MSU Founders Documents
In 1878 the Governor John Marshall Stone established a Board of Trustees whose mission was to establish an Agricultural and Mechanical College for the state of Mississippi. This digital collection contains materials relating to the establishment of Mississippi A&M (later Mississippi State University) and the presidencies of its first two administrations. In 1862, the United States Congress passed the Morrill Act, which allowed for the creation of land-grant institutions whose purpose was to educate young Americans in the Agricultural and Mechanical Arts. Following the Civil War, Mississippi established two land-grant institutions, Alcorn A&M in 1871 (an agricultural college for African-Americans) and Mississippi A&M in 1878. In establishing Mississippi A&M the Board of Trustees, led by Governor John Marshall Stone and Professor David Phares, elected former Confederate General Stephen Dill Lee as the first President of the Institution.The materials in this collection represent the earliest documents from Mississippi State University. The Board of Trustees Minutes cover the initial establishment of the University in 1878, the selection of Starkville as the site for the College, the purchase of land from William Bell, the selection of Stephen Dill Lee as President, the construction of buildings on campus, and the establishment of the College's rules and regulations and the opening of the College in 1880.The Stephen D. Lee Papers contain correspondence both to and from General Lee with parents, students, Board members, and faculty from 1880 to 1899. Also included in this collection are materials on the creation of an Agricultural Experiment station, Committees, faculty salaries, and student petitions.Following the resignation of General Lee, Governor Stone was selected as the second President of Mississippi A&M. He took over in 1899, but unfortunately died less than two years into his tenure. The John Marshall Stone Papers contain correspondence both to and from Stone with parents, students, Board members, and faculty from 1899 to 1900. Also included in this collection are materials on Committees, faculty salaries, and student petitions.
-
Board of Trustees of the Agricultual and Mechanical College of Mississippi. Volume 3. July 15, 1908 - July 1, 1910.
Minutes for Board of Trustees meetings showing the founding of the Mississippi Agricultural and Mechanical College (later Mississippi State University) in 1878, the selection of Stephen D. Lee as the first President of the College, and the Selection of Starkville, Mississippi as the site for the College.
-
Board of Trustees of the Agricultual and Mechanical College of Mississippi. Volume 2. March 5, 1894 - June 12, 1908.
Minutes for Board of Trustees meetings showing the founding of the Mississippi Agricultural and Mechanical College (later Mississippi State University) in 1878, the selection of Stephen D. Lee as the first President of the College, and the Selection of Starkville, Mississippi as the site for the College.
-
Stephen D. Lee Papers
The charter sent by Joseph W. Power that established Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges. April 9, 1904.
-
John M. Stone Papers
Lamira M. Carruthers ' thesis outline senior year. Titled ""Life in the American Village"" she outlines the advantages of social intercourse within a community and having influences in our surroundings. She concludes that the intellectual elevation and strenth of a society always derive from social intercourses. January 11, 1901.
