Lamar County, Georgia Genealogy and History - Presented by Genealogy Trails History Group

Graduates

Early Schools

Compiled from the Published Reminiscences of Captain B. M. Turner and the Memories of Students of Other Years

The first settlers in the vicinity of Barnesville were educated, Christian men and women. They realized that education and religion must go hand in hand. Therefore, as soon as Rev. John Milner and his stalwart sons and sons-in-law had built Sardis Baptist church, and Josiah Holmes had built the First Methodist church, the two, with others equally concerned, united in 1828 in the erection of a little log school house, near the spring at the foot of the hill at the end of Zebulon street. Rev. Pitt S. Milner, son of John Milner, was the first teacher.

School days at that time were associated with danger as well as pleasure. The story still survives that Cicero Arnold, a ten-year-old school boy, killed a bear which he found prowling in the school yard.

After two years of service, Mr. Milner left the school room to become a successful business man in Alabama.

The record of 1930 shows that the school had grown to larger proportions and was under the management of F. M. Ferrell. He only remained one year but was recalled at a later date to become the head of another school.

In 1831 the new teacher, whose name is not known, suffered the fate of an unpopular instructor. The boys locked him out and the little log school house was closed, not only for that year but for all time.

1832 found that most liberal of all the settlers, Josiah Holmes, with a large family of boys and girls, building a frame school house on his own land near the center of the village. For four years E. W. Wells was in charge.

He introduced the study of the classics and the reputation he made lived long in the educational history of the community. It is said that he illustrated what a good school meant and never since has Barnesville been satisfied with mediocrity.

Rev. Isaac R. Eskew, a son-in-law of John Milner, succeeded Mr. Wells. At this time seven families lived in the village and the surrounding country was settled by successful farmers whose children attended the school.

Josiah Holmes, wishing to give his five daughters (he advantage of higher education, in 1838 gave a lot and helped to build a female academy. This building was in a grove where the Barnesville Grammar school now stands. The gift was made with the provision the property should revert to his heirs when the location ceased to be used for educational purposes. From that year a school has been in operation at that place.

As Southern ladies at that time, although highly educated, did not consider teaching a proper vocation for their sex, Miss Mary Yates, a Northern lady, was employed. She was Barnesvilles first, "school marm."

Separate schools for the sexes did not prove successful. After one year's trial the academy became a mixed school with A. M. Webb, of Vermont, in charge. Latin, Greek and higher mathematics were included in his curriculum. It was then that the first music lessons appeared in the record with Mr. Webb himself as the teacher. 1841 marked the close of his career.

During the next few years, teachers followed each other in rapid succession. Samuel Farmer gave way to a Mr. Gardner, a Baptist minister, who was followed by a Methodist minister named Thomas. Later a Mr. Reid, who had come South for his health, tried his hand, but was relieved by Captain A. P. Turner, who taught one term.

During this period the commercial spirit became dominant. The town began to grow. Property on the old "triangular square" advanced to six dollars per foot. Education for the time was relegated to the background.

In 1846 there came a revival of interest. Having grown tired of the itinerant pedagogical system, the citizens saw the necessity for trained teachers of experience and ability. James S. Dodge and his sister, from New York, were engaged. He proved to be the best since the days of E. W. Wells, and Miss Dodge was placed at the head of the list. Mr. Dodge was the first teacher who ruled by the law of love. Discipline had previously been enforced "to the tune of a hickory stick," but he, a frail cripple, managed the the unwieldy mass of overgrown boys and girls by the force of his firm but gentle personality. After the "big spelling class," at the close of the day, he clasped his hands and invoked God's blessing on the school. Instead of the old riotous disorder of dismissal, the students quietly dispersed. In 1849 Miss Dodge returned to New York and Mr. Dodge, having married Miss Elder, established a drug business in Barnesville.

1850 and 1851 brought about another separation of the sexes in the schools.

W. C. Holmes, son of Josiah Holmes, just graduated from Emory college, was available, but as many of the students were young ladies, a married man was demanded in accordance with the sentiment of that day. He was, therefore, given the boys in a-building near where the first log school house stood, and F. M. Ferrell was recalled to the girls* high school. Not only had he spent the interim from 1834 in advanced study, but he had also married an accomplished woman who assisted him in his work. A valuable addition to his faculty was secured in Miss Miranda Cobb, of Foxboro, Mass. She was a successful music teacher and a woman of such charming personality that her name was a household word in many families for a generation after she married Mr. Crawford Fryer and moved to Blakely, Ga.

The following picture of school life in Barnesville was written by Mrs. Belle K. Abbott, of Atlanta, in 1891:

"No task presents itself to me at this moment more pleasing than a review of my school days. They began when I was very young, not exceeding seven years of age, I think, in Barnesville, Ga.

"The path that led from my father's doorway to the humble school house located near the present site of the Methodist church seemed to me in those early days a highway of happiness indeed. The school house, one room, was a plain frame dwelling of moderate dimensions and situated amid a grove of primeval oak and chestnut trees.

"Ah! the sweet odor of those fragrant chestnut blooms. I can smell them now and almost taste the delicious nuts as they ripened in the autumn. Through these trees the sunshine sifted with a restless glory, forming wonderful patch-work on the ground below, and an enchanted and coveted retreat, at all hours of the day. At the foot of the hill, not far away, was a clear bold spring now on Dr. J. M. Anderson's lot), where the boys used to get the drinking water for the school. The spring flowed from a densely wooded hillside, which edged a meadow, belonging to old uncle Josiah Holmes. I remember how abundantly the nodding bulrushes grew along the banks of the spring branch and dotted the marsh with clumps of green grass. Somehow in my childhood I held a peculiar reverence for the bulrush. It was so closely connected in my mind with the early history of Moses that I invariably felt like peeping into every waving green tuft with the hope of finding there a hidden infant prophet. A good way below the spring was a tanyard, with its huge, rough old house, bark mill, etc. It was in this old tan-yard that I was first introduced to the mysteries of tanning hides, and became familiar with the pungent odor of tan bark, new leather, etc. I fell into one of these vats one day, I think, but only remember getting myself well bedraggled. Somehow, it wan a childish notion of mine that this tan yard was the end of the spring branch, and the whole place was invested with the glory which no place of subsequent acquaintance has ever eclipsed. I think of this dear place yet as one once peopled with fauns and dryads, and sorrow over the changes which the remorseless hand of time has wrought here, sweeping away all traces of what it was forty years ago. I remember these physical delights in connection with this, my first school, far more vividly than I do anything pertaining to my books hence, I have strayed far from the school house. Mr. Dodge was my first teacher; I was one of the smallest pupils in his school. Strange to say, I only remember the older pupils, and though more than forty years have rolled away since that time, many of these pupils have remained in my heart as dear and special friends. I can never forget how kindly Dan, John and Bob Shehee used to knock down and crack out the chestnuts for me, nor how dear redheaded Cy Tapley, who used to live at the crossroads opposite Bella Villa, used to make me hickory whips and whistles and bring me red June apples from his father's orchard. Then there were good Cole and Gus Pringle and Tom Arnold, Fred Barnes and Uncle Crawford Fryer, who used to let me play marbles with them, and would give me the best "taw for luck" in the stock of marbles. Ah! these men have ever been heroes in my estimation. And among the girls can I ever forget the sweet faces of Misses Eppie and Mariana Holmes, Mary Fryer, Matt (we called her "Hunchy" then) and Sallie Shehee, Amanda Goodwin, Julia Arnold and Lou Pringle? Never; these faces will live in my heart as long as life lasts."

Barnesville at that time had no newspaper but these progressive teachers and their willing pupils published a weekly paper called The Literary Gem. The contributors read their production before the assembled school on Friday afternoons.

Although the Noyes school received pupils of both sexes, the male school continued to be operated in a room across the railroad. One can hardly believe the confession of an old lady who acknowledged that in that day of perfect decorum boys and girls from the two schools exchanged signals from opposite treetops.

The old school house built for Miss Mary Yates now gave place to a larger building. The school day extended almost from sunris: to sunset, and yet we find no protest recorded against the long hours. One long desk extended the entire length of each wall with a backless bench in front of it. The feet of small children were never able to reach the floor. A great improvement was now made. Carpenters came and made desks for two with seats proportional to different heights. Some of these desks served a generation.

In 1852 the North was again called on to furnish teachers in the persons of Mr. and Mrs. James S. Noyes, who came in the days of their honeymoon to try their fortunes in the South. They were cultured, agreeable young people as well as true Christians.

Chemical apparatus was purchased as well as maps, charts and other equipment. Mrs. Noyes was the first art teacher. Miss Blackman had charge of the music department, and Misses Carrie and Amelia Hayden were members of the faculty.

The school assumed such a form of permanency that a charter was granted by the Legislature of Georgia.

