jrbrown1 wrote: > Does anyone have information on the New London Academy in Chester County, PA? > My great-great grandfather attended it. Any information would be greatly > appreciated. > > Thanks, > > Josh > > This is from the Village REcord, Item #20065, dated January 9, 1866. History - New Londn Academy - We learn that this time honored Institution, located at New London in this county, has again been opened after a lapse of some time, by the appointment of the Rev. James L. Mackey, as Principal. Mr. M. was one of its former pupils, but for the past sixteen years a Missionary at Cousco, on the Western Coast of Africa, but not being able to bear up agains the climate, has returned to his former home and to the genial work of the instruction of youth. Under his care it will no doubt again take its place beside the many first class institutions of the kind for which our county has become remowned. This Academy is a part of the history of our country, and as such we refer to it. In 1739 the Rev. Dr. Francis Alison established here a Classical School. In 1741 it was adopted by the Synod of Philadelphia who made it a free school, supported by its churches, and continued Dr. A. its Principal. - He was a famous teacher of that day, and among his pupils who became distinguished, were Charles Thompson, Secretary of the First Continental Congress, Rev. Dr. Ewing, Provost of the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. David Ramsey, the Historian, Dr. Hugh Williamson, Rev. Dr. James Latta, Thomas McKean, Governor of Pennsylvania, George Read and James Smith, the three latter eminent lawyers and signers of the Declaration of Independence. On the removal of Dr. Alison to the College at Philadelphia in 1752, this school was removed to Newark, Delaware, and out of it afterward grew the Delaware College at that place. What may be considered the modern New London Academy, was established in 1828, and was in successful operation many years, a number of eminent men have presided ovr it. Our worthy townsman Wm. F. Wyes, A.M., who is now the Principal of our popular West Chester Military Academy, had charge of it a number of years. In his time, 1849, it was burned, but speedily replaced with a superior building on the same site. This school has exerted an excellent influence upon the community in which it is located, by raising its standard of intelligence. Besides this, many hundreds of youth from this and other States shared in its advantages by obtaining an extended education. Very many of them deserve well of their country, whether as professional men, teachers, farmers, men of business or veteran heroes of the Army and Navy - among whom may be mentioned our own lamented Lt. Col. Thos. S. Bell, Major H.W. Caruthers and a host of other warriours, who have battled for the rights of the nation or laid down their lives in its defence. All from the Village Record. Florence