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[Illustration: CHARLES LEWIS COCKE]
CHARLES LEWIS COCKE
FOUNDER OF HOLLINS COLLEGE
BY
W. R. L. SMITH, D.D.
BOSTON
RICHARD G. BADGER
THE GORHAM PRESS
COPYRIGHT, 1921, BY RICHARD G. BADGER
All Rights Reserved
Made in the United States of America
The Gorham Press, Boston, U. S. A.
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
CHAPTER XI
HIS MONUMENT 159
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
CHARLES LEWIS COCKE _Frontispiece_
FACING PAGE
CHARLES LEWIS COCKE AND SUSANNA VIRGINIA PLEASANTS, ABOUT 1840 30
THE VALLEY UNION SEMINARY, 1842-1852 36
THE FEMALE SEMINARY AT BOTETOURT SPRINGS, 1852-1855 46
HOLLINS INSTITUTE 60
MRS. CHARLES L. COCKE 70
"GOOD MORNING, 'GYRLS'" 92
CHARLES L. COCKE 132
MRS. CHARLES L. COCKE 142
MRS. ANNE HOLLINS 150
JOHN HOLLINS 154
HOLLINS COLLEGE 160
INTRODUCTION
This biographical sketch of Charles L. Cocke has been written with fine
appreciation and sympathy. It brings before us an exceptionally strong
man, who after years of struggle against discouragements realized, in
large measure, the ideals of his early years. It is a story of heroic
achievement that can not be read without emotion.
Hollins College stands today as a fitting and permanent memorial of its
founder's indomitable will and noble aims. But there was something still
finer connected with his years of struggle and toil. Long before the end
came, he had made the noblest achievement of human life, bringing from
its disappointments and conflicts, not a cynical distrust of his fellow
men, but a courageous, hopeful and invincible character of righteousness
and love. He learned to look upon the tumultuous world with a serene and
benignant spirit.
It was my privilege for many years to serve as one of the chaplains of
Hollins College. The hours spent in Mr. Cocke's office after the evening
service are among my cherished memories. Our talk, often protracted
till nearly midnight, turned chiefly on educational, religious, and
social subjects, which always made a strong appeal to his vigorous mind
and earnest nature. He loved the truth; but in the expression of his
opinions there was sometimes a delightful touch of exaggeration that
lent a peculiar charm to his conversation.
Beyond any man I have ever known he possessed the power to call forth
noble sentiment and stimulate intellectual activity. This quality
explains, in part at least, the loyal devotion of his co-workers and the
grateful affection of his students. It made him a great teacher. It
endowed him with a sort of divine right to leadership; it crowned him
with the glory of perennial, unconscious beneficence.
In the quality of his intellect he was distinctly Roman. By the law of
resemblance he easily conjures up before our minds the dignified and
sturdy personality of a Cato. Without the gifts of Attic versatility,
his strong intellect and sound judgment set him apart for substantial
practical achievement. We are fully warranted in believing that he would
have won in any industrial or political field the same distinguished
success that he achieved in education.
The religion of the New Testament was a vital element in his character.
Its dominant feature was not emotion but conscience. To him the call of
duty was imperative and final. It was in obedience to this call that he
entered upon his work at Hollins. The materialistic science of the
latter half of the nineteenth century left him untouched. He recognized
the Divine agency in the lives of men no less than in the destiny of
nations. This profound and dominant faith habitually filled the future
with hope, and imparted to him, as to all who cherish it, unfailing
courage and strength.
A massive intellect, supported by a deep sense of religious duty, made
him an independent and fearless thinker. He had the force to break the
trammels of tradition. With the vision of a true pioneer he saw the need
of a better intellectual training for American women, and with the
resourcefulness of a strong nature he led the way in its attainment. His
aims and efforts were manifestations of real greatness. It is men of
like vision and resourcefulness who are raised up from time to time to
lead the forward movements of our race. It is no reproach to say that
Mr. Cocke would hardly have been in full sympathy with the feminist
movement of recent years. No man can live too far ahead of his time. But
he helped to prepare the way for it by his pioneer insistence on a
richer culture and larger opportunities for women; and it may justly be
said that no other man in Virginia or the South has a higher claim on
their recognition and gratitude.
