Newspapers / The Robesonian (Lumberton, N.C.) / Aug. 12, 1915, edition 1 / Page 2
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THE ROBESONIAN THURSDAY. AUGUST 12. 191; lAGB TWO HISTORY OF SPRING BRANCH SCHOOL By .ANNIE LORA McMILLAN I. Ante-Bellum Period. 1849-1860 W are indebted to Mr. J. E. Por--celL of-ReA-Springs.fpr the tacts concerning this period. We regret that we could not confer with -Mr Hamilton McMillan of Red Springs -also, who contributed so ably to the success of the school Some time in the fall of 1849. Rev, Hector McNeill, Messrs. Alex Gra "ham, Daniel McEachin, Daniel Love. Archibald McMillan. Neill Kelly. Neill ann Jack Currie, Lauchlin Mc Neill, Alex Purcell and Miss Catha rine Ferguson of Robeson county met at Spring Branch to consult about starting a . school at that place. All of there men had small children and no school near them. At this meeting tfhey decided to locate a school house about half way between Messrs. Lauchlin Mc Neill's -and Alex Purcell's residences. They ouiit a piain ior mua made mostly with clay and sticks procured near by the;The primal needs, as always they tschool jbuilding.-hey Pl'"LstassertedMhem8elves-an(l-f inalt Rev Hector McNeill. Messrs. Archi bald McMillan and Alex Purcell, trustees. The tustees employed Mr John Patrick Smith of the Philadel phia conweeation to teach the school for the first three months. Soon af ter his time expired, the trustees employed Mr. Calvin A- McEachin to teach another three months. After his school closed, Mr. Robert Lynch Fairly, son of Mr. Neill Fairly, was employed. ;When Ms school was bout half out. he was taken sick with typhoid fever and died in about two weeks. "" The next teacher employed was Col. James C. Davis, who had been teaching at a school located near the residence of the late Mr. Alex Gra ham He had the interest of the school at heart and put new life in--Tnfc school and pupils. He ''iad qUite-ff large number of pupils, many of them nearly grown. Col. Davis had the old-time school breaks with declamation by the boys and compositions by the girls. He taught two years, or ten months. Messrs. Charles and J. E. Purcell. Tom and Frank McNeill, Daniel Kelly. 'John Sinclair, John and Aneus McNeill. Wallace McDougald. Thomas Gra ham, Robert Love. John A. Love, James Ferguson and Misses Annie. Jane and Eliza McEachin. Margaret Jane and Eliza Love, Harriet Gra ta m Sank Ann Sinclair, Mary Pur .cell "and Marv Ann McMillan were some of the "scholars who went to Coj. Davis. Mr. Duncan E. McNair was the next teacher employed after Col. Davis He taught five months. Mr. Gilbert McLean taught a session after Mr. Duncan E. McNair. The next teacher was Mr. John McKin non. who was a son of Mr. Robert McKinnon and nephew of Messrs. Neill and John Fairly. He also taught five months. Mr, Hector J. McNeill, son of Mr. Daniel Calder McNeill, was -then ernployed. He taught ten months. J ; Next Mr. Thomas S. Graham, son of Mr. Alex Graham, taught for three months, or until they could find another teacher. He was suc ceeded by Mr. Hamilton McMillan, who taught successful terms of fif teen months. He was followed by Mr. A. A. McBryde, who taught for probably threa months. The Civil War was then coming on. but the trustees hired Mr. John C ' Campbell of Moore county, a nephew of Rev. A. N. Ferguson. During his term, the boys had a con tinual frolic. He was a good, quiet man. Many of the boys who had been going to school there for six or eierht years were nearly grown. Though, they were not very bad. they were rude and hard to control. Then, too. it was absolutely certain that the war would break out in a short time, and they became reckless and would not study. Quite a number of these ,povs made gallant soldiers in the Confederate army and many of them were killed or died of wounds. Very few of those who went to school there are living now. Messrs. Arch McNeill and his brother Law rence, J. E. Purcell. D. P. Mc Eachern. Thomas A. and Frank Mc Neill, A. J. and Robert Currie. James Ferguson, John T. Sinclair, J. L. Land say and W. B. McMillan. " are all of the boys that can be re ealed now. All of-the-girls are dead excepting Misses Cattie Mc Neill, Anne Brown. Flora C. Mc Arthur.ySafah. Jane McMillan and Ferbe Carrie. Ibe-iijfluence of the school was wide, its patronage extended beyond . the limts of the community. Capt. Daniel Wmte Johnson, Mr. Duncan McNeill and Miss Jane McNeill (lat er Mrs. John McKay) and others coming from Richmond county. Although the school house was made of logs, and the only window was a portion of a log