In 1841, John Gilchrist, Jr. and others felt that the education needs of the young ladies of Robeson County area were not being filled. Their answer was the founding of Floral College, the first female college in the state to confer degrees. John was the first UNC graduate from Robeson County and after college began a law practice. He soon found lawyers and their practices distasteful and declared that if that were their manner he would spend his few days as an obscure farmer. Some early members of the Board of Trustees were Malcom Purcell, WA Sellers, Peter A. MacEachin, Dr. Angus D. McLean, Dr. John Malloy, Malcom, Smith, and Daniel MacKinnon. The site for the college was given by John Gilchrist, Jr. and adjoined the Centre Presbyterian Church property just north of present day Maxton. A few of the instructors were. Miss Elizabeth Jewett, John C. Southerland and Rev. John R. MacIntosh. The girls came from Robeson, Cumberland, Richmond and Bladen Counties in North Carolina and Marion and Marlborough County in South Carolina. I have a list of the graduates from 1843-1848, as well as those attending in the fall of 1848 and 1856. Floral College continued until the War of Northern Aggression, when it closed for a short time. During the time it was closed the buildings we rented to the Bellamy family of Wilmington. It was believed that the women and children would be safer in land, but as we now know Sherman's troops march right to the door of Floral College. An ad for the college in January 1871 sates that preparatory course tuition, board and washing could be had at the cost of $85 while the same was available on the Collegiate level for $90. In addition they could choose from music taught on the piano and guitar, pencil and crayon drawing, painting in oil and watercolors. Lights and fuel were provided at cost with one half of the tuition being due in advance and the other at the close of the session. By 1872 things had turned for the worst. In the January 4, 1872 newspaper is found the following ad: On the 8th day of Feb'y next Floral College will be sold to the highest bidder, subject to a mortgage in favor of the heirs of the late Reuben King, the sale to take place on the premises. Also, at the same time and place, will be sold all furniture and fixtures belonging to the College; also all evidences of debt. Terms Cash. By the order of the stockholders, D.S. Morrison, J.D. McLean and J.M. McKinnon commissioners. Thus a sad ending to a glorious institute of learning. In my job as Executive Director of the Maxton Historical Society I am working on a publication on the college. I would like as a complete list of girls that attended the college and bios on them, also copies on any letters from the girls would be appreciated. If you know of those attending or have copies of letters from the girls I request that you let us know so that they can be preserved in this publication. In 1841, John Gilchrist, Jr. and others felt that the education needs of the young ladies of Robeson County area were not being filled. Their answer was the founding of Floral College, the first female college in the state to confer degrees. John was the first UNC graduate from Robeson County and after college began a law practice. He soon found lawyers and their practices distasteful and declared that if that were their manner he would spend his few days as an obscure farmer. Some early members of the Board of Trustees were Malcom Purcell, WA Sellers, Peter A. MacEachin, Dr. Angus D. McLean, Dr. John Malloy, Malcom, Smith, and Daniel MacKinnon. The site for the college was given by John Gilchrist, Jr. and adjoined the Centre Presbyterian Church property just north of present day Maxton. A few of the instructors were. Miss Elizabeth Jewett, John C. Southerland and Rev. John R. MacIntosh. The girls came from Robeson, Cumberland, Richmond and Bladen Counties in North Carolina and Marion and Marlborough County in South Carolina. I have a list of the graduates from 1843-1848, as well as those attending in the fall of 1848 and 1856. Floral College continued until the War of Northern Aggression, when it closed for a short time. During the time it was closed the buildings we rented to the Bellamy family of Wilmington. It was believed that the women and children would be safer in land, but as we now know Sherman's troops march right to the door of Floral College. An ad for the college in January 1871 sates that preparatory course tuition, board and washing could be had at the cost of $85 while the same was available on the Collegiate level for $90. In addition they could choose from music taught on the piano and guitar, pencil and crayon drawing, painting in oil and watercolors. Lights and fuel were provided at cost with one half of the tuition being due in advance and the other at the close of the session. By 1872 things had turned for the worst. In the January 4, 1872 newspaper is found the following ad: On the 8th day of Feb'y next Floral College will be sold to the highest bidder, subject to a mortgage in favor of the heirs of the late Reuben King, the sale to take place on the premises. Also, at the same time and place, will be sold all furniture and fixtures belonging to the College; also all evidences of debt. Terms Cash. By the order of the stockholders, D.S. Morrison, J.D. McLean and J.M. McKinnon commissioners. Thus a sad ending to a glorious institute of learning. In my job as Executive Director of the Maxton Historical Society I am working on a publication on the college. I would like as a complete list of girls that attended the college and bios on them, also copies on any letters from the girls would be appreciated. If you know of those attending or have copies of letters from the girls I request that you let us know so that they can be preserved in this publication. Thanks, Blake Tyner Executive Director Maxton Historical Society