He was fortunate to recognize in his early manhood his vocation as a
pioneer educator. The call was clear, and his consecration complete. Few
men have ever labored with greater singleness of purpose. As Tennyson
dedicated his life to poetry and Darwin to science, so Mr. Cocke gave
himself to the work of a nobler culture for the women of Virginia and
later of our whole country. Without this singleness of aim, which gave
unity to his efforts for more than fifty years, he could not have
brought his great life-task to a triumphant conclusion.
But his great mind and heart were not so utterly absorbed in this work
as to exclude from his thought and effort other important interests.
Before the present movement for social betterment had been inaugurated,
he labored unselfishly for the material and moral improvement of his
community and State. He was interested in the establishment of schools
for boys. He was a recognized leader in the extension of the Baptist
Church in Southwestern Virginia, and his foresight and wise counsel
contributed in no small measure to the vigorous life and growth of that
denomination.
Yet he was not narrowly sectarian. His broad outlook on life welcomed
every agency that contributed to moral and religious advancement. To
his mind denominational differences of creed were of secondary
importance as compared with the great fundamental agreement in the work
of establishing the kingdom of God in the world. He cultivated friendly
relations with all branches of the Christian Church, and invited their
ministers from time to time to conduct services in the Hollins Chapel.
His chief requirement was a helpful message supported by an upright
life.
He delighted, it seems to me, in what we might call intellectual
athletics. He welcomed a disagreement of view, and enjoyed measuring
strength in an argument. The enjoyment, I think, was independent of the
outcome of the discussion; it was found in the pleasurable exercise of a
vigorous brain. Defeat in argument yielded him scarcely less pleasure
than did victory. The warmest discussion never ruffled in the slightest
degree his self-possession and friendly courtesy.
In the massiveness of his character he was exempt from the foibles of
smaller natures. In his striving after truth he was unswayed in his
judgment by petty prejudices. His broad benevolence and warm interest in
the welfare of others shielded him from envy and jealousy. While sternly
intolerant of wrong-doing, he was gently patient with the wrong-doer,
being less anxious to punish than to reclaim. Though he was doubtless
conscious of his strength, as are all truly great men, he was too
sensible and honest to feel the inflation of egotism. His natural
stately dignity forbade familiarity; but to those in need he was
uniformly kind and helpful. It is the memory of his kindness and
helpfulness that has enshrined his image in many hearts.
The life of so rare a character deserves to be recorded in permanent
form. It will thus stand as an inspiration and guide to others. As
biographer Dr. Smith has performed his task worthily; and I esteem it a
privilege to write this introduction and pay this tribute of admiration
and affection to one of the greatest men I have known.
F. V. N. PAINTER.
SALEM, VA.,
September 2, 1920.
CHRONOLOGY
1820
_February_ 21 Charles L. Cocke was born at Edgehill, King William
County, Va.
1836
He entered Richmond College.
1838
He entered Columbian College at Washington, D. C.
1840
Graduated from Columbian College, and accepted a position at Richmond
College.
1840
On _December_ 31 married Susanna Virginia Pleasants, of Henrico County.
1840-1846
Connected with Richmond College.
1845
Called to take charge of "Valley Union Seminary," a co-educational
school, Roanoke County, Va., at Botetourt Springs.
1846
_June_ 23 arrived at Botetourt Springs to take charge of the school.
1846
_July_ 1 the first session under Mr. Cocke's superintendence opened with
36 boys and 27 girls.
1852
Board of Trustees discontinued the department for boys.
1852
_July_ 20 the session 1852-'53 opened for girls only, under the name The
Female Seminary at Botetourt Springs, Va., Mr. Cocke, Principal,
Registration 81 girls.
1853
_September_ 4 the session of 1853-'54 opened with increased faculty and
registration of 150 girls.
1855
Mr. and Mrs. John Hollins of Lynchburg, Va., donated funds to the
institution, and in their Honor the name was changed to _Hollins
Institute_.
1855-'61
Average attendance 106.
1861-'65
Doors not closed during this period. Average attendance 134.
1865-'71
Average attendance 73.
1871-1900
Buildings, enlarged to accommodate 225 students.
1901
_May_ 4 Charles L. Cocke died.
CHARLES LEWIS COCKE
FOUNDER OF HOLLINS COLLEGE
I think I would rather have written a great biography than a
great book of any other sort, as I would have rather painted
a great portrait than any other kind of picture.
PHILLIPS BROOKS.
