V^xV^^V.xH^^^v^t o THETFORD ACADEMY. 1819 1894 THETFORD ACADEMY, THETFORD, VERMONT. SEVENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY AND REUNION. Thursday, June 28, 1894. EDITED BY GEN. JOHN EATON. CONCORD, N. H.: Printed by the Republican Press Association, 1895. COMMITTEE OF ALUMNI ON REUNION. Vermont — Hon. J. S. Morrill, George S. Worcester, Esq., Miss Margaret Fletcher, Miss Kate L. Dodge. New Hampshire — Hon. Ira Colby, Prof. T. W. D. Worthen, Mrs. S. A. Cobb, Mrs. H. S. Currier. Massachusetts — Hon. H. J. Boardman, Miss Eliza P. Hood, Mrs. I. B. Swift, Mrs. A. M. Clough. Rhode Island — Hon. T. W. Bicknell. Connecticut — Rev. William S. Palmer, D. D. New York — Wilson Palmer, Esq. Washington, D. C. — Gen. John Eaton. COMMITTEE OF TRUSTEES. Thomas W. Bicknell, 145 William Street, Providence, R. I. Prof. Thomas W. D. Worthen, Hanover, N. H. George S. Worcester, Thetford, Vt. ^ 1501 It is natural that both those who were present at the Thetford Academy seventy-fifth anniversary and those who were not, should desire what is reported as nearly as possible as it occurred — a plain, unvarnished tale — therefore the day's pro- ceedings are given in their order. The first price named for the pamphlet would not, on the orders given, cover the cost of printing, and would not war- rant the publication. The price now named will barely do this, postage to be added. Fortunately the lowest prices have been secured for engraving and printing of illustration and text. There has been no fund to draw upon. All the work of prepar- er ing for the anniversary and that of preparing the record has -^ been performed without compensation. The extended corre- spondence by different ones has been no little expense. The ^. reward must be the pleasure afforded those interested, and the ^Sl aid which it is hoped may accrue to the renewal of interest in "^ the Academy and its enlargement for the future. The fullness of "Notes of Doings " varies with the data furnished either by g. the persons themselves or by some friendly acquaintance, always ^ remembering that the whole has been subject to severe reduc- ".^ tion on account of the limited space allowed. The illustrations ^ may be said to be an afterthought. One and another expressed 6 a desire for Dr. Orcutt's picture, those wanted Mr. Hood's, and then others were asked for, when, after consideration, it was M decided to start a Thetford gallery and include all whose pict- ' ures would be furnished and the printing paid for either by ^ themselves or their friends. This entailed delay and a great Q amount of correspondence. No one can regret so much as the editor that dozens and dozens of others addressed by him, ,,j. have not responded favorably, or that space and expense have '^ so limited the notes attempted. How abundant and rich the 420840 material for a history ! The result is before you. In all this gathering of personalia there has been the feeling of special regret that so little can be given at this time to those loved ones who have left the school of life before us. May be, if the Academy rises in the future as we hope, there will be those personal records and aids which will render this possible. This publication can only attempt to be a report of the anniversary and of the personal doings furnished by those who have taken a greater or less degree of interest in it. Without this aid, the roll of the fourteen hundred students still alive would be im- possible. Brief and imperfect as it is, how many memories it will revive ! how many friendships renew ! May it all bring fruit in the renewed and prolonged vigor of the Academy. The Editor. HOW IT CAME ABOUT. The survival of Thetford Academy, substantially without an endowment, through all depressions and vicissitudes, is under God a triumph of wisdom, devotion, and sacrifice. The story of the efforts of those who have stood by it can never be told. In their prayers and efforts they turned to the multitudes of former students. Several years ago George S. Worcester, Esq., consulted with Dr. S. C. Bartlett, president of Dartmouth col- lege, and later, at his own expense, went to Boston to confer with Hon. Messrs. Hood and Boardman, Drs. Orcutt and Bick- nell, and others. They encouraged his efforts and the result was Dr. Bicknell accepted the invitation to deliver an address at the closing exercises of the Academy in 1893. Friends began to look up lists of former students and solicit their attendance. A class of seven graduated. Some old friends gathered and letters came from others. All agreed something could and must be done. Messrs. Hood, Bicknell, Worthen, Churchill, Farr, and others made stirring speeches. Dr. Bicknell threw himself into the effort with his usual enthusiasm and read a poem at the banquet under the title of " The Old Mill," whose lessons were heartily appreciated. Its first and last stanzas were : "'Twas only a day or so ago, I came by the old stone mill Where in boyhood's days I carried my grist. But the mill was grinding still. Thank God, I said, with all that's changed The old stones are grinding still. And memory blesses the golden day When I carried my grist to mill." It was unanimously voted to hold a reunion of former teachers and students in 1894. It was noted that Dr. Orcutt and all but 6 three of his successors were living, and it was hoped they would be present. Mr. Hood, who had been eight years connected with the academy as student and teacher, by his presence and en- couraging words added much to the strength of the movement. Immediately Mr. Worcester and his family began to secure the addresses of former students, and the committee led by Dr. Bicknell stirred up the enthusiasm by letters and circulars. THE DAY. Thursday, the 28th of June, 1894, the day appointed for the reunion, opened auspiciously. Those who had arrived the night before began their personal greetings at dawn. Old buildings and places of interest were visited. The arrival of extra coaches and private carriages constantly added to the happy multitude. Rev. Mr. Slade, a native of the hill, describes the scene. "As the hour of 11 a. m. arrived, the time appointed for the reception to former teachers in the old Academy Hall, the greetings of teachers and pupils was made the freest and heartiest gathering of that full day. The recognitions and hand-shakings began in front of the Academy and continued on the worn steps and up the crooked stairways. When the company finally reached the familiar hall and saw the old table and the well known black- boards and bell rope, and many of the old seats where their backs had ached in unison, it seemed as if the years had fled and they were back again at school. Yet old memories came so fast, dear faces were there that they loved when they were young, and had never ceased to love, and others as dear were invisible, whether to laugh or cry they hardly knew. On mo- tion of Dr. Bicknell, General Eaton was called to preside, and Rev. Wm. S. Palmer, D. D., offered prayer. General Eaton guided the introductions and greetings so that the whole occa- sion was kept on the glad side of the scales. And all knew each other very quickly, though perhaps separated by many terms in the life of the school. The old teachers, so far as present, each recalled some pleasant memory and gave a word of good cheer. Among those present we recall, Mr. F. W. Newell, the present principal, J. N. Mallary, Mr. French, Wm. S. Hazen, Mr. Hood, and Mr. Cummings, who brought his greeting in the evening. When " King Hiram," as the com- pany persisted in calling him, though he has many an honorable title attached to his name, arose there was such a hubbub as he never allowed within those walls. This welcome he returned with words so vigorous and full of friendship and good will that his old friends were confident he had sometime drunk of the fabled fountain of immortal youth. A few of the assistant teachers were present. Rev. Charles Caverno, Mrs. Carleton Frost, Miss Eliza P. Hood, Prof. Woodworth, Miss Etta F. Morse, with the present assistants. Miss Margaret Fletcher and Mrs. F. W. Newell. These and many other friends of the academy were present whom the genial General compelled at least to face the laughing company, while he gave their names and a pleasant word of introduction. No shorthand notes were taken of the speeches of the day. As an illustration of the brief responses in the hall, we are able to give the following substance of the remarks by Prof. Wood- worth of the University of North Dakota, and of Dr. Caverno of Colorado : Rev. Charles Caverno, LL. D., of Boulder, Colorado, spoke of the delight it gave him, after forty years of absence, to return to Thetford, and look once more on the familiar academy build- ings and the beautiful hill country round about. It was a joy beyond measure to meet some of the pupils with whom he had toiled in No. 3, over the rudiments of Latin, Greek, and the higher mathematics. It was here that he met her who after- wards became his wife, Abbie H. Smith of Waitsfield, who was also an assistant teacher during the year Mr. Caverno taught. She has gone to the reward of all faithful work here, but not till she had seen her children far advanced in their educational career. There was a wealth of tender feeling that came to him out of the memories of his connection with Thetford Acad- emy, which is priceless. Prof. H. B. Woodworth of the University of North Dakota at Grand Forks, after a happy word of greeting, said : " The thing I dreaded most was declamation day, and when it was announced that only volunteers would be called upon for the first Wednes- 9 day, it was a great relief, for there was a respite of a week at least. But alas for my dreams, for forthwith one Hiram