names will be gratefully remembered.^ The
work of their associates and successors is no less highly
appreciated, and it is, of course, to them that we mainly
look for future advancement.
Two important buildings have recently been added to
' The following members of the Board have died since June, 1890 :
Thomas G. Apple, Jacob Bausman, John Cessna, Joseph Coblentz,
Jacob y. Dietz, D. W. Gross, John C. Hager, George W. Hensel, C.
U. Heilman, Harrison P. Laird, J. W. Killinger, J. O. Miller, Charles
Santee, Benjamin F. Shenk, Francis Shroder, A. Herr Smith, J. P.
Wickersham, C. Z. Weiser, Henry Wirt, B. Wolflf, Jr., Calvin M.
Bower.
THE FOUNDER OF THE LIBRARY. 363
the group that is clustered around the College towers, and
some account of their origin and history may reasonably
be expected. The events we have still to relate are, how-
ever, so recent and well known that it is hardly necessary
to consider them at length.
The Watts-dePeyster Library is the gift of General
John Watts de Peyster, LL.D., of Tivoli, Dutchess county,
New York. It was erected in 1897-98 ; and it may be
said that it came to the friends of the institution as a
delightful surprise.
For many years the necessity for the erection of a
Library Building had been fully recognized. When Dr.
J. B. KiefPer became Librarian in 1888 the condition
of the College Library was very discouraging. The books
were few in number and mostly antiquated, and had been
placed in an unsuitable room, rather for safe-keeping than
for actual use. The libraries of the literary societies, it
must be said, were well selected, and kept the students
familiar with the current literature ; but the materials for
actual research were lamentably insufficient. Dr. Kieffer
made the most of the library as he found it, and the num-
ber of volumes slowly increased; but many years would
probably have passed before the literary wants of the Col-
lege were fully met if it had not been for the unexpected
and generous gift of the gentleman who may properly be
regarded as the Founder of the Library.
John Watts de Peyster was born in New York, March
9, 1821. On both sides he is descended from families
which have held a distinguished place in the history of
New York from the time of its earliest settlement. En-
thusiastically devoted to historic studies he has published
hundreds of valuable monographs. He is also distin-
364 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
guished as a soldier, and was made Major General by
special act of the legislature "for meritorious service."
In military matters he is regarded as an authority of the
highest rank, and it is probable that no one has ever more
minutely studied the campaigns of !N'apoleon. Among his
published writings are " Life of Leonard Torstenson, Field
Marshal Generalissimo of Sweden," " The Dutch at the
North Pole and the Dutch in Maine," " Carausius, the
Dutch Augustus," " Personal and Military History of
Major General Philip Kearney" and many other valuable
works. Possessed of great wealth he has been very liberal
in the foundation and endowment of literary and charit-
able institutions, and it was the good f ortime of Franklin
and Marshall College to become a partaker in his bounty.
Many years ago General de Peyster was elected an hon-
orary member of the Diagnothian Literary Society.
Though he had often been similarly honored he did not
forget the compliment, and about 1885 wrote to inquire
whether the society was still in existence. Having been
informed that it was still alive and prosperous he sent
a large number of books for the library. At this time
Mr. Abraham H. Kothermel of the class of 1887 was corre-
sponding secretary of the society, and a correspondence
ensued which proved mutually pleasant. Having sub-
A MEMORIAL. 365
sequently been honored with General de Peyster's friend-
ship it became his privilege to present the cause of his
Alma Mater. At Mr. Rothermel's suggestion General de
Peyster most generously erected at his own expense the
beautiful building which now adorns the college campus.
Dr. J. B. KiefFer was unwearied in superintending the
building and in otherwise advancing the interests of the
Library, and it is to his constant labor that the present ex-
cellent condition of the Library is mainly due.
On account of the state of his health General de Peyster
has not felt able to visit Lancaster where his presence
would be so warmly welcomed. At the laying of the
comer-stone and at the dedication he was represented by
Mr. Kothermel who at the former occasion delivered the
principal address, and at the latter formally presented the
Library to the College in the name of the donor. The
building was named the Watts-dePeyster Library, in
honor of the General's father, Frederick de Peyster, and
his maternal grandfather, the Honorable John Watts.
That the building is beautiful and commodious need
hardly be said. It is intended to accommodate a library of
about seventy thousand volumes. The cost of the building
was about $30,000, but the General subsequently added
shelves and furnishings at an additional expense of about
$6,000. He also placed in front of the library a valuable
bronze statue of a distinguished ancestor. His recent
gifts have been numerous, consisting of several thousand
books and many works of art. The College has every rea-
son to be proud of its beautiful library, and the name of
its founder must always be held in grateful remembrance.
At the entrance to the library is a tablet bearing the
following appropriate inscription:
366 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
This Library is
erected as a
Memorial
OF
John Watts
"vir sequanimitatis"
and of
Frederick de Petster,
vir auctoritatis.
By a
Grandson and Son,
who, bearing both names, seeks
to continue in their honor, the
good they did and taught him.
Since the erection of the Library many valuable con-
tributions have been received from different sources. The
Honorable W. U. Hensel, Dr. N. C. Schaeffer, Paul
Heine, Charles F. Eengier and Walter C. Hager have
founded alcoves for advanced literary study; and consid-
erable collections of books have been received by gift or
bequest from the private libraries of the late Reverend
Clement Z. Weiser, D.D., and Frank Geise, Esq., late
Mayor of York, Pennsylvania.
The Science Building is the most recent of the structures
erected by Franklin and Marshall College. It occupies
the site of Harbaugh Hall, but is of course larger and more
imposing. Its appearance is greatly admired, and there
are few similar buildings which provide more satisfac-
torily for advanced scientific research. Though we lack
space for particulars it may be interesting to say a few
words concerning the movement which led to a more im-
portant result than its early promoters had ever anticipated.
"THE BUILDING ASSOCIATION." 367
The steady increase in the number of students suggested
the necessity for further development. Long ago essays
and reports were presented to the Board by Dr. J. S. Stahr,
fully explaining the wants of the College, especially the
teaching of the Natural Sciences ; and it is but just to say
that he has constantly given life and inspiration to the
movement which led to the enlargement of the scientific
departments. He was succeeded as Professor of Natural
Sciences by Dr. R. C. Schiedt, whose enthusiasm and
vigorous action were of great value in advancing the cause.
In 1895 the Board of Trustees adopted a plan, known
as the " Building and Loan Association," by which it was
hoped the endowment of the College would be largely in-
creased. In its organization and methods it greatly re-
sembled the building associations with which all are
familiar. Members subscribed for a certain number of
shares, on each of which they were to pay a monthly assess-
ment. When the shares matured the accumulated amount
was to be paid into the treasury of the College in payment
of an equal subscription. By thus distributing payments
through a term of years it was supposed that they would
become less burdensome.
The " Building Association " was founded with a great
deal of enthusiasm, and at a meeting of the Board shares
amounting to $25,250 were taken. The Reverend Am-
brose M. Schmidt was chosen Financial Secretary, and
besides laboring for the general interests of the College he
was directed to take charge of the affairs of the proposed
association. His work proved of great advantage to the
College, but it must be confessed that the " Building and
Loan Association " did not prove successful. The whole
amount secured in this way was $31,774.75.
368 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
Though the expectations of the founders of the associa-
tion were not realized it was found that there were many
persons who were willing to assist in the erection of a
Science Building. A fund was created for this purpose,
and Mr. Schmidt secured pledges to the amount of eleven
thousand dollars, but the Board declined to proceed with
the building until at least twenty thousand dollars were
secured. Then President George F. Baer came to the
rescue with a pledge that the needed $9,000 should be
ready in due time. The work was begun and at the
laying of the comer-stone, June 13, 1900, the Honorable
Geo. F. Baer and Dr. T. C. Porter delivered the addresses.
Dr. Stahr says:
"Mr. Schmidt continued his labors until June, 1901, by
which time the whole amount pledged was $31,307.91. At
the annual Commencement of 1901 additional pledges were
made by members of the Board of Trustees and others, and
it was resolved to proceed with the work until the building
was finished. The building with heating apparatus, furni-
ture, grading of grounds, etc., cost in round numbers $65,-
000. The Chemical Laboratories were equipped by Mr.
Milton S. Hershey, of Lancaster, at a cost of $5,000; the
Biological Laboratories by the family of the late B. Wolff,
Jr., of Pittsburgh, at a cost of $5,500 ; the Geological Equip-
ment was given by Mr. Charles F. Eengier, costing $1,000.
The whole outlay is, therefore, about $76,000."^
Other contributions for special purposes have been made
by the firm of Watt and Shand, Mr. Paul Heine and others.
For the erection of the Science Building great credit
is due to Drs. Stahr, Schiedt and Kershner. The work
' Reformed Church Review, April, 1903.
Gymnasium.
Watts-dePeyster Library.
Main Building and Halls.
Science Building.
BUILDINGS.
Observatory.
Theological Seminary.
SCIENCE BUILDING. 369
of the Building Committee, of which Mr. W. H. Hager
was chairman, is also highly appreciated. The Science
Building is at present occupied by the several departments
of Philosophy, Natural Science and Chemistry, Mathe-
matics and Physics. The Museum has recently received
many valuable additions, among which are the cabinets
gathered by the Literary Societies. A specimen of the
extinct Dinornis giganteus has recently been added by
Mr. J. Milton Mays, of Philadelphia. The Herbarium,
whose beginnings go back to the days of Muhlenberg, has
been greatly enlarged by the acquisition of the collection
made by the late A. P. Garber, M.D. The library and
extensive collection of coleoptera made by the late Dr. S.