CHARLES LEWIS COCKE
CHAPTER I
THE EARLY YEARS
1820-1846
In the library at Hollins College is a life-size portrait of a great
Virginian. In its presence, you instantly feel the spell of a commanding
personality. The figure is tall, graceful, well proportioned, and in the
right hand is a diploma, the proper symbol of the vocation of a College
President. The attitude exactly fits the supreme moment on Commencement
day. In the face, the artist has cunningly gathered the insignia of fine
mental quality, and pictured the forces of achieving manhood. The ample
brow looks the home of ideality and enterprise, the aquiline nose hints
endurance and tireless energy. Napoleon selected as his marshals men
marked by the prominence of this feature. That jaw and chin and those
thin lips speak virility and determination. In the glance of those blue,
eagle eyes, are intimations of keen intensity and lightning force, yet
subduable to all the moods of tenderness and love. Truly, this is a
notably fine presentation in art of one of the noblest Virginians of the
19th century.
This man was marked for high performance, and would have won distinction
in any sphere of honorable endeavor. "Excelsior" was the divine
imprimatur stamped on his nature. His call was to leadership, and his
response enrolled him among the pioneers in the cause of the higher
education of women in the South. The educational ideals of Thomas
Jefferson became the inspiration of his youth, and with astonishing
tenacity and unity of purpose he pursued them until he worked out
Hollins College, making it one of the rare gems of American culture. His
work stimulated the founding of other like institutions in Virginia and
the South. Thus he builded wiser than he knew. He wrought well in his
generation, and a multitude of splendid women throughout the whole
nation will revere his name forever. It was a brilliant battle he fought
against hostile conditions and appalling odds. He was cast in heroic
mold. In fancy we can see him bearing his banner up the heights, his
eyes flashing strange fires, and every energy of soul and body exerted
to its utmost. The name of this remarkable man is Charles Lewis Cocke,
and there stands the faithful, impressive likeness of him in the
library building at Hollins College.
It is the story of this man that we want to know, and to that end the
following pages are written. It is the right of every child to be born
of honorable parentage. The life of Charles L. Cocke began with a good
heredity. He was born February 21, 1820, at Edgehill, the home of his
father, James Cocke, in King William County, Virginia. Elizabeth Fox was
the maiden name of his mother. Both family names run back a number of
generations, the old English ancestors having come to Virginia in the
17th century. Richard Cocke bought a home with three thousand acres, and
from 1644 to 1654 represented Henrico in the House of Burgesses. John
Fox located in York County and then in Gloucester, in the years 1660 to
1680. From this worthy stock descended the subject of this biography.
Charles Lewis was the oldest son of the family at Edgehill. Religious
reverence and intelligence dwelt in the home, and correct views of
conduct were expressed in parental example. The Baptist faith was an
important part of his inheritance, and at Beulah Church near by his
childhood received its first impressions of divine worship. By singular
good fortune, the benign influence of the eloquent pastor and friend,
the Rev. Dr. Andrew Broaddus, fell on the family and the growing lad.
In the atmosphere of this happy home, and in the moral securities and
privileges of a good country community, the early years were passed. The
boy's mind was alert, and both on the farm and in the local schools,
gave hints of latent powers. The growing youth demonstrated his
managerial capacity one year by taking charge of a kinsman's farm and
raising, as he said, "the finest crop it had ever borne." Self-reliance
and the power of bringing things to pass early became distinguishing
qualities. The father was proud of the promise of his son, and when the
boy was about fifteen years of age, gave him his choice of a career on
the farm or in some professional calling. The father could hardly have
been surprised at the prompt decision in favor of a profession.
Richmond College was then new, and under the presidency of the Rev. Dr.
Robert Ryland, was prosecuting its work in the suburbs of the Capital
City. The College was only twenty miles distant from Edgehill and soon
our ambitious youth was diligently pursuing his studies within its
walls. No special genius betrayed itself, but there was the same bent of
assiduous application which was on display when the abundant crop was
raised. Dr. Ryland was not slow in discovering the promising traits in
the new student, and a mutual interest sprang up between them. The
astute President saw in the boy the prophecy of stalwart young manhood,
just such a factor as might some day be of value to himself in the
labors of the Institution. The interest grew into intimacy, and there
were occasional confidential interchanges respecting the boy's hopes and
aspirations. The time of attendance on the College classes was drawing
to a close, when one day the Doctor suggested to him a further course at
Columbian College, a Baptist institution of higher learning in
Washington City. The thought enlisted the youth's enthusiasm, but he
urged the lack of funds needful for such a scheme. Then the generous
friend replied: "I will furnish that, and you can repay me at your
convenience."
