HIS COMRADES AND CO-WORKERS
The building of Hollins Institute was not the achievement of one man. It
was the outcome of associated work. There was a leader, gifted with
vision, judgment and iron will, but without abundant and able
co-operation, there would have been no realization of his scheme. No man
would be more prompt than Mr. Cocke in acknowledgment of this fact. He
was accurate in measurements of the qualities of men and women, and not
often in his selection of teachers was his judgment at fault. It was a
compliment to be invited into his Faculty, and its members always found
Hollins one big family. In one dining hall, students and teachers met
three times a day, and the warmth of home feeling fused all generous
natures into one delightful fellowship. Mr. Cocke did not look on his
comrades as hired people. He took them into his confidence and high
regard as honorable and worthy associates in his sacred work of
education. He was no dictator; he issued no commands. He trusted his
teachers, invited their freedom of initiative, and complimented them
with the expectation of efficient service. He asked for good team work.
It is no surprise that in such an atmosphere and under such genial
conditions, he always had a loyal and harmonious Faculty. Rarely did one
of its members go away without happy memories and loving attachments.
Many fine men and women, through the long years, made invaluable
contributions to the upbuilding of the Institution. Their work was
worthy of all praise, and it is a matter of regret that most of their
names have to be omitted from this brief record.
_Mrs. Charles L. Cocke_
In the presentation of Mr. Cocke's fellow-workers in the building up of
Hollins Institute, no one will deny the first place to his wife. Her
pre-eminent worth has already been indicated in the foregoing chapters.
Longer than others, she bore him company and demonstrated a sturdiness
of character, quite as marked as his own. She did not want to come to
the mountains with her three little children. In 1845, she listened with
loving interest to the enthusiastic recitals of her husband, just
returned from the Southwest, but kept hidden in her heart an invincible
preference for her old home. Yet, in the summer of 1846, she went with
him, loyally and cheerfully. His optimism she could not share, but the
path of duty she trod as willingly as he. In the far after years she
confided to her children that she had never loved the mountains, and
then added, "But I never told Charles!" The fact would not have helped
him, hence it was shut up in her heart. That confession is full of great
meanings, pathetic, unselfish and honorable. Such was her faith in him,
such her love and hearty comradeship in toil and sacrifice, that he most
likely never suspected the secret feeling.
[Illustration: MRS. CHARLES L. COCKE]
The shock of that first view of her new home we have seen. A little
later, the primitive rawness of it was accentuated to her as she saw a
wild bear leisurely passing through the premises! Bravely she plied the
domestic tasks, and smiled sympathetically on her husband's plans. In
truth, without such a wife he could not have won. In the strong cord
that held him to his work, she was the golden strand. Though loaded with
the cares of the household and of her little ones, this wonderful woman
gave herself to numberless ministries among the girls. One feels
astonishment at her physical endurance. Her energies and womanly
loveliness were elemental in the making of Hollins. Six years after her
arrival, it was her joy to see her brother, Professor William H.
Pleasants, added to the Faculty. In the long, dark struggles that were
to follow, there was no breaking down of her faith and courage. Through
two generations, the girls loved her with a genuine affection, and made
no distinction between her and Mr. Cocke in the bestowal of honors.
It was truly said, that if Mr. Cocke was the head of Hollins, Mrs. Cocke
was its heart. That splendid patriarchal Trustee, Mr. Wm. A. Miller,
says: "It is common to speak of the wife as the better half. In my view,
Mrs. Cocke was the better two-thirds." She watched the health of the
girls, and entered into their amusements, sometimes even lending her own
wardrobe for a histrionic performance. She could never endure harsh
criticism, and if conversation drifted in that direction, she invariably
withdrew. No unkind speech ever escaped her lips. To most mortals this
will seem unbelievable, but ample testimony supports it. If ever
compelled to express disapproval, it was in fashion so gentle that no
sting was left. In the latter years, all the graces and beatitudes
seemed to cluster on that feminine face, framed in with silver locks and
the little white cap. She had a delightful gift of humor and many times
the unconscious play of it surprised her by its mirthful effects. Enon
Church and its worship always enlisted her active sympathy and gave her
spiritual comfort. Often in quiet seclusion, she was found reading her
Bible.
The eventide came slowly on, with the relaxation of cares long borne.
