Matthew Meigs

Matthew Kugler Meigs (February 5, 1812 – October 9, 1889) was an American educator, scholar, and Presbyterian clergyman. Although best known as the founder and principal (headmaster) of The Hill School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, Meigs also served a short term as U.S. Consul to Piraeus, Greece, pastored churches, and preceded his time at The Hill School with teaching posts at a variety of other secondary and university level institutions including a short term as President of Delaware College (subsequently the University of Delaware). Life Meigs was born in Albany, New York, on February 5, 1812. He was the son of Major John Meigs and grandson of Seth Meigs, a Revolutionary War soldier. He married Mary Gould on April 11, 1842. Eleven children were born to them between 1844 and 1858. Son John succeeded his father as The Hill School's headmaster, serving in that position from 1876 to 1911. Academic studies and early career Meigs received his undergraduate degree in languages and linguistics from Union College (1836) and theological training from Union Theological Seminary (1839) after which he was ordained a Presbyterian Minister. Other degrees followed including a Ph.D. from Lafayette College. Various alumni journals, histories and obituaries concur that he was at some point also awarded the degrees of D.D. (Doctor of Divinity) and L.L.D. (Doctor of Laws). Union College specifically attributes the L.L.D. to Lafayette College in 1868. Meigs early academic career included posts at schools in South Carolina, Winchester, Virginia, and the University of Michigan. He then became a teacher and principal of Newark Academy (1846-1851) before becoming president of Delaware College (1850-1851). During his time in Michigan, he also pastored a church in Pontiac.