Charter of 1852

An Act to incorporate the Barnesville Male and Female High School and to appoint Trustees for the same, approved Jan. 20, 1862

Sec. 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the State of Georgia in General Assembly met, and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same, That Gideon Barnes, Charles G. Turner, Samuel C. Kendrick, Alexander Gardner, James H. Fryer, Alvis Stafford, Jordan T. Jackson, James M. Willis and Daniel Hightower, and their successors in office, shall be and are hereby declared to be a body corporate by the name and style of The Trustees of the Barnesville Male and Female High School.

Sec. II. And be it further enacted, That the trustees and their successors in office under the name and style aforesaid, may use a common seal and be capable of suing and being sued, pleading and being impleaded, also to have, take, possess and acquire by gift, grant or purchase, lands, tenements, hereditaments, goods, chattels and other estates and the same to be used for the purpose of the High School aforesaid.

Sec. III. That the trustees aforesaid, or a majority of them, shall have the power to appoint a principal for the High School afore-said and also assistants to the same, and the same principal shall have right and power to prescribe a course of studies and to make and enforce all laws that the internal policy of the said High School may require.

Sec. IV. And be it further enacted that the trustees aforesaid in their corporate character and name, shall have perpetual succession, and when any vacancy shall occur in said Board of Trustees, by death, resignation, or otherwise, the remaining trustees or a majority of them shall have the power of filling such vacancies.

Sec. V. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That all laws or parts of laws militating against this act be, and the same are repealed.

Samuel M. Braswell after a brief period of head master for the school entered the practice of law.   He was succeeded by William H. Pixley.

Mr. Noyes and Mr. Pixley were friends and worked together for the advancement of education. The two exerted a decidedly Christian and cultural influence in the community.

Mr. Noyes favored the classical course. In addition to Latin and Greek, French, music and art were emphasized.   He gave a wide freedom in the choice of subjects.

Mr. Pixley prepared boys for college if they so desired, but he stressed a preparation for life and its business. He beHeved that a successful man should be able to stand and give expression to his opinions. Therefore, voice culture and oratory were given prominence.

His successor, Mr. E. A. Enbank, said that he found more gifted orators in Barnesville than he had seen in any other place.

To Mr. Noyes, Mr. Pixley and Mr. Braswcll was due the organization of the first debating society in the town. This society survived many years and Barnesville was never without an orator for any occasion.

In the early fifties there was a third school, a boarding school for boys, on Greenwood street, in a building erected for the purpose by W. C. Holmes, who was the principal.

At this juncture a cloud was rising which in its far-reaching influence touched even the school question in the little Southern town so remote from the seat of government. In 1850 Hon. Robert Toombs made a fiery speech in Congress. Georgia was aroused. Political speakers fanned the flames of sectional suspicion and the wild fire swept over Barnesville. Mr. Noyes was a good man, a successful teacher presiding over a splendid school, but he was a Yankee, therefore in the minds of the excited populace he was not suited to teach a Southern school.

When he was removed, Mr. W. C. Holmes was elected lo fill his place. Mr. Noyes, feeling that he had been unjustly treated, bought a lot and having built a school house where the Baptist church now stands, opened the Barnesville Female Seminary.

For two years the three schools kept up a continual rivalry in an effort to secure patronage. At the end of that time Mr. Noyes was called to Elberton, Mr. Pixley to Irwinton, and Mr. Holmes retired to his farm.

In 1856 Rev. Rufus W. Smith, who became one of Georgia's greatest educators, had charge of the high school, assisted by his wife in literary work and his sister. Miss SalHe Smith, as music teacher.

At the same time Thomas Reid was struggling with the Female Seminary, left by Mr. Noyes. In order to arouse public interest, Mr. Reid prepared a series of programs and thus, in the summer of 1858, inaugurated Barnesvillc's first annual commencement. A platform was built in the Methodist church, covered with a carpet and chairs were placed along the sides for influential citizens and distinguished visitors.   No programs were preserved, but two incidents of the first day remained in some of the memories of the audience.

A small boy dressed in a white linen suit walked in from the country "to speak in public on the stage." An unfortunate step and an unexpected seat on a moist red claybank led him to Mr. Reid in alarm. On being assured that no one would notice his muddy trousers if he stood well back on the stage, he ventured forth and stood as if glued to the wall. Alas, the low bow in which he had been so carefully trained to preface his speech brought him into such violent contact with the wall that he measured his full length on the floor. Muddy trousers, fiery speech, time and place were all forgotten in his mad rush for the exit.

Prof. Carlisle P. B. Martin, of Griffin, the orator of the day, failed to appear. The crowd, not willing to be disappointed, in hilarious mood called for a fellow townsman, one Billy Fletcher, to supply. Mr. Fletcher in his enthusiasm over the occasion had indulged in a social glass and needed but little urging to ascend the platform. He compared his predicament with that of a house-keeper with unexpected company for dinner. In her flurry she would think of roast pig, ham, turkey, chicken pie, pudding, and take, but as time was short she always compromised on "fritters." He caught the crowd and made such an address that the occasion was long described as the most harmonious educational meeting ever held in this section.

By 1859, notwithstanding all his efforts to arouse interest in education, Mr. Reid had given place to Mr. Thomas Brown.

In the meantime, the male school had passed from Mr. E. A. Enbank to Mr. Philpot. Captain B. M. Turner followed him for one term. After him came a Mr. Campbell, who remained in charge until that school was united with the one for girls.

To return to Mr. Brown, as the Masonic Fraternity was beginning to sponsor education in different parts of Georgia, he appealed to Pinta Lodge for assistance. As a result, the name of the school was changed to the "Masonic Female Seminary." During the three years '59, '60 and '61, the school flourished under the management of Prof. Brown. The female school is said to have reached its zenith under him. In 1860 he held a commencement lasting three days.

The same year Pinta Lodge issued a catalogue giving the roll of fifty-seven young ladies in attendance and the following faculty:

Rev. T. A. Brown, Principal, Professor of Ancient Language; and Mathematics.

Mrs. Virginia A. Brown, Assistant in Literary Department.

Miss SalHe E. Smith, Instructress in Music and Assistant in Literary Department.

Mrs. N. C. Pixley, Instructress in Ornamental Department.

A novel feature of the commencement was a "critical examina-tion" by a committee selected from Pinta Lodge. Could Pinta Lodge furnish the committee and students pass the examination to-day?

The catalogue included a "circular" in regard to the school and signed by H. H. Swatts, J. E. Smith, Dr. R. B. Gardner and H. C Fryer.

In 1862 the male and female schools were united with Prof. Brown as principal and Rev. Jesse Littlejohn as assistant, with Miss MolHe Walker as music teacher. She is remembered as Mrs Jim Crack Hightower, an intelligent, refined woman with a rare charm of manner.

Mrs. J. T. Blalock has written interestingly of those old school days:

"We would go to school morning and noon long before the hour to begin, the older girls sometimes carrying their fancy work. This was often laid aside, however, lo join in such healthful game3 as 'base,1 'pull over the mark," 'hawk and chickens,' 'ball,' 'Molly, Molly Bright,' "King, King Candy 0,' to say nothing of 'checks' and 'mumble peg'

"Often dolls were carried and dinners, too, which were spread on planks under the shade trees, and occasionally teachers were invited to share the feast. Locust trees shed their fragrance on th? summer air and the pink blossoms of the mimosa tree gave a lovely touch of color to the scene as some stray zephyr would send a shower of rosy petals on the happy group beneath the spreading branches.

"There were millinery stores under a large Cherokee rose bower, and 'perfect loves' of bonnets were made of leaves, liHes and roses. Watches were made of jonquil stems wound round and round and fastened to the gaily colored homespun dresses which were so highly prized during the war-time.

"The gala day of the week was Friday, for that day not only ended the work of the week but brought the glorious prhilege of 'Friday afternoon.' The formalities of literary societies were un-known but the regular exercises were suspended and speeches and compositions as well as an occasional dialogue would entertain the eager, listening crowd.

'The spelling match was also a popular feature of the Friday afternoon exercises."

In 1864, Prof. Brown moved to Talbotton, Ga., to become the head of Le Vert College and Mr. Littlejohn became principal. Although it was "war times," the school prospered.

The boys were not too much subdued by the troubles of their country to enter into the pranks and escapades peculiar to the school boys' career.

One of these was the barring of the doors and windows while the teacher was at home for the school recess. Desks and benches were piled against doors and windows, with the boys inside. When the girls, who were on the outside, with fear and trembling related the state of affairs to Mr. Littlejohn he quietly told them to take their books into the church, which stood about where the Carnegie Library is situated.

Lessons proceeded as usual; no notice was taken of the boys. After two or three days, the school room was found one morning with everything in place, doors open and each boy ready to take any punishment necessary to restore him to the good graces of the wise teacher.

