Pine Grove Academy – the Original Rock Hill Academy

“Rock Hill’s first school….”

Capt. B.P. Alston reported in the YE in July of 1879 – “that he had been living in Rock Hill for some eighteen months.”

Mrs. Ann White Deed State of So. Car.
To of:
W. P. Broach and others Trust York Dist.

Know all men by these presents, that I Ann White of the District and state aforesaid, in consideration of seven shares in the Rock Hill Academy or Seminary valued at five dollars per share, to me assigned by the Stockholders at a general meeting August 31, 1854, have granted and leased to Wm. P. Broach, Joseph A. Steele and Isom Kirkpatrick, a committee appointed to erect or cause the erection of a building suitable for the purpose aforesaid mentioned, on the lot now to be ceded in haste for the benefit and use of the stockholders of the aforesaid academy or seminary, and upon the election of trustees to be elected at a general meeting of the stockholders pass over from the aforesaid W. P. Broach, J. A. Steele, and Isom Kirkpatrick to the trustees so elected, and their successors in office, agreeable to such by-laws as shall be adopted, in haste as aforesaid and for the purpose and use aforementioned a certain lot situate, lying and being in the Indian Boundary, in York District in a pine grove some 250 yards in a northeast direction from my present dwelling, and about one-half mile from the depot on the Charlotte and South Carolina Railroad known by the name Rock Hill, which lot was surveyed and laid off by John Roddey, Esquire, Deputy Surveyor, August 31, 1854 as exhibited on a plat now before me having the following metes and bounds … (Boundary description has not been transcribed).

Witness my hand this 11 th day of September AD 1854, the 79 th year of the independence of the U.S. A.
Signed in the presence of Ann White
John J. Miller
J. J. Johnson
J. H. McElwee

James Bynum’s receipt for tuition received from Mrs. Anne H. White in 1853, for schooling at the early Rock Hill school located on Pendleton Street. It is unclear if Mr. Bynum was a private teacher of the White children or was operating from the Pine Grove Academy, (the formal name being the Rock Hill Academy).

City Directories and History: The first was the Rock Hill Academy, set up in 1854. In this year an advertisement of its prospects appeared in the Yorkville Enquirer of June 26, 1856, and “a friend” writing in the same issue had this to say about it: It will be seen from the advertisement that our friend, General John A. Alston, has taken charge of the Rock Hill Academy, and will commence the duties of his new situation on the second Monday of July 1856.

Our Rock Hill friends have been very happy in their selection. If any honor ever comes of it, the General has it of teaching ones first ideas “how to shoot,” and we can speak from the record when we vouch for his superior qualities as a teacher. We may be somewhat partial, but we think it difficult to overrate such a man. Thoroughly accomplished in every department of learning; having all the advantages of a long experience in, and a constant devotion to his profession; earnest, conscientious and unremitting in the discharge of his trusts, General Alston has few equals and no superiors as an instructor of youth. Our friends cannot do better than entrust their sons and wards to his care. The region around Rock Hill is occupied by an intelligent, high toned and moral community and affords but few of the temptations, which very often beset the way of the school boy. We trust their efforts to establish a school of high rank will be successful.

Lot for Rock Hill Academy – Pine Grove School. Map provided by Wm. B. White, Jr. – 2008 (SEE ENLARGEABLE MAP under the primary image.)

This school was “one half mile from the depot” and during its first year had 60 pupils.  General Alston served as Principal only one year and was succeeded by John M. Beaty, a graduate of the South Carolina College.

Gen. John A. Alston, principal of the Rock Hill Academy, was elected principal of the Mount Zion Collegiate Institute, at Winnsboro, to succeed J.N. Hudson, deceased.  General Alston was a native of Fairfield County and a graduate of the South Carolina College. John M. Beaty (or Beaty) was elected to succeed General Alston in Rock Hill. (Correspondence via WBW, 2007)

The Rock Hill Academy enjoyed an excellent year under the direction of Principal John M. Beaty.  Located in White’s pasture, “in a neighborhood remarkably healthful and free from temptation to vice of any kind;” the Academy offered instruction at the elementary level for $6 a term.  English grammar, geography, and history could be had for $9; Latin, Greek, algebra, geometry, and surveying were available for $17.50. (The Indian Land Chronicle, Dec. 24, 1858.  The writer owns this issue of the Chronicle, and there is one other copy at the Carolinian Library.)

The Yorkville Enquirer contained an ad on Jan. 6, 1870 stating – “For the Rock Hill Academy stating that W.W. Carothers will be the principal.”