removed, nev ertheless the teachers were college eraduates. The people of those days paTj "vef yTTttT6attenti6h to extern al appearances. Judging from the excellent scholarship of some of the men and women trained at Spring Branch during this period, the teach ers must have been master instruc tors. 1 II. War Period, 1860-1866 This sad period need not be dis cussed more than to say that like thousands of other schools in the South the light of the institution was darkened by the war cloud ror mese six years there was no school at Spring Branch. Lvine in the path of the raides the building was burned by Sherman. But fear less of the cannon's roar, and un conquered by the flames of war. the spirit of "Old Spring. Branch" still Children's Summer Colds It is wrong to neglect a cold ' at any, time because it weakens the system and. lays the sufferer open to attack from other diseases. Wet feet, sudden changes in temperature, and sleeping pneovered at night cause many children s colds in sum. mer Foley a Honey and Tar Com pound gives sure and prompt relief. uA in Via hearts of the people III. Reconstruction Period, 1866-1872 With sessions of five months each, the following meiTtaught dur ing this peried: Messrs. John A, Uil lis of Cumberland county. J. B. Mc Donald of Moore county, . A. Bi Mc Donald of Moore county. T. M . Wat-. t Rohpson countv. William Johnson cf Richmond county and Simeon V. Cobb of Robeson coun ty These sessions wers conducted in a new building built where had stood the old building, burned by Sherman. , , , , . . TVi is considered by the histor ians as perhaps the hardest and most bitter period in the history of the South. The years of the war hid seen personal property . used up or destroyed, and real property became practically vau-eiess. rtuKlca uui'" were well-nigh crushed. The glory of the bittle-field and the never-dying belief in final victory kept the spirits of the people high, even in the face c personal bereavement; but now a new battle must be fought. The solemn problem of subsistence with the abhorrence of being ruled bv former saves faced the people ly the school was discontinued IV. "Roline Period." 1872-1910. Wje have just referred to the dis continuance of the school at the close of the preceding period in 1872 In fact, the school existed in a fashion for years afterwards, but the location was changed so often and at times the same building roll ed about, that we have called this the "rolling period". Finally, the house was removed to Richmond county, on Mr. Duncan Leach's land where Wagram now stands and dubbed "Rolling Academy". Un til recently the loldj school house could be seen, but it was found nec essary to remove it, to make way for more modern buildings. If it were not for the solemnity of a community without a school, many things about this period would seem to us as laughable. One year a patron would send his children two miles in one direction, and the next year the same distance in another direction to the same school. One of the patrons objected to sending his childen to school, saying that he was afraid when they got to the place they had attended school the day before the school house would be jone! So much for the period of uncertainty and dissatisfaction. V. Present Period. 1910, Apr. 23. 1915 On August fourth, 1909. from far and near there gathered at the site of the first building the surviving students of the old Spring Branch school. In glad reunion and with firm hand-clasp, gray-haired and stoop-shouldered men and women talked of the trood old days. Tremb ling voices told of those who on the battle field had given their lives for their country, or the surviving ones, who later passed to their re ward. Hearty laughs sounded out, when the jokes a half century old were recalled. But these people gathered on that picnic day for a two-fold purpose: for reunion and to see if there sur vived sufficient spirit to establish another school near the site of the old one. Mr. Duncan McNeill Prof. Hamilton McMillan. Judge T. A. McNeill and Mr. D. P. McEachern told of the teachers, students and work of the old Spring Branch school, all of these having taken an active nart. in the life of the school. Then Prof. A. A. McMillan, and Supt. J. R. Poole of Robeson county schools, made impressive speeches on education. Prof. Poole urged that a special tax school be establish where once stood the famous school of ear ly days. So great were the impress sions at this meeting and so in ear nest wero the citizens of the com munity, that a special tax was voted October 16 