Western Military Academy - Recall Yearbook (Alton, IL)

Page 8 text:

THE CLASS OF NINETEEN HUNDRED TWENTY - THREE HEREWITH DEDICATES THIS ROOK TO THE FOND MEMORY OF Colonel Albert iMattliems Jackson Few of our number have had the pleasure of knowing Colonel A. M. Ja. kson personally, for his death occurred in the spring before our class entered Western. We have learned to love his memory and to think of him and his works as a vital and fundamental part of the institution. His life stands as an inspiration to the best that is in us. May his kindliness, his unselfishness, and his high sense of honor he our guiding stars. His noble character links itself inseparably with our fond memories of ' Old Western’.

Page 10 text:

£ £ £} £ £ Historical I N the year 1879, Edward Wyman, LL.D., who had been for many years recognized as a leading educator in the city of St. Louis, purchased the historic estate in Alton known as Bostwick Place, and, after making extensive alterations and improvements, opened a home school for boys under the name of Wyman Institute. This institution was conducted with gratifying success by the founder until his death in 1888, at which time Albert M. Jackson, who had been for several years one of Dr. Wyman’s assistants, was installed as Principal. Early in 1892 a change in ownership occurred. The institution was then incorporated as the Western Military Academy, and the school was given a distinctively military character, both State and National recog- nition being secured. Handsome new buildings were erected, nearly doubling the capacity of the school, and all its appointments and appliances were modern- ized. Colonel Albert M. Jackson and Lieutenant Colonel George 1). Eaton continued in their respective positions as Principal and Assistant Principal until 1896, when, by purchase, they acquired the ownership of the property. I ' nder this arrangement the Western Military Academy enjoyed twenty-three years of prosperous life and steady growth. The remarkably successful administration of Colonel A. M. Jackson as Superintendent was brought to a close by his death, March 27, 1919, following several years of failing health, and his interest in the property passed to his son, Major Ralph L. Jackson. Colonel George D. Eaton succeeded to the position of Superintendent, and Major R. L. Jackson to that of Principal. Both these men are well qualified for their responsible positions, by ability, training, and experience. Colonel Eaton has been connected with the school since 1889; and since 1896 he has been an officer, performing the duties of acting Superintendent during the last years of Colonel Jackson’s illness. Ilis experience thus ac- quired, together with his personal observation and study of the problems of schools of this class, has given him a grasp of progressive educational methods which is of great value in maintaining the high standards of the Academy. Major Jackson is excellently fitted for the position he occupies; having creditably completed the full course of six years in the Western Military Academy, he supplemented this with two years in Shurtleff College, and three years at Princeton University, where he graduated in 1911. He has been actively connected with the school since the fall of 1911. Page Six 6 Q.