It is interesting to note that the work of Mrs. Pixley was along the line of manual training. True, she only taught various forms of fancy work, wax flowers, hair weaving, embroidery, crocheting, etc. But it must be remembered that at that time, before the down-fall of slavery, such work was the only kind considered suitable for the cultured Southern woman. Mrs. Pixley was long loved and honored in Barnesville.

Mr. Littlejohn left the school room for a useful career as a Methodist pastor.

Prof. Glenn came to the head of the school in 1865 and was assisted by S. K. Cook. Mr. Glenn's stay was short and Mr. Cook, who was a lawyer by profession, entered the mercantile business. He was for years the superintendent of the Methodist Sunday school and a trustee of Gordon Institute. In all the relations of life he proved himself a cultured Christian gentleman.

During the latter part of the War Between the States the school room was used as a hospital and the school kept the even tenor of its way in the church.

Mr. Glenn was assisted a short time by Miss Emma Tyler, who had continued her studies under Prof. Brown at Talbotton. She also for a few months conducted a private school at the home of her father on Forsyth street. She married Mr. John Thomas Blalock and lives as one of Barnesville's elect women to see the centennial year.

1866—the guns had ceased firing; the poverty-stricken soldiers had come home; the slaves were free; the old days were gone never to return.

There was little left but the land and the only hope lay in the children.

The little school that had never closed during the four years of war kept steadily on during the Reconstruction.

There was one great change. It was not necessary to go to the North for teachers. Educated men and women followed the exam-ple of their illustrious Robert E. Lee.

The first of these was Mr. Burney Harris. His outstanding qualification was drill in a set of Rules for Spelling of his own devising which he claimed removed all difficulties. What a boon that would be in this twentieth century!

The Masons having claims more in accordance with the object of the order, wished to be reHeved in 1867 of the care of the school.

Pinta Lodge leased the building for ten years to Charles E. Lambdin. The conditions of the lease were that Mr. Lambdin should have the use of the building rent free provided he would incur all expense for repairs and improvements. Miss MalHe Tyler was engaged for the primary department.

During 1868 and 1869 A. M. Lambdin assisted his brother in the school. They were noted for strict discipline and rigid requirements as to the attendance and study. Although they occupied the town school building, they conducted a private school. As there were other private schools in the town, the patronage was so divided that their efforts were not financially profitable.

Mr. Jack Speir conducted a school on Greenwood street assisted by Mr. Will Lewis, and W. C. Holmes was at the head of another on Thomaston street.

The Lambdins retired in 1870. A. M. Lambdin entered the mercantile business with W. P. Bussey and Charles E. Lambdin, after selling his lease to Speir and Mehaffey. gave his attention to his farm and to newspaper work with E. T. Pound.

Mr. Speir was especially gifted in teaching mathematics. His original short methods in arithmetic were used by many teachers with fine results.

In January, 1872, at the solicitation of his former patrons Charles E. Lambdin opened a private school on Zebulon street.

Mr. Speir filed an injunction in the Superior Court based on the claim of a violation of the terms of his lease. The judde sustained the injunction, so C. E. Lambdin turned the school over to his brother for the term which the pupils had entered.

The Georgia Legislature in 1872 passed an act providing for an issue of school bonds in Barnesville. Before the bonds were issued there began a movement among the citizens for better school facilities. There were three small schools in the town: Speir and Mehaffey in the town building, W. C. Holmes on Thomaston street, Mrs. Lee at her home, and a fourth in contemplation by Mr. Pixley.

The leading citizens became interested and this interest materialized in the establishment of one central permanent school on the lot owned by the town.

Gordon Institute When the citizenship of the community, in 1872, became united in the determination to establish a permanent school on the lot owned by the town, two men were available to put the plan into immediate operation. They were Charles E. Lambdin and Azmon A. Murphy. The former had an established reputation as a teacher, the latter was gifted and enthusiastic, just out of the IJniversity of Georgia, where he had won the first honor of the law class of 1872. He wished to teach for a time before entering the practice of his profession. It was necessary to buy the lease from Speir and Mehaffey which had five years yet before expiration. W. R. Murphy, a leading business man, proposed that he would furnish the money to purchase the lease if C. E. Lambdin would unite with his son, Azmon A. Murphy, in establishing a permanent school. C. E. Lambdin had come to Georgia from Baltimore before the war as a private tutor for the sons of W. R. Murphy; he had prepared those sons for college; he was a close friend of the family.

The two were splendidly suited for the organization of a school. Lambdin suppHed the experience, and Murphy the energy and recent touch with educational life at the State University.

However, other things than the purchase of the lease and the securing of teachers were necessary. A committee oi thirty citizens was appointed to harmonize all conflicting interests, to restore confidence, and bring about united action. This committee met with Messrs. Lambdin and Murphy in Granite Hall. Speeches were made and plans discussed. The entire body pledged their moral support. W. R. Murphy agreed to advance 82500.00 with which to purchase the lease from Speir and Mehaffey, and a number of citizens, including W. H. Parker, R. J. Powell, C. W. Brown, Wm. McAndrews, E. T. Pound and others, voluntarily contributed $50 each for repairs.

The Board of Trustees consisted of Rev. J. B. Hanson, President, J. W. Stafford, Secretary, C. W. Brown, E. T. Pound, P. F. Matthews.

The available records do not show other names of Trustees but in 1875 four men were elected to fill vacancies and the above names were still on the list.

The lease on the building was extended to twenty years and the contract was let for improvements to be made on the building during the fall.

In the meantime, on September 1, 1872, Charles E. Lambdin and Azmon A. Murphy, Associate Principals, opened school in Granite Hall with sixteen pupils.

Soon after the opening il was decided to name the new school for Georgia's illustrious soldier and statesman. General John B. Cordon. In this modest way was accomplished the founding of Gordon Institute.

In this day of widespread interest in education, when almost every county in the state has an accredited high school, when the colleges fostered by the various religious denominations and by the state are full of young men and women with time and means for advanced learning, it is difficult to realize what it meant to establish a school of high grade during the early seventies.

Only seven years had passed since the close of the War Between the States. The period of Reconstruction was spreading its blighting, benumbing influence over the South. The old civilization was gone and the people everywhere were poor and despairing.

The only schools in the state were small private affairs, taught for a few months by teachers, often incompetent, who moved here and there as they could gather a few pupils. The few colleges were with difficulty trying to carry on their work. Secondary and high schools were unknown. To found a school at that time was a herculean task but it was undertaken and carried to a success by Barnesville.

Gordon Institute was a pathfinder in secondary education in Georgia. It was the pioneer of all schools of its kind and its success has been the cause of the establishment of every other secondary school in Georgia.

It was the high moral character and the ripe scholarship and the executive ability of Charles E. Lambdin; the energy, the enthu-siasm and the progressive force of A. A. Murphy, united with the hearty, wholesouled loyalty of the citizens of Barnesville that ac-complished the task that was attempted by no other town in Georgia.

January, 1873, found the enlarged school building ready for occupancy. It had previously consisted of one large room extend-ing east and west, with a stage across the west end and a small room attached to the southwest corner into which a door opened near the foot of the stage. Now it presented the appearance of a capital T with another room on the northwest side and a vestibule surmounted by a belfry between the two. Two doors entered by two steps from the vestibule into the long assembly room at the east end to which there was added another class room. A small room in the northeast corner of the yard was fitted up as a music room. A neat picket lence enclosed the school grounds, which included the space reaching from Greenwood street to about the line of the west wall of the present auditorium. The main entrance was from Greenwood street and consisted of double iron gates over which extended an arch on which was painted GORDON INSTITUTE. Trees were planted within the enclosure, and later the large heart-shaped flowerbed between the gates and the steps was a mass of blooming plants. The Cherokee rose vine, which had so long made its unmolested way over Ihe fence and trees, was completely uprooted. At that time it was not known as Georgia's state flower.

The "clear ringing bell," newly purchased, sent forth its call first at seven-thirty and again at seven-fifty-five each morning. It could be heard throughout the town and woe be unto the laggard who heeded not its call and suffered the fate of being "locked out" when the last peal sounded.

The town was united in the support of the school, but a few citizens who had the previous year induced W. H. Pixley to return, and others who felt bound to fulfill obligations to W. C. Holmes, did not at once give their patronage. After these contracts expired there were no efforts to establish private schools.

One hundred and fifty pupils were enrolled under the following faculty: Charles E. Lambdin, A. M., Science and Mathematics; Azmon A. Murphy, A. B., Languages; Miss Hansell, English and History; Miss Frances Hamlin, Primary Department; Mrs. Ville-pigne, Piano.

A brilliant commencement ended a successful year. Following the old custom, public examinations were held during the day and entertainments at night.

