erected over his remains which were laid within a few feet of the Academy Building where he so worthily taught, is but partially decipherable at this day.
Here lies interred
the Body of
Mr Theophilus Grew.
He distinguished himself in Life by
many exemplary Virtues
and many valuable Qualifications.
He was very deeply learned
in Astronomy and the Mathematics
whereby he rendered himself
a most useful Member of Society
He served as Professor of
those noble sciences
in the College of this City.
He discharged the trust with
honor and integrity.
Charles Thomson, born in November 1729 a native of Ireland, became the first Tutor of the Academy when he was twenty-one years of age. He crossed the ocean with his father when but ten years of age, and his father dying at sea, he and an elder brother landed at New Castle orphans among strangers. By his peculiar energies he seized favorable opportunities for schooling, and was at one time under the tuition of the Rev. Francis Alison, also an Irishman, at his school at Thunder Hill, Maryland, and who succeeded Mr. Martin as Rector of the Academy. While here a schoolmate returning from Philadelphia brought with him a volume of the Spectator: he read it with such delight, that learning an entire set could be purchased for the amount of the small sum he had at command, he set off without asking permission on foot to Philadelphia to purchase it.[1] His truancy was excused in consideration of its motive. This recalls to us the fascination Franklin found in this work. May it not be that his visit to Philadelphia brought him acquainted with Franklin at a time the Academy was being formed, and he was led eventually to offer himself to the Trus-
- ↑ Duyckinck, i. 170.