S. Eathvon has been purchased and presented by Henry
Bobb, M.D., of East Greenville, Pa., as a memorial of his
son, the late Eugene H. Bobb, of the class of 1895. With
regard to such contributions we have no room for partic-
ulars and omissions are unavoidable. It must, however,
be added that the Linnsean Society — a local scientific asso-
ciation founded many years ago by Dr. Thomas 0. Porter
— has by special agreement deposited its valuable collec-
tion in the Science Building, thus providing additional
material for study in the natural sciences.
The completion of the Science Building was an occasion
of great rejoicing. At the formal opening an excellent
address was delivered by Dr. E. F. Smith, Vice-Provost
of the University of Pennsylvania. That an important
step had been taken could not be doubted and the way
seemed opened to enlarged future usefulness. The Science
Building will not only prove a monument of Dr. Stahr's
successful presidency, but will, we believe, be followed
by important advances in other departments of study.
370 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
The condition of the College may be described as promis-
ing. The invested endowment is at present $206,896.96.
It is very small and calls for immediate enlargement. The
institution has, however, certain minor sources of income
to which we have already referred, and at a low estimate
the property and investment may be valued at $500,000.
This, of course, does not include the Theological Seminary
or the Academy.
The College has received a number of legacies, of which
the latest is one of ten thousand dollars from the estate of
the late Jacob Y. Dietz, of Philadelphia. There are also
occasional memorials and souvenirs which are peculiarly
interesting. In 1896 the bell which now hangs in the
tower was presented by Mrs. George N. Forney, of Han-
over, Pa., in memory of her son, the late J. Wirt Forney,
of the class of 1881.
In 1897 Messrs. Thaddeus G. Hehn and Edwin M.
Hartman — ^both graduates of the College — succeeded Mr.
W. W. Moore as rectors of Franklin and Marshall Acad-
emy. Under their care this institution has been remark-
ably prosperous, and has annually presented a considerable
number of students for admission to college.
The institutions at Lancaster have never been so fortu-
nate as to receive large endowments, either from the State
or from individuals. They have labored under many
difficulties, but it caimot be denied that they have accom-
plished an important work. Under all the circumstances
they have every reason to thank God and take courage.
CHAPTER XXIX.
SOCIAL CONDITIONS.
The Chttbch — Coixeqe Y. M. C. A. — Literaky Sociexies — Fba-
TEBNiTiES — Clubs — Pubmcations — Entbbtainments —
Student Life.
Dr. Harbaugh preached one of his best sermons on the
text: " Gather up the fragments that remain that nothing
be lost." As we approach the end of our work there are
certain facts concerning social conditions which deserve to
be mentioned ; and this passage of Scripture may therefore
be regarded as the motto of the present chapter.
In the College the Church continues to be the center of
social as well as of religious life. St. Stephen's church
continues to occupy the College chapel, which was in
1873-74 enlarged at its expense. The congregation is
composed of the professors and their families and of a
few families not otherwise connected with the institution,
together with students who have at their own request been
admitted to membership. The pastors, who successively
occupy the pulpit, are ministers belonging to the several
Faculties ; and these pastors elect the presiding pastor who
has general charge of the church. Elders and Deacons are
elected by the congregation. Students are expected to at-
tend the regular services on Sunday, unless at the request
of their parents they have received permission to worship
elsewhere.
St. Stephen's church is connected with the Classis of
Lancaster of the Eeformed Church in the United States,
and seeks to perform its fuU duty as a Christian congre-
371
372 FRANKLIN AND MAKSHALL COLLEGE.
gation. As there are no salaries to be paid it is in a favor-
able position to engage in enterprises of general benevo-
lence. It aims to be a Christian church in the broadest
and most generous sense, and gladly cooperates with Ohrisr
tians of every name and profession.
The Keformed Church in the United States (formerly
known as the German Keformed Church) we venture to
say to those who are not familiar with its history — is de-
rived in an unbroken line from the Protestant Keforma-
tion of the sixteenth century. In early days the main cen-
ters of its life in Europe were Zurich, Geneva and Heidel-
berg. Though it never recognized a human director, its
most eminent leaders were Zwingli, Calvin and Frederick
III., elector of the Palatinate. Its confession of faith is
the Heidelberg Catechism. Dating from a period ante-
cedent to the great controversies which resulted in the
establishment of many denominations, the Keformed
Church has few decided peculiarities in faith or practice,
but has held with unswerving tenacity to Christ as the
source and center of the Christian life.
The relations of Franklin and Marshall College with a
Christian denomination are not unusual. In earlier days
such relations were indeed, almost universal; and it may
be truly said that without the activity of the churches
Harvard, Yale and Princeton could not have been founded.
Franklin College was, we believe, the only instance of an
institution that was proposed to be representative of two
denominations and of "the outside community"; but, as
we have seen, divided control became the chief obstacle to
success. Until very recently it was believed that denom-
inational patronage was essential to success ; and even now
it may be regarded as doubtful whether a "small college"
ASSOCIATIONS. 373
could be successfully established -without such aid. These
relations do not necessarily involve " sectarian " teaching,
and it may be confidently asserted that from this evil
Franklin and Marshall College has always been free.
The Board of Trustees has been careful to observe the
spirit of the requirements of its earliest charter, so that
at no time have all its members been connected with the
same religious denomination.
The College Young Men's Christian Association has
been prosperous and useful. For some years it has pub-
lished a Student's Handbook, containing much informa-
tion for new students, and has furnished a room in the
College Building. Its work has proved valuable and is
highly appreciated.
Turning now from religious interests to those which are
distinctively literary, we need but remind the reader that
the Goethean and Diagnothian societies are still flourish-
ing. They occupy the halls which their predecessors
erected almost fifty years ago. At one time there was a
period of depression and it seemed as if they could not
escape the fate which has come upon the literary societies
of many similar institutions. New students hesitated long
before connecting themselves with either society, so that
it was seriously proposed to make membership in one of
the societies obligatory on every student. This would
have destroyed the freedom and spontaneity which con-
stitute the greatest charm of such associations, and the pro-
posed action was not generally approved. Eecently there
has been a favorable reaction and the literary societies
are now more prosperous than they have been for years.
This is plainly indicated by the fact that both halls have
been thoroughly repaired and beautified at the expense
of students and alumni. Mr. S. H. Eanck has said :
374 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
' ' With their handsomely frescoed halls, their libraries, and
the furniture and fittings, each society is the owner of prop-
erty worth about $20,000. The two libraries alone contain
over 16,000 well-selected books. Excepting the literary so-
cieties of Princeton alone, I believe they are the most valuable
college literary society properties in the world. "^
In the judgment of the beat friends of the institution
the literary societies hold high rank in the work of educa-
tional training. They teach their members in the best pos-
sible way how to put what they have learned to practical
use. The most eminent alumni are ready to acknowledge
that their success has been largely due to the training
which they received in the literary societies.
There are at present three " Greek Letter fraternities "
which have chapters in Franklin and Marshall College.
The oldest is " Phi Kappa Sigma " which received its
charter from the parent chapter in the University of
Pennsylvania, in 1854. " Chi Phi " was founded a few
months later in the same year, and derived its origin from
Princeton. " Phi Kappi Psi " was established in 1860 on
the basis of an older local fraternity which was known as
" Phi Beta Tau." It is a branch of an order which was
founded at Jefferson College. There have been several
other fraternities which we remember chiefly by the golden
badges which they occasionally displayed; but as these
have not been seen for many years they may be presumed
to have quietly passed out of existence.
The organization of fraternities in the earliest years of
Franklin and Marshall may perhaps have been induced by
the feeling of loneliness to which we have referred. After
• The Reformed Church Review, April, 1903.
FRATERNITIES. 375
the removal from Mercersburg the students felt themselves
strangers in the community, and we can testify to the fact
that many of them suffered from aggravated attacks of
" home-sickness." Under such circumstances it is not sur-
prising that certain little companies were drawn together
for mutual sympathy and support. After subsisting for
some time in this way a chance visit from a member of a
fraternity, or a letter from a friend in another college, may
have suggested complete organization.
The veil of secrecy which veils fraternities is of course
profound. They sometimes claim fabulous antiquity, and
their initiations are said to be cabalistic and very mys-
terious. Further we cannot hope to go, though we may
wonder what is the nature of the wonderful secrets which
they decline to reveal.
Fraternities have been greatly opposed, and there can
be no doubt that some fraternities have deserved all that
could be said against them. The fact seems to be that they
are exactly what their members make them. When they
are properly conducted they claim to advance the culture
and protect the morals of their members; when they
happen to be controlled by evil influences the result may
easily be foreseen. At present the fraternities dwell in
beautiful houses, and are careful to preserve their good
reputation. As they may soon celebrate their semi-cen-
tennial it may perhaps be taken for granted that they have
come to stay.
