Page:Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography volume 5.djvu/248

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VIRGINIA BIOGRAPHY

graduate, to cast his fortune with the newly founded institution.

Randolph-Macon Academy at Front Royal was opened by the board of trustees of the Randolph-Macon system for its first year in 1892, its establishment being made possible by the liberality of friends, chief among whom were the people of Warren county. Its field is between the preparatory home school and the real college course, its pur- pose being to fit youths for college or uni- versity under discipline appropriate to their years, and under wholesome moral influences.

The academy is situated at Front Royal, Virginia, at the foot of the Blue Ridge mountains within half a mile of the Shenan- doah river, and in the heart of the famous valley of Virginia. It is easy of access by rail and near to a number of centers of popu- lation, being only seventy-eight miles from Washington, D. C. The region is one of the finest in the state both for health and beauty of scenery, and is rich in historic interest. The grounds comprise twenty acres, the academy standing in the midst on an emi- nence selected for its noble landscape, com- plete drainage and its abundant supply of fresh, pure air and good water.

Disciplme is based on strong and clear conviction of right, and administered in a spirit of kindly sympathy. The rules are few, but enforced with impartial certainty. Reverence for God and trust in Him are presented as the foundations of character, and the day's work is begun and ended with worship which all attend. To develop and foster a spirit of honor, truthfulness and absolute honesty, and to make the moral atmosphere not only wholesome, but invig- orating and uplifting, is the first and great- est aim of the principal and his associates of the faculty. Athletics are encouraged by a well equipped gymnasium, ball groimds and tennis courts ; two literary societies ofifer incentives and present opportunities for the acquirement of skill in public speak- ing, medals and public honors being awarded in public at the close of each session.

As the head of an institution of such high class. Professor Melton has met fully every demand of his position, and has acquired a high standing among modern educators. He descends from an old Virginia family. Mel- ton Station, founded in 4826. is named for the family, who number many names promi- nent in Virginia history. Prior to the settle-

ment of the family in the Shenandoah Val- ley of Virginia in 1800. several generations were numbered among the Quaker families of Pennsylvania, the seat of the first family settlement. Professor Melton is a son of Dr. Wilson N. Melton, born in Louisa county, ^'irginia, died April 20, 1881. He was an eminent physician of Cedarville, \\arren county, Virginia, a citizen of high standing and great worth. He married Sarah Frances, daughter of John Wesley McKay. Children : Charles Lewis, of fur- ther mention ; John Lee, Thomas Samuel, \\'illiam Henry, Joseph L.. Julia E., married Joseph W. Kenner ; Angelina, married Jo- seph N. Hite.

Charles Lewis Melton. A. M., son of Dr. Wilson N. and Sarah Frances (McKay) Melton, was born in Rappahannock county. \'irginia. April 12. 1865. His early educa- tion was secured in the public schools of Warren county, after which he prepared at Neosho Collegiate Institute, entered Ran- dolph-Macon College in 1886, and was grad- uated Master of Arts in 1892. In Septem- ber. 1892. he began his four years connec- tion with the newly established Randolph- Macon Academy at Front Royal, having been elected headmaster. The crucial period in both the life of the young institution and the life of the young professor was safely passed, and the four years were fruitful ones for both. In 1896 he resigned to become vice-principal of Danville College at Dan- ville. Virginia, returning to his first love a year later as assistant to the principal. Dr. W. W. Smith, under whose wise and capable leadership he served two years. In 1899 he was elected principal of the academy faculty, a position he has most capably filled for the past fifteen years and still holds. He is an educator of the highest modern type, earn- est and devoted to his work, and under his learned, zealous and skillful management Randolph-Macon Academy ranks with the leading preparatory schools of the country. Professor Melton is a member of the lead- ing educational a,ssociations of the South. In religion he is a communicant of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics an Independent.

On June 24. 1886. Professor Melton mar- ried Gertrude, daughter of Rev. John Daven- port Blackwell. D. D., deceased. meml:)er of the Virginia conference. Methodist Epis- copal Church (South), and Julia Anna (Butts) Blackwell.