Addresses were made at the last exercise by General Alfred Colquitt and General John B. Gordon. The latter spoke of the risk of naming a school after a living man. He expressed appreciation of the honor and pledged his loyalty to the institution.

The exercises were held in Granite Hall as there was no chapel.

The next year brought the additions of Henry R. Goetchius, of Columbus, in the English department and Miss Oriana Verdery as teacher of music and physical culture.

She organized the Eunomian Society of girls with the motto "Utile et Dulce." During the year the boys' Lysian Society was organized with "Ad Altiora" as their standard. The boys of the grammar grades became the Neanians and the girls the Earnest Workers.

A substantial beginning was made for laboratory work in chemistry and physics.

H. R. Goetchius returned to the practice of law at the end of ihe year and Miss Verdery became the wife of A. A. Murphy. The attendance increased to one hundred seventy-five. The school's reputation for thorough work became known and students came from the surrounding country.

The year of '74, '75 brought changes in the faculty. Another young lawyer, William R. Taylor, succeeded Goelchius and Mrs. B. M. Turner took charge of the primary work. In December A. A. Murphy sold his interest in the school to T. A. E. Means, of Houston county, and began the practice of law in Barnesville, which he continued with the exception of a few years as agent in Georgia and Florida for the American Book Co., until his death in 1912.

Mrs. T. A. E. Means shared ihe music class with Mrs. A. A. Murphy until both gave place to W. F. Clark, of Atlanta.

T. A. E. Means brought a number of students from his section of the state. His instruction in Latin and Greek sent to the colleges proficient students and gave him a widely extended reputation.

An election of trustees was held on February 1, 1875. The full board after the resignation of Rev. J. B. Hanson is recorded as follows: Capt. R. J. Powell, President, J. W. Stafford, Secretary. C. W. Brown, S. K. Cook, E. T. Pound, Capt. E. J. Murphy, D. F. Matthews, W. T. Respess, J. A. Hunt.

The enrollment for the year reached one hundred eighty-seven. Having completed the required course. Miss Alice Woolen was ready for graduation. She received the first diploma issued by Gordon Institute. After a short experience in teaching she married J. L. Hunt and still resides in Barnesville, a loyal supporter of her Alma Mater.

The school had now passed the initiatory period. Its reputation was established for thorough work. The patronage was increasing and the sphere of influence enlarging.

C. E. Lambdin went before the Board of Trustees with the assurance that he could go through the state and secure boarding students if the board could provide adequate buildings. Mrs. C. E. Lambdin was ready to take these students into her own home and the wives of many leading citizens were willing to join her in that phase of educational work.

The needed improvement was endorsed by the citizens of the town and the City Council appropriated eight thousand dollars for a new building.

A large structure owned by E. T. Pound was fitted up for tem-porary use. The old school building was purchased by the City Council and removed by the trustees to a lot furnished by the town for a negro school and is now known as Glenn Industrial Institute.

W. R. Taylor relumed to the practice of law at the end of the year. He married Miss SalHe Long, of Americus. She moved to Atlanta after his death in the early nineties, but she is still claimed as one of Barnesville's most intellectual women.

Rev. W. B. Bonnell, a Methodist minister, succeeded W. R. Taylor.

For the second time the new year found the school in a new building. The classrooms were on the first floor with the chapel above. Prof. Clark had resigned and Miss Fannie Hillyer, the music teacher, now united with Prof. Lambdin in beginning the chapel exercises which through many years were an inspiring feature of school life at Gordon. C. E. Lambdin beHeved in the educational power of song.   A standard song book was as necessary as any school book. The contents ranged from hymns to patriotic songs and rollicking choruses. Attendance in chapel was required. The order was as perfect as in any congregation. A hymn. Scripture reading and prayer were followed by inspirational talks. Many students of that day assert that their characters were moulded by Prof. Lambdin's chapel talks. The morning exercises closed wtih a patriotic song or something in a lighter vein but the grand old hymns were never neglected.

John F. Means, who at that time was connected with the local newspaper, saw the necessih for a school library. Me made a house to house canvass for books; he made appeals through the columns of the paper; he solicited subscriptions; and finally was instrumental in holding a bazaar which netted a considerable sum to be invested in books.

The first gold medal was offered by the Lysian Society to the member of the Eunomian Society who read the best essay at commencement. It was won by Miss Susie Wooten, of Monroe county. This county also furnished the next medal winner in Duncan U. Fletcher, now U. S. Senator from Florida, the best speaker in the Sophomore class.

January, 1877, brought two new members to the faculty who served many years and who exerted influence of untold good upon many young lives. The first was Miss SalHe Candler, from Gainesville, Ga., who had charge of the girls, and the other Prof. Charles Guttenberger, who for many years gave Gordon Institute a Music Department of high standard. New pianos were purchased. His orchestra was a marked feature of the school.

The attendance now reached two hundred. Students of the first years were winning honors in college and other states as well as Georgia were beginning to note the character of the work and to send their boys and girls for training.

At the close of the next year T. A. E. Means sold his interest in the equipment of the school to C. E. Lambdin, who now became sole owner. Previous to this time the two men, Lambdin and Murphy, and later Lambdin and Means, were Associate Principals. Now the title of President of Gordon Institute was given to C. E. Lambdin.

Mrs. B. M. Turner, who was a choice spirit in every relation of life, was given the privilege of naming her successor for the Primary Department. Her mantle fell on Mrs. Loula Kendall Rogers, of Thomaston, Ga. For a quarter of a century she mothered the little ones and led them lovingly into paths of righteousness as well as learning.

W. H. Woodall carried on the work in Latin and Greek for eight successful years. One of the group who came with him from Talbot county was Robert B. Brooks.   He took charge of the Library and although a student, he aroused the town and the school to re-newed interest.

Gordon never had a better faculty than that which remained unchanged from 1879 to 1885.   The teachers were:

Charles E. Lambdin, President; W. H. Woodall, Vice President; Miss Sallie Candler, Mrs. L. K. Rogers, Charles Guttenberger. W. R. Lambdin, son of C. E. Lambdin, taught one year during thai time. After a few years of teaching he was admitted to the bar and died in 1916, Judge of the Federal Court of the Southern District of Georgia.

There is no record of a meeting of the Board of Trustees from 1880 to 1883. There was perfect understanding between the authorities.

In 1880 the Library was formally opened to the town and held two thousand volumes on the shelves.

The Literary Societies were in their prime. Eunomians and Lysians held joint meetings in the chapel one Friday in each month. The election of an Anniversarian from Lysian Society was attended with great excitement as Eunomians were allowed to vote.

Party spirit ran high. Many of the Lysians of that period became noted orators.

In 1883 W. T. Respess resigned from the Board of Trustees and Rev. R. J. Willingham, pastor of the Baptist church, succeeded him.

This year is notable from the fact that it marked the beginning of one of the most altruistic movements in education that was ever inaugurated. Tuition from the beginning had been $50.00 per year for the High School classes and $5.00 for music lessons. At the request of the Board, President Lambdin had kept an accurate account of expenses with a view lo placing the .school on a cheaper basis.

At a Board meeting on August 28, 1883, Col. T. J. Hunt offered a resolution that, since the charter of the town granted the authorities the power lo appropriate money for educational purposes, a committee be appointed to confer with the City Council and to ask that body to appropriate $1,500.00 annually to Gordon Institute. S. K. Cook, R. J. Willingham and J. W. Stafford composed the committee.

The city agreed to appropriate $1440.00 for that scholastic year.

On motion of C. W. Brown it was agreed lo charge $1.00 per month for tuition and $1.00 per term for incidental fee.

J. W. Stafford, the Secretary and Treasurer of the Board of Trustees, was instructed to collect fiom each student $5.00 for the fall term and $7.00 for the spring term.   He was to give a receipt without which no pupil could he admitted to the school.

He was required to make a 82000.00 bond.

He was also authorized to pay on the certificate of President Lambdin all salaries each month and also incidental bills. The President's salary was fixed at 81800.00.

A full report was to be made by the City Council each year. Collecting for the Music Dapartmcnt remained in the hands of the President.

On this basis the doors of the school were thrown open to students from any part of Georgia and from any other state.

When by actual calculation it cost $45.00 for the teaching of each student, only $12.00 was asked.   Barnesville paid the rest.

Boarding students paid for board and tuition: Fall term. $53.00; Spring term, $79.00. Total for the year, $132.00.

The students increased steadily. The best homes were open to the students. They were not boarders but "our boys and our girls." They received not only splendid intellectual training but also that fine thing, the influence of a refined and cultured social life. The fall of 1884 is remembered as the time of the great fire. The stu-dents did valiant work and rendered hearty assistance.