Orcutt came around (and we all know he was very liable to come around, sometimes at unreasonable hours), with a book in his hand. He had a piece for me to speak, and so I was compelled to volunteer. The declamation began, Mr. President, — Happiness is like a crow perched upon the top of a far distant moun- tain, which some fisherman vainly strives, to no purpose, to ensnare, etc. This did not make me an orator, but it did help me to break the ice and helped me to get over my squeamishness. I think of no better way to express my thought of the work done by this Academy and its honored principal when I was a student here. To energize a boy or a young man with the thought that he can do something, and because he can he must, and to per- suade him to take the first steps, which are often the most •difficult, — this is a very important part of the educator's work; in that way lies success. It seems to me now, in the review, as if some of us almost thought the existence and dignity of Thet- ford Academy rested on our shoulders. I am sure I, for one, never dreamed that any other institution could equal it. If I could have foreseen that I should ever reach the dignity of occupying the chair of associate principal I suppose that even the building itself could not have contained me. But how we grew, while we were students here ! How meek we felt when we entered, and after our first effort at debate in the "trundlebed" lyceum ! But, Mr. President, do you remember when we went out, after our masterly efforts in the Greek and Latin dialogues and the rotund English orations that the door was scarcely wide enough ? And have we not been shrinking ever since ? The president introduced me as coming back from what was so recently a wilderness larger than the wilderness of sin. I sup- pose he meant the great American desert as outlined in the old (Olney's or Malt de Brun's) atlas. Well, there is sin enough out there, but it is largely the result of immigration from the East, and I see, as I come back, that it has not all emigrated. There is still a little hanging around New York and Washington. That reminds me that the world's greatest need, east or west. 10 north or south, is men and women who not only know their rights and dare maintain them, but who know their duties and have the courage of their convictions. My conviction is that Thetford Academy is worthy of all honor for her share in the contribution of that material which is the world's greatest need. For one I can say, I shall ever have grateful memories of him who was so large a part of Thetford Academy in those old stu- dent days, and whose personal influence and efforts laid me under lasting obligation." Before adjourning those present voted to form an association of former students and elected the following officers : Honorary President — Hon. Justin S. Morrill, U. S. Senate. Honorary Vice-President — Hon. Wm. E. Chandler, U. S. Senate. President — Thomas W. Bicknell, LL. D. Vice-Presidents — General John Eaton, Washington, D. C, Rev. Wilson Farnsworth, D.D., Caesarea, Turkey, Horace W. Thompson, Esq., Bellows Falls, Vt., Rev. Wm. S. Hazen, D. D., Northfield, Vt., Hon. Edward Conant, Randolph, Vt., Mrs. Ada E. Worcester, Thetford, Vt., Prof. T. W. D. Worthen, Hanover, N. H., Prof. J. S. Angell, Lewiston, Me., Hon. J. Halsey Boardman, Boston, Mass., Mrs. Isabel B. Swift, Wellesley Hills, Mass., Mrs. M. A. Talcott, Provi- dence, R. L, Rev. Wm. S. Palmer, D. D., Norwich, Conn., Hon. A. W. Tenney, New York, Rufus O. Hazen, M. D., New York, Rev. C. B. Hulburt, D. D., Ohio, Hon. C. C. Conant, Greenfield, Mass., Wm. L. Worcester, M. D., Flint, Mich., Orlando C. Blackmer, Chicago, Mrs. Mary C. Leavitt, California, Mrs. Jonathan E. Fletcher, California, Wm. E. Barnard, California, J. Edwards Fay, Esq., Chicago, Hon. Henry A. Morrill, Cincinnati, Ohio, Rev. D. D. Marsh, D. D., Connecticut, Hon. S. R. Bond, Washington, D. C, Prof. H. P. Montgomery, Washington, D. C, Rev. Alvah Hovey, D. D., Newton, Mass., Rev. E. F. Slafter, I). D., Boston, Mass., Hon. Fred Bates, Titusville, Penn. Secretary — Geo. E. Kinney. Treasurer — Geo. S. Worcester. The assembly, on breaking up, participated in a picnic lunch, thoughtfully and generously provided by residents of Thetford 'jfiJ =i%.i4 .. "41 ^/^^ U^T'^^^ MRS. SARAH CUMMINGS ORCUTT. 11 and neighboring towns. The most was made of the flying moments for renewing old acquaintances and recalUng memories of other days. Hiram Orcutt, LL. D., of Boston, Mass., was born in Acworth, N. H., February 3, 1815. In early childhood he was frail. His minority was spent in labor upon the farm with short intervals, each year, in the poor district schools of that day, and two or three terms at the academy. After fifteen months of preparatory study, extending over a period of three years, he entered Dartmouth College in 1838, and graduated with his class in 1842, having been absent teach- ing six terms during his course to earn the money with which to pay his expenses. Immediately upon graduating he entered upon his life work, as principal of Hebron (N. H.) Academy, having taught ten terms in district and high schools before graduating. From the summer of 1843 to the autumn of 1855 he was principal of Thetford Academy. From 1855 to 1880 he was principal of three ladies' seminaries, North Granville, N. Y., five years ; Glenwood, West Brattleboro, Vt. (he was the founder of this school), eight years ; Tilden, West Lebanon, N. H., six- teen years. Three years of this time he ran both Glenwood and Tilden, seventy miles apart. During the forty years of his school life Mr. Orcutt had under his charge more than five thousand different pupils. In 1880 Mr. Orcutt left the schoolroom to engage in business in Boston, where he has been the last fifteen years, as one of the proprietors of the New England Publishing Company. He has seen eighty summers yet he is doing full work in his place every day, storm or shine, at 3 Somerset street. His life has been laborious and eventful. He has taken no vacation for mere rest or recreation. He has enjoyed his toil as a summer's holi- day. The teacher's life is necessarily full of care and labor, yet Mr. Orcutt found time to write extensively for the press on the current topics of the day, and several books which have been published from time to time. In connection with a college classmate, he published the " Class Book of Prose and Poetry " (for use in schools). Then followed " Gleanings from School Life Experiences," " The Teacher's Manual," " Home and School Training," " School- Keeping : How to do It," and " Among the Theologies." All these have passed through several editions, and some have reached a circulation of more than a hundred thousand copies. 12 Mr. Orcutt was active in forming educational associations and lecturing before institutes in Vermont, New Hampshire, and New York ; was for four years editor of the Vermont Sc/ioo/ jfoiirtial, and for four years superintendent of schools in Brattle- borough, Vt., and Lebanon, N. H. During 1869, 1870, and 187 1, Mr. Orcutt represented the town of Lebanon, N. H., in the general court at Concord. Among the bills which he drafted that became laws were the bill to establish the normal school at Plymouth, the bill to make attendance upon public schools compulsory, and- the "Enabling Act," which authorized the towns to change the district to the to7vn system. For six years he was supervisor and trustee of the normal school. Mr. Orcutt received the degree of A. M. from Dartmouth in 1845 ; LL. D. from Bates College in 1880; and in 1892, in the fiftieth anniversary of his graduation, he was elected honor- ary member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society by the Dartmouth Chapter at Dartmouth College. Mr. Orcutt has been twice married. First in 1842, to Miss Sarah Cummings. The children of this family, born in Thet- ford, were J. Frank, who died in infancy, and Mary Frances, now Mrs. Goold of Lebanon. Second in 1865, to Miss Ellen L. Dana. The three children of this family were born at West Lebanon, N. H. — William Dana, a graduate of Harvard, and author of the much commended " History of Dorchester; " Laura Ames, now Mrs. Charles R. Webster of Chicago ; and Nellie Wallace. For sixty years Dr. Orcutt has been an active member of the Congregational church, and for the last six years deacon. His influence as a teacher was of that rare order which it is difficult to describe in terms, and which to be understood must be felt. His own purposes and character, his example, the atmosphere about him, were adapted to arouse one to make the most of himself. Time and talent were gifts to be used to the utmost advantage — no room for idleness, nothing for waste. He sought to know what was in a young person — what he was capable of doing, and he had rare power in arousing one to do his utmost. How many under his influence first felt in their souls the touch of fire from heaven ! He aroused the dormant intellect, created within the individual new aspirations, and helped to form the purpose towards the highest results. How many, until they became his pupils, never thought of going to college, or never thought of Christ as their Saviour ! He was a great character builder. He helped many young men and women to positions where they could not help themselves. And HON. G. E. HOOD, A.M. MRS. FRANCES E. (HERRICK) HOOD. 13 how many received pecuniary aid from him no one can tell. How many in these pages give loving testimony to the aid they have received from him ! Nay, look over the land and see how many there are to rise up and call him blessed ! (See historical discourse and notes.) Gilbert Edwin Hood, son of Deacon Harvey and Rebecca (Smith) Hood, was born at Chelsea, Vt., Nov. 21, 