Major J. Harold Randolph

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

Source: History Morris County New Jersey, Volume II, Lewis Publishing Co., 1914

Major J. Harold RANDOLPH, superintendent of the Randolph Military Academy, in Morristown, New Jersey, was born on January 1, 1885, at Bridgeton, New Jersey. He received his secondary education at Alfred Academy, Alfred, New York, and the Hudson River Military Academy, Nyack, New York. He received his teacher’s training at Alfred University and the University of Chicago. He began his career as a teacher as commandant of the Hudson River Military Academy at the age of twenty. Since then he has filled a similar position as commandant in foremost military academies. He was married on the 21^st of September, 1906, to Miss Eva Marguerite WILSON, of Nyack, New York. Prior to organizing the Randolph Military Academy, his most valuable experience as a teacher was as commandant of Racine College, for a period of three years.

The Randolph Military Academy was founded in 1912, and is an institution for boys and young men which is conducted under a strictly home influence, in addition to those features of military discipline essential to the promotion of habits of punctuality, neatness and correct deportment. Thoroughness is the watchword for everything which is undertaken, whether it refers to study, military training or healthful sports. The school buildings are beautifully located, the grounds surrounding them are amble, and the athletic field consists of ten acres of level land, devoted to all sorts of outdoor sports. While there are no entrance examinations, the students are carefully classified upon admission, and are prepared for business pursuits, professional studies, or for the entrance to any college, university, or government academy. The various buildings are large and commodious and are equipped with every modern convenience, which could possibly increase the welfare and comfort of the residents. The dormitory system finds no place here, and the rooms are arranged for one or two cadets. Strict punctuality is required of each member of the institution, and while the discipline is firm, and so imparted as to encourage the pupils to do right from established moral principle rather than from the expectation of being rewarded or punished, it is most kind and impartial. Military inspections are made at various times throughout the day, and especial attention is paid to personal neatness, both of appearance and of the room. A large amount of attention is paid to table etiquette, a branch of good breeding which is frequently neglected in institutions of this character. All cadets are encouraged in their pursuit of athletic sports, and it is expected that they will give some time to sports of this nature each day, in addition to the regular daily drills. Love of home is distinctly fostered in this institution. Every Saturday evening all pupils repair to the school room, and write at least one letter to some member of their home family. This is inspected for the simple reason to give instruction in letter writing, correct spelling, etc. During the week the pupils are at liberty to write as many letters as they please to their homes, and are encouraged to do so, and these are not inspected. The tuition is moderate when compared with the numerous advantages to be derived from a stay there, and the staff of instructors is of the highest standard. Major J. Harold RANDOLPH, in addition to holding the responsible office of superintendent, has charge of Military Science and Tactics, and of Physical Training. His success in this field has been gratifying. He has a capable body of assistants at the heads of the various other departments.

Transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003)