Chronology

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1. Antebellum and Civil War · 1800–1865

2. 1800
   Appointment, election or service · University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill The Rev. William Bingham teaches ancient languages at the university

   The Rev. William Bingham, founder of the Bingham School, served as the university's professor of ancient languages in 1800. His son William J. Bingham and grandsons William and Robert Bingham all later graduated with first distinction.

3. Early twentieth century · 1900–1944

4. June 3, 1907
   Publication, speech or performance · University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Robert Bingham speaks for the class of 1857 at its fiftieth anniversary

   Col. Robert Bingham, headmaster of the Bingham School and youngest survivor of the class of 1857, gave the class address at commencement fifty years after its graduation. He compared the university of 1853 with that of 1907, defended secession as lawful, attacked Reconstruction and Black political power, and urged students to take a national rather than sectional outlook.

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Compiled and maintained by the Friends of the Orange County Public Library from county records, the sources named on each card, and the index’s event pages. Last updated October 4, 2026.