1824, and lived upon his father's farm until he was twenty-one years old. He attended district school summer and winter until he was eleven or twelve years old, and winters until he was seventeen, then a private school in his native village one winter and two fall terms — Randolph Academy the fall term of 1843, and Thet- ford Academy one year, 1846-1847. He entered Dartmouth College in 1847 and graduated in 185 1. He taught school winters from the time he was eighteen years old until he gradu- ated from college, working on his father's farm every vacation until his last year in college. He was associate principal of Thetford Academy from the beginning of the summer term of 1851 until the end of the summer term of 1854, and principal from 1855 to 1858. He then went to Boston, completed the study of the law, which he had commenced at Thetford, was admitted to the bar and prac- tised one year. (See historical discourse and notes.) He then removed to Lawrence, Mass., and began there the practice of law in April, 1859. Since that time Lawrence has been his home and he has been identified with the best interests of the city during his entire residence there. He has been city solicitor, associate justice of the police court, and has held other minor offices which did not interfere with the work in which he was at the time engaged. He has been superintendent of the public schools of the city for twelve years, president of the Young Men's Christian Asso- ciation ten years, and president of the Lawrence city mission since 1876. He is a member of the executive committee of the Massachusetts Home Missionary Society and a member of one of the Congregational churches of the city, of which he has been one of the deacons since he first came to Lawrence. He has been treasurer of the Broadway Savings Bank since 1877. He married Frances Elizabeth Herrick of Peabody, Mass., May 13, 1852. She was born September 17, 1828, and died September 18, 1891. They had no children. In 1861 he was made chairman of a committee of the enrolled men of the city and remained such during the war. He is one of the best known and most trusted men in Lawrence. 14 Rev. Prof. Horace Bliss Woodworth, son of Urial and Amanda Allen Woodworth, was born in Chelsea, Vt., March i, 1830, attended Thetford Academy, and leaving in 1850, gradu- ated at Dartmouth in 1854. He was one year principal of Gilmanton Academy, Gilmanton, N. H. ; two years associate principal in Thetford Academy; three terms principal Chelsea Academy, Chelsea, Vt. ; two years in the Theological Seminary at Andover and East Windsor Hill (now Hartford Seminary, at Hartford, Ct.), graduating in 1861 ; from i86i to 1869 he was pastor of the Congregational church in Hebron, Ct., and of the Congregational church in Ellington, Ct. ; three years pastor of the Congregational church in Charles City, Iowa; about eight years pastor of the Congregational church in Decorah, Iowa. His health failing, he engaged in farming three years and a half in South Dakota ; after this he became professor of psychology, ethics, and history, in the University of North Dakota, at Grand Forks, N. D., where he is in his tenth year of service. He married, August 6, 1857, Phoebe, daughter of W. B. Clark, of Lyme, N. H. His daughter is teaching with great success in Minneapolis. Rev. Leonard Tenney, son of Captain Benjamin and Betsey Taylor Tenney, was born in Groton, N. H., August 5, 1814. He worked on his father's farm or attended the district school till the spring of 1833, when, under the instruction of Rev. Henry Wood of Haverhill, N. H., he began the study of the Latin grammar. A year later he entered Kimball Union Academy. From that time till the summer of 1836 he was pre- paring to enter college or earning money with which to pay current expenses. After graduating from Dartmouth in 1840, he spent one and one half years teaching school. In the spring of 1842 he entered Andover Theological Seminary. Graduating in 1844, he began a ministry of thirteen years in Jaffrey, N. H. In September, 1857, he began a pastorate in Thetford, Vt., which contiuued ten years and had close connection with the work of the Academy. (See historical discourse.) His third pastorate was in Barre, Vt., beginning January i, 1868. Re- signing in May, 1886, he purchased a home in Waterbury, where he still lives. During his college and theological course he instructed some twenty-five hundred pupils in vocal music. He taught a select school, one term, in Lyme, N. H., and was prin- cipal of Hebron Academy two terms in 1841. He was school commissioner for Cheshire county two years from 1855, and a superintendent of schools twenty-five years. He represented the town of Thetford in the legislature in 1866 and 1867. REV. LEONARD TENNEY. 15 June 26, 1875, ^^^ '^^^^ joined in marriage to Miss Malvina Baker, of Lebanon, N. H. Their children are one daughter and three sons. These are outlines of a noble, successful, and useful life. Mr. Tenney, as a teacher and superintendent of schools, was wise and popular, as a preacher always interesting and instruct- ive, and as a pastor he had no superior. He easily gained and held the love and confidence of his people, and for years after leaving his parish has, in many instances, been called back to conduct the funerals of the dead. Rev. Charles Caverno, LL. D., was born in Strafiford, N. H., in 1832. He fitted for college at Gilmanton, N. H., and gradu- ated in 1854 at Dartmouth. (See Historical Discourse). He taught one year at Thetford with marked success. On leaving Thetford Mr. Caverno entered the Law School at Albany, N. Y., and was admitted to the bar in the spring of 1856. He then went to Lockport, N. Y., and entered the office of his uncle, Sullivan Caverno, Esq. There he received the appointment of superintendent of schools of Niagara county. He held this office until 1857. He then removed to Milwaukee, Wis., where he practised law for five years, and was president of the Young Men's Literary Association, whose library after- wards became the nucleus of the city library. In i860 Mr. Caverno was elected to represent Milwaukee in the state assembly, and did important service on the judiciary, bank and banking, and railroad committees. Owing to serious trouble with his weak eyes, and nervous prostration, he was compelled to abandon his profession and retire to the farm. Thus engaged he began organizing Sabbath- schools, and was frequently called upon to officiate in the pulpit. This turned his attention to the ministry. He was licensed and preached one year to the Congregational church in Waukesha, Wis. He then spent a year in the Theological Seminary at Chicago. On leaving the seminary his first pastorate (for five years) was at Lake Mills, Wis. His second was (for three years) at Amboy, 111. His third was (for fifteen years) at Lombard, 111. The last seven years he has been pastor of a church at Boulder, Colo. During his ministry Mr. Caverno has been a constant contributor to papers and periodicals, on topics of public and scholarly interest, and has prepared several treatises on social science and other subjects, some of which are not yet published. For two years Dr. Caverno occupied the chair of psychology 16 and ethics in the State University of Colorado, from which he received the degree of doctor of laws. Dr. Caverno has been twice married, — first to Miss Abbie H. Smith, with whom he became acquainted while teaching at Thetford Academy, She was a graduate from the Academy and for nearly three years a prominent teacher. (See Historical Discourse). A beautiful memorial by her husband was with a portrait printed for private circulation. It has been given to few women to show more marked ability and consecration than she did in her sphere. To her husband she was companion in every study and labor, and even eyes, when in the legislature and elsewhere his sight failed him. Appreciative of all the amenities of life and entering into the most trivial duties as performed unto the Lord, she had a mind which enjoyed the abstractions of mathe- matics and the severer refinements of logic. Her labors in the family and the parish were above praise. Their children, now living, are Julia H., a graduate of Smith College and now an assistant teacher of Greek in the college ; Doratha R., still a student in the college, and Xenaphon, gradu- ated from the University of Wisconsin, now superintendent of Coke and Gas Company of Kewanee, 111. His second marriage, in 1886, was to Miss Anna C. Matson of Lombard, 111. Dr. Caverno has led an active, earnest, and successful life, and is still a power in the pulpit and parish, and through the press. Rev. Wm. S. Hazen, D. D., Northfield, Vt., was born, Hart- ford, Vt., August 18, 1836; graduated from Royalton Academy, 1854; from U. V. M., 1858; taught two years in Thetford Academy ; graduated from Andover Theological Seminary, 1863 ; began his ministry in Northfield in September of that year; ordained and installed October 12, 1864; town superin- tendent of schools two years ; member of the county board of education two years, president one year ; chaplain of the state senate in 1884; in 1891 received D. D. from his alma mater. (See address in the evening.) The time was too crowded for reading letters, but we are able to give the following from those formerly teachers : Prof. John W. Norton, at the last moment unable to be present, wrote from Rutland, Vt. : " I remember no work of my life with greater satisfaction than some I did at Thetford." Speaking of certain classes, he says : " The members were worthy of a medal. In them were iVlbert Porter, George Rogers, and William and Kitty REV. CHAS. CAVERNO, LL.D. MRS. ABBIE H. (sMITH) CAVERNO. 