Then came the desolation of sorrow, and a deepening of life's
lonesomeness. There was no decay of mental power, no encroachment of
disease. At last the mortal part went down without pain, and on January
5th, 1906, the Mother of Hollins went away. Just three weeks more, and
she would have rounded out her eighty-sixth year. The last services
revived memories of those solemn scenes of May 6th, 1901. She was laid
beside him on the hill, and weeping college girls strewed the grave with
flowers.
_Professor William Henry Pleasants_
Here is a great looking man, scholarly, courtly, popular, and in his
maturer years, affectionately called, "Uncle Billy." He was born at the
"Picquenocque" homestead, five miles north of Richmond, January 29th,
1831, the youngest in a family of nine children. The family was reared
under the quiet influence of the Quaker faith. At about eighteen years
of age, the young man graduated at Richmond College, and entered into
business relations with a foreign tobacco firm, in which was the promise
of promotion and wealth. Turning from this inviting prospect, he went to
the University of Virginia, and by diligence in study, bore off its
honors. Mr. Cocke invited him to Hollins in 1852, just as the "Female
Seminary" began its work. Soon thereafter, he married Miss Minta Smoot,
of Washington City. After a few years, the young wife passed away,
leaving him with a little daughter and son, who became the sole objects
of his devotion. It was his joy to see the daughter, Mary, achieve
distinction as a teacher of Music at Hollins.
He was a lover of Latin and Greek; and literature, ancient and modern,
was his passion. Latin was his special department of instruction, but so
versatile was his culture that he often taught the classes in Natural
Science and Philosophy. He was a magnetic teacher, accurate, clear and
inspiring. He won reputation as a polished writer and speaker, and had a
natural fondness for music and flowers. In association with congenial
friends, he was the center of courtesy and charm. Masonry was his
pleasing avocation, and he was twice honored with the office of Grand
Master of Masons of Virginia.
Here are a few of the many fine sayings which reflect his quality:
"Find out things for yourself, and you will know them better than if I
were to tell you beforehand."
"I am afraid that the average teacher of the present day prepares the
students for examinations, not for life."
"All higher education is essentially self-education."
"Can anyone who himself neither intelligently observes, reflects, nor
reasons, aid others in so doing?"
Washington and Lee University gave him the degree of LL.D. in 1907. He
gave up his work as teacher in 1912, having spent sixty years in the
service. On November 26th, 1914, he passed away, lacking only two months
of fulfilling his eighty-fourth year. He sleeps with his kindred in the
little cemetery on the hill.
_Professor Joseph A. Turner_
Professor Turner was born in Greenville County, Virginia, August 6th,
1839; was a B.A. of Richmond College in 1858, and an M.A. of the
University of Virginia, in 1860. He served in Mahone's Brigade, Army of
Northern Virginia, during the entire war, and in 1866 accepted the chair
of English and Modern Languages at Hollins Institute, which position he
held to the time of his death, May 5th, 1878. Hollins has had many able
and popular teachers, but it is simple truth to say that none ever
stirred more enthusiastic admiration and devotion than he. Indeed, after
hearing and reading his eulogies, one is almost forced to the conclusion
that he was one of the most remarkable teachers the Institution has
ever known. Of high character, broad scholarly sympathies, and passion
for teaching, he made his classroom electric with literary contagions
and enthusiasms. Not only did he teach, but he magnetized and inspired
the student. His teaching was largely by lecture, punctuated with
pointed questions. Intellectually honest, accurate, painstaking, he
cultivated the same qualities in the student. He published a valuable
treatise on Punctuation and left several works in manuscript on his
special subjects of English literature and philosophy. He contributed
occasionally to _Appleton's Journal_ and _The Atlantic Monthly_, and
regularly to the editorial columns of _The Nation_.
Mr. Cocke honored and loved him, and the tribute he paid to the lost
teacher in his annual report to the Trustees in 1878, is probably the
finest ever given by him:
"Mr. Turner was a man of no ordinary type. When a boy, he was a mark
among boys; when he became a man, he was a man among men. He hesitated
long between law and teaching, and when the question was settled, he
gave all the energies of his soul to his chosen calling. Prompt, able,
faithful and enthusiastic, he carried his pupils to the highest
standards of improvement of which they were capable, opening the fields
of Literature, where they might wander, explore and gather the richest
fruits in after years. Not only did he give them knowledge and culture,
but he inspired a zest for knowledge which would carry them beyond the
ordinary confines of female acquirements. As an officer in a school for
girls, his eminent literary attainments, his temperament, manners and
very person, inspired respect and affection. His purpose was to make
this a prominent Institution for young ladies, and accordingly he was
engaged in preparation of textbooks adapted to that end. Among literary
men, Mr. Turner was regarded as a scholar of mark, and destined to
become a figure in the literary world."
