The 1850s

Early in 1850 the school entered into a tumultuous period after Elisha J. Hall resigned. The Board of Trustees offered the position to John C. Williamson, an assistant teacher, and Robert B. Sutton as co-principals. Mr. Sutton declined the position and as the Board felt that Mr. Williamson did not have enough experience to govern the Academy alone, they offered the position to J. J. Sandford. Mr. Williamson then withdrew boarders from the school at which time the Board expressed "strong and decided condemnation of the course pursued by the late assistant teacher." (10)

In the meantime, Mr. Sandford took so long to take his position in the Academy that it caused the withdrawal of the boarding patronage and the Board requested his resignation. David L. Rouse was chosen as Principal in 1851 on the Board's condition that Mrs. Catharine Trippe manage the boarding house. Mr. Rouse accepted the position, but remained as Principal for only one year at which time Elisha J. Hall stepped in as Principal pro tem.