17 Worcester, Fjrankie and Julia Closson, Kate and Maggie Fletcher, and Miss Sherman. I have heard only good things of them ever since, and should be glad to take them all by the hand. I am sure of this, that they have illustrated well the fact that the good and faithful scholars in school make the good and faithful men and women." Rev. Arthur Little, D. D., wrote from Dorchester, Mass. : I beg of you to let the friends who assemble this week to do honor to old Thetford Academy know why I am not there. An en- gagement to attend the commencement exercises at Berea Col- lege, Kentucky, this week, makes it impossible for me to gratify my wish to join in the celebration. My connection with the Academy, as substitute principal for my cousin, Charles Little, was only for a winter term, but, in the Providence of God, long enough to change my whole subsequent career. Thetford Academy and Thetford Hill are very dear to my heart. Very much indeed did I enjoy that brief winter of instruction, though I had some pupils who knew more than I did, especially in algebra. I remember once sending to Prof. Loomis of Yale College and the author of the algebra I tried to teach, for the solution of some problems that were too much for my non-math- ematical brain. A more rigorous winter I do not recall than that of i86o-'6i on Thetford Hill. Snow five or six feet deep and thermometer forty below zero. That is what makes men. Then there are other experiences and memories too sacred and personal for public reference. My heart turns back to that dear spot as the heart of a Jewish exile turned towards his be- loved Jerusalem. It is preeminently fitting that the seventy- fifth anniversary of Thetford Academy should be observed. What a centre and fountain of influence it has been ! It has blessed the whole earth. What an incredible amount of work it has done on a small, insignificant money capital ! What strong, self-reliant young men and women it has sent forth to work for humanity and God ! I wish it were possible for me to show my reverence for this honored mother by my personal presence. Assure all the friends of my presence with them in spirit and my sympathy with them in all the observances of the auspicious and august occasion. May the dear old Academy, which has stood a beacon light among those beautiful Vermont hills for three quarters of a century, round out the hundred years with increasing strength and usefulness. With glad salutations to all, I remain, etc. 18 EXERCISES AT THE CHURCH. At the appointed hour the happy multitude gathered at the church, falling it to overflowing. General Eaton presided. The Rev. Alvah Hovey, D. D., S. T. D., president Newton Theological Seminary, offered prayer. Music was furnished by the band, and by Miss Julia F. May, a former Thetford student, now a favorite singer in Plymouth Church, Brooklyn, N. Y. Accom- panied on the piano by Miss C. E. Worcester, Burnham Classi- cal school, Northampton, Mass., she sang with special effect " When the Heart is Young." The historical discourse, re- quiring many months of research, was delivered by the Rev. Carlos Slafter, and the poem by Hon. Edward A. Jenks, A. M. HISTORICx\L DISCOURSE. ]]Y THE Rev. Carlos Slafter. The Rev. Carlos Slafter, of Dedhani, Mass., son of Sylvester and Mary Johnson Slafter, was born in Thetford, Vt., July 21, 1825; became a student in Thetford Academy in September, 1S41 ; began to teach in Fairlee, Vt., December 6, 1841 ; taught in Lyme, N. H., four winters and one fall term; in Maiden, Mass., 1S46 to '47; in Dedham, Mass., 1847 to '51 ; in Framingham, Mass., High scliool, 1S51 to July '52; then forty year-s, 1852 to '92, in Dedham High school: entered Dartmouth College 1845; graduated, 1S49; ordained deacon in Boston, i^'55 ; preached occasionally; occupies his leisure in studying and writing. His uncompensated, careful studies in the history of Thetford Academy, and his able discourse cannot be too highly prized. January 11, 1895, ^^ '^^ celebration of the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the free school at Dedham, he delivered the historical discourse. The planting of Thetford Academy which we, its students and friends, have come here to-day to commemorate, can be more intelligently treated if we consider briefly the preparation of the ground in which it was planted. For this Academy was not an accident, any more than was the golden wheat that covered the field of the first settler at the end of his second summer of toil. In fact, to comprehend the causes which in due time estab- lished on this hill that school whose light has never yet been hid, we must take into consideration the settlement and previous growth of the town. The geographical features of the township had a deciding influence on the order of its settlement. Along its eastern border were rich meadows and table lands which attracted the enterprise of the first immigrants. John Chamberlain, "the first that came on," the only settler in 1764, the Hosfords and Howards, the Smiths and Gilletts, and their friends, planted themselves along the bank of the Connecticut. The first mills for sawing and grinding were built on streams which then flowed copiously, but have now almost ceased to flow, into that beauti- ful river. The first place of worship, a log meeting-house, had its outlook upon the same river valley. To the west of this long stretch of inviting farm lands the 20 ground rose into a high, irregular, even mountainous, ridge, ex- tending from the north line of the township to the place where the nois}' Ompompanoosuc passes into the territory of Norwich. West of this long ridge, across which a road was practicable only at one place near its middle point, another attractive region was found. This offered to settlers excellent timber lands and much productive soil ; and the Ompompanoosuc, whose murmur is always suggestive of kinetic energy, promised an exhaustless supply of mill privileges. Into this diversified region settlers flocked during the eighties. Wallace and Hubbard led the way, the first to establish homes west of the Ompompanoosuc. And when the Rev. Asa Burton had been the minister a few years, six or seven, and the log meeting-house of 1781 had been outgrown, and a new meeting- house was to be located, the control of affairs was found to be no longer in the hands of those living in the eastern section of the town. If the location was to be decided by a majority vote, there was danger that the new meeting-house would stand in sight, not of the Connecticut, but of the Ompompanoosuc river. Consequently, after much contention and bickering, a commit- tee of disinterested men from other towns was called in to determine the site of the proposed structure. The inhabitants of Thetford could not think of dividing into two separate parishes or societies, for the Rev. Asa Burton could not be divided, and his influence was controlling. Hence the decision of the committee was accepted as final. They located the prospective house of worship on the ridge dividing the two contending parties, about half way between the locations favored by the east and the west factions. In 1785 "the stakes were driven " at the highest point of the road which crosses the ridge. This determined the location of the oldest village in Thetford which was to spring up around the new meeting-house. Other things followed easily and naturally. The postoffice was soon established here, and Thomas Hopkins was the first postmaster. Joseph Reed and Loved Gary opened stores, Oramel Hinckley and Jedediah P. Buckingham law ofiices. But the little village was verj^ quiet, stationary we may say, till 18 1 7. That year two enterprising young merchants consti- 21 tuting the firm of Latham & Kendrick removed hither from North Thetford, erected a store, a large one for those days, and a house which is still the largest dwelling house in the village. This new enterprise attracted others to the place ; several new houses were built, and Dr. Burton himself had already trans- ferred his residence to the hill. The town meanwhile had become prosperous, and, with the ablest clergyman in the state for its minister, was ready for new enterprises. Dr. Burton's ministry, then of nearly forty years, had banished all local strife and divisions and had moulded the scattered inhabitants of the large township into a united and harmonious community. His influence had been deeply felt in matters connected with education. He had exerted himself to waken in the young a high regard for learning and a personal interest in it. He did this by visiting the schools regularly, conferring with the teachers, and keeping himself familiar with improvements in books and modes of instruction. Benevolent activities had been awakened and fostered by his faithful preaching and personal influence and example. A library was collected and a village lyceum organized in which the interests of education and other vital topics were earnestly and intelligently discussed. A benevolent society was formed and contributions were made in aid of an academy recently founded in Meriden, a village in the town of Plainfield, New Hampshire. The records of that institution show, says its treasurer, " the receipt of several such donations from the Female Charitable Society of Thetford, and also $5 each from Silas and Mahlon Follet. These sums were sent by the Rev. Dr. Burton." But in August, 1.8 18, the following entry was made in the treasurer's book of Kimball Union Academy : " By forty dollars from Simeon Short, Esq., treasurer of a charitable society in Thetford, Vt." We have been careful to verify this record, because it shows when, and by whom, the first conception of an academy in Thetford was formed. When Mr. Short, then a young lawyer, was returning from Meriden, whither