Failing health caused Prof. Woodall to resign. R. B. Brooks succeeded him. Laura Baron added an Art Department and Augusta Riviere was given a place in the Intermediate Department. Miss Bacon found a more remunerative position at the end of 1886. The death of Prof. Charles Guttenberger in 1887 was a blow to Gordon Institute. For the first time death had invaded the ranks of the faculty. His vacant chair and silent violin were a constant re-minder that a noble heart was stilled.

The sudden death of one of the Trustees. Hon. S. K. Cook, in die same year saddened not only the school but all of Barnesville. His brother-in-law, Edward Elder, was elected to succeed him.

Miss Lucy Goode was chosen to take charge of both Music and Art Departments.   Mrs. Kate Porch was her assistant in music.

March 3, 1888, was the saddest day in the history of Gordon. The news came over the wire of the sudden death of President Lambdin at Brunswick, Ga., where he had gone for his health. His funeral was conducted by Rev. George E. Gardner. His text was "Mark the perfect man and behold the upright for the end of that man is peace." Of Charles E. Lambdin it may be said he loved; he worked, he accomplished. The result of his love and labor will abide.

Vice President R. B. Brooks, who had been teaching Prof. Lambdin's classes since January, was placed in control. His de-partment was given to Miss Augusta Riviere and hers to Miss Ada Murphy.

A memorial window in honor of Charles E. Lambdin was in the chapel by contributions from his old students as an expression of their love and gratitude.

Rev. R. J. Willingham resigned the pastorate of the Baptist church and his membership on the Board of Trustees as he was entering a broader field of service. Dr. Hiram Perdue was elected to succeed him.

R. B. Brooks was formally elected President at the close of the school year and he went actively into preparations tor the next year's work.

In July he was stricken with fever and died two weeks before the opening of the fall term. As a local preacher of the Methodist church, as a teacher and a citizen, he lived and served well. His epitaph selected by his friend. Col. Stephen N. Woodward, is truly descriptive of his life and character:

"To hallowed duty with loyal and heroic heart Bound he his life"

For the second time within the year 1888 Gordon was without a President.

On August 9, Jere M. Pound was elected to fill :he place. A native of Barnesville, a member of Gordon's class of '82 and an honor graduate of the University of Georgia, Mr. Pound had chosen the law as his profession. He had, however, devoted the previous four years to teaching. At the call of his own people he laid aside his ambition and returned to carry on the work of h's old teacher. Never for an instant did he waver under the responsibility nor fail to measure up to the full requirements of the position.

During his first year the attendance reached the three hundred mark and from that there came to him for guidance and instruction many young men who were afterwards prominent in various avenues of life in Georgia and other states. Jere M. Pound was three times President of Gordon. During the eight years of his first presidency he not only guided Gordon Institute into the reputation of being the Oldest and Best Preparatory College in Georgia, but he also won for himself a place in the front rank of educational leaders in the South.

His faculties during the eight years from 1888 to 1396 bore the names of many splendid teachers: W. L. Duggan, C V. Waugh. J. C. Woodward, J. A. Hodnett, DeWitt C. Ingle, Carl W. Steed, H. M. Fletcher.

Increased attendance again demanded larger accommodations. A bond issue of $10,000.00 was voted for the purpose and the building was enlarged to double capacity.

The old building was divided and one half rolled towards Thomaston street. The cross hall and four class rooms were built between the two sections. The main entrance was changed to Holmes street with the staircase leading from the base of the turret lo the chapel and music rooms on the second floor.

The Board of Trustees suffered the loss of two of its valued members during this year, C. W. Brown, Vice President of the Board, and one of Barnesville's most loved and honored citizens, and Col. J. A. Hunt, one of Georgia's leading attorneys, whose ability was ever at the service of Gordon Institute.

Capt. B. M. Turner was elected to succeed C. W. Brown and J. W. Hightower took the place of Col. J. A. Hunt.

Beginning of the Military Department

In selecting the faculty for 1890 President Pound had in mind the organization of a Military Department. He therefore secured the services of J. C. Woodward, who had attended school at Dahlonega and was at that time teaching at Jackson, Ga. By careful management President Pound had helped the Trustees to accumulate a surplus of $1000.00 to be devoted to this department. In 1891 fifty guns, seven sabers and accoutrement entire, except cartridge boxes, were purchased for $477.25 at the factory. Prof. J. C. Woodward organized a fine battalion. The officers chosen were Hill Powell, first Heutenant and adjutant; J. C. Elder, sergeant major; W. D. Candler, color sergeant; Homer Bush, captain of Company "A"; Edward A. Stephens, captain of Company "B". From that time the battalion of Gordon Cadets has been the pride of Barnesville.

There had never been a definite understanding between the City Council and the Board of Trusteese as to the jurisdiction, authority and power over Gordon Institute. After much discussion it was decided in February, 1891, that the Board of Trustees should convey whatever titles the Board had acquired by purchase, by chartered right, by possession or otherwise, to the City Council to be held in trust for school purposes conditioned on the stipulation that the City Council should yearly make such appropriations as might be necessary for the maintenance of the school.

The Board of Trustees was to possess full power to manage and control the school free from municipal interference.

Under Miss Annie Sanford the Music Department enrolled ninety-six pupils. Miss Ada Brown was her assistant with Mrs. Shoeller as voice teacher. Miss Ida Brown taught a class in drawing and painting.

R. L. Swatts was master of the cadet band and conducted a class in telegraphy, which was later in charge of Mrs. E. A. Parker.

At the beginning of the new school year forty additional guns and ninety belts were purchased.

Two cannon were secured by Governor Northen for the use of the school.   Retreat was observed at the close of each day with the result that each cadet felt a thrill of pride as he saw "Old Glory" lowered with the going down of the sun.

Gordon Institute was rechartered in 1892. The school had been operated under the charter of 1852 but now a change was necessary to meet changed conditions.

The attendance was nearing five hundred and the quality of work done was shown by ten graduates winning thirty honors in college.

By section 1225 of the Revised Statutes of the United States, the Secretary of War was empowered to detail seventy-five army officers to colleges throughout the United States. Three of these officers were due the four slates of Georgia, Florida, Alabama and South Carolina. On May 5 Heutenant Alexander R. Piper, 2nd Infantry U. S. A., was ordered to report to Gordon Institute.

The battalion consisting of one hundred twenty cadets in fine condition was turned over to Heutenant Piper by Commandant J. C. Woodward.

The officers were W. D. Candler, adjustant, Brevard Nesbet, sergeant major, J. W. Thurman, color sergeant, T. E. Adams, captain of Company "A", W. C. Elder, captain of Company "B", George D. Godard. captain of Company "C".

Dr. J. P. Thurman presented a gold medal to be awarded annually to the best drilled cadet.

Misses Sanford and Brown presented a handsome silk flag to he awarded annually to the best drilled company. Speakers places at Commencement were coveted honors. Fourteen Sophomores and twelve Juniors were thus rewarded for excelance in scholarship in the regular course.

The President of ihe Board of Trustees, R. J. Powell, died in May, 1892. The interests of Gordon Institute were always of supreme concern to him. In the days when the school was an experiment he worked earnestly with President Lambdin and stood shoulder to shoulder with President Pound in years of assurance and success. Col. J. J. Rogers was elected a member of ihe Board and Captain B. M. Turner became President of the body.

Miss Minnie Merrill was added to the faculty and Misses Sanford and Brown were succeeded by Miss L. A. Crozier and Miss Mary Bowden.

Physical culture for the girls was taught by Miss LilHe Milner. E. J. Williams, now a Major General in the U. S. A., was Cadet Major.

Prof. J. C Woodward left al the end of the year. He later founded ihe Georgia Military Academy at College Park, of which institute he is still the successful President.

A course in Bookkeeping was added to the curriculum with W. B. Smith as instructor.

As the School Law of Georgia provided one hundred days of free instruction for each child, a Free School Department was opened in January, 1894. with Miss Greer Steed as teacher. This department continued until the entire Grammar School became the Barnesville Public School in 1907.

1894 found the faculty increased by Miss Mary Singleton and the Music Department in charge of Mrs. H. W. Battle with Miss Kate Battle teaching voice and Miss Sophie Jones piano.

The Cadet Battalion under Heutenant Piper won first prize in an interstate military contest in Savannah in 1895 and with it the applause and admiration of the crowd. The cadets were honored with a banquet on their return.

Another change in the charter was secured in 1895.

That year also brought to an end the seventeen years of loyal service of Miss SalHe Candler, whose fine character and faithful teaching left an influence for good in the lives of hundreds of Gordon boys and girls.   Miss Josie Clark was given her work.

Classes in expression were taught by Miss DolHe Rogers and Miss Marion Bloodworth, and Miss Annie Joe Head became the teacher of Art and Physical Culture.

