Shorter College - Argo Yearbook (Rome, GA)

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the college. I spent it for the liberal culture of the girls committed to my training — securing the best teachers I could command and reserving only a modest living for my family. • Shorter College has been as dear to me as the apple of mine eye, and I shall ever rejoice in its success. The noble man whose name it bears I count among the best friends I ever had, and I rejoice that his name is indissolubly linked with an institution whose influence for good will never end. Though dead, his gift will perpetuate his memory and enlarge the fruitage of his loving heart. y ! ' if xp§»a JJJJJJJJJJJ

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of the struggling institution, and setting forth its possibilities, if larger accommodations could be provided. I said my hopes all centered in him, that if he would resolve to become the liberal and life-long supporter of the college, its enlarged usefulness would be assured. To this communication I received no response, and I felt sure that Colonel Shorter deemed me a visionary enthusiast and nothing more. In May, 1876, Dr. Winkler, of Marion, Alabama, called to see me, found me at the college, had a long talk with me about my work, my desires, my hopes, my disappointments, and my fears. Soon after his return home, the trustees of The Judson Institute, Marion, Alabama, offered me the presidency of that institution, and I promised to visit Marion. On the day I was to start, Colonel Shorter sent for me to come to his office. On entering, he said, Well, I have been think- ing over your communication (dear, good man, I had misunderstood his silence), and I have decided to give you twenty thousand dollars for the college, if you will not go to the Jud- son. I fear your offer is too late, I replied, but let me say this : Whether I accept the Judson or not, you must make the Cherokee College your child. Do for it all that money can accomplish, and you will never regret it. I took charge of the Judson Institute September, 1876, and remained there six years. In the summer of 1882, Colonel Shorter again sent for me. I found him in bed, very feeble, and much changed. We had a long and sad interview, though relieved with much that was cheering and precious. He asked me to return and take charge of the college he had built as A Gift to Our Daughters. I said, For what length of time? He replied, For your lifetime, if you desire. Tears filled his eyes and mine, as I said, I will do anything in my power for you. I will come back and take the college and do my best for it. I saw Colonel Shorter only once after this interview. I began my work in Shorter College in September, 1882, and continued to July, 1891. I should have remained in that position till the release which death brings, had I not deemed it God ' s will for me to retire. In the beginning of my efforts for a college in Rome, to the last day of my work for it, I assuredly gathered that God called me to it. I never felt that I was working for myself, and I, in this manner, record the past that I never laid by a dollar from all the income of •23

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SHORTER COLLEGE— Distant View from Armstrong Hotel.