-
John M. Stone Papers
J.R. Rivers writes to the faculty of the college requesting that his special examination in Algebra be extended for six weeks due to missing school because of an illness. March 20, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
Mrs. E. A. Sykes writes to Stone asking that her son be excused from school because he is still ill. She then writes him a letter in response to an apparent rude letter he sent her regarding tuition payments. February 18, 1900, January 12, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
L. L. Hunt tells Stone his son has his permission to be absent from the college until March 10. February 24, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
Jas. K. Varadaman writes to Stone regarding her son. She asks that he be excused from blacksmith duty as it is causing his eyes to hurt. She then sends a letter giving him permission to come home and spend time with his family at Christmas. In following letters she first withdraws her nephew then her son from college. October 30, 1900, December 1, 1899, February 20, 1899, March 2, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
T. A. Kelly writes to Stone regarding J. Yank. He asks that he be allowed to come home since he has lost his voice and the doctor thinks he should rest before returning back to school. January 27, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
J. Lee tell Stone that it will be impossible for him to return to college and therefore asks to withdraw from school. January 1, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
J. S. Moore writes to Stone regarding the building and equipment for a dairy building. January 28, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
John E. Hill writes to Stone listing his qualifications and asking if there is an opening for him to be able to come teach at A and M College. January 16, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
C. M. Roberts writes to Stone regarding A and M college establishing their own separate post office. February 11, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
Mrs. J. F. Graves writes to Stone explaining that she missed the cutoff to send her son to school because they were still refugees in Jackson from the Yellow Fever outbreak. She says that since they can now afford it she would like for him to be able to come late. She also asks about payments for tuition and how anxious she is for him to be able to come to school. January 5, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
J. B. Glagien asks Stone to excuse his son from school for a week due to illness. January 8, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
J. S. Hamilton writes to Stone regarding his son's illness. He says he is too sick to be back in classes but would like for him to come to Starkville and get his things then return home until he is well. February 24, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
Mrs. Kate McKill asks Stone to withdraw her son from the college as she has fallen sick and needs her son at home to help her. March 12, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
D. A. Tompkins writes to Stone regarding a Textiles Department at the college. March 12, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
Laurice B. Hamilton writes to Stone thanking him for his thoughtful letter he sent to her regarding her boys. January 3, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
H. T. Saunders gives permission for R. P. Saunders to withdraw from college. January 2, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
W. L. Hutchinson writes to Stone in regards to an expert coming and making a road to the college. February 19, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
Clarence Langhten asks for information on how to enter A and M college. He wants his son to school at the college at the age of thirteen. January 5, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
S. P. Walkers asks that a catalogue be sent to him and asks if there is a possibility for students to take Latin. March 8, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
A. G. Thompson gives his son permission to leave the college for a few days to travel to Jackson. January 11, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
M. B. Starnes tells Stone that he had attended the college and now recommends it to others. He asks Stone to send him a catalogue so he will be able to continue to refer people to the school. January 22, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
S. D. Stinnis gives permission for his son to withdraw from school. February 13, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
Lamira M. Carruthers writes to Stone and faculty submitting her application for graduation. January 11, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
Henry H. Goodell, who is the Chairmen Executive Committee for the Assoc. Amer. Agr'l Colls. & Exper. Stas., writes to Stone explaining some changes that need to be made on the two Free Homestead bills. March 9, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
S. H. Hairston writes to Stone and faculty and asks for one more chance in his classes. He talks about how he has not applied himself but would like to try to pass his examinations one more time before he is forced to withdraw from the college. May 18, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
S.C. Hilton writes to Stone and faculty submitting an application for a diploma. January 11, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
M. G. Breckenridge writes to Stone requesting information on the College. January 3, 1899.
-
John M. Stone Papers
Frank M. Wells asks to come lecture at the college while he is on tour. He tells him that he charges $25 and would like to arrange a date to come. January 8, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
J. H. Minge writes to Stone asking if the college has any cattle for sale and what kind of cattle he recommends for beef. February 23, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
H. M. Johnson inquires to Stone about how much time is given for work and study before he agrees to send his son to A and M College. February 10, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
D. McShan writes to Stone to tell him that he will not be able to come back to college due to unforeseen circumstances. January 2, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
R. H. Holoms asks to be excused from a second term address. He explains that he was the editor of The Reflector and that it was usually customary for the editor to be elected to a second term. However, he states that the faculty, thinking he was not returning to college, elected a new editor. February 1, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
J. Elizabeth Ball writes to Stone begging him to let her son, Harrison E. Ball, remain at the College. January 6, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
R. P. Walker writes to Stone regarding an alfalfa field at the college. March 13, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
J. M. Ledbetter asks Stone to allow his son to go to Jackson for the inauguration of the governor. January 10, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
W. B. Alsobrook requests information on the college for his son Clarence. January 4, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
L. N. Dantzler Lumber Company writes to Stone requesting information on the sale of the option for the land of the College, as they desire to purchase it. March 1, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
Carl Tower writes to Stone regarding a possible position as a professor of philosophy or psychology at A and M college. March 2, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
L. T. Kennedy writes to Stone asking for a catalogue and other information to be sent to him as he would like to enroll in the college. March 9, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
J. Elizabeth Ball writes to Stone after receiving word that her son, Harrison E. Ball must be sent home due to problems with his vision. Mrs. Ball requests that her son be allowed to remain and continue agricultural work. January 6, 1899.
