Photograph of Thomas N. Conrad

Photograph of Thomas N. Conrad

Born Aug. 1, 1837, at Fairfax Courthouse, Virginia. Received A.B.in 1857, A.M. in 1860, and M.Sc. in 1890, all from Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania. After graduation, taught at Georgetown (D.C.) Academy until joining Third Virginia Cavalry as chaplain. Later became Confederate scout (spy), performing valuable and daring service for the Confederacy. After Civil War, taught at Upperville (Virginia) Academy and Rockville (Maryland) Academy before arriving in Blacksburg in 1871 to serve as president, or principal, of Preston and Olin Institute. Took active part in getting VAMC located at Blacksburg. Served as editor of The Montgomery Messenger. Served as reading clerk in House of Delegates. Became professor of English at VAMC in 1878, from which post he was elected president in 1882 at age 45. Was removed from presidency in 1886 and became professor of agriculture and chairman of the faculty at the Maryland Agricultural College. Died Jan. 5, 1905, in Washington, D.C., at age 67.

Source: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Historical Data Book: Centennial Edition, ed.Jenkins Mikell Robertson, Bulletin of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, vol. 65, no. 4, 69.

Historical Photograph Collection, Special Collections and University Archives

conrad

[image name], Historical Photograph Collection, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.