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��PHILLIPS EXETER ACADEMY.
��Exeter beside those of Dr. John Phillips, the Founder of the Academy. A few years since the remains of Dr. Phillips were removed to the "New Cemetery." When exhumed, at the distance of about 70 years, the skull of Dr. Phillips was well preserved, as also that of his wife. The skull of Dr. Phillips was thin, par- ticularly in the regions known to phren- ologists, as "acquisitiveness" and "be- nevolence" and a remarkable develop- ment of both of those organs was appa- rent. He died April 21, 1795, in his sev- enty-sixth year.
Justice requires the mention of William Woodbriclge, A. B., who was inducted into office as Preceptor of the Academy, May 1, 1783, with appropriate ceremo- nies. So far as is known he was a worthy teacher, but failing in health, he was succeeded by Dr. Abbott in 1788.
Two other teachers rendered invaluable assistance to Dr. Abbott. The first was Hosea Hildreth, Professor of Mathemat- ics for fourteen years, a man of "emi- nently robust mind, of iron will, of stren- uous purpose, of a stern integrity, and unflinching courage." The second was Joseph Gibson Hoyt, afterwards Chan- cellor of Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri. He was one of the fac- ulty for eighteen years. Prof. Peabody says of him, "of his clear thought, vivid fancy, versatile genius, perfect zeal in every worthy cause, incessant activity, unwearied assiduity and unexhausted kindness in every relation, as teacher, friend, neighbor, citizen, none who knew him need that I should tell."
A sketch of Phillips Exeter Academy cannot be complete without a more ex- tended notice of its founder; indeed, a transcript of the life of Drs. Phillips and Abbott nearly completes the history of this classical school, until within a brief period. Dr. John Phillips was born in Andover, Mass., Dec. 27, 1719. His father-was a clergyman. Dr. Phillips graduated at the early age of fifteen years. Leaving college he taught school, meantime studying theology. Pie re- ceived a call from the First Church in Exeter, but was too modest or diffident to accept it,and subsequently engaged in trade in that town. Amassing a fortune
��and leaving no children, with simple tastes and habits and without covetous- ness, it seemed most natural and easy for him to give away large amounts for re- ligious and charitable purposes and be- queath the remainder for the furtherance of such objects. It was finely said of him that "without natural issue, he made posterity his heir." Cultivating the nat- ural gift of benevolence by frequent do- nations he finally became the George Peabody of his State if not of his coun- try. In conjunction with Judge Samuel Phillips of Andover, Mass., he founded Phillips Academy at Andover in 1778, the darkest period of the Revolutionary war, Judge Phillips contributing .$6000 and Dr. Phillips contributing $31,000, about one third being bestowed at the outset and the other two thirds in 1790. Dr. Phillips was a Trustee of this insti- tution until his death. He also endowed a Professorship of Theology in Dart- mouth College and was a Trustee of that College for twenty years. He also made ' liberal gifts to Princeton College N. J.
Dr. Phillips asked no aid in founding the Exeter Academy. He obtained a char- ter April 3, 1781. It is thus the oldest institution of learning established by State authority, Dartmouth College hav- ing been established by Royal grant in 1769. By charter all the property of the Academy is forever exempted from taxation. The entire management is vested in a Board of Trustees of not more than seven or less than four. They are empowered to remove the institution, if circumstances should render such a change desirable and establish it in a suitable place within the State.
The Academy was not established solely to give instruction in the various branches of secular learning ; it was solemnly ded- icated to the promotion of good manners, sound morality and pure religion. In the "Constitution and Laws" the Found- er says, "above all it is expected that the attention of instructors to the disposition of the minds and morals of the youth under their charge will exceed every oth- er care." At the same time, Dr. Phil- lips' religious views were very liberal. Even Dr. Abbott held different theologi- cal opinions from its founder. Agreeable
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