-
John M. Stone Papers
G. H. Haverton asks Stone to write him a letter of recommendation for a job at West Alabama Agricultural school. February 22, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
Mrs. M. D. Boisclair requests that Stone provide a summer position at the College for her son, M. D. Bosclair, Jr. February 16, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
Dr. Fred M. Brougher writes to Stone on behalf of M. M. Gibson who would like his son sent home from the College as soon as he has recovered fromt eh measles. January 1, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
Transcript-Gov. Stone, I desire my son Henry to go to the Inaugural at Jackson on 16th Will you please permit him to go. Yours, etc. James Burkitt. January 12, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
M. M. Tibson asks Stone to let her son come home after a physician tells him there is no danger of a relapse. She tells him that her son is very delicate so he needs to be well enough to travel before he is sent home. January 9, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
H. A. Darden asks Stone to examine his son, J. A. Darden, and if his son is in poor health to send him home. February 28, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
George M. Tuxbury writes to Stone on behalf of Mrs. J. Elizabeth Ball, whose son, Harrison E. Ball, is sick and must return home to Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Tuxbury implores Stone to find a job for Harrison at the College which will help him pay for his expenses, as he fears that there are no opportunites for the boy in Ocean Springs. January 6, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
John V. Toulme writes to give his son permission to travel to Jackson if Stone agrees. January 8, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
A. C. True writes regarding a set of the Rothamsted Memoirs. They had been sent to several agricultural colleges and they would like Stone to let them know if they have been received as well as for him to write a thank you to Sir John Bennel Lawes who gave them. September 29, 1899.
-
John M. Stone Papers
Hall and George, in a series of two letters, writes to Stone regarding improvements for the college. In the first they ensure Stone that they have many years in the building of large manufacturing plants. In the second they tell Stone that they have begun negotiations with the Industrial Institute and College at Columbus and urge him to respond in case the proper appropriations need to be made. February 21, 1900, February 27, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
W. H. Harvard writes directly to Stone asking for a list of costs to attend the college. In a follow up letter written as a recommendation letter S. J. Robinson writes to Stone explaining that W. H. Harvard is one armed but ensures Stone that he is a hard worker and will make a great student. January 10, 1899, January 6, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
Sallie Campbell writes to Stone to request that her son, John T. D. Horman, be allowed to withdraw from school to help out at home. Undated.
-
John M. Stone Papers
L. L. Chambly writes to Dr. Barr requesting that his son, Tommie, who is ill, be sent home.
-
John M. Stone Papers
In a series of three letters, J. P. Marshall writes to Stone. In the first he tells Stone that his son was previously enrolled in Jefferson Military College and would like to be enrolled at A and M College. In the second, he asks Stone questions regarding costs. In the third, he asks Stone to find his son and talk with him as he has received letters from him saying how discouraged he was and how he would like to come home. December 30, 1899, January 6, 1900, January 10, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
E. R. McShane, a cashier at the Bank of Greenwood, sends a letter to Stone by his son asking him to admit him for his first year of study at college. September 17, 1899.
-
John M. Stone Papers
W. C. McMasters writes to Stone asking for a catalogue to be sent and asks if he will be able to skip work at the college as he is paralyzed from the waist down. September 16, 1899.
-
John M. Stone Papers
P. D. McLeod writes to Stone to ask about buying some of the college's pine land. September 26, 1899.
-
John M. Stone Papers
J. G. Kimmions asks Stone to send him a catalogue so he may be informed before he sends his son to college. September 11, 1899.
-
John M. Stone Papers
B. F. Kilpatrick writes to Stone regarding the cose of board and tuition before he sends his son to college at A and M. September 26, 1899.
-
John M. Stone Papers
J. C. Keen asks Stone to give his son permission to come home. October 7, 1899.
-
John M. Stone Papers
P. C. Kalloch, officer in the Marines, writes to Stone asking what the qualifications are for admission. He is writing for his son who has some sort of education but would like for him to be sent to school after the holidays and wants to know what is required for expenses and for admission. December 21, 1899.