The fact that the College has at present no dormitory
has probably been favorable to the organization of clubs,
some of which are fraternities in all but name. These
clubs are mostly of recent origin, but give evidence of be-
coming permanent institutions. They rent houses and
376 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
practice housekeeping in a way which is both liberal and
economical, so that they often succeed in greatly reducing
the expenses of their members while affording them all
the comforts of a pleasant home. In the Oriflamme for
1902 appear the names of the following clubs: "Para-
dise," " Nevonia," "• College Ealstons," " Franklin Club "
and " Harbaugh Club." The " Nevonia," we have been
informed, has recently been reorganized as a chapter of a
Greek letter fraternity which is known as " Phi Sigma
Kappa."
As has already been intimated the department of
Athletics is well organized, and the interest which is taken
in base-ball and foot-ball has never been known to flag.
For those who incline to music there are the " Glee Club "
and " Mandolin Club," which have given many delightful
concerts at home and abroad.
There are several periodicals which are conducted ex-
clusively by students. The College Student, a monthly
magazine, is published by the literary societies. It is now
in its twenty-third volume, and circulates chiefly in the
college and among the alimini. The F. & M. Weekly is
twelve years old. It is a bright paper devoted exclusively
to college news, and as such furnishes an excellent repre-
sentation of the social life of the institution. The " per-
sonals " concerning the alumni are especially interesting,
and by their means the present generation is kept en rap-
port with those who have gone before. The Oriflamme has
been published since 1882 by each successive Junior class.
It contains many valuable historical articles, besides some
material which is intended chiefly for students and which
sometimes fails to be fully appreciated by older people.
For the excellence of its typography and the beauty of its
LITERAKY ENTERTAINMENTS. 377
illustrations this splendid volume deserves a place in the
foremost rank of college annuals. The Nevonian, which
first appeared in 1892, is issued at Commencement and
gives a full account of its various exercises.
The Ohituary Record can hardly be called a periodical,
but is recognized as a publication of great value. It is
edited and published by a committee of the Alumni Asso-
ciation, of which Mr. S. H. Ranck is chairman; and in
its successive numbers the life-story of departed alumni
is sympathetically related. The Alumni Association,
which has had an organized existence for more than sixty
years, has recently been an important factor in the history
of the College. Besides the important publications which
it has issued, it has in many ways labored to promote the
best interests of the institution. It is to the alumni that
the College must look for intelligent assistance.
During the winter months the representations of the
dramatic clubs have given much pleasure. The " Green
Room Club " has presented several excellent plays, and the
" Schiller Verein " of the Junior class has acted pleasant
comedies in the German language. In producing these
plays the students spare no pains and they are always
highly appreciated.
There is, in fact, no lack of literary entertainment. For
several years the students have been favored with a course
of lectures by eminent men who have discussed some of
the vital questions of the day. There are also debates and
inter-collegiate contests, anniversaries and exhibitions,
with other occasions that aim to unite the agreeable with
the useful.
To describe at length the social conditions of Lancaster
students is equally beyond our power and purpose. If
378 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
there are social prejudices we are not aware of them. In
many homes students are welcome guests, and they are
unanimous in grateful acknowledgment of the courtesies
which they receive. The social recognition of a student,
it is well known, depends upon his conduct and culture.
Student-life is proverbially joyous; but when physical
and mental strength is crowned by moral excellence it be-
comes rounded and complete. This is the ideal which the
institution is constantly striving to realize.
The accomplishment of the highest purposes of the Col-
lege demands united and persevering labor. " The desti-
nies of the world are in the hands of those that work."
That the institution has accomplished much good in the
days of its poverty will not be denied; and though its
trials may not yet be ended it can never be deprived of the
reward that comes from honest toil.
CHAPTEE XXX.
CONCLUSION.
A COMHON PUBPOSB — A Peculiab LiFE — An Unfaltbbino Tbust.
At the end of our journey it may be well to look back
to the course over which we have travelled. Though the
way was at times rough there were also pleasant places
and prospects which it is delightful to recall. As we ap-
proached the end the journey became less difficult, and
there was constant occasion to bless the memory of the
men who by their labor prepared the way for our feet.
It is evident at a glance that the institutions whose his-
tory we have endeavored to relate were founded for a com-
mon purpose. The two older colleges which were brought
together in 1853 were both established in the special inter-
est of early Grerman settlers, though they were never in-
tended for their exclusive benefit. In the life and lan-
guage of the people of Pennsylvania a century has wrought
great changes; and no one now cherishes the plans of the
founders with regard to the extension of purely German
culture in America. There are many of us who love the
language and literature of Germany; but the hopes of the
fathers for their permanent establishment in this country
were at best but beautiful dreams. We do not even desire
the preservation of racial distinctions, and look forward
to the full development of a common American life.
There is, however, a higher sense in which Franklin
and Marshall College may justly claim to have been
faithful to the purposes of its founders. Indeed, we may
379
380 FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE.
boldly assert that there has never been a time when it has
failed to guard the trust which was committed to its care.
It is this fact which is its chief honor and which renders it
in the fullest sense an historical institution. In the course
of years it has developed a peculiar life which has been
termed " Anglo-German " ; and it is not too much to say
that on more than a single occasion it has served — as Dr.
Rush so hopefully anticipated — as a channel through
which the learning of the fatherland was conveyed to our
country. In Franklin College there were conditions
which prevented the profound consideration of theological
and philosophical questions; but no one can doubt that
Muhlenberg and Melsheimer were pioneers in the study of
the Natural Sciences, or that Eoss and Schipper gained
distinction in philological research. That Marshall Col-
lege during its brief history decidedly influenced the think-
ing of America is now generally acknowledged. It evolved
a system of philosophy which was, indeed, violently op-
posed, but at the same time gathered adherents all over the
land. It now seems strange that declarations of " the
Mercersburg school " which were once fiercely contested
have more recently been quietly accepted by all the
churches. Men like Eauch, Nevin and Schaff exerted an
influence which has not ceased vsdth their death and will
continue to be felt by future generations.
Franklin and Marshall College has been faithful to its
antecedents. There has been no break in its history — ^no
shattering of its high ideals. We have told the story of its
work; its best results, we feel assured, are yet to be re-
vealed.
That the so-called " small college " is threatened by
dangers we are fully aware. New conditions must bring
THE CONCLUSION. 381
new problems. All that we can say is tliat Franklin and
Marshall College presents conditions for faithful and suc-
cessful labor. It has a beautiful home and many require-
ments for advanced study in literature and science. These
have chiefly been gained by earnest toil and are conse-
quently highly appreciated. When poverty leads to effort
it is not always a misfortune. The number of alunrni is
more than twelve hundred, and their attachment to the
institution is earnest and sincere. There are precious
traditions which we hope to transmit to future generations
as constant sources of inspiration and advancement. There
are communities in whose affections the College could
not easily be supplanted. We believe in the old Mercers-
burg doctrine of historical development, and do not doubt
the revelations of the future. Thankful for the blessings
of the era that is ended we gird up our loins to enter upon
the one which is at hand, trusting that we shall be led to
further manifestations of the love and mercy of the Lord ;
" for He is able to do it, being Almighty God, and willing,
being a faithful Father."
THE END.
BIBLIOGRAPHY.
In the preparation of this bibliography we have not aimed at
completeness. At first it was proposed to include the publications
of professors and alumni in so far as they had come to our knowl-
edge; but it Boon became evident that in this way the work would
be extended beyond our limits. As it now stands it includes speci-
mens of the work of members of the Faculty, addresses delivered
on public occasions, and a few books and pamphlets containing
historical information. Except in a few instances, articles in period-
icals nave necessarily been omitted.
FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
Synodical Archives in Holland. Mss.
Record of Proceedings of the Board of Trustees of Franklin College.
1 vol., fol., ms.
Minutes of the Coetus of the Reformed Church. Philadelphia, 1903
(in press).
Proceedings of the Synod of the German Reformed Church. Cir.
1825-1853.
Hector St. J. de Crevecoeur. Voyage dans la haute Pennsylvanifi
et dans I'Etat de New York. 2 vols. Paris, 1801.
Freiheitsbrief der Deutschen Hohen Schule (College) in der Stadt
Lancaster in dem Staate Pennsylvanien — nebst einer Anrede an
die Deutschen dieses Staates, von den Trustees der besagten
Hohen Schule. Philadelphia, Melchior Steiner, 1787.
Charter of Franklin College, published by resolution of the Board,
passed 19th October, 1837. Lancaster, Bryson and Forney,
Printers, 1837.
The Charter, By-Laws and Regulations of the Lancaster County
Academy. Lancaster, 1827.
Order of Procession and Public Worship to be observed at the dedi-
cation of Franklin College in the Borough and County of Lan-
caster. Philadelphia, Printed by Melchior Steiner in Race Street
between Second and Third Streets, 1787.
Ordnung welche in Absicht der Procession und Qffentlichen Gottes-
dienstes bei der Enweihung der Franklinischen Deutschen Hohe
Schule in der Stadt una Graffschaft Lancaster zu beobachten.
382
BIBLIOGRAPHY, 383
Philadelphia. Gedrukt bei Melchior Steiner in red Rees-strasse,
zwischen der Zweyten und Dritten Strasse, 1787.
Catalogue of the Officers and Students of Franklin College. Lan-
caster, 1848.
Pamphlet Laws of Pennsylvania, 1835-36, 290; 1836-37, 96; 1850,
512.
Bioren's Laws of Pennsylvania, II., 398; VII., 176, 362.
G. H. E. Miihlenberg. Eine Rede gehalten den 5ten Juny, 1787, bei
der Einweihung von der Deutschen Hohen Schule oder Franklin
Collegium in Lancaster. Auf Verlangen der Trustees zum Druck
befSrdert. Lancaster, Albrecht und Lahn, 1788.
