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.

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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

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. S. Moore writes to Stone regarding the building and equipment for a dairy building. January 28, 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

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

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

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

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

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

J. B. Glagien asks Stone to excuse his son from school for a week due to illness. January 8, 1900.
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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. 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

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

R. P. Walker writes to Stone regarding an alfalfa field at the college. March 13, 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

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

D. A. Tompkins writes to Stone regarding a Textiles Department at the college. March 12, 1900.
John M. Stone Papers

S. D. Stinnis gives permission for his son to withdraw from school. February 13, 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

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

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

L. L. Chambly writes to Dr. Barr requesting that his son, Tommie, who is ill, be sent home.
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

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. 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

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

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

S.C. Hilton writes to Stone and faculty submitting an application for a diploma. January 11, 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

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

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

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

M. G. Breckenridge writes to Stone requesting information on the College. January 3, 1899.
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

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

W. B. Alsobrook requests information on the college for his son Clarence. January 4, 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

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

H. T. Saunders gives permission for R. P. Saunders to withdraw from college. January 2, 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

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

Mrs. C. W. Halstead writes to Stone asking when the college will be open in Septemeber. She says they have been waiting on her nephew to arrive in McComb from Ocean Springs or her son would already be at the college. She also explains how anxious she is for her son to leave home for the first time and would like to see his new living space but due to the quarantine she will not be able to. September 14, 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

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

Wilmer Atkinson Company requests a catalog, circulars, personal statements and photographs for Farm Journal regarding the A and M College. October 18, 1899.
John M. Stone Papers

Mrs. A. S. Armstrong hopes that the College will remain open during Christmas break and that her son, Harvey C. A. Fleming, can remain. December 8, 1899. In a follow up letter, Mrs. Armstrong thanks Stone for sending a report on Harvey's progress and she hopes for improvement. January 19, 1900.
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

Percy Bell, Superintendent of Education in Washington County, Mississippi, writes to stone on behalf of Mr. J. J. Shepherd of Pettitt, Mississippi, whose son wishes to enter the College in January 1900. He is requesting information on tuition deferments and dormitory fees. November 27, 1899.
John M. Stone Papers

Frank Burkitt writes to Stone requesting the admission of his son Horace to the College. He states that Horace is not a good student and needs the discipline of living in the dormitory under strict rules. November 25, 1899.
John M. Stone Papers

Mrs. L. A. Burris writes to Stone asking him to look after her son, Earle Burris, as it is his first time away from home and she worries about outside influences on him. September 19, 1899.
John M. Stone Papers

F. R. Carloss writes to Stone requesting his son be admitted to the Prepatory Department for the next session. November 3, 1899.
John M. Stone Papers

A series of letters from Samuel S. Caruthers to Stone. In the November 17, 1899 letter, Caruthers apologizes for his brother's (R. S. Caruthers) actions in removing items from the laboratory and taking them to his room. Caruthers explains that their parents are dead and he is his brother's guardian. He offers to settle all of his debts. In the November 27, 1899 letter, Samuel writes that his brother had returned home after an unsuccessful attempt to join the army. His brother said that students are always taking things from the lab back to their rooms. Samuel promised to send his brother back to the College. In December 5, 1899 Samuel sends a money order for ten dollars. In February 6, 1900, Samuel sends a money order for twelve dolalrs and fifty cents.
John M. Stone Papers

H. R. Chilton writes to Stone requesting that his son, H. S. Chilton, be allowed to room with his friend John S. Carroll. August 15, 1899.
John M. Stone Papers

In two letters, R. F. Conner writes to Stone regarding his son, who was dismissed from the College. In the October 30, 1899 letter he acknowledges that his son was ill and that he would like for him to return to the College. In the January 11, 1900 letter he ask that his son, W. M. Conner, who had returned to the College, be allowed to withdraw on account of weak eyes.
John M. Stone Papers

A series of letters from the Cook family. On October 20, 1899, T. L. H. Cook asks that his son, T. L. come home. On December 20, 1899, T. L. Cook writes to Stone apologizing for leaving the College to go help his father. On December 27, 1899, T. L. H. Cook asks that his son be allowed to withdraw from the College to help out in his business.
John M. Stone Papers

A series of letters from John R. Dinsmore, Trustee of the College, to Stone regarding the complaint of two students who were forced to change rooms in the dormitory. He tells Stone that he is investigating in order to protect the good name of the college. November 28 and 29, 1899, December 4, 1899.
John M. Stone Papers

In two letters, W. G. Deles writes to Stone requesting that his son be allowed to work in the Mechanical shop rather than the field and that his son be allowed to come home for Christmas. September 29, 1899 and December 14, 1899.
John M. Stone Papers

John E. Dye writes requesting course catalogs and tuition information. 1899.
John M. Stone Papers

James Edmonson requests that his son, Eddie Edmondson, be allowed to return home for the Christmas holiday. December 1899.
John M. Stone Papers

