Chapter I: Foreword

It will be obvious that this biography has been written in a passion of admiration and loyal love. Conscious of the eminent worthiness of its subject, the writer has felt no temptation to exceed the just limits of praise, or to violate the demands of a true sincerity. The effort has been to hold the record to a faithful presentation of the facts in a long and distinguished career. The singular unity of his life-work, localized on one spot of earth, has made the gathering of materials an easy task. An intimate and affectionate friendship of twenty-three years, is one of the author's invaluable sources. Then, abundant information was found in the minutes of the trustee meetings, the yearly catalogues, the college magazines, the occasional reminiscent speeches to students and the annual commencement address.

One makes bold to say that he fears not the verdict of the older Hollins girls on this memoir. If it shall awaken hallowed memories and unseal the fount of tears; if it shall tighten the clasp of their heartstrings to dear old Hollins, its purpose will have been largely accomplished.

W. R. L. Smith.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER I PAGE
THE EARLY YEARS 21

CHAPTER II
CALL OF THE SOUTHWEST 34

CHAPTER III
HOLLINS INSTITUTE IN STRUGGLE AND GROWTH 49

CHAPTER IV
THE CLEARING SKIES 63

CHAPTER V
EXPANSION AND ACHIEVEMENT 75

CHAPTER VI
THE PRESIDENT AND HIS GIRLS 91

CHAPTER VII
COMMENCEMENTS AND ADDRESSES 105

CHAPTER VIII
RELIGIOUS ENTHUSIASMS AND ACTIVITIES 123

CHAPTER IX
CHARACTERISTICS 132

CHAPTER X
HIS COMRADES AND CO-WORKERS 142