Catalogus Plantarum Americae Septemtrionali, hue usque
cognitarum et cicurum; or, A Catalogue of the hitherto known
native and naturalized plants of North America. Lancaster,
William Hamilton, 1813. Second edition, revised and also en-
larged, Philadelphia, Solomon W. Conrad, 1817.
Descriptio Uberior Graminum et Plantarum Calaminarum
Americse Septentrionalia indigenarum et cicurum. Philadelphia,
Solomon W. Conrad, 1817.
Reduction of all the Genera of Plants contained in the
Catalogus Plantarum Americas Septemtrionalis of the late Dr.
Muhlenberg to the natural families of De Jussieu's system.
Philadelphia, Solomon W. Conrad, 1815.
Joseph Hutchins. A Sermon preached in the Lutheran church on
the Opening of Franklin College in the borough of Lancaster,
Pennsylvania, July 17, 1787. Philadelphia, Daniel Humphreys,
1806.
Miihlenberg and Scbipper. English German and German English
Dictionary with a German Grammar and Principles of Pronun-
ciation for Both Languages. Printed under the immediate in-
spection of the Rev. Dr. Henry Muhlenberg, Pastor of the Ger-
man Lutheran Church at Lancaster, and Mr. B. J. Schipper,
Professor of Languages in Franklin Academy. Two volumes.
Lancaster, Printed by William Hamilton, 1812. There is also
a German title.
J. H. Christian Helmuth. Kurze Nachricht von dem sogenannten
Grelben Fieber in Philadelphia. Philadelphia, Steiner and Kim-
merer, 1793.
Ausdrucke der Wehmuth fiber den Tod Dr. C. D. Weybergs.
Philadelphia, Carl Cist, 1790.
Die Bruderliebe in Philadelphia. Philadelphia, Steiner and
Kammerer, 1794.
384 BIBLIOGRAPHY.
Betrachtung der Evangelischen Lehre von der Heiligen
Schrift und Taufe. Germantown, 1793.
Frederick Valentine Melsheimer. A Catalogue of Insects of Penn-
sylvania. Part I. Hanover, York County, Pa., 1806.
Wahrheit der Christlichen Religion fUr unstudierte. Frie-
derichstadt, C. T. Melsheimer, 1810. Lancaster, William Ham-
ilton & Co., 1813.
Tagebuch von der Reise der Braunschweigischen Auxiliar
Truppen von Wolfenbttttel nach Quebec. Minden, Justus Hein-
rich K6rber, 1776.
J. C. William Reichenbach. Agathon on Divine Worship. Lancaster,
Joseph Ehrenfried, 1812.
Agathon uber Wahren Gottesdienst. Ursprfinglich Deutsch
in Pennsylvanien geschrieben. Lancaster, Joseph Ehrenfried,
1813. Second edition, 1818.
Die Zerstorung Jerusalems. Ubersetzt aus dem Englischen.
Lancaster, J. Ehrenfried, 1810.
Benjamin Rush, M.D. An Account of the Manners of the German
Inhabitants of Pennsylvania. Written 1789. Notes added by
Professor I. Daniel Rupp. Philadelphia, Samuel P. Town, 1875.
James Ross, A.M. A Short, Plain, Comprehensive Practical Latin
Grammar. Chambersburg, 1796; Lancaster, 1802; Philadelphia,
1808; and many subsequent editions.
In obitum viri clarissimi Caroli Nisbet, DJ)., Coll. Dickin-
son PrsBsidis, qui octodecimo Januarii A. D. 1804, vita decessit.
Coll. Franklin, Lancastrise, Kal. Mart. 1804. (Broadside.)
Onomasiator: or, Philadelphia Vocabulary, a sketch of
mythology. Philadelphia, 1822.
— Colloquies of Erasmus.
— jEsop's Fables.
— Selectee Profanis Historia.
— Ciceronis Epistolse.
Christian Endress. Gedanken ttber Regierungsform in Beziehung
aufs Christenthum. Philadelphia, Steiner and Kammerer, 1795.
I. Daniel Rupp. History of Lancaster County. Lancaster, 1844.
Philip Schaff. " Das Franklin Collegium." Article in Der Deutsche
Kirchenfreund, III., p. 197.
F. A. Muhlenberg. "Educational Efforts of the Pennsylvania Synod."
Article in Evangelical Review, X., p. 289.
BIBLIOGKAPHY. 386
Jacob Chapman. Edward Chapman, of Ipswich, Mass., 1642-1678,
and his descendants. Concord, N. H., 1893.
Joseph Henry Dubbs. "Old Franklin College." Article in The
Guardian, XXXV., p. 172.
The Founding of Franklin College, 1787. Reprinted from
Reformed Quarterly Review. Philadelphia, 1887.
Henry Eyster Jacobs. History of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
American Church History Series, Vol. IV. 'New York, 1893.
MARSHALL COLLEGE AND THE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
AT MERCERSBURG, PA.
Minutes of the Board of Trustees of Marshall College. Manuscript,
1836-1853.
Proceedings of the Faculty of Marshall College. 1836-1853.
Proceedings of the Synod of the German Reformed Church. Cir.
1820-1853.
Theodore Appel. Recollections of College Life at Marshall College.
Reading, Pa., 1896.
The Beginnings of the Theological Seminary. Philadelphia,
1886.
Albert Barnes. Progress and Tendencies of Science. Address before
the Literary Societies. Philadelphia, 1840.
Joseph F. Berg. The Ancient Landmark. Philadelphia, 1840.
An Open Bible, the People's Safeguard. Philadelphia, 1844.
Synopsis of the Moral Philosophy of Peter Dens. Philadel-
phia, 1841.
The Old Paths. Philadelphia, 1845.
Lectures on Romanism. Philadelphia, 1840.
Auricular Confession. Philadelphia, 1841.
Jehovah-Nissi. Farewell Words to the First German Re-
formed Church. Philadelphia, 1852.
The Faithful Physician. Philadelphia, W. S. Young, 1849.
. The Scripture History of Idolatry. Philadelphia, 1838.
J. H. A. Bomberger. Spiritual Libertinism. Alvmini Address. Cham-
bersburg, 1846.
Our Position.' Sermon before the Alumni of the Theological
Seminary. Philadelphia, 1856.
N. C. Brooks. The History of the Church. A poem read before the
Diagnothian Literary Society, July 5, 1841. Baltimore, 1841. r
386 BIBLIOGRAPHY.
Samuel W. Budd, Jr. Address before the Goethean Society, August
28, 1843. Chambersburg, 1844.
George W. Burnap. The Professions: an oration delivered before the
Literary Societies of Marshall College. Baltimore, 1842.
Catalogue of the Goethean Literary Society, 1844.
Catalogues of Marshall College, 1838-1853. No catalogue published
in 1843 and 1850.
Catalogues of Diagnothian Literary Society, 1841 and 1843.
B. Champneys. Address before the Goethean and Diagnothian Lit-
erary Societies. Lancaster, 1837.
Joseph R. Chandler. Address delivered before the Goethean and
Diagnothian Societies. Philadelphia, 1839.
Circular issued by the Executive Committee of the Board of Trus-
tees of the Theological Seminary. 1833.
Joseph Clark. Young Americanism. Address before the Goethean
Society. Chambersburg, 1852.
J. F. Denny. Studies and Obligations of the College Students. Ad-
dress before the Literary Societies. Mercersburg, 1847.
John Frost. The Duty of the American Scholar to the Literature
of his Country. Address before the Literary Societies. Phila-
delphia, 1841.
E. V. Gerhart. The Proper Vocation of a Scholar. Address at the
Opening of the Diagnothian Hall. Mercersburg, 1847.
Inauguration as Professor of Theology at TiflSn. Tiffin
City, Ohio, 1851.
The Historical Element in Theology. Inaugural Address as
Pi'ofessor of Theology at Mercersburg. Philadelphia, 1869.
Geschichte des Theologischen Seminars der deutschen Reformirten
Kirche. Hanover, 1831.
Goethean Hall; or the Anniversary of Goethe's Birthday. Contains
an Address on Dante by Philip Schaff, translated by Jeremiah
H. Good. Chambersburg, 1846.
Henry Harbaugh. Christological Philosophy. Inaugural Address
as Professor of Theology at Mercersburg. Philadelphia, 1865.
Heaven or the Sainted Dead. Philadelphia, 1849.
The Heavenly Recognition. 1851.
The Heavenly Home. 1853.
Published in numerous editions ae "Harbaugh on the Future
Life."
BIBLIOGEAPHY. 387
The Fathers of the German Reformed Church in Europe
and America. 3 vols., Lancaster, 1857-1872. Three additional
vols, by Rev. D. Heisler.
Linn Harbaugh. The Life of Dr. H. Harbaugh. Philadelphia, 1900.
0. C. Hartley. An address before the Alumni Association of Mar-
shall College. Chambersburg, 1843.
Higbee, E. E., Tributes of Loving Memory to. Lancaster, 1890.
Amos H. Kremer. Sermon before the Alumni of the Theological
Seminary. Chambersburg, 1853.
R. Parker Little. Duties of Educated Men. Alumni Address. Cham-
bersburg, 1844.
Washington McCartney. The Practical Man. Address before the
Societies. Philadelphia, 1852.
