Hampden Sydney College - Kaleidoscope Yearbook (Hampden Sydney, VA)

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JY i a' 9 f . A' f-Uhe I 1Q1Ze1cZoscopej A college, founded by Hanover Presbytery and for fifty years presided over by Presbyterian divines, was now in the hands of a layman of Episcopal proclivities, who, though devout and reverent, was not, at that time, a member of any church. A young man, only four years out of college, was to occupy the seat of the aged Dr. Hogeg a Yankee saddler was to discipline and train the sons of proud Virginia planters. Results were eminently satisfactory: wisdom was justified of her children. The course of study was reorganized and greatly enriched: new professorships were established: old buildings were removed: Cushing Hall, the Steward's Hall, and a new church were erectedg the old era had ended, and physical conditions in broad outline became what they are to-day. By 1830, the whole system was pulsating with life and Hampden-Sidney was the equal of any American college of the day-North or South. President Cushing, in ISZ4, organized, at Hampden-Sidney, the Literary and Philosophical Society-Dr. Rice and Professor Marsh being his coadjutors. In I83I, this Society was enlarged into the Virginia Historical and Philosophical Society, which-reorganized in IS47-became the Virginia Historical Society. , But these incessant and arduous duties proved too much for a body naturally frail. ln the spring of 1835, Mr. Cushing was forced to give up work, and set out for Charleston en route for the West Indies in search of health. But he was too weak to go far, and was compelled to stop at Raleigh, N. C., where the end came April 25, l835. -W. H. W1-HTING, JR. U01

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sf 'N-:F .rjhe I 926 YQ52.7ejcZoscope1 Jonathan Peter Cushing, A. M. HE. statistical abstract of President Cushing's life is brief. It would read about as follows: Born in Rochester, N. H., March IZ, l793g graduated at Dartmouth College, August, ISI 73 Librarian and Tutor in Hampden-Sidney College, ISI 7-18185 Professor of Natural Philosophy and Chemistry, 1819-I835g President, ISZI-18355 married Miss Lucy Jane Page, l827g member of American Education Society, 1831-1835, died in Raleigh, N. C., April 25, I835. But this record in no way rivals the real man nor gives hint of his marvelous activity and efhcient service. The old order at Hampden-Sidney terminated with Dr. Hoge. Under Mr. Cushing, the College entered upon a new existence. Z' Left an orphan at ten years of age, jonathan Cushing had few advantages: and, in I806, he found himself as an apprentice to a saddler in his home town. l-le became proficient in his trade, and, by working at his bench, he was able to defray his expenses at Phillips Exeter Academy. In the fall of ISI5, he entered the Junior Class in Dartmouth College. Early neglect, sedentary habits and hard work had undermined his health. Advised to go South. the young graduate set out for Charleston, S. C., intending to study law there. On reaching Richmond, Va., he met Dr. John Holt Rice who induced him to join the teaching force of Hampden-Sidney. When he reached the College, November I, ISI 7, the tutor found conditions most discouraging. The equipment was poor, the attendance was small. Further- more, the University of Virginia was just coming to the birth, and Mr. Jefferson was opposing Hampden-Sidney's advancement with all his might. But-lVlr. Cushing had come, and all was well! A subordinate in name, Mr. Cushing was from the start the moving spirit in the management of things, the trustees at once recognized in him a dynamic force. In ISI 7, he taught the classics and mathematicsg in ISIS. he was made librarian and was added to the committee to revise the laws of the College and the curriculum of studyg in I8I9, he was chosen Professor of Chemistry and Natural Philosophy. ln the same year, measures were taken to raise money for buildings, and the new professor was chairman of the committee having charge of this project. ln I820, after Dr. I-loge's death, Mr. Cushing, under a commission of the Board of Trustees, discharged the duties of the President, in the fall of 1821, he was made President. l9l

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THE CAMPUS