Here was a compliment from a wise educator which, though it tended to no
inflation of conceit, put a glowing stimulus in a young man's soul. No
true man or woman ever fails to give gratitude and honor to those who
quickened and encouraged aspiration in the days of youth. Impressed
deeply by the kindly offer, and stirred by leaping ambition, Charles
Lewis Cocke left the College and returned to his home. At once he
communicated to his father the new visions and hopes. The father,
pleased at the hunger of the son for larger knowledge, said: "You shall
go to Columbian College; but we will not draw on the generosity of Dr.
Ryland. I will supply the means." Charles was then about eighteen years
of age.
The boy Daniel Webster was riding one day in a buggy with his father,
when at a certain point of the conversation the father said: "Son, I
have decided to send you to Dartmouth College." The announcement fell
like music on the aspiring soul, and the only response the delighted son
could make was to lean his head on his father's bosom and burst into
tears. Edgehill knew an emotion like that in the summer of 1838.
Pursuant to plans for early departure to Washington, James Cocke and his
son drove to Richmond in a buggy. While the reins were in the father's
hands, the horse went at a sluggish gait. Presently they were passed to
the son, when instantly the drudging steed pricked up his ears and
struck a new stride.
"You have been whipping this horse," exclaimed the surprised father.
"No," was the reply, "I have never whipped him, but he knows what I want
him to do."
Long years afterward, this little incident was told by the President of
Hollins Institute to his graduating class, with the reflection, that he
had learned that the best movements in horses and in people can be
secured without whipping.
The new student was welcomed into Columbian College and there pursued
the courses of study with unabating enthusiasm. Naturally the
environment of the national Capital served as a wholesome stimulus to
all his faculties. The good habits of his life suffered no deterioration
and the fine qualities of his mind went on maturing rapidly. It was
during this period that deepening religious impressions resulted in an
open confession of faith, and in union with a Baptist church in the
city. He was baptized in the Potomac river. Closely following his
twentieth birthday came his graduation with the degree of M.A. It is to
be regretted that no letters written to his parents during this season
have been preserved. Fortunately, two written to his friends do survive.
One, sent to his college chum, Mr. A. B. Clark, of Richmond, Virginia,
bears date of May 22, 1839:
"I walk at the usual times alone, spending the moments mostly in
meditation on serious subjects. My thoughts are more apt to turn this
way than formerly. I write two lessons per day in Greek and read but
little in other books."
Something far more significant appears in the second letter which was
addressed to a kinswoman in the neighborhood of Edgehill. In that he
declared a settled purpose, "To devote my life to the higher education
of women in the South, which I consider one of our greatest needs. In
this decision, my promised wife concurs." What special influences led
the college boy to such a majestic consecration, we have no means of
discovering. That it is a mark of uncommon maturity and breadth of
intelligent conception, there can be no question.
The benignant spirit of Democracy was becoming atmospheric and the
intellectual emancipation of woman steadily and slowly pressed to the
fore. Ancient prejudices and stupidities were beginning reluctantly to
yield. Not one of the elder ages had ever grasped the thought of woman's
mental, social and political equality with her brothers. Here and there
a lone voice had been lifted in her behalf to fall on deaf ears and
unresponsive hearts. The world habit of thought laughed the innovation
out of court and the bondage of general ignorance remained unbroken. But
the imperial idea of the dignity and worth of the human individual could
not be forever submerged. Its persistent pressure loosened the bonds of
tradition and began to breach the walls of custom. Modern freedom
wrought itself into the minds of men, and thinkers announced the
harbinger of a new era. Practice, as usual, lagged behind theory, and
one hundred years ago when Charles L. Cocke was born, advantages for the
culture of daughters were inferior to those afforded the sons. That
this inequality should have impressed the mind of a young collegian,
shows uncommon susceptibility to social needs and sacred human rights. A
rare young manhood came to expression when he dedicated himself to the
new ideal. He did not originate the ideal. It was borne to him in the
expansive thought of the time. His shining merit is in the fact that he
made the early resolve to be an agent in bringing in the better day for
the liberal education of young women.