Magazine of the German Reformed Church, 1830-1831. Continued
as the Reformed Church Messenger, 1832. Contains many im-
portant articles.
Lewis Mayer. Eintrittsrede. Carlisle, 1852.
Inaugural Address. Carlisle, 1825.
The Sin against the Holy Ghost. Baltimore, 1838; Phila-
delphia, 1867.
Expository Lectures. Harrisburg, 1845.
Aufruf an alle unsere Briider in England, Holland in der
Schweiz und im Deutsche Reich.
A History of the German Reformed Church. With a Biog-
raphy of the author by Elias Heiner. Vol. I., Philadelphia, 1851.
Mercersburg Review, founded by the Alumni Association, 1849.
Samuel Miller. Mercersburg and Modern Theology Compared.
Philadelphia, 1866.
Alfred Nevin. Address before the Literary Societies. Chambers^
burg, 1848.
John Williamson Nevin. The Chiu'ch. A Sermon preached at the
opening of the Synod at Carlisle, October 15, 1846. Chambers-
burg, 1847.
Summary of Biblical Antiquities. Philadelphia, 1849 (late
edition) .
Party Spirit. Address before the Literary Societies of
Washington College. Chambersburg, 1840.
The German Language. Address before the Goethean So-
ciety. Chambersburg, 1842.
388 BIBLIOGRAPHY.
Addresses delivered at his Inauguration as Professor of
Theology. Chambersburg, 1840.
Anreden gehalten bei der Einsetzung als Professor in dem
Theologischen Seminar, Mai 20, 1840. Chambersburg, 1840.
The Ambassador of God. Sermon preached at the Ordina-
tion and Installation of the Rev. W. Wilson Bonnell. Chambers-
burg, 1842.
The Anxious Bench. Chambersburg, 1843; second edition,
1844; new edition, 1893. Also in German, Chambersburg, 1844.
A Funeral Sermon with reference to the Death of James
Edgar Moore. Mercersburg, 1844.
Baccalaureate Address. Chambersburg, 1845.
Baccalaureate Address. Chambersburg, 1846.
Mystical Presence. Philadelphia, 1847; later edition, 1867.
Faith, Reverence and Freedom. Baccalaureate Address.
Chambersburg, 1849.
Human Freedom and a Plea for Philosophy. Republished
from the American Review. Mercersburg, 1850.
History and Genius of the Heidelberg Catechism. Cham-
bersburg, 1847.
Some Notice of Dr. Berg's " Farewell Words." Mercersburg,
1852.
Address before the Goethean Literary Society. Chambers-
burg, 1844.
William M. Nevin. Address before the Goethean Literary Society.
Chambersburg, 1840.
James Madison Porter. Address before the Literary Societies of
Marshall College. Philadelphia, 1838.
John N. Pomeroy. The Connection between Government and Science
and Literature. Address before the Societies. Harrisburg, 1846.
Frederick A. Rauch. Inaugural Address, York, October 18, 1832.
Chambersburg, 1832.
Inaugurations Rede, sammt der Emleitungsrede des Ehrw.
Albert HelfiFenstein, Sr. Lancaster, Samuel Wagner, 1832.
Psychology, or a View of the Human Soul. New York,
1840, and later editions.
The Inner Life. Select Sermons edited by E. V. Gerhart.
Philadelphia, 1856.
Henry L. Rice. Ministerial Qualifications. Sermon at the Close of
the Session of the Classical Institution. Chambersburg, 1836.
BIBLIOGRAPHY. 389
David H. Riddle. Genuine Radicalism. Address before the Literary
Societies. Pittsburg, 1843.
Philip Schafi. Das Princip des Protestantismus. Chambersburg,
1845.
- The Principle of Protestantism. Translated by J. W. Nerin.
Chambersburg, 1845.
What is Church History? Philadelphia, 1846.
Anglo-Germanism, or the Significance of the German Na-
tionality in the United States. Translated by J. S. Ermentrout.
Chambersburg, 1846.
Der Anglogermanismus, eine Rede vor der Schiller Gessel-
schaft des Marshall Collegiums. Chambersburg, 1846.
Geschichte der Apostolischen Kirche. Mercersburg, 1851.
Systematic Benevolence. Mercersburg, 1852.
History of the Apostolic Church. Translated by Edward
D. Yeomans. New York, Charles Scribner, 1853.
The Moral Character of Jesus Christ. Chambersburg, n. d.
Slavery and the Bible. A Tract for the Times. Chambers-
burg, 1861.
Albert Smith. Inaugural Address at Mercersburg, September 26,
1838. Chambersburg, 1838; second edition, Gettysburg, 1839.
Lewis H. Steiner. Physical Science. Goethean Address. Boonsboro,
1851.
G. William Welker. Eulogy on the Life and Character of Frederick
A. Eauch, D.P. Address before the Goethean Society. Chambers-
burg, 1841.
Bernard C. Wolff. Inauguration as Professor of Theology. Intro-
ductory Address, J. W. Nevin; Charge to the Professor, Henry
Harbaugh; Inaugural Address by Dr. B. C. Wolff. Chambers-
burg, 1855.
E. E. Higbee. The Christian Conception of History. Inaugural
Address as Professor at Mercersburg. Philadelphia, 1868.
Hemorial Reunion. In commemoration of the work begun at Mer-
cersburg. Chambersburg, 1856.
390 BIBLIOGRAPHY.
FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE AND THE THEOLOG-
ICAL SEMINARY AT LANCASTER, PA.
Theodore Appel. First Principles or Science of Things. 1883.
The Life and Work of John Williamson Nevin, D.D., LL.D.
Philadelphia, 1889. Introduction by F. A. Gast.
Franklin and Marshall College. Circular of Bureau of Edu-
cation, No. 4, 1902, pp. 66-82. Contained in the volume on
Higher Education in Pennsylvania.
Thomas 6. Apple. Zwingli and the Swiss Reformation. Sermon in
Salem Reformed Church, Harrisburg. Harrisbm-g, 1884.
George F. Baer. Address at the laying of the Comer-stone of the
new Science Building. Lancaster, 1900.
J. H. A. Bomberger. Reformed, not Ritualistic. Philadelphia, 1867.
The Revised Liturgy. Philadelphia, 1867.
John C. Bowman. The Needs of the Theological Seminary. Lan-
caster, 1892.
Samuel Bowman. The Choice of a Calling in Life. Address before
the Literary Societies. Lancaster, 1853.
George W. Brewer. The Poems and Romances of Walter Scott.
Alumni Address. Chambersbiu-g, 1855.
S. N. Callender. The Spirit of the Age. Goethean Address, August
20, 1853. Chambersburg, 1853. Delivered at Lancaster.
Charter and By-Laws of Franklin and Marshall College. Lancaster,
Pa., 1867.
Conference on Union. Philadelphia, 1888. Addresses by Thomas G.
Apple, J. H. Dubbs, and others.
Dedication of Franklin and Marshall CoUege, May 16, 1856. Intro-
duction by E. V. Gerhart and Address by Emlen Franklin, Esq.
Chambersburg, 1856.
Daniel Dougherty. The Peril of the Republic the Fault of the People.
Address before the Literary Societies. Philadelphia, 1863.
Joseph Henry Dubbs. Conditions of Success in Life. Alumni Ad-
dress. Philadelphia, 1870.
Woman's Culture. Address to Allentown Female College,
June 27, 1872. Philadelphia, 1873.
Historic Manual of the Reformed Chirrch in the United
States, Lancaster, Pa. Lancaster, Pa., 1885.
Why am I Reformed? Philadelphia, 1889.
The Way of the Lord in the Discovery of America. Lan-
caster, 1892.
BIBLIOGRAPHY. 391
The Founding of the German Churches of Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia, 1893.
History of the Reformed Church in the United States. Vol.
VIII., American Church History Series. New York, 1895.
Leaders of the Reformation. Philadelphia, 1898.
The Reformed Church in Pennsylvania. Lancaster, 1902.
Eulogy on Rev. Thomas Conrad Porter, D.D., LL.D. Reprint
from Proceedings of Pennsylvania German Society. Lancaster,
1903.
Eschbach, E. R. The Significance of the Ideal in Life. Alumni Ad-
dress. Philadelphia, 1890.
Fonnal Opening of Franklin and Marshall College, June 7, 1853.
Addresses by Hon. A. L. Hayes, Rev. J. W. Nevin, D.D., and
Rt. Rev. Alonzo Potter, D.D., Lancaster, Pa., 1853.
Emanuel V. Gerhart. Institutes of the Christian Religion. Two
volumes, 1891 and 1894.
The German Reformed Church. A Monograph. Andover,
1863.
Christ the Source of Salvation. Discourse on the Fiftieth
Anniversary of the Founding of the Theological Seminary. Lan-
caster, 1875.
Franklin and Marshall College and the new Endowment
Scheme. Chambersburg, 1856.
The Education of Woman. Lancaster, Pa., 1864.
The Destruction of Man. Discourse on the Death of Daniel
F. Wommer. Lancaster, 1856.
The Blessedness of those who pass through Great Tribula-
tion. Discoiurse occasioned by the Death of Aaron B. Dundore,
a member of the Senior Class. Lancaster, 1858.
An Introduction to the Study of Philosophy, with an Out-
line Treatise on Logic. Philadelphia, 1858.
- Addresses at his Inauguration as President of Franklin and
Marshall College, July 24, 1855. ■ Chambersburg, 1855.
