Freed-Hardeman Connections
Researching the Restoration Movement in Mississippi and West Tennessee
David S. Nelms
In 1887 D. S. Nelms determined to put in operation a scheme held in mind for ten years; namely, to establish a school of high grade at Essary Springs, Tenn., which place 'is near the scene of his birth.
At this time there was no Normal school of any note west of the Tennessee River. It was, indeed, a Herculean task, to found a school amid so many difficulties, such as a sparsely settled neighborhood, no school building, an almost unbroken forest, and the people in the vicinity at low ebb of interest both spiritually and mentally. However imbibed with the spirit of education, and not being prepared to carry out his plans alone, Mr. Nelms went to work to get the co-operation of the citizens- in which he was successful.
In 1888 a stock company was organized, a large, commodious school building erected, the services of a Normal teacher was secured and on July 8th, 1889, the first session of the Southern Tennessee ~ d r m a l College was opened, A. G. Freed, of Saltilloville, Ind., as president and D. S. Nelms assistant.
Eighty-three pupils were enrolled the first session; seventeen of whom were boarders. The patronage increased rapidly and the prosperity of the school went beyond the expectation of all:
In 1891 D. S. Nelms resigned his position in this institution and removed to Texas. A, G. Freed continued as president of the ,college until the close of the sixth session, when he also resigned, leaving the school with Profs. Rose and Lornax, who continued until the close of the seventh session, when the friends of the college secured the services of H. J, Thorp, B.S.A.B., as president, who with E. O. Halty, B.S.A.B., as assistant continued the work until the close of the ninth session, when they resigned.
This left the school dormant for two sessions, but the enterprising citizens of Essary Springs and surrounding country realizing the great necessity of sustaining the school, were successful in again securing the services of D. S. Nelms to revive the educational interest, which he was at first instrumental in founding. When on November 2, 1900, D.S. Nelms, as principal, reopened the Southern Tennessee Normal and Business Institute and successfully sustained all classes in Primary, secondary and Business courses until the close of the session of 1903, when I. N, Roland, B. S., he came associated with D. S. Nelms as co-principal of the Southern Tennessee Normal and Business Institute. At the close of the session of 1904, by mutual consent, D. S. Nelms resigned as principal, Prof. I. N. Rowland taking charge as principal of the Institution which position he now holds.
The friends of the institution feel like it is on a firm basis. The principal expects to spend his time, money and energy in making the school an honor to the country and a blessing to the people and solicits the patronage and support of all good people in making it such.
David S. Nelms
David S. Nelms contacted A. G. Freed about coming to Essary Springs to establish a school and serve as a preacher. David and his wife are buried in the Essary Springs cemetery which is nearby the Essary Spring church of Christ building and site of the school.
In 1887 D. S. Nelms determined to put in operation a scheme held in mind for ten years; namely, to establish a school of high grade at Essary Springs, Tenn., which place 'is near the scene of his birth.
At this time there was no Normal school of any note west of the Tennessee River. It was, indeed, a Herculean task, to found a school amid so many difficulties, such as a sparsely settled neighborhood, no school building, an almost unbroken forest, and the people in the vicinity at low ebb of interest both spiritually and mentally. However imbibed with the spirit of education, and not being prepared to carry out his plans alone, Mr. Nelms went to work to get the co-operation of the citizens- in which he was successful.
In 1888 a stock company was organized, a large, commodious school building erected, the services of a Normal teacher was secured and on July 8th, 1889, the first session of the Southern Tennessee ~ d r m a l College was opened, A. G. Freed, of Saltilloville, Ind., as president and D. S. Nelms assistant.
Eighty-three pupils were enrolled the first session; seventeen of whom were boarders. The patronage increased rapidly and the prosperity of the school went beyond the expectation of all:
In 1891 D. S. Nelms resigned his position in this institution and removed to Texas. A, G. Freed continued as president of the ,college until the close of the sixth session, when he also resigned, leaving the school with Profs. Rose and Lornax, who continued until the close of the seventh session, when the friends of the college secured the services of H. J, Thorp, B.S.A.B., as president, who with E. O. Halty, B.S.A.B., as assistant continued the work until the close of the ninth session, when they resigned.
This left the school dormant for two sessions, but the enterprising citizens of Essary Springs and surrounding country realizing the great necessity of sustaining the school, were successful in again securing the services of D. S. Nelms to revive the educational interest, which he was at first instrumental in founding. When on November 2, 1900, D.S. Nelms, as principal, reopened the Southern Tennessee Normal and Business Institute and successfully sustained all classes in Primary, secondary and Business courses until the close of the session of 1903, when I. N, Roland, B. S., he came associated with D. S. Nelms as co-principal of the Southern Tennessee Normal and Business Institute. At the close of the session of 1904, by mutual consent, D. S. Nelms resigned as principal, Prof. I. N. Rowland taking charge as principal of the Institution which position he now holds.
The friends of the institution feel like it is on a firm basis. The principal expects to spend his time, money and energy in making the school an honor to the country and a blessing to the people and solicits the patronage and support of all good people in making it such.
David S. Nelms
David S. Nelms contacted A. G. Freed about coming to Essary Springs to establish a school and serve as a preacher. David and his wife are buried in the Essary Springs cemetery which is nearby the Essary Spring church of Christ building and site of the school.