He was followed by the Reverend W. W. Carothers. The second school was Pine Grove Academy “in White’s pasture,” several hundred yards northeast of George White’s plantation house on what is now Pickens Street. It stood in a grove of large and beautiful pine trees and was operating as early as 1856. We know but little of its first years, but there is evidence that it had a definite connection with Rock Hill Academy. Here at Pine Grove the young girls of the village were instructed. It continued until 1887, when the building fell into such a state of disrepair that it was no longer of use.

(Further information) Then, on August 31, 1854, Widow Ann White, in consideration of seven shares of stock in the proposed school, deeded a lot, upon which a schoolhouse was to be built. It was named the Rock Hill Academy and, at first, apparently was limited to male students. It was built in a large pine grove some two hundred and fifty yards in a northeasterly direction from Ann White’s plantation house and about one-half mile from the depot. The original trustees of this, the first school within the town limits, were William P. Broach, Joseph H. Steele, and Isom Kirkpatrick. The school began its first session in 1856 with an enrollment of sixty students. (****It seems to be identical with the Pine Grove Academy, the latter name being perhaps a familiar local term for the legal title.) General John A. Alston was its first principal; he was followed by John M. Beaty, a graduate of the South Carolina College; and he, in turn, was succeeded by the Reverend Mr. Carothers in 1870.  (Information courtesy of the City Without Cobwebs, Summers – 1953)

The Yorkville Enquirer reported on April 4, 1872 – “A citizens meeting was held in Rock Hill and a resolution was passed that the RH Academy ought to be used as a female academy and a committee will be appointed to confer with the trustees. Also, the meeting decided a males academy should be established and a five man committee was appointed to accomplish this including: J.M. Ivy, F.H. Barber, Iredell Jones, R.H. McCosh and R.M. Sims.”

The YK Enquirer of May 11, 1876 reported – “Of the picnic at the Pine Grove Female Academy on April 28th. Forty eight students were in attendance, led by Ms. Adams and Ms. Hoke.” Later on Sept. 14, the paper reported – “Ms. Mary Adam’s female school.  The music dept. is conducted by Ms. Hattie I. Lindsay.”

The Herald reported on May 13, 1880 – “Last Friday the pupils of Ms. A. B. Stoney’s School had a picnic and May Queen Padgett at the Pine Grove Academy.”

The Herald reported on Aug. 19, 1880 – “The Rock Hill Schools will open Sept. 1.  The male school is under the charge of Capt. B.P. Alston.  The female schools are under Mr. C. Neal and Ms. A.B. Stoney.”

The Rock Hill Herald reported on June 28, 1883 – “Capt. Alton’s School and Ms. Roach’s school will both close for the term on Friday afternoon.”

The Herald reported on Aug. 7, 1884 – “Ms. Emma Roach’s school will commence in the Pine Grove Academy.” Later on Nov. 27, 1884 the Herald reported, Ms. Roach’s school will close until after Christmas.”

The RH Herald reported on May 20, 1886 – “Mrs. M.B. Reid of Charleston is visiting Rock Hill.  She will be remembered by many as the principal of the Pine Grove Academy and afterward of the Pinopolis Academy.”

The Herald reported on July 1, 1886 – “Ms. Roach’s School closed its recent term with a ceremony and prizes for students of merit.  She is assisted in teaching by Ms. Anna M. Williams.” Later in Jan. 5, 1888 the Herald reported – “Ms. Roach’s school had a dinner for her 40 students including a program and the children presented her with a rocking chair.”

The RH Herald reported on Jan. 5, 1888 – “The next session of the RH Academy will open soon with Mr. Sturgis as teacher.”

A Charleston Teacher: One of the Charleston refugees, a lady of gentle breeding, Mrs. M. B. Reid, taught in the old Pine Grove School. She was there as late as 1875. To her were sent the young daughters of the well-to-do families of the town. She not only taught them the three R’s but imparted to them some of her own gracious manner. It has been said of her, “No teacher in the early schools of Rock Hill exerted a more lasting and cultural influence than this brilliant and charming ‘Lady of Charleston.”

How I loved my teacher, Mrs. Reid, and the school we attended, “Pine Grove Academy”. Mrs. Reid might be criticized as a teacher today, because I can remember she let many days go by without an arithmetic lesson — she did not care for arithmetic — but she made the characters of history and literature live. She inspired each of us to do the best we could. We had such a happy time playing in the woods near by and at May Day when we danced around the May Pole our joy was complete. (Emma Frew London Recollections)

Under her guidance and instruction were Anna Hope (Mrs. Frel Mobley), Minnie Hope (Mrs. Hyder Ratterree), Emma Frew (Mrs. Fred London), Emma Roach (Mrs. A. M. Smith), Jennie and Kate Johnston (Mrs. W. C. and Mrs. David Hutchison), and Minnie and Anna Williams. (Courtesy of the City Without Cobwebs, Summer – 1953)

The following article appeared in the Rock Hill Evening Herald on June 30, 1935.