D. W. Gerhard. Silver Anniversary of the Class of '62. New Hol-
land, Pa., 1887.
Samuel H. Giesy. Normal Humanity. Alumni Address. Philadel-
phia, 1867.
E. E. Higbee. English Literature and the Reformation. Address
before the Literary Societies. Philadelphia, 1867.
392 BIBLIOGRAPHY.
History of Lancaster County, by Franklin Ellis and Samuel Evans,
Philadelphia, 1883. Article on the College and Seminary by J.
H. Dubbs.
Henry Harbaugh. Youth in Earnest, as illustrated in the Life of
Theodore David Fisher, A.M. Philadelphia, 1867.
Account of the Reception of Dr. Gerhart, with abstract of
the address of Mr. E. J. Bonbreak. The Chia/rdian, May, 1855.
S. P. Heilman, M.D. The Science Building. Acts and Proceedings of
the Board of Trustees and its Committees. Lancaster, 1900.
J. S. Hess. A Politico-Economic Problem. Alumni Address. Phila-
delphia, 1883.
Adolphus L. Koeppen. The World in the Middle Ages. 2 vols.,
12mo. New York, 1856.
Maps to accompany Koeppen's History, 4to. 1856.
A. R. Eremer. Biographical Sketch of John W. Nevin. Reading,
1890.
F. W. Kremer. Education and its Relation to Morality. Address
before the Goethean Society. Lancaster, 1856.
Acts and Proceedings of the Eastern Synod of the Reformed Church
in the United States. Cir. 1850-1903.
Henry Leonard. The Fisherman's Allegories. Dayton, 1887.
List of Graduates, with their degrees and post office addresses or
the date of death with the reference to the Obituary Record,
compiled for the Alumni Association by Samuel H. Ranck and
others. Lancaster, Pa., 1900.
G. W. Williard. The Life and Character of Henry Leonard, the
xisherman. Dayton, O., 1890.
John Williamson Nevin. Man's True Destiny. Baccalaureate Ad-
dress to the First Graduating Class in Franklin and Marshall
College. Chambersburg, 1853.
Life and Character of Frederick Augustus Rauch. Eulogy
delivered on occasion of the Re-interment of his remains in Lan-
caster, March 7, 1859. Chambersburg, 1859.
Christ and Him Crucified. 1863.
The Liturgical Question. Philadelphia, 1862.
Vindication of the Revised Liturgy. Philadelphia, 1867.
College Chapel Sermons. Compiled from notes by Henry
M. Kieffer. Philadelphia, 1891.
The Liturgical Conflict. Answer to Professor Dorner.
Philadelphia, 1868.
BIBLIOGRAPHY. 393
Once for All. 1869.
Revelation and Redemption. 1870.
Revelation of God in Christ. 1871.
Christ and His Spirit. 1872.
William Marvel Nevin, LL.D. Lectures on the History of English
Literature. Edited by Rev. Theodore Appel, D.D. Lancaster,
1895.
Obituary Record Franklin and Marshall College. [Edited by S. H.
Ranck and others for the Alumni Association.] Lancaster, 1897,
and subsequently.
John H. Oliver. The State as an Element of Civilization. Alumni
Address. Philadelphia, 1868.
Thomas C. Porter. The Relation of Man to Nature. Address to the
Literary Societies of Jefferson College. Lancaster, 1855.
G. W. Richards. Inaugural Service held by the Eastern Synod.
Philadelphia, 1900.
Reformed Quarterly Review. Centennial Number, October, 1887.
Entirely devoted to the Centennial of Franklin and the Semi-
centennial of Marshall College. See also Jubilee number, April,
1903.
William Rupp. Inaugural Service. Philadelphia, 1894.
Church Question. Philadelphia, 1892.
George B. Russell. The Principle of Virtue and the Virtue of Prin-
ciple. Address at the Dedication of the New Hall of the Diag-
nothian Literary Society, July 29, 1857. Chambersburg, 1857.
Creed and Customs. Philadelphia, 1869.
Philip Schafi. Life and Labors of St. Augustine. Translated by
Rev. T. C. Porter. New York, 1854.
Richard Conrad Schiedt. Principles of Zoology. Lancaster, 1892.
Laboratory Notes on Zoology. Lancaster, 1897.
On the Threshold of a New Century. Philadelphia, 1900.
Plant Morphology. Lancaster, 1901.
N. C. Schaeffer. Thinking and Learning to Think. Philadelphia,
1900.
A. M. Schmidt. Sealed unto Christ. Lancaster, 1893.
John S. Stahr. Translated Grob's Life of Zwingli. Reading, 1885.
Theories of Evolution; The Philosophy Taught at Franklin
and Marshall College; A Two-Edged Sword, etc., etc. Published
in Mercersburg Review and Reformed Quarterly Review.
394 BIBLIOGRAPHY.
Franklin and Marshall College. In Eeport of Superin-
tendent of Public Instruction in Pennsylvania, 1900. Vol. II.,
p. 614.
Character of the Pennsylvania Germans and their Dialect.
Proceedings of Pennsylvania German Society.
The Life-Giving Touch. Proceedings Pennsylvania State
Educational Association, 1901.
Lewis H. Steiner. Address at the Dedication of the Second Hall of
the Goethean Literary Society, July 28, 1857. Chambersburg,
1857.
William A. Stokes. Thomas Paine. Address before the Literary
Societies. Lancaster, 1859.
Tercentenary Monument. In Commemoration of the Three Hun-
dredth Anniversary of the Heidelberg Catechism. Chambers-
burg, Pa., 1863.
Wilhelm Estate. Bill in Eqmty, 1878.
Answer of John C. GriflSth, et al., of the Defendants.
Whitmer, A. C. History of the Class of '59. A Paper read at the
Fifth Reunion of the Class, Jirne 17, 1879.
College Days. Lancaster, 1873-1879. Continued as The College
Student.
J. I. Mombeit. An Authentic History of Lancaster County. Lan-
caster, 1869. Article on the German Reformed Church by P. A.
Gast; Franklin and Marshall College by J. W. Nevin.
Alumni Association Annual Reports, 1897-1903.
Reformed Church Messenger. Vols. I.-LXXII. (1903). Important
articles have also appeared in the Reformed Church Record,
Der Hausfreund, Christian World and other publications of the
Reformed Church.
College Publications. The College Btudent, The F. and M. Weekly,
The Oriflam,me, The Nevoman, and others. All these contain
much valuable material.
College Catalogues, 1853-1903.
INDEX.
Abolition Eiot, 223-226
Aeademy Building, 323
Actus Oratorius, 10, 11
Adams, J. Q., 359
Africans, 165, 211, 223, 224
Agnew, J. H., 158
Albert, Charles H., 231
Alexander, Archibald, 192
Alexander, J. W., 103
Beard, John, 21
Beck, H. H., 359
Becker, C. L., 101
Becker, J. C, 101, 157
Beeler, Henry C, 230
Benjamin Franklin Society, 135
Berg, Joseph F., 180, 204
Berlin, 199, 204
Bernstein, Henry C, 208
Alumni Association, 312, 345, 377 Besore, George, 168
Alumni Banquet, 256 Bethmann-Holweg, 246
Anxious Bench, 203 Biddle, Charles, 21
Appel, Theodore, 198, 238, 254, 258, Biennial Test, 352
311, 318, 340 Bingham, Wm., 18, 26, 27, 91
Apple, Thomas G., 247, 319, 334, Birch, Robert, 120
348, 362 Black, 352
Appropriations, 29, 116, 170, 184 Blanchard, G., 224, 225
Armstrong, Professor, 109
Arndt, John, 21
Ashmead, William, 117
Athletics, 376. See Gymnasium.
Atlee, John L., 109, 254
Atlee, W. A., 39
Audenried, Lewis, 325-328
Aughinbaugh, G. W., 247
Blech, Ernst, 158
Blumer, Abraham, 26
Bobb, Eugene H., 368
Bobb, Henry, 368
Bomberger, J. H. A., 161, 182,
319
Bossier, David, 145, 184
Bourne, Edward, 180
Bower, Calvin M., 362
Baer, George F., 341, 346, 351, 367 Bowman, J. C, 356, 357
Baer, H. L., 341 Bowman, Samuel, 128, 146, 253,
Baer, W. J., 340 254, 286
Bahnson, G. F., 128 Boyer, S., 155
Baird, Sam., 93 Bradford Coimty, 91
Baird, Thomas D., 197, 227 Braun's Mittheilungen, 12
Baker, John C, 111, 124, 125, 253 Brew House, 30, 61
Baldwin, John, 253
Barr, Joseph, 119
Bartine, D. W., 253
Barton, Matthias, 106
Barton, William, 106
Bausman, Jacob, 324, 362
"Broatsic," 209
Brooks, N. C, 230
Brown, David Paul, 215
Brownlee, W. C, 109
Buchanan, James, 117, 146, 210,
252, 254, 259-262, 275, 304-305
395
396
INDEX.