-
John M. Stone Papers
W. F. Hand asks Stone to authorize the Mississippi Experiment Station to employ one of his students due to one of their employees taking a job at a different college. July 27, 1899.
-
John M. Stone Papers
H. T. Harvard asks Stone to allow his son to leave college December 22 and return January 1. December 14, 1899.
-
John M. Stone Papers
J. C. Hopper writes to Stone asking for permission for his son to withdraw from college. September 25, 1899.
-
John M. Stone Papers
E. J. Hilliard writes to Stone requesting a catalogue because his brother would like to attend the college. September 14, 1899.
-
John M. Stone Papers
Mrs. M. E. Joyce writes to Stone requesting a catalogue be sent so her son, who wishes to help pay his way through college, can see what the expenses will look like. October 16, 1899.
-
John M. Stone Papers
F. M. Abbott writes to Stone regarding the sale of a number of bull calves . He also mentions the upcoming visit of Mr. Wilson to the A and M College. May 17, 1899.
-
John M. Stone Papers
In a letter back to Stone, the Illinois Central Railroad Company writes explaining that they cannot reduce their prices for travelers who are going to A and M College as it would not be fair to lower rates for one college and not another. September 13, 1899.
-
John M. Stone Papers
P. H. Gully writes to Stone regarding his son. He says that he is very bright and would like to study either in the chemical department or pharmacy. He says that he needs to be at the college in order to not be killing time. He details his sons qualification and adds that he smokes but does not drink. He requests that a catalogue and the financial obligations be sent to him. September 11, 1899.
-
John M. Stone Papers
In two letters, M.H. Gulledge first asks that her son be given permission to come home December 21 through January 2. In the second letter she gives her son permission to withdraw from the college. December 15, 1899, January 3, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
In a series of three letters S. S. Griffin writes to Stone in regards to his three children coming to school. In the second letter he says that he has sent two of his sons and asks that Stone keep and eye on them and make sure that they are adjusting since they have never been away from home. In the third he requests that they not be sent home at Christmas and that they stay at the college instead. August 19, 1899, September 19, 1899, December 2, 1899.
-
John M. Stone Papers
H. L. Currie writes that his dairy would like to hire a man to work with them, room and board, plus expenses. He asks the College to recommend someone. November 8, 1899.
-
John M. Stone Papers
N. W. Mullen writes to Stone asking for requirements for going to college. He says that he already has a cousin here and would like to start immediately. October 18, 1899.
-
John M. Stone Papers
O. Gates writes to Stone and asks him to send all of his catalogues form 1899 and 1900. October 13, 1899.
-
John M. Stone Papers
T. L. Cook writes to Stone asking to be allowed back to the College, saying that the charge from Mr. Stockard that he did not take things that did not belong to him. September 9, 1899.
-
John M. Stone Papers
Ernest Blount writes to Stone requesting a catalog and inquiring if he may be able to attend the College and work for his tuition as he wants to someday be a minister. September 12, 1899.
-
John M. Stone Papers
Transcript-Gov. Stone, Let my son John come to Meridian at once. B. R. Barnett. December 22, [1899]
-
John M. Stone Papers
L. B. Davis writes to Stone withdrawing his request that his son be exempt from field work. Davis was unaware that this was against regulations. October 18, 1899.
-
John M. Stone Papers
J. Elizabeth Ball writes to Stone requesting that her son, Harrison E. Ball, remain at the College during the Christmas holidays. She also requests that he be enrolled in a Mechanical course. December 5, 1899.
-
John M. Stone Papers
J. Monroe Clowere grants permission to his sons, W. M. and J. H. Clower, to come hoem for Christmas. December 13, 1899.
-
John M. Stone Papers
D.C. and W. H. Durham write to Stone requesting their son be admitted to the College and in December requesting that he be allowed to come home for Christmas. October 14, 1899 and December 11, 1899.