Recollections of the Schools of Rock Hill

Included in the last annual report of Superintendent of Schools R. C. Burts, recently made public, is a sketch, “Recollections of the Schools of Rock Hill,” written by Mrs. A. M. Smith of Hagerstown, Md., who as Miss Emma Roach, taught school for many years here.  Mrs. Smith is a sister of Miss Nellie Roach and Mrs. C. K. Chreitzberg of this city.  The article follows:

R&R HISTORY LINK: ROCK HILL ACADEMY – TOO “POST CIVIL WAR”

“My earliest recollections of the schools of Rock Hill are associated with Pine Grove Academy.  I have heard my father and others of his generation speak of attending school there.  It was taught by Mr. Allston, I have no idea when or by whom the building was erected. ‘Some one with the love of God in his heart’ built it long ago and ‘chose a site for the bairns in the sweet pine woods.’

It was built in White’s pasture, north of what is now Pendleton Street.  The Fennell Infirmary was built on part of this land.  I distinctly remember that ‘Pine Grove Academy’ was printed in chalk across the ceiling of the little room.  I was told that it was done by the Rev. James White, of blessed memory, when a student there.  Mr.  Allston’s son, Mr. Robert or Mr. Gad Allston, I do not remember which, taught there.  Mr. Hyder Ratterree, Mr. John Hope, and Mr. David Hutchison are ones whom I recall being students there.

The first teacher under whom I attended school there was Mrs. M. B. Reid, of Charleston, S. C.  I have among my treasured possessions a New Testament given me by her in 1870 as a reward of merit.  She was a most remarkable woman, intelligent, cultivated, and refined.  She not only taught those under her care, but added much to the development of the religious and social life of the community.

But distinctly I recall the May Day picnic when the Queen and her court held sway in some beautiful spot in the woods nearby.  Exhibition Days called fathers and mothers from household and business duties, for were not their children to take part in songs and recitations.  Old Dick Latta was always there with his band.  How thrilled we were and how we danced.  ‘The presence of those days will always remain. A phantom of the heart and not the brain.’

Mrs. Reid afterward taught in Pinopolis in a building in a neighborhood where Mrs. Sadler Love now lives. (*** This was the home of widow, Mrs. F.S. Love at 340 Park Ave., the home just southeast of the Ladson F. Mills home on Park).  It must have been in the seventies.  She returned to Charleston and died some years ago, leaving many men and women in Rock Hill better for having been under her influence.  Miss Stoney then had charge of the school at Pinopolis.  Miss Mary Adams and Miss H. I. Lindsay, afterwards Mrs. A. H. White, both deceased, had the school at Pine Grove, and carried on the work in a most admirable manner.  The building was unoccupied for several years after the ladies gave up the school.

In 1873 the Old Presbyterian Church was sold by the congregation to the town for a schoolhouse for $900.  It was moved from the church lot to the Southeast corner of Saluda and Black streets.  Mr. Sam McCormick taught there.  The only students now living whom I remember as attending this school are Messrs. T. L. Johnston and W. J. Roddey.  Mr. McCormick was a strict disciplinarian as these ‘boys’ will doubtless remember.  Mr. John Davidson and Mr. Butler Alston, as I recall, taught at different times in this building.  

My life as a teacher began in a small room on Main Street, across from the post office.  Miss Stoney gave up the school at Pinopolis and I went there to teach in 1880.  Miss Beverly Means, now Mrs. T. M. DuBose of Columbia taught with me.

In 1884 the building was converted into a dwelling and we transferred to the Old Pine Grove building.  Miss Minnie O’Neal and Mrs. John Steele, formerly Miss Anne Williams, both dead now, taught with me.  Messrs. Allen Jones, W. J. Rawlinson, J. J. Hull, W. B. Wilson and others built a one room school house on Johnston street.  Mrs. Sumter Lowry, who was Miss Willie Miller, was the teacher there.   When she resigned I went to teach there, the building in the Pine Grove being sadly in need of repairs.  

The graded school was opened in 1888.  The land and funds for furniture were given by the White family, pioneer settlers in York county and always foremost in all good work.  Pine Grove Academy was never again used for school purposes.  From out its walls have gone many boys and girls who grew into fine men and women and whose children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren rise up to call them blessed.”

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R&R HISTORY LINK: The Minutes of the Rock Hill Academy 1854-1857

R&R HISTORY LINK: The OTHER EARLY ACADEMY – PINOPOLIS

R&R HISTORY LINK: PUBLIC EDUCATION FOR WHITE CHILDREN TAKES HOLD – CENTRAL SCHOOL

R&R HISTORY LINK: AFRICAN AMERICAN EDUCATION TAKE HOLD

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