following. Our present attractive, modem building was erected immediately. and school opened for the spring term. Such a progressive achievement is worth recording. With the lormation oi Hoke county, the school passed from under the excellent supervision of Supt. Poole to that of a most worthy successor. Supt. J. A. McGoogan. who has always taken great interest in the school as well as others in the county: The trustees ha-ve been for tunate in securing good teachers, and the steady development, together- with -the-present-4iigh-tandard of the school, testify forcefully that the spirit of the fifties did not die, but was only dormant. And today, deserving-ly. Spring Branch school commands the respect of all friends an" patrons. The history of anv institution means so much toward its develop ment, that it is well to call a part of the honor roll of "Old Snrine Branch". In dome this we labor under embarrassment of riches. Many who might have achieved prominence answered the call on the battle field and others who deserve mention must be omitted because of our lim ited time and space. The following a-partiaHistr-Rx-Judere Superior Court T A. McNeill: State Sena tors J. E. Purcell D. P. McEach ern and D. E. McBrvde; Mr. Arch ibald Johnson, one of the ablest ed itors of the State; Mr. Archie Mc Goosran. father of the present sup erintendent of Hoke county J. A. McGoogan: Caot. Daniel White John pon; Mr. Duncan McNeill, father of North Carolina's Poet Laureate, John Charles McNeill Among the ladies who were Iformer student" should bo mentioned the mother of Mr. A. WLfe McLean of Lumberton. consid eSefF by many as the logical can didate - f or Govern Tr of - North Car olina. and the mother of Dr. W). G. Shaw . of "WiapTam. N. C. Many have eone of tho old" familiar fac?, but "their works do follow them." WThat effect should this illustrU ous record have upon us the stu dents and patrons of todav? We should determine solemnly to exert our every effort toward higher civic effieinev. workin" for the da" when the oisprace of illiteracy will b ind from North Carolina. . and Snrine Branch school will be as a beacon light to lead men. to nobler jve3 V 4- - - : ; b ... : T J . . . - t MM . : I $ J' & f & : V, . The Chewiest : 1 Chewing Gum REVIVAL AT BACK SWAMP Gracious Revival Conducted by Evangelist Muggins. Correspondence of The Robesonian. Lumberton. R. F. D. 6 July 25 marked the beginning of a glorious week in the history of Back Swamp Baptist church, which is located near Lumberton. On this day the fam ous evangelist Rev. W, M. Hoggins of i r ort tsarnwell began a revival meeting which in every sense of the word can truly be called a Revival. It was carried on for eight days. Mr. Muggins has a keen clear- cut knowledge of the necessary equipment to run a successful meet ing. On his arrival at the church he began to make preparations for his work. A piano was at once in stalled and the small church or gan was disposed of. That was one step toward better music. A num ber of lights were then put in, after which work began. The greater portion of the evange list's texts were taken f roni the book (of Romans. He beautifully por trayed the teachings and admoni tions of the Apostle Paul in his let ter to the church at Rome. He made them strikingly applicable to the church of today. Wfiile there were only six additions to the church, it can be said that on the whole the church was never more thoroughly revived before. It seems to me that it was stirred to its foundation. Mr. Huggins is possessor of a Lstrong peronality He won the hearts of all the people anoto see him leave was " exceedingly painful. Tor when one meets him he not only feels that he has met one who can preach the g'ospel, but a friend to mankind in whom one can confide his troubles and feel lifted after wards. People from far and near came to hear this wonderful speak er. He has a peculiar magnetism which held his audience spell-bound I for thirty minutes twice each day 'Even the small children loved him and were ever ready to gieet him. It seemed "that the had the power to stir their innocent souls. And now last, but not least by any means. 