-
John M. Stone Papers
W. P. Earle writes to Stone stating that his son, who had left the College to go home, will be returning to the College after Christmas. December 1899.
-
John M. Stone Papers
In a series of letters, Mrs. E. V. English writes to Stone regarding her son, S. M. Montie English. She asks Stone to look after, worries when it is clear that his tuition payment has not arrived, and lets Stone know that her son is with her sick with a cold. December 31, 1899, January 4, 1900, January 5, 1900, March 3, 1900 (two letters)
-
John M. Stone Papers
W. H. Falcones writes to Stone explaining that he received a package in the mail addressed to a John Falcones. He knows it is not his since although he is a Falcones, his first name is not John. He explains that the package had no post office on it but had A&M College written on it. He asks Stone to reply back to him in the mail if the college has a student by that name so he would be able to get the package to it's correct recipient. No date.
-
John M. Stone Papers
Mr. John O. Farrell writes to Stone saying that he does not want his son to come home over Christmas and explains that he has written to his son explaining this as well. He actually goes so far as to say that he does not think it is wise to suspend college for the Christmas holidays as his son Ray needs as much time as he can get in his books. He asks that Stone and Mr. King would make sure that he spends his time studying over the holiday. December 4, 1899.
-
John M. Stone Papers
M. E. Fitchett writes on behalf of his brother to Stone explaining that his brother has already taken English, Geometry, and Physics and wants to know if he could enter the college next week. He asks if his brother has a certificate from the superindent in Canton if he could enter the college without taking an examination. He also asks if the boys make arrangements for furnishings after reaching the college. October 3, 1899.
-
John M. Stone Papers
Fly and Hobson Grocers writes to Stone regarding the complimentary barrell of Pelican flour they have sent him complementary. They say that he will find it the best flour on Earth and that if he likes it they would like to furnish the college with it. December 22, 1899.
-
John M. Stone Papers
Information regarding campus fire regulations includes information regarding fire drills, fire alarms, water supply, etc. November 21, 1899, December 28, 1899, January 5, 1900, January 12, 1900,
-
John M. Stone Papers
J. E. Gayden asks Stone for permission for his son John E. Gayden to come home from December 22, 1899 to January 1, 1900. December 10, 1899.
-
John M. Stone Papers
J. C. Goodrem asks Stone for his son's permit for twelve days to be extended since he has been very sick with measels since he got home. December 29, 1899.
-
John M. Stone Papers
In two letters sent by Helen Fearn Graves of Yazoo City, Graves writes to Stone regarding her son coming to school. She is uncertain about sending him due to the fact that he has never been to school away from home as well as the yellow fever outbreak in the state. She goes on to say that the only reason she feels comfortable sending him is because she does not feel like she is sending him to a stranger since, then governor, Stone was so kind to her when she was a refugee during the last break out of yellow fever. In the second letter she asks Stone for permission for her son to attend the inauguration of the governor in Jackson. September 12, 1899, January 11, 1900.
-
John M. Stone Papers
C. Gray in a letter to Stone asks if he can come back to college after Christmas since he wil be well by then. He also requests that he be able to drop Algebra since he has missed so much class and knows that he won't be able to keep up. He wants to drop Algebra and add a course that starts a new book January 1st so he won't be behind. December 14, 1899.
-
John M. Stone Papers
E. Henderson sends a letter to Stone by his son Herbert Henderson asking Stone to offer guidance and assistance to his son while he studies principles of grammar and arithmetic at A and M college. December 30, 1899.
-
John M. Stone Papers
E. R. Hopkins writes to Stone in three letters regarding his son who is a student at the college. In the first letter, he asks Stone to excuse his son from field work as he has decided to study at the mechanical college. In the second, he says that he agrees with Stone not to let his son be excused from field work and in the third he asks that his son be excused to come home for Christmas holidays.
-
John M. Stone Papers
In a series of letters to Stone regarding his sons battle with the measles F. A. Jordan asks that his son be excused from school then asks for him to be readmitting after he is well. September 14, 1899, January 4, 1900, January 30, 1900, March 5, 1900.