Bucher, J. Casper, 141, 144, 241,
245
Bucher, J. Conrad, 294
Budd, C. H., 321
Budd, S. W., 159, 169, 172, 197,
216
Buehrle, R. K., 343
Building and Loan Association,
366, 367
Building Committee, 276
Billow, H. von, 64
Burrowes, Tliomas H., 253
Carlisle, 7, 111, 113, 153
Carpenter, Henry, 254
Carson, James O., 178
Cassidy, Professor, 110
Centenary, 212
Centennial, 345-347
Cessna, John, 183, 218, 238, 305,
342, 346, 350, 362
Chambers, George, 168
Chambers, Stephen, 26
Chambersburg, 165-167, 182, 191,
210
Champneys, B., 186, 253
Chapman, Jacob, 131-134, 154
Charity Schools, 5, 19, 28, 137
Charter of Franklin College, 24
Chestnut Day, 211
Cheres, Langdon, 117
Circular, 33
Civil War, 302-304, 354
Clarkson, Joseph, 109, 117
Classical Institution, 158
Clubs, 375, 376
Clymer, George, 26
Coblentz, Joseph, 362
Ccetus, 7, 33, 42
Coleman, E., 117
Coleman, Thomas B., 117
Coleman, W., 117
College Building, 277
CoUiflower, W. F., 161
Confederation, 3
Congregational Schools, 3
Coombe, Pennell, 253
C'ort, Ambrose, 359
Cousie, J. B. (Kauss), 26, 302
Cox, John B., 160
Coxe, Tench, 67
Crawford, Christopher, 26
Crevecoeur, H. St. J., 54-56
Dale, S., 90, 91, 117, 124
Daniel SchoU Observatory, 343
Daub, Charles, 173
Davis, Claude B., 359
Davis, W. W., 261
Day, Gad, 130
Dean, Samuel, 21
Degrees, 27, 75
Delliker, Frederick, 26, 70
De Long, J. F., 347
De Peyster, J. Watts, 362-365
Derr, Joshua H., 275
Diagnothian Society, 160, 161, 169,
215, 217, 221, 224, 256, 280
Dick, Wm., 168
Dickey, O. J., 253
Dickinson College, 93, 101, 103,
119, 154, 190
Dictionary, German and English,
109
Dietz, Jacob Y., 362, 369
Diffenbacher, D., 332
Dober, C, 158
Douglas, H. K., 303
Doyle, Mr., 107
Dramatic Clubs, 377
Drude, F. L. H., 106
Dubbs, Alfred, 226
Dubbs, Jos. H., 327
Duffield, George, 106
Duncan, W. A., 260
Ehrlich, Hans, 80
Electioneering, 218-220
Ellicott, Andrew, 106
EUmaker, Amos, 117
INDEX.
397
Ellmaker, Nathaniel, 253
Endress, Christian, 111, 112, 117
English Department, 72-75
Ermentrout, John S., 238
Erwin, J., 120
Eschbach, E. R., 343
Evans, Eobert, 117
Eyerman, 352
Eyster, Michael, 161
Faber, John T., 75
Faculty, 359
Falk, F. W. A., 310-311
Farmer, Lewis, 18, 26
Fire Companies, 259
Fisher, B. Frank, 303
Fisher, Charles G., 247
Fisher, Samuel E., 159, 160, 192
Folk, J. J., 341
Formal Opening, 33-53, 59
Forney, J. Wirt, 370
Fox, George, 21
Franklin Academy, 103-106
Franklin, B., 19-21, 25, 45, 54^60
Franklin College, 3-147, 155, 166,
242, 244, 274, 277, 380
Franklin, Emlen, 278
Franklin Row, 31
Franklin, Thomas E., 253
Fraternities, 374, 375
Frazer, Reah, 253
Frederick, Md., 152, 156
Free Tuition, 331, 352
Fry, Jacob, 237
Garber Herbarium, 343, 368
Gast, F. A., 320, 356, 357
Geise, Frank, 366
Gelbach, George, 345
Geometrical Progression, 347
Gerhart, E. V., 161, 182, 246, 270-
279, 306-314, 319, 353, 356, 357
Gerhart, Isaac, 157
German Department, Franklin Col-
lege, 71, 89
German Department University,
8-14
German Literary Societies, 221
Germans, 4, 6, 8, 20, 22, 32-34, 49
Gettysburg, 304
Glee Club, 376
Goethean Society, 161, 169, 213,
215, 220, 256, 280
Good, Jeremiah H., 237
Good, William A., 156, 167, 237
Green, Lewis W., 215
Green, Traill, 196, 346
Greenoastle, 210
Greenwald, Philip, 26
Gros, J. D., 7
Gross, D. W., 362
Grove, John M., 359
Gundaker, M., 118, 125
Gymnasium, 353
Hager, Christopher, 276
Hager, John C, 344, 362
Hager, Walter C, 366
Hager, William H., 368
Hagerstown, 113, 210
Hahn, Michael, 26, 40
Hall, Bayard R., 183, 350
Hall, Charles, 17
Halls, Society, 213-222, 279
Hamilton, James, 251
Harbaugh Hall, 280, 322, 323
Harbaugh, Henry, 61, 221, 231,
246, 253, 275, 278, 280, 296, 307
Harrisburg, 166, 243
Hartley, Oliver C, 183
Hartley, Rufus K., 183
Hartman, Edwin M., 370
Hartranft, Gov. J. F., 237
Hay, Charles A., 161
Hayes, A. L., 253, 255
Heidelberg Catechism, 205, 308
Heilman, C. U., 318, 340, 341, 362
Heilman, John, 307, 344
Heine, Paul, 366
Helffenstein, Albertus, 26
398
INDEX.
HeMenstein, S., Ill, 153
Helm, T. 6., 370
Helmuth, J. H. C, 9-12, 15,
26, 35-38, 45, 69
Hendel, William, 13, 15, 26, 35-
46, 48, 67-70
Hendel, William, Jr., 7, 111
Henderson, Thos. G., 117
Hendricks, Thomas A., 182
Hensel, Geo. W., 362
Hensel, W. U., 346, 354, 366
Herbst, John, 26, 47, 78
Bering, Archbishop, 5
Herman, F. L., Ill
Herr, Martin L., 359, 360
Hershey, Milton S., 368
Heyser, Wm., 167
Hiawatha, 297-299
Hiester, A. V., 358
Hiester, Daniel, 26, 38, 111
Hiester, Joseph, 26, 27, 38
Higbee, E. E., 246, 247, 319
High School, 159, 164
Hill, Henry, 21
Hinkle, D. Y., 161
Hofius, D. H., 183
HofFeditz, T. L., 157, 199
Hoffman, John E., 168
Hoffmeier, J. H., 106, 111
Hood, Mrs. J. M., 343, 352
Hoofnagle, Peter, 26
Holland, 6, 7-8, 88
Hopkins, James, 106
Houser, I. E., 161
Hubley, Adam, 26
Hubley, John, 17, 26, 81, 82,
93-95, 109, 111
Hudson, A. J. M., 237
Hughes, K. W., 346
Humes, Samuel, 109
Hutchins, Joseph, 26, 46-48,
53, 65-66
Irvine, W. M., 247, 354
18, Jacobs, Cyrus, 117
Jefferson College, 103, 160
■37, Jefferson, Thomas, 114
Jenkins, W., 117
Joint Theological Seminary, 111
Jones, Gardiner, 209
Jordan, Francis, 183
Kalevala, 297-299
Keenan, Bernard, 253, 302
Keenan, John, 121
Kerr, S. W., 358
Kerschner, J. B., 246
Kershner, J. E., 337, 343, 368
Kessler, C. K., 238
Keyes, N. A., 253, 254
Kieffer, H. M., 352
Kieffer, John B., 337, 347, 363, 364
Kieffer, J. Spangler, 346
Kieffer, Moses, 160, 182
Killinger, J. W., 345, 362
Kimmel, 341
Kirchenfreund, 205
Kirkpatrick, Wm., 117
Knox, Gen. Henry, 31
Koeppen, A. L., 254, 258, 282-293
Konigmacher, Joseph, 276
Kooken, J. R., 161, 247
Koplin, A. B., 337-340
Krause, David, 168
Krebs, W. E., 322
Kremer, A. H., 161
Kroh, Daniel, 224, 225
91, Krotel, G. F., 253
Krug, Geo. H., 117
Krummacher, F. W., 198, 234
Kucher, Christopher, 26
Kuhl, Frederick, 21
50- Kunze, J. C, 8-9
Kurtz, Nicholas, 26
Infant School, 124, 137
Ingold, William, 26
Lafayette College, 157, 174, 300
Laird, H. P., 362
INDEX.
