Armstrong High School - Rabza Yearbook (Richmond, VA)

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In Memory of SAMUEL CHAPMAN AR MSTRONG ¥ UR school bears the name of General Armstrong, the founder of Hampton Normal and Agricul- tural Institute, Hampton, Virginia. Characteristic of the man-and full of his spirit are the following memoranda found among his private papers that were left to be opened after his death : MEMORANDA. Now when all is bright, the family together, and there is nothing to alarm and very much to be thank- ful for, it is well to look ahead and, perhaps, to say the things that I should wish known should I sudden- ly die. I wish to be buried in the school graveyard, among the students, where one of them would have been put had he died next. I wish no monument or fuss whatever over my grave; only a simple headstone—no text or senti- meut inscribed, only my name and date. I wish the simplest funeral service, without sermon or attempt at oratory—a soldier’s funeral. I hope there will be enough friends to see that the work of the school shall continue. Unless some shall make sacrifices for it, it cannot go on. A work that requires no sacrifice does uot count for much in fulfilling God’s plans. But what is com- monly called sacrifice is the best, happiest use of one’s Self and one’s resources—the best investment of time, strength and means. He who makes no such sacrifice is most to be pitied. Heis a heathen, be- cause he knows nothing of God. I wish no effort at biography of myself made. Good friends might get up a pretty good story, but it would not be the whole truth. The truth of a life usually lies deep down—we hardly know ourselves —God only does, I trust his mercy. The shorter one’s creed the better. ‘‘Simply to thy cross I cling’’ is enough for me I am most thankful for my parents, my Haw- aiian home, for war experiences, for college days at Williams, and for life and work at Hampton. Hamp- ton has blessed me in so many ways; along with it have come the choiciest people of this country for my friends and helpers, and then, such a grand chance to do something directly for those set free by the war, and, indirectly for those who were conquered; and Indian work has been another great privilege. Prayer is the greatest thing in the world. It keeps us near to God—my own prayer has been most weak, wavering, inconstant; vet it hes been the best thing I have ever done. I think this is a universal truth—what comfort is therein any but the broadest truth? Hampton must not go down See to it, you who are true tothe black and red children of the land, and to just ideas of education, The loyalty of my old soldiers and of my students has been an unspeakable comfort. It pays to follow one’s best light—to put God and country first; ourselves afterwards. Taps has just sounded. HAMPTON, VA. NEW YEAR’s EVE, 1890. S. C.-ARMSTRONG.