CHAPTER XIII.
Opposition Schools-Baptist and Presbyterian.-Two Years' Prospectus.-Financial Crisis.-Made Assignment.-School Closed.-Gave up Everything.-Extract of Letter from an Old Pupil.
By this time the Baptists began to think that "Campbellism" was assuming too large proportions, and they determined to clog the wheels a little by building up a rival institution. They succeeded, in a measure, in injuring "Palmyra Seminary," by taking from it a portion of the day pupils. By the time they were in full blast, the Presbyterians concluded there was too much water abroad in the city, and organized a small school. Both schools, of course, had an influence in preventing the growth of ours, by taking from it the pupils under the influence of each church.
In the fall of 1854, Dr. Hopson brought his mother and father from St. Louis, and installed them in the housekeeping department, enabling me to assist in the primary department. Our house was now filled to its utmost capacity with boarders, with about forty pupils in the day department. About this time Dr. Hopson constituted the church at Mt. Zion, between Hannibal and Palmyra. The Herndrens, Taylors, Whaleys, and others, soon formed the nucleus of a now flourishing church.
February, 1854, he held a meeting in Palmyra, resulting in thirty additions, among them several of our
[book page] 71
pupils. The session of 1854-'55 was prosperous and pleasant. June, 1855, there were five graduates.
During the following vacation he held a number ofmeetings, but the number of accessions I am unable to 'ascertain, with one exception-Bro. J. J. Errett and he held a meeting in Louisiana, Pike county. Ninety added.
Dr. Hopson paid his professors, his housekeepers, divided with his partner, paid all the interest due on his notes, and saw himself in a fair way to reduce the principal of his debts.
The years of 1856 and '57 were years notable for stringency in money matters, in part owing to the drouths that had been prevalent both years. Our patrons-especially our boarding patrons-were unable to pay all their indebtedness, and wanted to remove their daughters until better times.
The Doctor told them not to do it-to let them remain-as several would graduate at the end of the session of 1857 and '58, some of whom had been with us six years, and others four. He would wait on them till better times came.
January, 1857, one of the Doctor's largest creditors failed, and was compelled to give up everything to his creditors. Among his assets was Dr. Hopson's note for $1,300. The Doctor was notified at once that suit would be brought in February Court: they were compelled to do so, else they could not recover the note at all. It fell upon the Doctor like a thunderbolt, from a clear sky.
The next day he made an assignment, so that his creditors might all share alike, his partner and teachers only preferred.
Some friends offered the Doctor pecuniary aid, but he
[book page] 72
declined, saying that the stringency might continue several years, and he would let the property go, and pay his debts as far as it would. Uncle Lewis Bryan was a warm friend.
He gave up everything but his library, a few pieces of silverware-presents from friends-and his clothing.
The Seminary and its belongings were at once advertised to be sold at the close of the session of 1858. In July the sale took place. Property that cost him $11,000 sold for $4,100. He bid in enough furniture to set us up to housekeeping in a modest way.
Father and Mother Fife moved to Paris to take charge of the boarding department of the female seminary there, taking our daughter with them, so as to keep her in school until we could determine what was best to be done.
Pro. Wilkes moved to Columbia, to engage in teaching in Christian College, and our beloved girls went to their homes.
It was a sad parting for all. The names of our dear girls are deeply graven on our hearts, and we are proud of the record many of them have made. I copy a few lines from a letter I received from one of them only a few days ago, she little dreaming I would put it into print, but gave it as the outburst of her heart:
"I think so often and so much about you and the Doctor! How could it be otherwise, when so often some little incident in my life will bring to mind some of the grand lessons and noble truths that the Doctor taught our class in the happy school days! Ah! no one could teach them so impressively as he could. It always seemed to me that no one else had the same power to arouse all the noblest and best influences of the human heart that the Doctor had. But it is useless to try to tell you, my dear friend, how my heart goes out in love and sympathy for you both.
ANNIE M. COONS."
[book page] 73