The death of the beloved physician. Dr. Hiram Perdue, in January. 1896. left a vacancy in the Board of Trustees which was filled by the election of W. B. Smith.

Heutenant Piper's detail expired in 1896 but before he transferred the battalion to his successor, Heutenant Frederick L. Palmer. 21st Infantry U. S. A., he again returned from a contest at Savannah with honors and first prizes.

The close of the year brought other changes. Prof. Pound accepted the Chair of Pedagogy in the Girls' Industrial and Normal School, a state institution at Milledgeville, Ga. His resignation was accepted with universal regret. In his eight years of service he had doubled the number of both teachers and pupils at Gordon. He had successfully inaugurated new departments and had extended the influence of the school far beyond its previous limits.

Vice President Carl W. Steed left lo enter journalistic work. Gordon never had a finer type of manhood nor a betler teacher than Prof. Steed.

Prof. E. C. Branson, the retiring head of the Department of Pedagogy at Milledgeville, came to the Presidency of Gordon. After six months he was given a department at the State Normal School at Athens, Ga. His capable Vice President, Prof. J. E. Kemp, conducted the school to the end of a highly successful year.

Reference has already been made to Miss Lillic Milner. Her sister, Miss Lola, this year became a member of the faculty. Later another sister, Miss Sue Milner, gave splendid service to the school.

These ihree belonged to the family that gave the first teacher, Rev. Pitt S. Milner, to Barnesville. They filled various positions at different times always with credit to their name and honor to Gordon.

Another cherished name. Miss Lily Turner, appears on the list of the faculty this year. Year after year she gave her untiring energy and her splendid ability to the work until at her death in February, 1911, she left a community in tears.

The City Council in 1897 increased the appropriation to $2000.00 to meet the increase in the expense and the town voted a bond issue of $8000.00 with which to build an auditorium and armory.

With Captain A. O. Bennett planning to erect the building and the acceptance of the Presidency by Prof. Jere M. Pound, after a year's absence, the future looked assured.

Prof. Carl Monk was added to the Department of Mathematics.

A Business Course was directed by Mist Mary Pritchard, Art by Miss Jessie Campbell, and Physical Culture by Miss Kathryn Lockhart.

Miss Annie Sanford Cochran with her assistants. Miss Mary Lovelace and Miss Corinne Carter, enrolled one hundred eight music pupils. Six new pianos were bought, the Secretary and Treasurer of the Board of Trustees issued certificates to the music pupils on payment of fees and paid salaries to music teachers. No student in the Literary Department was was allowed to study music with a teacher not connected with the school.

When war was declared with Spain in 1898 Heutenant Palmer was ordered to his regiment. A former student, major of the battalion in his senior year, John DeQuincy Nash, was engaged as Commandant. He had been in charge of military work at Waleska. Ga., and, as a member of the Governor's staff, was now Col. J. Q. Nash, the capable Commandant of a fine battalion.

After the War Department again sent an army officer Col. Nash remained in the faculty as a teacher until 1905, when he resigned to practice law. Later, however, he returned to educational work.

The school paper, The Crimson and While, made its appearance at this lime. From its editorial staff have gone out splendid newspaper men. such as T. J. Simmons, of the Athens News, Julian Murphy, of the Atlanta Journal, and Ralph Graves, of the National Geographic Magazine.

The new auditorium became the scene of an annual chautauqua which brought famous orators and also noted educators to address the Teachers' Institute which convened at the same time.

Barnesville was doubly fortunate in September, 1898, when the faculty of Gordon Institute held Jere M. Pound, President, G. Frank Oliphant, Vice President, and Mrs. E. J. Nottingham, in charge of the Music Department, with all of the former teachers continuing their work. J. E. Kemp resigned on account of ill health.

It cannot be too often repeated and too earnestly stressed that the school made and held its reputation on the character of the work underaken and accomplished. Discipline was strict and close application and study required.

On April 3, 1900, the town, the school and especially the Trustees suffered a great loss in the death of the President of the Board, Capt. B. M. Turner. Filling the place in the educational fife of the town that his father had occupied, he felt a deep interest in all things connected with Gordon Institute. To his recorded memories is due much of the information gained by the compilers of the history of education in Barnesville. J. W. Hanson was the successor on the Board of Trustees and Col. J. J. Rogers was elected President with W. B. Smith as Vice President, J. W. Stafford, Secretary and Treasurer.

In May, 1900, the Gymnasium was suppHed with a new and complete modern equipment.

The Seniors were allowed the privilege of assisting the United States Government Observatory Station located on an eminence in the town, taking pictures during the total eclipse of the sun in May, 1900.

Mrs. Mary Bowden Smith this year began her ten years of inspirational music training. Under her high standard nothing but classical music was allowed on the stage. The chapel singing led by her gave a new conception of the influence of song on the student body.

Mrs. L. K. Rogers, who had seen almost a generation pass through her classes, resigned to live with her daughter, Mrs. Helen Franklin, of Tennille, Ga. The centennial year of Barnesville found her the Poet Laureate of the Georgia Division of the United Daughters of the Confederacy.

Another parting of the ways came in April, 1901, when President Jere M. Pound was elected Superintendent of the schools of Macon and Bibb county. Again his resignation was accepted with reluctance. Gordon, however, suffered no disruption as his mantle fell upon the worthy shoulders of G. Frank Oliphant.

For three years these two had worked together in perfect harmony although their methods differed. Prof. Pound, a noted disciplinarian, controlled the school by his absolute mastery of it as a whole; Prof. Oliphant dealt more with the individual. Each student recognized his personal influence, therefore, while the attendance was not so large, for quality of work and correct deportment there were never three more successful years.

In 1904 he joined Prof. Pound at the University of Florida for one year. After two years as Dean of Rollins College he returned to become Principal of the Georgia Academy for the Blind at Macon.

Dr. Carl Anderson succeeded H. M. Fletcher in 1901, and Captain E. T. Winston, a retired army officer, was detailed by the War Department as Commandant.

Miss Josephine Oliphant began her seventeen years of work in the schools, nine years as first grade teacher and eight years as principal of the grammar school. In both positions she had no superior as a teacher and as an executive.

The Alumni Association, organized in 1898, held annual meetings with fine attendance and loyal support of the school.

In 1903 three members of the Board of Trustees resigned on account of change of residence. Col. J. J. Rogers was succeeded by C. 0. Summers, J. W. Hightower by V. 0. Marshburn. and Judge L. T. Pound by W. W. Lambdin.

The officers were W. B. Smith, President, W. W. Lambdin, Vice President, J. W. Stafford, Secretary and Treasurer.

With the advancement of W. B. Smith to the Presidency of the Board, there began nearly a quarter of a century of absolute loyalty to the cause of education in Barnesville on the part of Mr. Smith, and the end is not yet. The centennial year found him still at his post.

The battalion of Gordon Cadets acted as an honorary escort at the funeral of General John B. Gordon in January, 1904. Soon after his death the Trustees purchased an oil portrait to be hung on the wall of the chapel that the face of Georgia's noted Confederate General, U. S. Senator, and Governor might be an inspiration to the students.

Both President Oliphant and Vice President Hurst resigned.

A department of Normal Training and Free-hand Drawing under Miss Ella Armstrong began at this time. A new world was opened to all who came under her instruction. For eight years with untiring energy she filled an important place in the life of the school.

1904-1905 brought decided changes. Prof. E. Albert Smith, a graduate of the University of Virginia, and Prof. Charles M. Neel, University of South Carolina, both experienced school men, became President and Vice President, with Dr. H. D. Blackwell, of Yale, in charge of the English Department. Miss Mazie Basmajian, a gifted violinist, was added to the Music Department. The library received substantial improvement.

Athletics began to be a feature of school activities. For the first lime a "coach" was employed. W. A. Worsham in that capacity soon developed creditable teams. A visiting committee from the Board came often to inspect the work.

The detail of Captain Winston having ended, Heut. Roscoe H. Hearn, 9th Infantry, was ordered to Gordon Institute.

The old Lysian Society was disbanded to give place to two organizations, the Philomathean and the Euphradean.   Debates betwccn the two gave new impetus to oratory and the consequent rivalry increased school spirit.

The banquets given annually by each society during commencement proved to be the social events of the year.

The second and last year of the administration of President E. A. Smith proved equally eventful. Frank Blake coached a winning football team and Coach Sam Woodward as fine a team in baseball. Georgia Prep championships were won in both and the championship of the South was won by a game of football with Mooney, the champion of Tennessee. That game has gone into history as one of the hardest fought ever seen in the South.

In baseball "Big Joe" Mercer began his career as a pitcher and H. H. Williams as a catcher.

A bill was drawn by W. W, Lambdin providing for the establishment of a system of public schools for the Grammar Grades.