G. Kohler writes in reply to Stone saying that he has sent a twenty dollar check to Mr. King so that his son may be in better standing in his class. November 3, 1899.
John M. Stone Papers

Patrick Larkin of Texas writes to Stone asking for terms and qualifications for entering the college. October 14, 1899.
John M. Stone Papers

S. S. Ledbetter asks Stone to let his son come home Saturday morning to Sunday evening as he has no special duties to perform. October 27, 1899.
John M. Stone Papers

Mrs. T. J Ramsey writes to Stone asking him to talk to her son as he has recently lost his father. She then asks him to find him some studies that interest him more because he is asking to come home and she would not like for him to do that. October 28, 1899, November 2, 1899.
John M. Stone Papers

E. S. Robius writes regarding the manufacturing of fertilizer. March 14, 1899.
John M. Stone Papers

A. T. Roane sends a letter to Stone by his son who wishes to start school at A and M that term. October 2, 1894.
John M. Stone Papers

H. L. Whitfield asks Stone to send in information for the biannual report to the legislature. September 1, 1899, September 4, 1899.
John M. Stone Papers

Mrs. M. I. Amos requests that her son be admitted to the college and that she be offered a position as a houskeeper, seamstress, or matron. October 25, 1899.
John M. Stone Papers

John W. Andrews and G. A. Andrews request that their son, J. J., be sent home to help with the family business as John is in poor health. They would also like his tuition refunded but hope that he will return to the College after Christmas. November 12, 1899.
John M. Stone Papers

O. L. Aycock writes to Stone requesting information and advice as to whether he can attend the College. September 17, 1899. A follow up letter from his sister, Dora Aycock, where she states her concerns that O. L. could pass the Freshman entrance exam and wondered if he may be able to take a course in carpentry while she helps him study. October 2, 1899.
John M. Stone Papers

J. Elizabeth Ball writes to Stone requesting information on her son, Harrison E. Ball, who has been hospitalized with the measels. She lists the various ailments he has experienced at the College and worries about his academic performance. December 30, 1899.
John M. Stone Papers

C. C. Bardwell writes to Stone complaining of students stealing sugar cane and hickory nuts from his property. If the trespassing does not stop, according to Bardwell, he will take harsh measures. October 5, 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

A series of letters from E. E. Baldwin to Stone. In the October 19, 1899 letter, Baldwin asks if his son, Charles F. Baldwin, can attend the College after having been appointed the previous summer but was home recovering from malaria. In the January 8, 1900 letter, Baldwin gives permission to his son to leave the College to particpiate in the Governor of Mississippi's inaugural parade in Jackson on January 16, 1900. In the March 9, 1900 letter, Baldwin gives permission to his son to withdraw from the College as he is suffering from dyspepsia.
John M. Stone Papers

In a series of letters, J. C. Carter writes, on September 19, 1899, to Stone that he will be sending his son, J. F. Carter, to the College instead of to the school in Clinton. In the October 13, 1899 letter, Carter writes that he wants his son, who is ill, to come home. He also notes the passing of J. M. Smith, an old soldier the two men knew.
John M. Stone Papers

John T. Clark grants his son, Arthur W. Clark, permission to come home for Christmas.
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

A series of letters from N. B. Cranford to Stone. On Spetember 9, 1899, Crandford asks that his son, David, be excused from some physical activity due to his recent heat related illness.On October 16 and 18, 1899, he writes to Stone requesting to meet him after November 6th, due to his being delayed by the state senate.
John M. Stone Papers

G. A. Crooker writes to Stone to agree that the students should remain at the College through Christmas holiday. December 19, 1899.
John M. Stone Papers

Mrs. Danielson writes to Stone that, due to the illness of her son, Fred, her boys were late reporting to the College. December 27, 1899.
John M. Stone Papers

R. A. Duncan agrees with Stone's decision to keep the students at the College for Christmas break. December 14, 1899.
John M. Stone Papers

In a letter to Stone, H. A. Fleming explains that it is impossible for him to come back to school right now because he has yellow fever. He says that as soon as he can come back to school he will. October 16, 1899.
John M. Stone Papers

J. J. Garner writes on behalf of Camp and Hinton out of Lumberton, Mississippi. He explains that they wish to purchase all of the land that belongs to the college west of the railroad. They plan to take the land and pay one dollar per 1000 feet as they cut it. August 6, 1899.
John M. Stone Papers

In a letter to Stone, H. S. Gilleylen writes regarding the circular that Stone sent out saying that the college will not suspend exercises over Christmas holidays as it is best for students to stay and study. He writes on behald of his nephew who has requested that he be able to come home to Aberdeen, Ms for a few days during the Christmas season. He explains that he has already brought to his attention the circular but he also mentions that he is only taking three classes and not doing well in them. He also asks about his 21 demerits that he has and would like for Stone to talk with him about his low grades and demerits. December 4, 1899.
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.

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