_Mrs. Leila Virginia Turner_
Mrs. Turner, Mr. Cocke's oldest daughter, was born in Richmond,
Virginia, February 5th, 1844. She was educated at Hollins and taught
twenty-one years in the Institution. Brightly gifted, ardent, magnetic,
witty and companionable, she had peculiar power to win and hold the
hearts of students and friends. She was happily married to Professor
Joseph A. Turner in 1871, and was consigned to early widowhood in 1878.
Two little children were left to her care. The daughter, now Mrs. Erich
Rath, teaches in the College, and the son, Mr. Joseph A. Turner, is its
Business Manager.
[Illustration: MRS. ANNE HOLLINS]
_Miss Sallie Lewis Cocke_
This gentle and accomplished daughter was born in Richmond, Virginia,
May 25th, 1845. She was a graduate of Hollins, and taught many years in
the college. Though frail in body, she was alert in mind, and lovingly
responsive to all those tasks wherein she could do her father service.
Gentleness and spiritual refinement were eminent qualities. Friendliness
and social grace seemed native to her character. Her teaching was in the
department of Literature and Languages, and to this day her pupils speak
in praise of her taste and skill in the teaching art. She was a model of
feminine culture, and filled her mission well. On the 29th of July,
1900, the lovable life faded away, at Hollins.
_Mr. Charles Henry Cocke_
This nobly useful man was born at Hollins, May 21st, 1853. He took a
course at Richmond College and in early manhood became an invaluable
helper to his father in the business affairs at Hollins. The growth of
the Institution, with the multiplying years and cares of the President,
made assistance imperative. No more timely relief could have been given
than that which came when young Charles H. Cocke threw his fresh
energies and enthusiasm into this work. On the new manager a
multitudinous and bewildering mass of incessant duties descended. He
discharged them with surprising swiftness and ability. A friendlier
manner or a kinder heart could not be. He had patience even with the
trivial and senseless interruptions that arose. Everybody leaned on him
and everybody loved him. His work at Hollins was one of the finest
contributions given by any one to the success and stability of the
Institution. All honor to his name. His health began to fail before the
end of twenty-five years of service, and, too late, he began to recruit
his spent vitalities. On May 3rd, 1900, his labors closed in death. All
Hollins wept and mourned his loss. Mr. Cocke said: "He was the right arm
of my strength. Without him the school would never have reached the
commanding position it now holds." With the precious company on the hill
he rests in peace. One is glad to see his son, M. Estes Cocke, a
prominent member of the Faculty.
_Mrs. Eliza Speiden Childs_
This noble woman was one of the distinguished factors in the evolution
of beautiful Hollins. Rich and varied are the contributions which she
made to the school. She was born in Washington City, July 26th, 1829.
Her father, William Speiden, was a U. S. Naval officer, and rose to the
rank of Commodore. Her mother was an English lady. Eliza was the oldest
of seven children. She was educated at Mrs. Kingsford's School in
Washington, and in that environment of elegant culture, her young
womanhood was nourished. By the strange vicissitudes of human life, she
was, before middle age, twice a widow, with two little children in her
care. In the year 1873, by good fortune both to herself and Mr. Cocke,
she came to Hollins as Associate Principal, a position she was to fill
for twenty-five years. After resignation, she was made "Emeritus." Mr.
Cocke said of her: "Mrs. Childs' gifts and qualifications were of
inestimable value to the Institution, and without them and her untiring
service, it could not have reached the excellence it has."
There was about her a captivating nameless grace of womanly finish,
delicacy and comeliness. Her unaffected goodness blended smoothly with
her emphasis of authority, and a perfect taste joined itself to charm of
manner and flowing sympathy. It was social culture to be in her company.
Her influence went out over all the South and will abide. Her daughter,
Miss Marian Bayne, is Librarian at Hollins today. Mrs. Childs resigned
at Hollins in 1898, and on August 11, 1901, she passed away, at
Marshall, Virginia. Her body was laid to rest at Alexandria, Virginia,
near the scenes of her childhood.
