Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-04-03
FAMOUS OLD SCHOOL
HANOVER ACADEMY ONCE A NOTED
SEAT OF LEARNING.
CONDUCTED FOR NEARLY 80 YEARS.
Many OF Those Who Pursued Their
Studies Within It's Walls Now Men
of decentralization Founded by
Fred CoIemnn-Its Rise and Fall.

In old Hanover county there was con-
Quoted for nearly fifty years a school,
known not only throughout Virginia, but
in the entire South. This institution was
Hanover Academy, situated four miles
from the little settlement Of Taylorsville,
and about equally distant from Newfound
river. the stream made famous by one
of the works of Thomas Nelson Page.
In the days when Hanover was one OF
the most aristocratic counties in the
State. and when the plantations Of that
undulating county were owned by those
who prided themselves on being Of the
first families of Virginia" the academy
next to the University, was considered
the best seat of learning in the Common
wealth. 1t was attended, not only by the
sons OF those Hne old Virginia gentlemen
whose manors were in that Immediate
neighborhood, but by the youth from
every section of the State, while many
distinguished southerners, particularly
those of South Carolina, sent their sons
to this well-known institution.
The academy was in one sense a pre-
paratory school, and most of those who
attended It went from its halls TO the
University Of Virginia, but the curricu
lum Of the former was very complete,
and those who studied at the Hanover
school were interrupted by the war, and
who at the close of the great struggle
were unable TO continue their education,
found that their Alma Mater had at least
given them the knowledge necessary for
them to take their position In life, and
pursue avocations not unbecoming the
sons OF such distinguished ancestors.
ITS FOUNDER.
Hanover Academy was founded in the
early fortes by Professor Fred. Coleman,
as the successor Of old Concord Academy,
Of Caroline county. Fred. Coleman was
known as one Of the most profound
scholars of his day, and his pupils, upon
entering the University. were better pre-
pared for that institution than those
from any other preparatory school in the
State.
The property which was converted into
a school building by Professor Coleman
was the old "hOme house" of DR.. Frank
Taylor. The old and distinguished family
Of Taylors was very much in evidence
then in that section Of Hanover county
and it is from them that the little settle
ment on the Richmond, Fredericksburg
and Potomac railroad, known as Taylors-
Vile, derives it's name. Passengers On that
road may yet see the walls of what was
moro than nalf a century ago, known as
"Taylor's Castle" The building is on an
eminence, and Is about hundred yards
from the little station which nestles be-
low. The great rambling house, with its
wide verandas, looms up above the gem
tly-sloping hills by which 1t is surround
ed, and its sombre walks even impress
the stranger with the idea that In days
gone by II was one of those old home
s,eads that sheltered a noble race. The
house is yet occupied by one of the Ole
TAYLOR families, whose ancestors owned
so many Of the broad acres OF Hanover
county I'm that section through which
plough the waters of Little river.
FELL IN OTHER HANDS.
When Professor Coleman left the school
In a few years to enter the field OF poll-
ties, the institution went down consider
ably, and would, no doubt, have soon lost
Its reputation as a seat Of learning hao
not his nephew. l.. Nj. Coleman, in 1851,
together with Professor Carroll Doth OF
whom married In the distinguished family
Of Marshalls) united TO again restore the
Academy TO its former glory. They eX-
pended large sum in erecting additional
buildings and making needed improve
ments, and when the war broke out tho
school was on a better footing than ever
before. At the commencement OF ia,
struggle, however. Professor Coleman
left his chair 10 take place in the field
OF battle. He organized an artillery
company. and made for himself a gallant
record His brilliant career was ended
on the bloody field of battle. and when
peace once more reigned over the land.
his former assistant, Colonel Hillary p.
Jones. with his brother Major Jones. re-
opened the halls OF Hanover Academy.
AFTER THE WAR.
The institution had hard struggle at
hrst, the desolation Of war being felt