Increased attendance necessitated more class rooms. The second floor which had been converted into a gymnasium after the new auditorium was built was divided into eight class rooms and the Grammar Grades were transferred to the second floor with Miss LilHe Turner as principal.

Tuition in the High School was advanced to $25.00 per year for non-resident students and $15.00 for pupils residing in Pike County.

The War Department furnished entire new equipment for the Military Department

The battalion again won first prize, a silver loving cup, in the contest at Macon.

After thirty-one years of service as a Trustee Captain E. J. Murphey resigned. His children had all received diplomas from Gordon and he felt that the responsibility of a Trustee should be placed on fathers of young children.

President E. A. Smith on account of ill health returned to Virginia. Prof. B. F. Pickett of Newnan was elected for the next year. The Board of Trustees pitted a resolution forbidding the organization of secret societies in the school.

President B. F. Pickett brought into the school B. D. Hodge for the English work. Miss Ora Martin for History, E. P. Childs for the business department, Frank Blake, Football Coach and Fank Anderson, Baseball Coach. A good year followed with Prof. Pickett's resignation at the end in order to accept the Superintendency of the Savannah schools. W. W. Lambdin's removal to Waycross brought C. H. Humphrey to the Board of Trustees and J. W. Stafford's resignation led to his son, R. A. Stafford's election to fill the vacancy. J. W. Stafford had served from the organization of the Board in 1872. His interest had not failed. Like Captain Murphey he passed the responsibility to younger men. W. W. Lambdin out of his ability and experience had brought renewed zest into the institution.

The battalion went to Albany for a week's encampment and military contest and again won first prize. The unveiling of the monument to General Gordon in Atlanta, April 17, 1907, was an interesting event in which the cadents took part.

September 1907 found Joseph D. Smith President of Gordon and C. H. Humphrey Secretary and Treasury of the Board of Trustees. President Smith, having been a Gordon student before entering the University of Georgia, understood the genius of the school. He stepped easily into the position and the "Gordon Spirit," the spirit of work, loyalty and high ideals, was never more prevalent than during the three years when his hand was on the helm.

Heut. Roscoe Hearn was recalled and Heut. Gad Morgan began a four years detail as Professor of Military Science and Tactics.

The Grammar School now became The Barnesville Public School, with the President of Gordon Institute as Superintendent and Mrs. Augusta Lambdin Principal. Miss Lily Turner was advanced to the Department of History.

By a revision of the charter the Mayor of Barnesville and the Chairman of the County Board of Education became ex-officio members of the Board of Trustees, Mayor T. W. Cochran and Dr. J. C. Beauchamp, of Williamson, were thus qualified.

One of the unique features of Gordon's school life from the beginning had been the home influence on the individual boy. The best homes in the city were open to them. Small groups scattered along the streets were mothered by good women in refined surroundings, who developed character and instilled culture. At the same time there was careful oversight by the authorities. No boy or group of boys in any home was ever surprised when the door opened at any hour to admit "J. D.'", as they called the President.

There began to be, however, a demand for a small dormitory. The old "Gideon Barnes" home was rented and Mrs. Lee was installed as matron with D. B. Dodge as resident teacher. Later the old W. R. Murphey brick home was used.

Tuition for non-residents was advanced to 830.00 per year and those from Pike county to $20.00.

C. O. Summers, representing the Trustees, was made manager of athletics. As no Prep teams would meet ihe Football Champions of the South, the games were all with college teams with fine results. With "Big Joe" Mercer as pitcher and "Lillle Joe" Smith as catcher, the Prep championship in baseball was won with every contesting team defeated.

Impressed by the truth of Emerson's statement thai "Any great institution is but the lengthened shadow of one man," Prof. J. D. Smith, Miss Lily Turner and Mrs. Augusta Lambdin, in 1909, con-ceived the idea of an annual holiday to be known as Founders Day. And the Trustees agreed that March 28, the birthday of Charles E. Lambdin, would be the most appropriate day. For ten years Founders Day was the homecoming period for old Gordon students and there has been nothing in the history of the school that so aroused and strengthened the "Gordon spirit". Orators were selected from the Alumni and varied programs were presented with a basket dinner served to homefolks, students and visitors. Changed conditions caused the day to be disregarded.

Another loving cup was brought home by the battalion from an interscholastic meet in 1909.

Coach W. A. Cunningham led both fottball and baseball teams to victory for two consecutive years. The baseball team in 1910 won over Clemson College and held the University of Nashville to a tie for fifteen innings.

The tuition was raised at the beginning of the year to $50.00 for non-residents to meet the increased expense. No profit was ever expected.

The Carnegie Library was opened with Miss Susan Simonton as librarian on February 1, 1910. All books belonging to the Gordon Library were donated and delivered to her in the new building.

The local chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy established the Loula Kendall Rogers scholarship in honor of Barnesvillc's beloved teacher who organized the chapter. A descendant of a Confederate veteran was each year to be the beneficiary of free instruction at Gordon Institute. Contributions were made by pupils of Mrs. Rogers.

Some of the outstanding teachers at President J. D. Smith's administration were Rev. G. E. Rosser. Miss Augusta Center, A. S. Hill. At the close of his third year President J. D. Smith resigned to take up life insurance work, in which he achieved great success.

For the third time Prof. Jere M. Pound was recalled to Gordon Institute. He had served the Girls' Normal and Industrial School a second time and had been elected State School Superintendent. From that office he came again to Barnesville for a two years stay.

Another of the original Board of Trustees, Mr. P. F. Matthews, who was a strong dependence in financial crises, died in 1911. His son-in-law, L. A. ColHer, was his successor.

One of the greatest losses that the school ever sustained was the death of Miss Lily Turner in the prime of her splendid womanhood. No finer tribute could have been paid to her than that of her pastor. Dr. 0. L. Martin, when he said in the presence of hundreds of weeping students, "She was not rich; behold the wealth of affection; she had no child; behold her children."

Miss Augusta Center filled out her unexpired term and Mrs. Augusta Lambdin was elected as her permanent successor in the Department of History.

For the first lime in seven years the opening day came without the presence of that courteous southern gentleman and fine teacher, Charles M. Neel. His resignation was occasioned by a call to take charge of the school at Cornelia.

1912 was eventful in that it registers the purchase and grading of Summers Athletic Field. By the expenditure of $1,200.00 the City council placed at the command of Gordon one of the finest ball parks in Georgia. It bears the name of George L. Summers, one of the pioneer citizens of the community.

Coach Weldon Blake in football in 1911 and Coach H. H. Williams in baseball in 1912 again produced winning teams in prep championship.

The new academic building erected at the cost of $30,000.00 was completed in ihe summer of 1912. The cornerstone was laid on Founders Day with a copy of the latest catalogue and a complete roll of faculty and students enclosed.

A call to the presidency of the State Normal School at Athens caused the third resignation of President Jere M. Pound. Vice President W. C. McArthur left the school room for mercantile life. Heut. Gad Morgan was succeeded by Heut. N. M. Cartmell as commandant. J. W. Hanson's removal to Macon left a vacancy on the Board of Trustees which was filled by the election of Albert Peacock. Hon. T. W. Cochran, who had been for twelve years mayor of Barnesville, was succeeded by Hon. J. C. ColHer, who became ex-officio a member of the Board.

1912 brought Gordon Institute under a new regime. Prof. E. T. Holmes, a former studenl of the school and for years at the head of the Department of Latin in Mercer University, was elected to the Presidency with L. D. Watson, Dean of Meredith College, N. C, as Vice President. The high school was moved into the new building and a strong faculty including Rev. Homer Bush, H. L. Moore. Paul Rosser, W. J. Bradley, W. P. Bivens, R. H. Bond, W. A. Tyson, and A. B. Combs carried on the work.

For eleven years Dr. E. T. Holmes was the able president, the splendid citizen, the cultured christian gentleman and was recognized as one of the leading educators of the South. Hundreds of boys in Georgia and other states are finer men for his personal, inspirational touch on their lives.

The next commandant was Heut. N. V/. Riley, 16th Infantry.

As mayor of the town Hon. J. M. Cochran became a Trustee in 1913.

Coach Irvin Van Tassel of New York labored under the disadvantage of all new men but the season was favorable on the whole.

Heut. Riley was recalled to his regiment and was succeeded by Heut. F. K. Ross, the first cavalry officer detailed to Gordon. H; ranks with Heut. Piper as being considered among the best of all the many fine officers who have served Gordon Institute.

J. Alan Eakes, who came to the English Department and later served as Vice President and the teacher of Latin, also stands in the front rank of Gordon teachers.

In 1915 Cuban students began to come. On March 8, 1917, tlic school was designated as a Junior Military Unit and Sergeant D. E. Edwards was detailed to assist Capt. J. K. Jemison, who had succeeded Heut. Ross.