he had gone simply to deliver the donation last mentioned, and was thinking over the errand he had ridden 99 so far to perform, his enterprising spirit suggested this question,. "Why not have an academy in Thetford, instead of sending our students so far away to one in another state and contributing money also for its support ? " This question having been once suggested occupied his thoughts during the rest of his solitary ride home. He debated with himself the possibilities of ac- complishing such a work. The more he considered the needs of Thetford and the neighboring towns, the spirit of ihe in- habitants, and the advantages of such a school, the more earnest and hopeful he became. After reaching home he took his tea that evening with Judge Buckingham. At the table he gave an account of the journey he had performed and its object, and then broached to the judge the subject which had employed his thoughts during his equestrian journey homeward. Judge Buckingham, always- eager to enlarge the educational privileges of young persons,, entered into the project at once, and even with enthusiasm. That same evening they called on Judge Loomis and Colonel Fitch. These gentlemen both thought the scheme good and feasible. The next day Dr. Burton was consulted, and then Judge Reed and the firm of Latham & Kendrick. All gave the object their earnest approval, and a meeting of the leadings citizens was held in Judge Buckingham's office the next evening. Mr. Short explained the purpose of the meeting, and Dr. Burton and Judge Buckingham advocated the project. There was no opposition or hesitancy. A subscription was then and there be- gun with liberal contributions, and at the end of a week sufficient means had been secured for the erection of an academy building. The timber was all given, Colonel Lyman Fitch claiming the principal share of that generosity. Others who had little money gave work ; and there was no small emulation in carrying for- ward the enterprise. It is to be deeply regretted that no record of these contributions was preserved. These facts relating to the first suggestion of an academy and the mode of carrying the plan into effect, were given to me by Judge Short in the summer of 1875. He was then in his eighty-ninth year, but his memory was still vigorous and accurate. Other persons have corroborated his statements 23 in all essential points. Therefore I do not hesitate to give him credit and the high honor of being the prime author and founder of Thetford Academy. The zeal and promptness of those who gave material form to his idea can be best understood from the fact that what was first thought of by a young attorney during a horseback journey from Meriden to Thetford on an August afternoon of 1818 went into full opera- tion on the 8th of February, 18 19. Six months after Simeon Short dreamed of an academy, the Rev. John Fitch took posses- sion of the completed building and began a successful term of six years' service. The immediate prosperity of the school depended largely upon the first preceptor. The testimony of those who were under his tuition is uniform in his praise. Senator Justin S. Morrill, who was a member of the Academy in 1824, says, " Preceptor Fitch was very able in Latin and Greek, and was a very thorough teacher." Mrs. Cheney, who, as Miss Lucy Fletcher, was under his instruction in 1820, writes as follows : " He was one of the best of instructors ; had the gift of impart- ing knowledge to his pupils. I think he was a good disciplina- rian ; never had any trouble with his scholars. He always gave them a short lecture Saturday noon before the close for the week, and these lectures were excellent. Monday mornings he always called on one of the students to give an account of the sermon of the previous day. One morning he called on a young man who began and went on and on till the preceptor said to him, 'That is sufficient.' " The Hon. William Childs of Fairlee once exhibited to me some very ingenious methods of working in the higher arith- metic which he had learned from Preceptor Fitch. It is not necessary to adduce more testimony of his ability and worth. But you may be interested to know that he was the oldest son of the Rev. Elijah Fitch of Hopkinton, Mass., graduated honorably at Brown University in 1790, and settled as pastor of a Congregational church in Danville, Vt., about 1794. The Rev. Nathaniel Howe of Hopkinton, in a famous centennial sermon preached in 18 15, when speaking of the family of the Rev. Elijah Fitch, whose early death was greatly 24 lamented, said : '* Rev. John Fitch is now one of the most respectable ministers of Vermont." A failure of health in 1816 led Mr. Fitch to resign his pastor- ate. To occupy his thoughts, he engaged in fitting young men for college, and soon had an abundance of students. His health improved, and when he came to Thetford several of his scholars came with him, to complete their preparation for col- lege. This gave the Academy at once a measure of dignity and respect. Even in its first year it was patronized by many of the neighboring towns, both in Vermont and New Hampshire. We are informed that one young man came from Canada to fit him- self for the University of Vermont. His name was Lucius Doolittle ; and though he did not complete his college course with his class, he so far belied his name by a life of successful work that his Alma Mater gave him an honorary degree in 1838. The number of students in attendance during the first year of the Academy we have no means of stating definitely. From the treasurer's book, however, we are able to make a reasonable estimate. Judge Buckingham, by his excellent system of book- keeping, made the first year of the Academy quite intelligible, though no other record of it exists. He received all the money paid for tuition and gave the students certificates for admission to the school. It appears that the tuition was generally paid in advance, and he opened accounts with those only who did not so pay. The money received for tuition from the 8th of February, 1819, to January 10, 1820, was $422. The tuition per quarter was $2 for English studies and $3 for the languages. Prob- ably not more than a fourth part of the school studied the languages; so that the average tuition would be $2.25 per term, or $9 a year. Dividing the total tuition received by nine, and allowing for a few who had not paid, we find the average attend- ance about fifty. A school so large as that would of course require more than one teacher. This want was ably supplied by Miss Amy Smith of Chelsea. She was connected with the Academy about three years, and was very efficient in her department. Says one who looks back upon her school days from her ninety-second year, 25 ■♦' Miss Amy Smith was a refined lady and a very good teacher." Leaving Thetford, Miss Smith established a young ladies' school in Woodstock ; but after a few terms she married the Hon. Henry C. Denison, who, by the historian of that town, is said to have been " a man of thrift and industry, an influential citizen, prominent in politics, and judge of probate several years." It is pleasant to remember that, from the beginning, the school was summoned to its work and regulated in its exercises by the same bell that swings in the Academy tower to-day. One who began his studentship on that famous eighth of February, 1 8 19, assures me that it rang out cheerily to convoke the school on that bright, frosty morning. What other thing, connected with the Old Academy and with this town, has the same voice to-day which it had in 18 19? Faithful old monitor! For seventy-five years it has called the students to their devotions and to their work: for thirty-five years, also, it summoned a devout community to their Sunday worship. It awakens precious memories in many souls to-day. May its tones long •continue to remind us of the privileges here to be enjoyed ! The exact form of organization which was at first adopted by the managers of the enterprise we have no records to show. We only know that Judge Buckingham was treasurer, and we may reasonably presume that a voluntary association was formed adequate to promote the interests of the school. The oversight of such men as Dr. Burton, Judge Reed, Esquire Short, and their associates, could not fail in efficiency. Doubt- less every dollar contributed was wisely expended. In fact, every person in the village was devoted to the welfare of the Academy and shared the responsibility of making it successful. But a charter was soon found to be desirable. In 18 19 the Hon. Joseph Reed represented the town of Thetford in the General Assembly of the state, and was instrumental in obtain- ing an act of incorporation. Those who had already been chosen to manage the enterprise were doubtless made trustees of the incorporated Academy. " The Rev. Dr. Burton, Jedediah P. Buckingham, Joseph Reed, William Heaton, Lyman Fitch, Thomas Kendrick, Simeon Short, Elijah Hammond and Tim- 26 othy P. Bartholomew with their associates and successors " be- came the governing body. The destruction of their records by fire in 1843 makes it im- possible to give a complete list of the original board of trustees to the full number of fifteen, or to name all who were added to the list previous to that unfortunate loss. Of course all those who appear as officers of the board were members of that body ; so that we may confidently name Thomas Hopkins, Esq., and Capt. William Harris Latham as among those who constituted the first board. The Hon. Beriah Loomis was probably one, and also James White, Esq. The Hon. Jedediah H. Harris of Strafford, and the Rev. Baxter Perry of Lyme, N. H., have been named to me as early members. Dr. David Palmer was a mem- ber in 