The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1881-07-06
Davidson College.
BY ]. F. LATIMER, PHI. D.

bi q. E 1AIlMERi PHI. ID.
The following extract from an article written
by Prof. j. R. Blake for Johnsons Encyclo-
pedia furnishes the most important facts as to
the early history of this institution:
Davidson College Mecklenburg County. N.
G., was founded in 1887. The name was given
IN honor of Gen. William Davidson, Revou
tsionary oficer, who :, fell at Cowan's Ford not
far from where the College is situated. 1t had
its origin in an hereditary thirst for sound learn
ing and pure religion which characterised the
people of Western North Carolina from very
early period. AS early as 1770, they obtained
charter from the colonial Legislature to incor
Porate Queens Museum at Charlotte in Neck
lenburg county, which was the first college ever
attempted in the State. The charter was
repealed by royal proclamation, but the institu
ton was not abandoned. In 1777. it was re
chartered as Liberty Hall, and continued its
operations until 1880, when it was closed bv the
progress Of the Revolution. Again, in 1920
earnest efforts were made in Western North
Carolina to establish an institution ofhigh grade.
to be called Western College This also failed
The next movement began in 1885, in Concord
Presbytery. This led to the establishment of
Davidson College in 1887 for which charter
was obtained in 1888. Thus it appears that
Queens Museum, Liberty Hall Western Col
lege, and finally Davidson College, have been
successive efforts to embody in practical work
ing form the intellectual and religious life of
Western North Carolina. In all the efforts.
the Scotch Irish Presbyterian element was pre-,
dominant"
The institution has, from the first, been under
.he control OF Pres6yterians, and at the present
time all the Presbyteries of No tn Carolina
south Carolina. Georgia, and Florida are
represented in the Board Of Trustees. No one
should infer, however, that the instruction given
Is IN any sense tainted with sectarianism The
Golege is to, day, true to the purpose for which
~ was founded, which, according to the
charter, Is to educate youth of all classes
without any regard to the distinctions of
religious denominations" It's founders had
before them one end that of affordinp facilities
for obtaining liberal education, while at the
same time bringing the young men gathered in
Its halls under healthfu religious influences.
And its history has justified their hopes. With
out seeking to make its students Presbyterian
the constant endeavor has been made to bring re
hgous truth to bear upon them. The moral
atmosphere has always been rem arkablv nnra
and 1t may be doubted whether many vouno
men are safer from temptations at their homes
tna an as students at Davidson College.
, The endowment was, at first small vii.
nam Lee Davidson, ESQ.,, as son of General pa
Eidson, made the first considerable donation in
me form OF a valuable tract of land. By the
sale OF scholarships, and by small contributions
s sne endowment was raised, in a few years to
soQi,OOO. In 1866, upon the death of Mr.. Max.
ven chambers, of Salisbury, the sum Of $258, 900
was placed at the disposal of the trustees. and
SssePs were Immediately taken to increase the
scllltes for instruction, and to provide adequate
ICON Inodations for the students A large build
,r uB was erected, which had just been completed
"nVl tne civil war began At the close of the
var, II was found that the COLLEGE had sustained
sgrlous financial losses, but there was still left
%oout $50 900 Of the invested funds. The build
o - ana lands belonging to the corporation are
IlIuated to be worth about$15O.OO0. so that the
f,r OF The entire property Of the College is not
bar n present the Faculty consists oG seven mem
Professor of Mental Pblosopbv and Fng fnb
nra gIr pS j. R Blake, A. NJ, Professor OF Nat
"' iniiosophy and Astronomy w. J. Martin.