It was in the Spring of 1840 that his college work closed and he
received the degree of Master of Arts. Before the Finals of that
session, there was some important correspondence between himself and
Doctor Ryland. The good President had startled Charles with the
flattering proposition that he should become a member of the Faculty of
Richmond College, as assistant teacher in Mathematics and as manager of
the dining hall. The college was then trying to combine training in
agriculture with the usual curriculum, an experiment that was soon
abandoned. The young man was too genuinely modest to fancy himself
equipped for so responsible a position. He faced the issue frankly,
however, and much influenced by confidence in the judgment of Doctor
Ryland, decided to accept. Leaving Columbian College he hastened to
witness the closing exercises at Richmond College.
It must have seemed almost comical to see a practically beardless
youngster put in charge of some of the vitally important duties of the
Institution. There he was, without a touch of egotism of
self-consciousness, quiet of manner, and yet with something about him
that looked resourceful, unapologetic, and unafraid. You may be sure
that the boys looked at him curiously, and asked themselves, "Can he do
it?" Of course there were cautious conservatives who doubted the
competency of the new incumbent. This tribe is always with us. However,
there was ground of assurance in the known confidence of Doctor Ryland,
and nothing remained but to wait and see its vindication. No misgivings
troubled the Doctor himself. Without bluster or consequential airs, the
assistant professor made prompt acquaintance with his tasks, and
discharged them with an efficiency that left nothing to be desired. He
was on his mettle, conscious of the questioning curiosity centered upon
himself. For the first time in his life he stood before the footlights
of public observation and expectation. Leadership had thrust its burdens
on him early and had imposed its first critical test.
[Illustration: CHARLES LEWIS COCKE AND SUSANNA VIRGINIA PLEASANTS ABOUT
1840]
A survey of the affairs of the dining hall convinced him that a change
of methods was necessary, and with pure audacity he introduced them. At
the opening of the fall session of 1840 he presented the boys with a
new bill of fare. To their astonishment he gave them oysters, finding
them as cheap as other meats. He gave them raisins and plum pudding for
dessert. He scored instant success, and the boys' heartstrings were in
his hands. Without incurring increased expense, the new manager secured
a new satisfaction with the dining hall. Noiselessly other needed
changes were made and the voice of the growler ceased to be heard. At
the helm was an officer who knew college boys, and the college spirit
was noticeably improved. Like competency appeared in the duties of the
class room. He could teach mathematics and he did. Before the
Commencement in 1841, Charles L. Cocke was recognized as a distinct
contribution to the life of the Institution. Here is a young professor
who does not propose to rest content with inadequate facilities and
outworn methods. His whole nature cries for improvement and for better
ways of doing things. What a boon to many a school and college would
such a man be. Good Doctor Ryland's face wore a smile which plainly
said, "I told you so." His judgment of capacity and character was
sufficiently justified. The young comrade was to him an object of
ever-deepening interest and their relations steadily ripened into
sincere and loving friendship.
Now, the President knew that his assistant was romantically entangled
with an affair of the heart. He also knew the fair young woman who was
responsible for that state of things. Miss Susanna V. Pleasants lived
five miles north of Richmond in a lovely old Virginia home which bore
the Indian name of "Picquenocque." Knowing that a matrimonial alliance
was imminent, the Doctor, one day, ventured to ask Charles about the
date of the coming event. He warmly approved the match and was exuberant
in congratulations. As a matter of fact he was hoping that the marriage
would tend to fix his assistant more firmly in Richmond College. This
genial intrusion into sacred privacy was not resented, but Charles found
it inconvenient to confide. The question was asked in November, and at
that very moment the issue to be decided between the sweethearts was
whether the ceremony should come off on the last day of December, or the
first of January following. That problem enabled the young gentleman to
make a complete but truthful evasion. His honest reply was: "I know
neither the day, nor the month, nor the year." There the matter ended,
and the mystified Doctor relapsed into silence. Later the mighty problem
was solved and the marriage was solemnized on the last day of 1840.
Doctor Ryland, officiating, beamed on the happy pair and found great
merriment in the perfectly true, but dextrously non-committal answer,
made just six weeks before. The bride and groom had not quite reached
their twenty-first birthdays when they began that remarkable human
pilgrimage which was to endure a little more than sixty years. The
angels of domestic peace and joy sang benediction all the way. That home
life is a glorious memory now, but its lesson is more precious than
gold. An astronomer discerned a luminous star. On closer inspection he
found it, not single but binary. The twin stars joined their radiance,
which came streaming down in one glorious pencil of light. Such a star
beams forever in the Hollins firmament.