Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-05-23

men who made the guarantee were
Merritt Caldwell. DR.. Eliphalet clark
and Dudley Moody. :,
The opening of young ladies' school
was evidently brought into effect IN
1881 and Miss Urania Merritt was the
first female teacher employed. Later
during Merritt Caldwells principalship,
Miss Phoebe Payne was engaged as
preceptress.
When the Maine annual conference
of the Methodist Episcopal church was
held at HallowelL in June, 1881, with
Bishop Soule presiding. appeal was
made that the conference take over
the seminary.
The conference rose in a body to ac-
cept, and subscription, led by the
bishop, was started and 1880 raised on
the spot. The effect of this move clear
ed the financial sky of restored conf
dence.
In 1884 Merritt Caldwell resigned as
principal to go to Dickinson College.
Carlisle, Pa, as a professor. The
school continued through the year un-
der the charge Of Charles Collins,
James Bell, A. B., and A. F. Wheelock,
A. 3.
William G. 1arrabee
William c. Larrabee in 1885 came
from his duties as principal OF Gaze
novia Seminary and took up his duties
as Kents Hill principal. A large num-
Der of students were drawn by the I'M
proved conditions. Prin. Larrabee was
extremely popular.
Andrew Walsh a real son or Old
Ireland, was discovered in a Bangor
stable by Prin. Larrabee and brought
to the HILL He was called Father
Walsh by the students. He was very
highly educated man but loved his cups
too we'll and went back to them.
Or. Torsey's Administration
In 1871, DR.. Stephen Allen. at that
time professor of mathematics in the
Troy Conference seminary, Poultney,
VT, was elected principal. He re-
signed in 1874 and Henry p. Torsey,
who had been his assistant for a
year previous, was elected principal
upon the condition that he should
furnish all the instruction. pay for
all repairs and receive all the income.
The trustees had nothing to offer but
the location of the seminary.
For 3S years DR.. Torsey was head
of the school and his work is one Of
the most notable events in its his
tory. His equipment was a common
7 school education and such additions
as he was able to make as a student
and an assistant. He was able to
place himself in the lead Of educa-
tors in New England.
The confidence of the public was
; restored. In June, 1858, ground was
.. broken for what is known as Samp-
son hall. 1t was completed and dedi-
Gated in August, 1860, and that same
year the woman's college was opened.
Maine Wesleyan is older that Vas
sar by four years, Wellesley and Bryn
i Mawr, ten years and Smith, II years.
For a time the school met the
founders desire-to afford girls who
were in the same classes with the
boys preparing for college an open
opportunity to keep abreast Of them
and was popular in SO doing, but the
shadow of the seminary has always
obscured the college," are the words
of Historian French.
Bearce hall was built at d cost Of
i $4,000 and occupied in the fall term
of 1874. DR.. Torsey closed his con-
nection with the school as president
of it's faculty with the spring term
Of 1882. His health was broken down
in his sacrificing work for the SEM
mary. He made men and women as
well as students.
rev. Edgar M. smith
Rev. Edgar NJ. Smith succeeded
the beloved DR.. Torsey. Mr.. Smith
was also Maine bred, an alumnus
of the seminary, a graduate of Wes-
leyan university and a well liked
preacher. He was highly cultured
! and added laurels as q great teacher.
Mrs. Smith was great aid to him,
especially in the woman's college.
Rev. Mr.. Smith continued in charge
for II years.
When Rev. Mr.. Smith came to
kents Hill a presidents house was
contributed. being called Blethen hall
for Alden J. Blethen, a former stu
dent who gave half the cost.
A business college was instituted
under President Smith, which was
| a very successful part Of the semin-
airy. It's first principal was William
| A. Barton.
Kicker hall was built in 1893, to fill
the demand for building for the
music and arts departments. This
was made possible through the gem
erous gift of j. S. Kicker of Deering.
[ Tor whom the hall was named.
Kew. Charles w. Gallagher suc.
ceeded Rev. Mr.. Smith.
l. Chase and Trefethen
In 1897. A. Fitzroy Chase, the prin-
cipal of Bucksport seminary was
elected principal of Kent Hill. He
mad been at the school before az
tacher of the mathematics DEPART
ment. He was at the head of the
institution for two forceful years. He
died in the fall of 1899.
frof. Henry Emerson Trefethen
dean OF the woman's college. as.
sumed charge after the death of
Pres. Chase. He resigned in 1909
Kew. Wilbur F. Berry of the Maine
conference followed Pres. Trefethen
He resigned in 1909.
John OrviIIe Newton
John Orville Newton, professor ~
naturai science; was elected nresi-
cent In 1909 and served in that 90
pacity until last year. Pres New
ton was splendidly fitted for tbe
work. He knew the bows ana tho
girls and he understood them in fant
the understanding was mutual
lhirty years as principal of fbe
MAINE wesleyan Seminary IL fl,e
record OF u. o." as he In lov,n oil,
called by hundreds of boys and riris
IN the administration of DIR. Rerrv
Mr. Newton became vice-prfncinaI
having largely the direction Of ths
scnool on the ground while Dr,
Berry was engaged in field work. I'm.
on the resignation OF DIR. Berry IL
years ago. Mr.. Newton was elected
principal At the end of this Iast
year. 1873. Mr.. Berry completed IN
years or continuous service. the ION
gese term of any male teacher fYa
scnool has employed except the re-
nOuuced DR. Tnrunxy