1827, serving as one of the prudential committee of that year. Other names, unfortunately, must remain unrecorded. In 1820 the legislature passed a supplementary act which gave to Thetford Academy the rents and profits arising from the rights of land originally granted for the use of county grammar schools in the towns of Chelsea and Washington. This brought the school an annual income of a little less than a hundred dollars, beginning the first year with ninety-six dollars. In 1821 another act was passed which made the Academy "to all intents and purposes " a county grammar school, and gave the trustees all requisite power for controlling the lands reserved for grammar schools in the towns previously mentioned. AD this beneficent supplementary legislation was the result of efforts put forth by Col. Lyman Fitch, who represented Thetford in the legislatures of 1820 and 1821. We have been careful to explain that the idea, or original suggestion, of this Academy came from the mind of Simeon Short when he was returning from an errand of charity. Charity has pervaded its whole history. During the first year of its existence, Treasurer Buckingham opened an account, in fact it was the second opened in the treasurer's book, with this title, '• Charitable funds of Thetford Academy." The first credit on this account reads as follows : "By cash received of Dr. Burton towards contributions the last year, per my rec't, $8.25." On the eighteenth day of August, 1825, the balance on hand of the 27 charity account was one hundred and twelve dollars and twent}' cents ; and there had been paid for the tuition of meritorious students two hundred and thirty-two dollars. Surely the Thet- ford church under the lead of their revered and faithful pastor showed most effectively how charity could begin at home. But it was not to end there ; it followed the beneficiary to college and paid his tuition there also. Judge Buckingham's accounts are the most instructive early record we have of the Academy. They extend through the first six years, covering Preceptor Fitch's term of service. From them we learn that the salary of Mr. Fitch was three hundred dollars per annum, together with his house rent of thirty dollars. This seems to us a small compensation ; but we must bear in mind that Dr. Burton himself never received more than $283.33 per year. During the latter part of Mr. Fitch's term Miss Mercy Burton was employed as preceptress. She was the only surviving child of Dr. Burton and a lady of varied attainments. She became the wife of Presbury West, Escj., who was for a time treasurer of the Academy. The Rev. Mr. Fitch closed his labors as preceptor on the first of March, 1825, three weeks after the expiration of his six years term of service, for which the total payments amounted to four- teen hundred and fifty-two dollars and seventy-five cents. After his time there was a different management of the finances of the institution. The tuition of the students was evidently paid directly to the preceptors, and the treasurer's duty was limited to receiving the income from the charity and other funds of the Academy, and, after defraying some necessary expenses for repairs, paying the residue over to the preceptor. In estimating the results of the first six years of the school, it seems proper to say that besides the several hundred young men and women fitted to discharge more honorably the various duties of good citizenship, the following twelve persons were prepared for college and afterwards graduated therefrom : The Reverends Isaac Cummings, Asa Brainard, Isaac Hosford> Roger Strong Howard, D. D., Edmund Otis Hovey, D. D., Asher Bliss, John Stocker, Lucius Doolittle ; Drs. Leonard Mellen 28 Fitch and Roger Newton Lambert; Charles Chapman Marsh, Esq., and Charles Hopkins, Esq. One of these. Dr. Fitch, was prepared to join the junior class of his college, and doubtless some of the others entered college in advance. This record was creditable to the teacher ; and the trustees of the Academy must have felt gratified with the success of the enterprise on which they had expended so much care and enthusiasm. Thetford Academy had established a good repu- tation ; had proved itself worthy of a generous patronage. On the recommendation of Dr. David Palmer, Carlos Smith, a native of Hopkinton, N. H., was chosen to succeed Mr. Fitch. He had graduated from Union College in 1822, and since then had been teaching a classical school in Virginia. He was an excellent teacher, a refined gentleman, and not a little fastidious in his tastes. Such is the testimony in substance of one whom he trained in the studies preparatory for college. He remained in Thetford two years. In 1827 he married Miss Susan Saxton of Hanover, N. H., and removing to Catskill, N. Y., had charge of a classical school six years. While there he became person- ally interested in religion and resolved to devote himself to the ministry, though he had previously been preparing to enter the legal profession. In 1832 he settled as pastpr of a church in Manlius, N. Y. Four years later he removed to Painsville, Ohio, where his ministry continued eight years. His next pastorate of three years in Massillon, Ohio, was interrupted by illness in his family resulting from climatic influences. Thence he removed in 1847 ^o Tallmadge, Ohio, where a ministry of fifteen years was crowned with abundant success. His last pastorate was in Akron, Ohio, from 1862 to 1873, and during these eleven years the church under his care increased from 60 to 275 members. He received the degree of doctor of divinity while in Akron, and died there April 22, 1877- A memorial service, in which the clergy of all denominations in that city participated, was held on the Sunday after his funeral. On this occasion many words of eulogy were spoken which it would be pleasant to repeat; but we have time only for a most significant remark of one of the speakers, who, in praise 29 of Dr. Smith, said, " No man in Akron was ever so respected by all classes." During a part, or all, of Dr. Smith's preceptorship in Thetford Academy, he was aided by his sister, Miss Grace Fletcher Smith, as preceptress. She was born in Hopkinton, N. H., in 1803, and was named after Miss Grace Fletcher, who became the first wife of Daniel Webster. Miss Smith married the Rev. Job Martyn and died at Haverhill, Mass., in 1840. It may be proper to say here that the father of these two teachers was the Rev. Ethan Smith, a graduate of Dartmouth College in 1790, who studied divinity with Dr. Asa Burton, and in addition to constant labors in five successive pastorates, including one at Hopkinton of twenty years, and finally as city missionary in Boston, he wrote and published six theological works, four lectures on baptism, and ten occasional sermons. It will be pleasant to remember that the industry of the father was imitated by the son, both whose lives, so long as bodily powers per- mitted, were devoted to the spiritual good of their fellow men. Dr. David Palmer, subsequently a distinguished professor in the medical college at Woodstock, Vt., came to Thetford in 1825 and for the next six years was a devoted and active friend to the Academy. He often manifested his desire for its pros- perity by giving before the school and the citizens valuable and interesting lectures on various branches of natural science Chemistry was his favorite subject : and it is needless to say that there were many sincere mourners in Thetford in 1852, when he lost his life by an accident connected with his work in that department of study at the medical college in Pittsfield, Mass. The Rev. Abram Marsh, who prepared for college at the Academy, and graduated at Dartmouth in 1825, was the pre- ceptor in 1827 and 1828. He was a man of dignified and min- isterial mien, and the school prospered under his care. The record of his life was honorable, a ministry of thirty-eight years in Tolland, Ct., where, after holding other important offices, he died in 1877. When he came here to visit his wife's kinsman. Judge Short, his sermons were occasionally heard in the Thet- ford pulpit, and always with much interest and satisfaction. 30 Mr. Marsh's co-laborer in the Academy was Miss Sarah Poole, the daughter of the Hon. Benjamin Poole of Hollis, N. H. A lady who was then under her instruction remembers that she taught, besides the ordinary school studies, ornamental needle work; and that many specimens of her pupils' work decorated the walls of the recitation room. Miss Poole married Mr. David Hoyt of Hartland, went to reside in Muscatine, Iowa, and died there in 1864. Charles Hopkins, the son of Thomas Hopkins, the first post- master, graduated at Dartmouth in 1827 and is said to have occupied the preceptor's chair a short time while waiting for a favorable opportunity to study law. This was probably in 1828-9. Dr. Samuel Long, a graduate of Dartmouth in 1824, and for many years the beloved physician of Plymouth, N. H., was in charge of the Academy for a few months ; but the exact date of his service has not been determined. The Rev. Dr. William Coombs Dana, a graduate of Dart- mouth in 1828, was employed as preceptor a short time in 1829. This is his own statement and therefore trustworthy. He was a son of the Rev. Dr. Daniel Dana, who was for a short period the president of Dartmouth College. In 1836 he became the pastor of the Central Presbyterian church of Charleston, S. C, and held that office till his death, November 30, 1880. In the Academy Dr. Dana was said to have been ably assisted by a Miss Holmes of Massachusetts. There are so many of that name in the Bay State, all capable and "cultured" of course, that you will be obliged to excuse us if we do not point out more definitely the one who favored our Academy with the instruction which several have had the kindness to commend. Sherburne Blake Piper was preceptor in the Academy two terms before his graduation at Dartmouth in 1832. The law was his chosen profession, in which he had a long and honorable practice in Lewiston, N. Y., where he died in 1885, 78 years of age. Loammi Sewell Coburn graduated at Dartmouth College in 1830 and came immediately to take charge of the Academy. 