4t -mustbe. said that-the music during this meeting was the best it has ever been at this church. This is entirely due to the fact that Mr. Ww H. Kowe of Newbern, a great singer as well as choir direct- er, accompanied Mr. Huggins. Mr. Kowe knows ho wto make everybody sing. It would have seemed a breach of courtesy to have failed to sing when he asked it. His solos were unsurpassed for their marked, sim. plicity and beauty of melody: He has the power of movine the hard est-hearted sinner when he proclaims the gospel m song. He sang for us at each-service. ;Miss -fcunice - S Britt served as accompanist. Mr. Rowe's voice is clear and tfull of resonance and to say the least, the way in -which he sang was tender and appealing. The congregation contributed $75 to these laborers which only partial ly compensated for their efforts. We reluctuantly bade them fare well after the last service on Snn day evening, Aug. 1. feeling sure that through tfeir faithful service we had been revived again and our souls rekindled with fire from above. CENTER DOTS Death of Mrs. Alice Willoughby B. Y. P. U. Correspondence of The Robesonian. Center. Aug. 7 Our community was greatly shocked at the death of Mrs. Alice Willoughby. which came Monday morning, although it was not unexpected as she had been in ill health for some time. I he fun eral services were conducted at the residence by her pastor, Rev. W. R. Davis, after which the remains were laid to rest in the family burying ground near Smyrna. She leaves to mourn their loss two daughters and a host oi inenas. Our B. Y. P. U. enjoyed a picnic at the mill pond Thursday p. m. Miss Maude Bullock, who has been To Drive Out Malaria And Build Up The System Take the Old Standard GROVE'S TASTELESS chill TONIC. You know whet you are taking, as the formula is printed on every label, showing it is Quinine and Iron in a tasteless form. The Quinine drives out malaria, the Iron builds up toe system 50 cents THE ROBESONIAN Don't wait for a statement, though; save us that labor and expense by consulting the label on your paper and- remiting if the label does not show that your subscription is paid in advance. . J-if attending the summer school at Greenville returned home last week to the delight of her many friends . Miss Norma Wilkerson spent part of last week visiting at Cedar Grove, a guest of Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Col lins. Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Wilkerson attended the great Sunday school convention at Pleasant Grove Fri day and report a delightful time. Glad to report Master Whert Dean who had been confined to his room for some time with Idiphtheria, is able to be out again. Misses Bessie and Ada Ammons, Donnie and Liljie Stubbs spent the latter part of lat week in these parts, guests of Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Stubbs. Preaching 3rd Sunday at 4; Sun day school at ten. Mr. Davis al ways brings us something good. For a Sprained Ankle If you will get a bottle of Cham berlain's Liniment and observe the directions given therewith faithfully, you will recover in much less time than is usually required. Obtainable everywhere. STH ONI AN VV E ROBES FY verybody connected with The Robesonian is so busy fifty-two weeks in the year trying to give patrons of - the paper full value for their money that it is not possible to spare the time to send out statements often Some statements are be E ing sent to subscribers now, receives a statement is cordially invited to remit without delay. The Robesonian has done the best it could by its patrons during the trying times that are now happily al most ended or at least considerably better than they were, and now is the time for every man whose subscription is not paid in advance to. come to the aid of the paper. What you owe may be small, but if that is multiplied by a thous and or more you can see where it lands. The ,J ADAM WAS NOT GUILTY Noah Was the Party That Ate the Forbidden Fruit, Says Assyrian Tablet. Philadelphia Dispatch. Noah, not Adam and Eve, brought about the fall of man, according to a translation of a tablet now in the University of Pennsylvania Museum. An announcement to that effect, made today by museum officials said the tablet, written before the days of Abraham and translated by" Dr. Steven Langdon, professor of As syriology in Oxford University, Eng land, recorded that Noah was order ed not to eat of the Cassia tree in the Garden of Paradise and when he disobeyed the curse fell upon him. The curse was that he should have ill-health and an early death in oond of livino- to bo 50.000 vears old like his ancestors. According to the announcement to day Doctor Langdon believes the tab let, is at least 1.000 years older than the book of Genesis. WE- DG JOB PRINTING. - TH E ROBESONIAN however, and every one who ROBESONIAN Mm
The Robesonian (Lumberton, N.C.)
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Aug. 12, 1915, edition 1
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