With the Declaration of War with Germany a spirit of patriotic enthusiasm pervaded the entire school. Fourteen members of the Senior Class, with diplomas delivered in advance, left in May to enter the Officers Training Camp at Ft. McPhcrson.

From far and near old Gordon men who at some time during the preceding twenty-five years had received military training in the school returned to get their records preparatory to enlisting in the army. Old associations were renewed and old memories were revived but all were subsidiary to the patriotic emotions that thrilled every heart. Soon Gordon men were entering officers training camps, receiving commissions and crossing the ocean to become part of the American Expeditionary Forces.

The twenty-fifth Anniversary of the Military Department was suppHed by Dr. E. EL May, the French Consul in Atlanta. The Cubans sang the national air of their country and proudly displayed their flag.

A creditable edition of the Gordon Annual was issued with the name changed to Taps. The grey uniforms of the cadets was changed to the olive drab of the United States Army with the letters R. 0. T. C. on the sleeve.

A casualty of the war that touched Gordon Institute was the death from influenza at Camp Sherman in Ohio of Heut. Lewis M. Killian, who a few months before had married Miss Edith Robinson, the Secretary of President Holmes. His body was brought to Barnesville, where it was buried with military honors.

Dr. E. T. Holmes rendered valuable service to his country in the various "drives" for the Red Cross, the Y. M. C. A., and the sale of the four issues of Liberty Bonds.

During the epidemic of influenza which swept over the country in 1918 the school as a precautionary measure was suspended for two weeks.

The news of the signing of the Armistice was received with great rejoicing by all except the cadets, who felt that a premature suspension of hostilities deprived them of the privilege of serving their country.

Mrs. Augusta Lambdin kept as far as possible a roster of the Gordon men who served in the World War. The Service Flag presented to the class of 1918 shows four hundred fifty-six stars and later about two hundred names were added to the list. Two hundred sixty served as commissioned officers. Only one other Military school of the same class sent more men to the Officers Training Camp and none received so great a per cent of commissions.

When the casualty lists were all in eighteen Gold Stars were arranged in the form of a cross in the center of the Flag.

Gordon Men Who Fell in the World War.

Private Frank M. Hunt, Milner, Ga.; Private Leon Emmet Mar-tin, Barnesville, Ga.; Heutenant Joseph W. Maddox, Barnesville, Ga.; Heutenant James R. Kingery, Summit, Ga.; Heutenant Thomas R. Beasley, Reidsville, Ga.; Sergent Paul B. Minter, Monticello, Ga.; Private J. B. Ryals, Cordele, Ga.; Captain William B. Coleman, Macon, Ga.; Heutenant Joseph S. Brewster, Esom Hill, Ga.; Captain Connally P. Jones, Heradon, Ga.; Heutenant K. L. Stewart, Ashburn, Ga.; Colonel J. A. Thomas, Macon, Ga.; Heutenant Lewis M. Killian, Barnesville, Ga.; Private M. F. Wilson, Decatur, Ga.; Heutenant Fred V. Withorp, Fort Valley, Ga.; S?rgeant Parker Hughes, Ludowici, Ga.

Teachers from Gordon.

Captain James S. Moore, Atlanta, Ga.; Captain C. C. Riticor, Leesburg, Virginia.

The sudden death of Mr. A. Peacock on January 30, 1919, and the resignation of C. 0. Summers caused vacancies on the Hoard of Trustees which were not immediately filled. During the war Col. D. A. Frederick, a retired officer, served as commandant. He was followed by Major W. W. Hamilton, who was retired in 1919. Heut. J. J. Hea was then detailed by the War Department for duty at Gordon. After him came Heut. R. C. Coursey, who when his detail expired, was succeeded by Capt. J. F. Somers, who remained five years. During the postwar decade Coach E. P. Moseley directed athletics with great success. A girls' basketball team was organized in 1920 and coached by Capt. J. J. Hea with fine results. In the Georgia Interscholastic Athletic Association, composed of prep schools, Gordon won the football championship, the baseball championship and tied for second place in basketball. A flag pole from which floated the championship pennant was raised with impressive ceremonies on April 8, 1921, on Summers Field.

The Constitutional Amendment creating the county of Lamar with Barnesville as the county seat was ratified November 2, 1920. Gordon Alumni throughout the state gave valuable assistance in the effort to secure the new county. The battalion and entire student body took part in the parade when Judge W. H. Searcy arrived to open the first session of the Superior Court in March, 1921.

Some of the strong teachers of the period were J. A. Eakes, J. E. Guillebeau, R. W. Edenfield, William Rogers, W. C Langston and C. M. Eyler.

A great loss befell the school when C. H. Humphrey, Secretary and Treasurer of the Board of Trusteees, died June 30, 1920. For thirteen years he had not only guarded the financial interests of the school but every other feature had received his most earnest cooperation and support. L A. ColHer was elected Secretary and Treasurer and Dr. C. H. Willis and B. M. Turner were chosen to fill vacancies. Another vacancy occurred when L A. ColHer, long a a loyal and faithful Trustee, died in 1922. After other elections, the full board consisted of:

W. B. Smith, president; Edward Elder, Vice President; L. C. Tyus, Secretary and Treasurer; D. L. Anderson, Dr. C. H. Willis, B. M. Turner, R. A. Stafford, V. 0. Marshburn, Hon. J. E. Bush, Mayor, John Bush, President of the Lamar County Board of Education.

The death of V. 0. Marshburn in 1923 removed one of the loyal supporters.

A new Charter for the city was obtained by Hon. Joseph D. Smith, Representative from Lamar county, in 1924, by which the tax was increased by five mills in order to supply a larger income for educational purposes.

The Board of Trustees also ceased to be self-perpetuating. Under the new law the two oldest in point of service retire each year and two new members are elected from a list of five names presented by the Trustees to the City Council.

R. A. Stafford resigned and J. E. Bush, B. H. Hardy and Dr. E. C. Suggs were elected to fill the vacancies during the year so as to have a full board of nine who would assume the duty of complying with the new law. The first compliance with the law led to ihe election of Dr. J. M. Anderson as ihe new membei and the reelection of D. L. Anderson. Mayor E. L. Coleman's name was added to the list by virtue of his office.

Dr. E. T. Holmes' resignation in May, 1923, was deeply regretted by his many admirers in Barnesville. His service to the school and the community cannot be estimated.

Prof. L. D. Watson, who had for eight years served as Vice President with Dr. Holmes, but who had in 1920 been succeeded by J. A. Eakes, was elected President.

Mrs. Bush, who for many years had mothered the boys in the dormitory, retired to live with her children.

After the experiment with a small dormitory W. B. Smith converted an apartment house that he owned into a twenty-room dormitory called Pound Hall and erected a two-story building adjoining it called Gray Hall. The two suppHed every comfort for all cadets whose parents preferred dormitory life to private life for their sons. Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Gray were in charge. When more room became necessary during the post-war period of large attendance, a third large building was erected. During ihe first year of President Watson's administration these three buildings were burned at intervals of two months. The fires were of incendiary origin and the guilt of two school boys was discovered by the authorities. After a trial they were sent to the State Reformatory.

The work of the classes went forward without interruption. The cadets were quartered in adjacent homes and the basement of the academic building was fitted up for a mess hall.

In 1923 the citizens of Barnesville, aided by gifls of non-resident Alumni, erected a large modern brick dormitory where Pound Hall formerly stood. In this building both teachers and cadets have ample and comfortable accommodations.

The return of J. E. Guillebeau, who had been in charge of the Science Department under Dr. Holmes, was a stroke of good fortune for the school.

W. H. Crowder was added to the Board of Trustees when J. E. Bush declined re-eleclion.

D. L. Anderson was elected Bursar of the school in 1927. His business ability and careful attention to details as well as his unfailing interest in every department of hie work has been of great bene-fit to the institution.

Gordon suffered great loss on Feb. 20, 1929, when Dr. J. M. Anderson passed away. He was a member of the Board of Truslees and Chairman of the Committee for Selection of Teachers. He was untiring in his efforts for the good of educational work in Harnesville. Claude Christopher and W. A. Prout were elected Trustees to fill vacancies and Mayor J. A. Cason became ex-officio member of the board.

L. D. Watson's term of office ended in 1929 when he accepted the chair of Mathematics at Riverside Military Academy. J. E. Guillebeau was elected to succeed him as President.

In 1928 Cordon Institute advanced the curriculum to the rank of a standard Junior College. Students who have completed the two years Junior College course have sustained themselves well in the Junior classes of Senior colleges.

Major Calhoun Killian, a graduate of Gordon, detailed in 1930 as Professor of Military Science and Tactics, exerted an inspirational influence on the school from his experience as an officer in the army of the United States and his fine conception of a standard military school. Upon his retirement in 1932, he was succeeded by Capt. Furman W. Hardee.