31 He was of small stature, but full of learning and life. We can- not find that he had any preceptress to lighten his labors. A correspondent has suggested that his competency and the small- ness of the school made it possible, and of course profitable, to dispense with the services usually performed by a lady teacher. He probably left the school in 1831. He was not averse to change, as may be judged from his many engagements and fre- quent removals. He was a professor of Greek and Latin in Norwich University from 1851 to 1857, was acting pastor in Weston from 1858 to 1866, and is supposed to have resided there till his death, about 1885. An early student mentions William Withington Thayer as one of the occasional teachers in the Academy. A payment of money to him by the treasurer in 183 1 indicates that his ser- vices were obtained for a short time. He was a native of Thet- ford and studied for the ministry at Bangor Theological Semi- nary. Another payment to " A. Perkins" may be for his services also as teacher. This doubtless means Apollos Perkins of Lyme, N. H. ; if so, the money was paid to an excellent teacher, one of the best of that time. William Craige Burke, an undergraduate of Dartmouth, had charge of the Academy during the spring and summer terms of 1832. He graduated in 1833 ; was a teacher for several years in various places; studied at Andover Theological Seminary in the class of 1838 ; but finally became a physician and practised his profession, first in New York city, and afterwards in Skane- ateles, N. Y. He now resides in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Miss Mary White, the sister of Dr. Nathaniel White, at one time taught French in the Academy, as we often heard her relate. Probably her instructions were given in 1831 or 1S32. In 1832 James Kent Shipherd of Granville, N. Y., an under- graduate in the senior class of Middlebury College, became the preceptor. He was an excellent teacher, of refined and gentle bearing; but his work was interrupted by illness in the autumn of 1833. He died at Judge Short's, February 17, 1834, at the age of 24 years, and was much lamented by those who had been under his instruction. 32 His place was supplied through the winter of 1833-4 by Mr. Jacob Chapman, then a junior in Dartmouth College. Even in so short a term of instruction, Mr. Chapman showed undoubted ability. The rest of his life has not been wanting in variety. He spent three years at Andover in theological study, and after that alternated between preaching and teaching, having, evi- dently, a fondness for the latter occupation. Had he bestowed his abilities upon our Academy, it is thought that his success would have been such as to satisfy himself and largely enhance the interests of the institution. He is still living in Exeter^ N. H., and is the author of several valuable publications. In the spring of 1834 Mr. Jonas De Forest Richards assumed the duties of preceptor, though then but a junior in college. He was in his twenty-fifth year, and, for a student no nearer his graduation, was very mature. He had experience in teaching, was a gentleman in manner and of good presence. He man- aged the school admirably and did very much to elevate its character and give it a becoming dignity. Those of us who can remember events so remote know very well that he was highly respected and commended, both in Thetford and in the neigh- boring towns. He was, in fact, an excellent type of the acad- emy preceptor of that day. He graduated at Andover Theo- logical Seminary in 1840 : his life as a clergyman was highly respectable, and was supplemented in 1869 by a professorship in the University of Alabama, at which post he died in 1872. We find Miss Laura A. Washburn associated with Mr. Rich- ards as preceptress in 1834. She was the daughter of the Rev. Azel Washburn of Royalton, Vt. It is not easy to deter- mine the exact date of her appearance at the Academy, but it was probably in the spring term, when Mr. Richards became the principal. She was a most acceptable teacher and contrib- uted largely to the popularity of the school. After three pleas- ant years at Thetford she was for an equal term in charge of a female seminary at Uxbridge, Mass. During that time she became acquainted with Mr. Horace Maynard, a graduate of Amherst College in 1838. They were united in marriage August 30, 1840, and went to reside at Knoxville, Tenn., where he was to achieve national renown by his ability and patriotism. 33 After a long and loyal experience in congress and various high and responsible offices, he became a member of the cabinet of President Hayes in 1880. He died very suddenly in 1882 ; and our former preceptress has lived to deplore the sad termination of her husband's honorable career. She now resides in the city of Washington, and would doubtless be gratified to know that she is still remembered by some of us as our well-beloved teacher. Mr. Richards continued in charge of the Academy till the end of the fall term of 1835, in which he was assisted by Mr. Samuel Peirce, who had just graduated at Dartmouth. But the graduate assistant was six and a half years younger than the undergraduate preceptor ; and when Mr. Richards resumed his studies in the college, Mr. Peirce became the principal of the Academy, in his twentieth year. The school prospered under his youthful care, and the next summer, that of 1836, five young men of the Academy entered Dartmouth College. Mr. Peirce continued at the head of the school another year; and in the fall term of 1836, Miss Wash- burn being still the preceptress, he was assisted by Mr. Abner Jones Phipps, a junior from Dartmouth of excellent standing, especially in the classics. Mr. Phipps was a teacher in various positions for many years : afterwards was employed as an agent of the Massachusetts Board of Education ; and finally was superintendent of schools in Dedham, Mass., which office he resigned a short time before his death in 1886. Mr. Peirce completed his theological studies at Andover in 1840, and was ordained pastor of the Congregational church in Atkinson, N. H., April 19, 1843 ; but he lived less than a year to fulfil his promise of eminent usefulness. The school now numbered over a hundred students, and the prospects of the institution were most encouraging. Under the influence of this prosperity Judge Short engaged in an effort to increase the funds of the Academy. This resulted in what was called " The Subscription Fund," which consisted of promissory notes given by nearly sixty individuals, these obligations to pay varying from five to one hundred and fifty dollars, the whole amounting to about eleven hundred and twenty-five dollars. 3 34 The sums indicate that the donors were persons of small means, but of large and overflowing generosity. The interest on these notes gave an annual income to increase the teaching force on which the success of the school depended. In the winter of 1836-7 Miss Sophia Sparhawk assisted Mr. Peirce, and so continued till the end of his administration. She was connected with the school in subsequent years, not continu- ously, but as late probably as 1842. She was an efficient teacher and highly accomplished. A native of Walpole, N. H., she was educated at a select school at Greenfield, Mass. After leaving Thetford she taught at Bardstown, Ky. From that place she set out to return to New Hampshire, but died on the homeward journey. In the autumn of 1837 ^^^- Eliezer Jewett Marsh assumed the duties of preceptor, assisted by Miss Sibby Ann W. Davies of Massachusetts as preceptress. In the fall term of 1848 Miss Sarah M. White was the preceptress. But in the year 1839 Miss Davies and Miss White were both teachers in the Academy Mr. Marsh was a graduate of Middlebury College in 1833. He remained in Thetford till the spring of 1840. His pupils speak earnestly of his wise and faithful instructions, and the influence he exerted on their character was salutary and permanent. His life was chiefly devoted to the work of an instructor : seven years as the principal of an academy in Milton, Mass. ; and eight or nine years as assistant in Lawrence Academy, Groton, Mass. He published in 1887 "The Genealogy of the Family of George Marsh," a work of much labor and research, credit- ably performed. Miss Sarah M. White was the daughter of Thomas R. White of Franklin, N. H., and the grand-daughter of James White, Esq., one of the original trustees of the Acad- emy. The summer of 1840 in Thetford was devoted more to national politics than to education. The school numbered only about twenty-five, and Mr. Cyrus Baldwin, a Dartmouth graduate of 1839, an amiable man and an accomplished teacher of music, had charge of it. The place did not offer sufficient induce- ments to retain him ; and after several other engagements in teaching, the longest being fifteen years at Meriden, N. H., he 35 entered upon a mercantile life in the city of Providence in 1857. His last residence was in Hill, N. H., where he died in 1893. Mr. John Edward Stanyan graduated at Dartmouth in 1840 and took charge of the Academy in September of that year. While waiting to enter upon his theological studies at An- dover, Mr. Edmund F. Slafter, a classmate of Mr. Stanyan, was assistant for six weeks of the first term. Mr. Stanyan