399
Lancaster County Academy, 115
125
Lancasterian Schools, 122
Law School, 182
Learned, M. D., 11
Leahey, Edward, 209
Lebanon, Classis of, 113, 114
Leonard, Henry, 308, 339
Lewis, Ellis, 135
Leydt, John, 7
Liberal Education, 328-331
Linn, J. M., 254, 258
Linnsean Society, 369
Literary Societies, 160-162, 213-
222, 244, 256, 278-280, 373, 374
Little, P. W., 168
Liturgical Controversy, 318
Long, Henry G., 276
Long, Jacob M., 254, 276
Longaker, A. B., 237
Loose, Joseph, S., 237
Lutheran Church, 3, 5, 6, 8, 13, 15,
19, 27, 37, 111, 113, 143, 163, 165
Lycoming County, 91
MacFarquhar, Colin, 106
MacKean, Thomas, 18, 26, 27, 38,
114
MacMaster, John Bach, 58
Mandolin Club, 376
Marcelus, A., 121
Marshall College, 137, 139-147, 151,
179, 184, 221, 240-247, 274, 312,
380
Marshall Hall, 280
Marshall, John, 171
Marshall, William, 258
Martin, George H., 182
Martin, G. H., 161
Mayburry, Wm., 196, 270
Mayer, Geo. L., 117
Mayer, Jacob, 164, 167, 184
Mayer, Lewis, 153-156, 168, 183
Mays, C. V., 324
Mays, J. Milton, 368
McCauley, C. F., 161, 186
McCauley, I. H., 160
MoClure, Robert, 276
McKinstry, Wm., 168, 178
Mecom, Mrs., 58
Melsheimer, F. V., 26, 46, 62-63,
71, 85, 86
Mercersburg, 137, 139, 165, 167, 168,
191, 198, 200, 204, 210, 221, 223,
235, 241, 381
Mercersburg Academy, 247
Mercersburg Review, 205, 207
Mercersburg Theology, 205
Mesick, John F., 254, 264, 267
Metcalf, Wm., 168
Methodists, 154, 165
Middlekauff, David, 168
Mifflin, Thomas, 24, 25, 27
Military Science, 358
Milledoler, P., 7, 113, 152
Miller, Daniel, 161
Miller, H., 158
Miller, Jacob, 75
Miller, J. O., 349, 362
Miller, Samuel, 212
MoUer, H., 9
Montgomery, J. R., 128, 253
Montgomery, Wm., 106
Moore, W. W., 370
Moravians, 17, 27, 39, 47
Morellet, Abb6, 58
Morris, Robert, 21, 26
Muhlenberg, F. A., 56, 57, 61, 83,
117, 129, 139-147, 346
Muhlenberg, F. W., 117, 254
Muhlenberg, G. Henry E., 16, 26,
30, 33, 35, 36, 46-49, 67, 69, 87,
96-99, 106
Muhlenberg, H. M., 4
Muhlenberg, Peter, 18, 21, 22, 26,
27, 38
Mull, George F., 337
Musser, George, 117
Musser, John, 26
Mystical Presence, 205
400
INDEX.
Naille, J. J., 275
Negley, P. S., 201
Neuman, John, 76, 78
Nevin, John W., 186, 187, 188, 189-
212, 214, 238, 241, 246, 254, 255,
262, 263-266, 280, 313, 315-333
Nevin, E. J., 211
Nevin, W. M., 181
Nevin, William M., 181, 194^196,
222, 254, 257, 318, 360-362
Nisbet, Charles, 101-103, 190
Norr, Thor T., 110
Norristown, 241
Obituary Record, 377
Observatory, 343
Orris, Stanhope, 346
Otho, of Bavaria, 284
Patterson, D. W., 253, 278
Patterson, J. B., 121
Pearce, Nicholas, 178
Pennsylvania College, 137, 138,
140, 163
Pepper, Dr. Wm., 346
Periodicals, 376
Peters, Jacob G., 245
Philadelphia College, 8
Physical Directors, 355
Pittsburg, 165
Pomp, Thomas, 111, 157
Poole, Thomas, 103
Porter, Geo. B., 117
Porter, Thomas C, 197, 254, 258,
276, 294-301, 367
Potter, Alonzo, 255
Powell, E. E., 359
Power, James, 121
Preparatory Department, 183, 184,
201-202, 237, 245
Presbyterians, 7, 165, 192
Princeton, 69, 186, 191, 214, 346
Principle of Protestantism, 203
Prussia, Kings of, 199
Psychology, Eauch's, 17B
Puseyites, 207
Rathvon, S. S., 368
Eauch, Frederick A., 156, 158, 166,
169, 172, 173-188, 204
Eauch Society, 221
Eawle, Wm., 18, 21, 26, 27
Eeading, 203
Eebough, John, 167
Eeddick, David, 21
Eeformed Church, 3, 6, 13, 15, 19,
27, 192, 212, 372
Eeformed Church Eeview, 205, 336
Eeformed Synods, 4, 111, 113, 136,
165, 191
Eegan, James, 129
Eeichenbach, W., 46, 63-65, 72, 74
Eeigart, Adam, 26, 111, 117
Eeigart, E. C, 117, 253
Eeily, W. M., 246
Eeinecke, E. W., 238
Eengier, Charles F., 366, 368
Eeynolds, Jno., 117
Ehoads, Peter, 75
Eice, Henry L., 167, 172, 179, 184
Eichards, Geo. W., 357
Eitner, Gov. J., 151
Eodgers, J. B., 196
Eogers, Molten C, 117
Eoman Catholics, 27
Eosengarten, J. G., 14
Eoss, George, 17
Ross, George, Jr., 106
Eoss, James, 100-103
Eothermel, A. H., 364, 365
Eupp, I. D., 17, 23
Rupp, William, 356
Rush, Benjamin, 13, 18, 21-22, 23,
26, 30, 38, 46, 59, 67, 81, 83-85
Russell, George B., 238, 280
Eutgers College, 152, 346
Eutgers, Col. H., 152
Santee, Charles, 341, 344, 345, 362
St. Stephen's Church, 320, 371
INDEX.
401
Schaeflfer, N. C, 328, 366
Schaff, Philip, 198-205, 210, 215,
246, 267-268
Schaff ner, Casper, 17, 26
Schantz, F. J. F., 255
Schell, Jacob, 183
Sohell, Peter, 168
Schell, W. P., 183
Sehenk, Geo. W., 197
Schiedt, R. C, 337, 347, 366-368
Schiller Society, 221
Schipper, B. F., 107-109, 115
Schlatter, Michael, 4, 5
Schmidt, Ambrose M., 367
Schmidt, Dr., 12, 35
Schmucker, J. G., 112
Schnebly, David, 179
Sohnebly, Henry, 168
Schneck, B. S., 166, 192, 199
Scholarships, 184
Schultz, C. E., 26
Schultz, Henry A., 353
Science Building, 323, 366
Scott, John, 182
Sehner, John, 128
Shafer, Daniel, 168, 178
Shaffer, John, 172
Sheaff, Wm., 18, 26, 38
Shenk, B. F., 362
Shroder, Francis, 362
Shulze, John Andrew, 24
Siegel, C. E., 346
Slaymaker, Jasper, 117
"Slubs," 233
Smilie, John, 21
Smith, Albert, 181
Smith, A. Herr, 362
Smith, Charles, 106
Smith, E. F., 369
Smith, Frederick, 168
Smith, Haden Patrick, 276
Smith, John, 168
Smyth, Frederick K., 337, 354
Snively, David, 237
Snowden, N. R., 106, 107
Snyder, Peter, 168
Stahr, John S., 321, 349-378
Stake, George, Sr., 26, 40
Steiner, Jesse, 161
Steinmetz, J. W., 319
Steiner, Lewis H., 280, 320, 346
Stem, F. D., 238
Stern, Max, 201, 238
Stevens, Thaddeus, 135, 253
Stewart, William, 66, 67
Stoddard, David, 181
Stone, F. D., 58
Stone House, ii9, 30, 31, 61
Students, 71-75
Swander, John L., 358
Swander, Nevin A., 343
Tercentenary Year, 307-309
Theological Seminary, 111, 152-
155, 198, 245-246, 267, 314, 341,
356-358
Theological Tutorship, 246
Thomson, Alexander, 168, 172, 182
Thomson, David, 5
Thomson, T. M., 106
Tioga County, 91
Traill, Robert, 21
Troldenier, George, 26
Tutors, 181, 238, 360
Union College, 190
University of Pennsylvania, 8, 12,
29, 346
Van Antwerp, J. J., 121
Van Buskirk, Jacob, 26
Van Haagen, J. A., 310
Van Renssellaer, Mrs. C, 239
Van Romondt, Gov., 237
Van Vranken, S. A., 173
Varian, Alexr., 121
Venango County, 91
Wager, Philip, 18, 26, 38
Wagner, C. E., 358
402
INDEX.
Wagner, Samuel G., 237, 246, 275
Watt and Shand, 368
Watts-dePeyster Library, 362-365
Watt's Paraphrase, 43-44
Weiberg, C. D., 8, 12, 15, 16, 18, 26,
35, 38, 47, 69
Weinland, Frederick, 26
Weiser, Clement Z., 237, 238, 246,
275, 362, 366
Western Theological Seminary,
191, 215
Wetzel, J. W., 343
Wickersham, J. P., 362
Williamson, Hugh, 190
Williard, Geo. W., 160
Williard, Henry, 160
Wilhelm Family, 332, 337-343
Wilson, D. A., 238
Wilson, J. P., 119, 120
Winter, H. A., 193
Wirt, Henry, 362
Wolff, Barnard, 168, 171
Wolff, B., Jr., 362, 368
Wolff, Bernard C, 171, 184, 239,
246, 278, 317
Wolff, C. B., 238, 275
Wolff, Daniel M., 321
Wolff, Geo. D., 238
Yale College, 186
Yeates, Jasper, 17, 26, 27, 100
Yeates, Mrs., 117
York, 136, 168
Young, Andrew, S., 161, 182, 237
Young, C. A., 343
Young, Daniel, 154, 157
Y. M. C. A., College, 373
Zantzinger, Paul, 26
Ziegler, Jacob, 161, 225
Zion, Classis of, 113, 114
The Franklin and Marshall College
Alumni Association Publications
Publishing Committee.
Samuel H. Ranck, Chairman.
Rev. Adam S. Weber, D.D.
Rev. Charles W. Levan.
President John S. Stahr, Ex-ofUdo.
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