[Illustration: REV. HENRY D. WOOD.] Rev. Henry D. Wood, A. M., Principal of Dayton Academy, Carthage, N. C., was born in Trenton, N. J., Feb. 10, 1847. He received his early training in the public school of that city. A youth of sixteen years (1863) he enlisted in the famous 54th Massachusetts Regiment and served in defence of his country and for the freedom of his people until these were accomplished. He returned to Brooklyn, N. Y., and for several years found employment with the Orington Bros., Importers, working his way from the position of porter to a clerkship in the shipping department of that house. United with the Siloam Presbyterian Church, and was at once made an elder in that church, and though holding a lucrative position, was so impressed with his call to the ministry that he resolved to make preparation for that work. He entered Lincoln University, where he held high rank in character and proficiency in studies, and was graduated from the Theological Department in '78. In 1880 he was commissioned by the "Presbyterian Board of Missions for Freedmen," ordained by the Presbytery of Yadkin, and entered upon the work in which he is now engaged. He found here a destitute, neglected field, an organization of about forty members in two churches, no Sabbath schools, public schools limited to two months, and the people too poor to better their condition. He made known the condition of things to personal friends North, who generously responded to his appeal for help, and arousing his people to effort in their own behalf, soon succeeded in erecting one of the neatest and most comfortable churches in this part of the country. The people were encouraged to deeper interest in their own improvement. Day school was opened in his residence, but it proved too small; many were crowded out. The Board established a parochial school and each year it was enlarged. In '86 it was found necessary to advance the grade, hence "Dayton Academy," a handsome three-story building comprising class-rooms and girls' dormitory, also a boys' dormitory, with dining-room and kitchen. Three church buildings are valued at about $3,500; school property about $1,500; church membership about 400; Sabbath school about 450; Day school scholars, 260; five teachers in Academy. This school supplies teachers for the public schools, and they are found doing good service in Sabbath schools and in churches, and everywhere. ALBION ACADEMY. The Albion Academy, at Franklinton, N. C., was founded in the year 1877, by the late Moses A. Hopkins, Minister to the Republic of Liberia. At the time of the founding of this Academy there were no adequate facilities to serve a liberal education in the community. Aided by friends at the North, the late William Shaw, of Pittsburg, Pa., and John Hall, and the First Presbyterian Church, of Albion, N. Y., the Academy was organized and established amid the strenuous efforts of bitter opponents to resist it.