Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1846-10-29
ron THE srAuNroN SPECTATOR.
WASHINGTON COLLEGE, LEXINGTON, VA.
Y


WASHINGTON COLLEGE, LEXINGTON, VA.
MIR. EDTToR,-ln the three preceding numbers,
have endeavored to give you brief outline of the
carly history of Washington College The facts
and historical data which have been exhibited
touching Its paternity, cannot be questioned. Per
init me to retrace my nasty steps for moment, that
may bring to view, little more in detail the ope-
rations OF this institution during the presidency of
the Rev. George A. Baxter, ID. ID.
DIR. Baxter, while yet young man, was chosen
TO preside over this rising institution about the time
that 1t received the name of Washington Academy,
and its first endowment from '.the Father of his
Country" He continued its President than
81 years, during which time, it had its seasons of
adversely as well rs prosperity Its seasons Of adj
versity, however, compared with those of prosper-
ty, resemble the occasional cloud that may be seen
on bright day in summer To fit across the disk of
The sun, which only obscurcs his light partially
and but for moment. In proof OF this refer to a
long list, although imperfect, of DIR. Bakers pu-
pills, which lies before me. Here are the names of
many that this institution has educated, and pre-
pared to I'LL the highest stations in the fields of use
fulheSs and fame; hundreds of whom remain to this
day, although some have fallen asleep. And were
1t not that delicacy forbids TO culogse those who
are alive, and in the sprngde of usefulness and ca
reer oil fame, should spread before the community
FEW scores OF these distinguished names. Such
an expose would prove that the Alumni of Wash
ington College disgrace to their beloved and
respected Alma Mater I'm point of talents, scho-
iarshlp, principles and usefulness in their respec-
tive professions and occupations, they exhibit as
much ability, and sustain as high a reputation as
the Alumni OF any other institution generally do
The grade and reputation of any school may be as
certalned by the general character of its Alumni
1t Is rs true OF schools as of me-''by their fruits
we shall know them" On this test we throw
Washington College, without moments demur,
knowing assuredy that she shall pass the ordeal
trumpnanty. Upon every scroll of fame which
we unrol, since the memorable year l776, we find
the names of her Alumni inscribed. Go to the Sc
nate OF the United States and there you will find OF
her sons go to the House of Representatives and
there you will be fascinated with the eoquence of
those who have enjoyed her instructions 90 to the
Legislative Halls of any of the States South or
West Of our own State, and you will be permitted
to listen to the cOusels of many of her pupils 90
to the Bench and Bar of the States Just referred to-
and you will find many Of her Alumni adjoining the
higher walks of Jurisprudence. Her Alumni who
belong to the Medical Profession are numerous and
highly respectable; the lustre which they reflect,
by their profound skill in Medical science, upon
their .8tna Mater, is sufficient TO deter any man of
common sense from speaking lightly of her. The
number OF her Alumni who have entered the Minis
try OF the Gospel In the Presbyterian Church is
greatly to her honor and praise. The devoted men
who founded this College have not been disappont-
ed. Fondly did they hope, and most devouily did
they pray, that she might become "a nursing mo
ther'' to the Presbyterian Churcll-and SO she has
Hundreds have gone from her venerable Halls 10
proclaim the everlasting gospel. Some of whom
have been, and some are now Presidents i'm our
Theological Seminaries and Colleges Among the
early graduates of Washington Academy is found
the name of the Rev. John H. Rice, ID. d., one of
the greatest men and most profound scholars that
our Church or Country ever knew. Go East or
West, North or South, and you will find in the
Ministry of the Church just referred to, men of
piety, talents, learning and influence who have re-
ceived their education at this College The time
has come to make an eTpose of these matters, and
to Inform the community that this school is worthy
OF their confidence and patronage. That she MIGHT
have accomplished more and done better | concede
but that she has achieved so much and done so well
IS matter of profound gratitude. To enquire into
the reasons why she has not been more prosperous
Is iorelgn TO my purpose. | remark, however, in
passing, that If all those who are under lasting OBJ
gatlons to her, and her all they know had used
their influence and efforts in promoting her interests
by communicating information respecting the facili-
ties and advantages of education which she possess
Is, sne would, doubtless, have accomplished more.
II deeply to be regretted that one has under
taken to furnish the community with a sketch of
the life and character of the Rev George A. Bax-
ter, ID. d., man to whom this institution owes
great deal, and whose memory deserves to be vene-
rated by all its Alumni
uhe WIZ enjoyed tilc lucStiTndDlc prlyl-
iege Of sitting under his ministry eight wears, and
seven of which he was a member of his church, to
close this number with brief sketch OF his charac
ter. DIR. Baxter was descended from respectable
parents who resided in Rockingham county, Va.
where he was born July, l77l. At an early ace
he manifested strong attachment for literary pur-
suits. And whilst yet young man, having under
gone great change in his religious views and feel
ihgs, he resolved to make full surrender of him
sen SCI, 10 GOD, and prepare for the work of the holy
MINISTRY; lie was pupil of Mr.. Graham, and
g'aouateo at the Log College before it received
the name OF washington Academy lie was Pre-
sident OF Washington College more than so wears
and Pas'oI oil me Presbyterian Church at LexinC-
ton SO years. do not disparage DR. Baxter's able.
pious, and learned coadjuors and successors either
in this College or Church, when I say, tL.t Lotj,
owe debt of gratitude (and perhaps somc,b;urr
more,) to his memory, which is not HLeI,, s,a, -
be discharged. DR.. Baxter was inaupurated pro
fessor of Theology in Union Theological Seminar
April ii, 1892, in which office he continued mil
his death, which occurred April II. 1871.
Dr. Baxter was great and good man. As =
man OF genius and a scholar ne was distinguished
as an orator and preacher ne was unsurpassed (:
as an instructor he eminent and successful and
as and a christian, those who know him best
will be the first to speak his praise. For native
powers of mind, he will be ranked among the first
men in the history OF our Church and Country. In
the acquisition Of knowledge the efforts of his mind
were singular and extraordinary. In mathema-