_Professor A. T. L. Kusian, LL.D._
Here is one of the most picturesque and delightful of scholars. His
history is dramatic and his experience of the world is rich. He was born
in France and educated in Germany. During the Civil War his sympathies
were with the South, and he bought supplies for the Confederacy in
France and Italy. He came to the United States while still young, and
took out naturalization papers in Kentucky. He married a Virginia lady,
and taught a number of years in the Baptist College at Danville,
Virginia. From there he was called to Hollins in 1890. After more than
twenty-five years of work in the department of Modern Languages, he
retired as Professor Emeritus. He was a man of remarkable memory, never
forgetting a fact or a face. He was one of the most competent, courteous
and obliging of teachers and friends, and for Mr. Cocke he had the most
sincere admiration and attachment. Honored and revered by all, he fell
asleep March 24th, 1920, at his home in Accomac County, Virginia.
_Trustees_
Two of the original Trustees of Hollins stand out particularly as
notable for long service and devotion.
[Illustration: JOHN HOLLINS]
_Mr. William A. Miller_
This venerable and delightful gentleman was born in Pittsylvania County,
Virginia, in March, 1824, and is now in his ninety-seventh year. This
summer of 1920, he is in fair health, and goes daily to his place of
business in Lynchburg, where most of his life has been spent. His whole
career has been one of stainless virtue and lofty Christian character.
His first meeting with the Trustees of Hollins was on July 5th, 1855;
his last was in February, 1900, making a term of forty-five years. He
was always high in the esteem of Mr. Cocke. He recently explained in
humorous way, that his long term of life was due to long teaching in
Baptist Sunday Schools. This got into the papers, and he has received
letters from all over the country, and some from people in other
countries, asking his methods of teaching the lessons. A halo of honor
is on his head, and thousands of friends wish him long life.
_Colonel George P. Tayloe_
On the 18th of April, 1897, this splendid citizen of Roanoke, Virginia,
this strong and invaluable friend of Hollins Institute, passed away, in
the ninety-third year of his age. He was the first-named Trustee on the
Board of the Valley Union Seminary, in 1842. That position he held
until the school took the name of Hollins Institute. In 1857 he became
President of the Board of Trustees, and as long as he lived, he held
this office with distinction. In 1896 some members thought it expedient
to elect another President, owing to Colonel Tayloe's frequent, enforced
absence on account of sickness. Mr. Cocke objected, however, and the
grand old man was re-elected. Before the next annual meeting he was no
more.
Mr. William A. Miller has this to say of his comrade: "Colonel Tayloe
was a gentleman in every sense of the word, and was often consulted by
Mr. Cocke. He seemed to feel himself a part of Hollins and was almost
like the right arm of the President."
Mr. Cocke himself, in giving a brief history of the Institution, in
1896, said, "I cannot close this sketch without a tribute to one who
well deserves to be mentioned on this occasion. The Hon. George P.
Tayloe, of this County, a gentleman of wealth and exalted social
station, was the administrator of the estate which held possession of
the property at the time the purchase was made for educational purposes.
He not only heartily approved of the establishment of the school and
gave liberally to its funds, but he gave his personal influence and more
than all, he indulged the Trustees in the payments due the estate, to
the utmost limits of the law, refusing to accept offers made by others,
until he finally secured the property to its present owners, thus
enabling the school to continue its high mission. For nearly the entire
period of fifty years, he has held the Presidency of the Board of
Trustees, and seldom has he been absent. When at any time during the
history of the school, money had to be raised for any emergency, he was
the first to subscribe and prompt to pay. His influence has contributed
largely to its successful career."
The Institution never had a more loyal friend, or a more generous and
intelligent Trustee. Hollins and its community ought to wipe the
opprobrious name of "Tinker" off the beautiful mountain, and replace it
with the honorable and cherished name of "Tayloe."
_Mr. and Mrs. John Hollins_
Mr. and Mrs. Hollins lived at Lynchburg, Virginia, prosperous, highly
respected and influential. Mr. Hollins was a man of superior worth and
always responsive to the generous impulses of his intelligent wife. Her
ancestors, the Halseys, came from England in 1623. One of these kinsmen
was a member of the English Parliament, and another went to the United
States Congress from New Jersey. She was a member of the First Baptist
Church of Lynchburg, but her husband, on account of self-distrust,
never joined. Mr. Hollins' gift of $5,000 in 1855 was by her
inspiration. Her own later gifts, amounting to $12,500, assured the life
of the Institution. But for the Civil War, which destroyed most of her
wealth, she would have given much more. They had no children. Mr.
Hollins was born February 11th, 1786, and died April 7th, 1859. Mrs.
Hollins was born in 1792 and died July 3rd, 1864. Both were buried in
Spring Hill cemetery, at Lynchburg.