was scholarly ; and as long as he devoted himself wholly to the school was popular and successful. But, becoming interested in legal studies, the school held a secondary place in his thoughts, and suffered accordingly. In May, 1843, he closed his work in the Academy, and soon afterwards devoted himself to his chosen profession, first in New Hampshire, and later in Massa- chusetts. Through the autumn term of 1842 six of us were under the instruction of Judge Short in chemistry ; and I look back upon it as one of the pleasantest experiences of our Academic life. In May, 1843, Hiram Orcutt began his more than twelve years of successful labors in the Academy. His reputation as an instructor had preceded him. He occupied the Thetford pulpit with the Rev. Mr. Babcock the Sunday before his school was to open, and from a discourse he there delivered we prospec- tive students gauged the man at once as "competent for the situation." The old Academy began to catch the popular breezes as soon as he took the helm ; the number of students increased rapidly ; about ninety reported at the beginning of the fall term. Mrs. Orcutt was preceptress and rarely absent, for seven full years. By her efficient labors and quiet dignity she ably sec- onded the work and plans of her husband. Miss Mary Farrington of Walden, Vt., a beautiful and bril- liant young lady, added an attraction to Mr. Orcutt's first fall term. She taught music, drawing, and painting. In 1844 she married the Rev. H. L. Bullen, sometime professor of mathe- matics in Iowa College, and subsequently pastor of a Congrega- tional church at Durant, la. Mrs. Bullen's life was a short one, but her memory is still cherished by many of her pupils. As the school increased, the number of teachers was gener- 36 ously enlarged. In the second catalogue issued by Mr. Orcutt the board of instruction consists of eight teachers and lecturers besides himself. Thus every department of the school was made efficient and attractive. In the autumn of each year a course of lectures by the professors of Dartmouth College and other literary men was given in the Academy open to the public. It would be a pleasure to speak at length of the lectures de- livered by Drs. White, Thayer, and Worcester, on their special subjects; but want of space forbids such indulgence. Fidelity to history, however, demands that I should mention with some comment, according to the knowledge I have been able to obtain, the teachers who were associated with Mr. Orcutt and contri- buted to his remarkable success. Miss Matilda J. Baker of Lebanon, N. H., was an assistant for the fall term of 1844. She soon after married the Rev. Loren Thayer of Windham, N. H., and was not living in 1850. Miss Mary Elizabeth Denny, another assistant of the same term, was connected with the Academy seven years as assistant or preceptress. Hundreds of her pupils would commend her accuracy and fidelity in instruction, and her sincerity and kind- ness as an adviser and friend. In 1862 she was married to the Rev. George Ainslie of the Choctaw mission and went to reside at Rochester, Minn., having herself previously been five years a missionary teacher among the Choctaws and Cherokees. Her life on the border was often a severe test of her patience and courage ; but she has survived all hardships and perils ; and, though her husband has been called home to his reward more than nine years, she still abides where they settled thirty-two years ago. Instrumental music was taught in 1844 by Miss Sarah A. Latham, a gifted daughter of Captain William H. Latham whose term of service on the board of trustees is the longest on record. The same year the Rev. Elisha Guliver Babcock gave in- struction in singing through the fall term, probably without compensation, to show his interest in the school; and Charles French Latham, the Academy's largest benefactor, then a student fitting for college, led the Academy choir and had a class in 37 vocal music the rest of the year. Thetford fifty years ago had no better singer than "Charley Latham." Dr. Nathaniel White, for five successive years beginning in 1844, lectured on physiology. He had a happy faculty of in- teresting and instructing an audience of students, and, as we remember, was justly appreciated. Dr. Samuel W. Thayer, Jr., lectured on chemistry, geology, and various other topics, much to the entertainment and im- provement of the school. He was a man of superior ability, and his affability made him "the brother of us all." Mrs. Sarah L. Thayer, his charming wife, gave instruction on the piano two years, assisted a part of the time by Sarah M. and Charlotte S. Hough. The latter married Baxter E. Perry, Esq., and her blind son is now a prominent musician in Boston. Miss Caroline White of Franklin, N. H., a niece of Dr. Nathaniel White, the smallest, and I might almost say the brightest, of Mr. Orcutt's teachers, will be remembered as she sat in the low chair adapted to her diminutive size. But those who recited to her had frequent occasion to look up to her in the branches she taught. In 1850 Miss W^hite was united in mar- riage to the Hon. Austin F. Pike of Franklin, who died while a senator in the congress of the United States. Joseph E. Hubbard, musician and mathematician combined, will not soon be forgotten by those who were specially trained by him to keep the lungs well intiated as they sang. His mathematical explanations of pitch and tones were too deep for most learners ; but when the order came to " swell up," we all knew what to do. George W. Gardner, a student preparing for college, from which he graduated in 1852, taught penmanship two years. He subsequently was president of the Central University of Iowa. Dartmouth College honored him with the doctorate in 1867. ]Miss Emmarenza Carlton gave instruction in drawing two years. How much we inartistic youth were wont to admire the works which her class exhibited ! Dr. Ezra C. Worcester, for many years secretary of the board of trustees, as teacher and lecturer on chemistry and botany, was connected with the school nearly twenty years. He began 420840 in 1846, and his last teaching was in 1865. His earnestness and fidelity are pleasant things for us all to remember. How admirably he could illustrate the beauty of the floral kingdom from the products of his own garden and conservatory! Orpheus T. Lamphear, just graduated from the University of Vermont, was associate principal in the autumn of 1845. A man of brilliant talents, his labors have been acceptable in many churches. Before 1880 Dr. Lamphear held pastorates in Derby, Vt., Lowell and Beverly, Mass., Exeter, N. H., and New Haven, Conn. He was a native of West Fairlee, born in 1820. The classical attainments of the Rev. Dr. Roger Strong Howard, as associate principal, were made useful to the Aca- demy in 1847. He was one of Preceptor Fitch's most diligent students, and was, in fact, a diligent student all his life. His alma mater honored him with the doctorate in 1868. His eminence as a teacher, his profound learning, and his fidelity in the sacred duties of the ministry, should bring honor to his name in this his native town. The Rev. Luther Baker Whittemore, while a student in Dart- mouth came to assist his former teacher one or two terms, and, in addition to other compensation, was rewarded by an intro- duction to Miss Elizabeth H. Denny, whom he subsequently married. Want of health and a shortened life prevented his attaining that distinction which his natural gifts seemed to promise. He died in 186 1. Horatio E. Mann was the teacher of penmanship in 1847 and 1848. In 1847 Mr. Solon G. Smith began to teach music in the Academy. How many years he taught we cannot say, but by a catalogue we see that he gave such instruction in 1870. It is superfluous to say in Thetford that he belonged to a musical family. The oldest of us remember his father, Col. Harvey Smith, the chorister of the church many happy years. Stephen Bean Stinson, as his first work after graduating at Dartmouth in 1848, assisted Mr. Orcutt a single term. He had proved his ability by teaching with him the previous spring term. He is now Judge Stinson of Sycamore, 111. Daniel Dwight Hitchcock of Amherst College, 1844, assisted 39 in the summer of 1848. He entered the military service, but we have ascertained nothing of his subsequent history. Miss Emily Pearson began to teach in the fall term of 1848 and was thus connected with the school three years. Benjamin M. Munn instructed the singers in the spring of 1847, and of 1848. Austin Adams, a graduate of Dartmouth in 1848, was associate principal at Thetford in the spring and summer of 1849. Though he was an enthusiast in this work, he soon abandoned teaching and devoted himself as earnestly to the law. He settled in practice at Dubuque, Iowa, and rose to a high, if not the highest, judicial position in that state. He died in Dubuque, Oct. 17, i8go. The Rev. Andrew Butler Foster, a former minister at East Orford, N. H., was associate principal with Mr. Orcutt in the autumn of 1849 and so continued till the spring of 185 1. He graduated at Amherst College in 1840. An accurate scholar and interesting preacher, we may assume that he was a good teacher. Enoch Charles Augustus Woods, a native of Newport, N. H., and a senior in Dartmouth College, was an assistant in the fall term of 1849. He afterwards graduated at Andover Theological Seminary, and as a missionary went to reside at Wapello, la., and died there just one year after his arrival. He was a pattern of honesty and fidelity. He married his schoolmate in the Academy, Miss Jane B. Porter, of Lyme, in 1853. Miss Laura Slade, afterwards Mrs. Snow, gave instruction in drawing in 1849, ^"d, as Mrs. Snow, in oil painting i