The 1830s

During the 1830s there were three Principals-William Hill, Nathan C. Brooks, and Elisha J. Hall. They were assisted by Elisha J. Hall (1832), George W. Grey (1834), James M. Cushing (1834), Charles Brooks (1834), G. W. Jural (1836), and N. H. Stewart (1838).

William Hill, a graduate of Princeton College, commenced his duties in 1831. During his tenure, there was an amendment of the Fundamental Rules and the first advertisements listing the advantages of the Academy were placed (1831). In 1833, the Maryland State Legislature passed a local liquor law prohibiting the sale of intoxicating liquors within 1 mile of the village.(7)

The Trustees and teachers alike sought to improve the quality of the Academy's education - either through the controlled guidance of the youths away from vices and evils such as alcohol use, through providing adequate facilities for a learning environment, or through amendments of the rules and regulations. The Minutes consistently recorded quarterly examinations of the pupils by the Trustees. Also during this period, Colonel John H. Riggs resigned as Trustee (1831), James Holland died (1831), and Major Ephraim Gaither resigned (1832). Richard B. Dorsey (1831), Henry Howard (1831), and William B. Magruder (1832) were elected to fill the positions. Upon the death of Thomas Davis, Allen Bowie Davis was chosen as Trustee. William Hill resigned as Principal in 1834 and was followed by Nathan C. Brooks, later head of the Baltimore Female College.