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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John M. Stone Papers
John Redhead writes to Stone in correspondence about a committee Stone has asked him to be on. October 14, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
In a group of correspondence, all with the last name beginning with the letter N. On September 2, 1899 John Neuhardt writes to Stone regarding a vacancy at A and M College as he would like to attend. On December 26, 1899, G. E. Neson writes to Stone asking why his name is not listed as a graduate in the yearly catalogue. February 1, 1900, Alan Newman writes to Stone inquiring about a position as a drawing instructor. On September 15, 1899 Mary E. North writes a recommendation letter for her brother Hardie North. C. S. North writes to Stone on November 4, 1899 asking that his son be granted a permit to come home for an inauguration ceremony.
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John M. Stone Papers
E. J. Murphy asks Stone to send him a recommendation for Dr. W. H. Stewart who is in East St. Louis practicing his profession. November 5, 1899.
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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.
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John M. Stone Papers
J. C. Herbert writes to Stone regarding the contest for the President Medal and the prize of $50. May 22, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
E. P. Swain asks Stone to let his son come home at once and will allow him to come back to school after Christmas. December 11, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
A. L. Stone sends to Stone a circular regarding the meeting of the National Irrigation Congress. August 12, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
A. Stinson writes to Stone regarding his son in a series of letters. In the first, he asks that his son be excused from drawing class. He then asks that his son be allowed to come home for Christmas holidays. Finally, he asks that his son be permitted to withdraw from the college. October 21, 1899, October 28, 1899, December 7, 1899, March 4, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
S. E. Stinson writes to her son asking that he come home so he will be able to spend Christmas day with them. December 14, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
Oscar Stephens writes to Stone regarding Clay Mills. He would like to come to college right away if he is able to have a job milking so he can pay some of his expenses. September 20, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
J. B. Stark asks Stone to send him a catalogue and asks about the tuition requirements as well. October 18, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
In a series of two letters, R. B. Sorrells writes to Stone asking that his son be excused from work as he would like for him to focus more on his studies. In the second letter, he asks that his son be granted permission to come home. October 9, 1899, December 12, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
G. H. Smith asks Stone to give him information as to which railroads in the territory have agreed to the rate before his railroad company agrees to it. September 12, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
T. M. Simmons writes to Stone asking the college's terms before he attends the fall and winter terms. October 19, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
C. L. Simmons gives his son permission to stay home until January 1 because he would not be able to do any work that week anyway so he thinks it best that he stay home. December 26, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
J. J. Shepherd writes to Stone informing him that his son will enter the college on January 1, 1900. December 9, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
Mrs. S. T. Sharp asks that her son John N. Sharp be allowed to come home because he is sick. October 13, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
J. J. Scarborough writes to Stone regarding an inspector who is coming to town. He says they will be glad to entertain him if Stone will send them the dates he is to be in town. August 18, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
S. S. Scales gives his son permission to leave the college for the weekend. November 7, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
Captain A. Russell sends a notice from the Office of the Chief of Ordnance. August 21, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
J. W. Robinson writes to Stone asking about the requirements to get into the college as he would like to come. October 14, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
J Rogue explains to Stone that her son has been sick and that is why he has not returned to school. She asks that when he does return he does not have to participate in work because of his poor health. October 31, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
Miss Emma Roberts writes to Stone regarding their traveling secretary Miss Crosby who will be traveling to Mississippi. She writes to ask if she would be allowed on campus and able to work at the Young Woman's Christian Association. December 11, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
J. E. Rainwater writes to Stone asking that his son be allowed to come home for a few days during Christmas holidays. In a following letter, he writes to Stone because his son has written to him asking to withdraw but the father would not like for him to withdraw and instead would like an explanation from Stone as to why he would want to leave the college. December 19, 1899, January 11, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
Mrs. B. J. Moore writes to Stone in three letters asking him to investigate why her sons grades have been dropping. September 28, 1899, October 5, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
L. F. Montgomery writes to Stone on behalf of the Illinois Central Railroad Company telling him that they cannot make an exception for A and M College in regards to pricing as it would not be fair to other schools. September 6, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
C. W. Mitchell asks Stone to allow his son C. J. Mitchell to come home for ten days for Christmas holidays. December 12, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
In two letters, the first being written from R. E. Miller to his mother and the second from the mother to Stone. In the letter to his mother, R. E. Millers explains that he may be expelled from school due to the fact that he went turkey hunting with some boys and they brought the turkey back to the college which is against the rules. He explains that he was not a part of it but merely there when it happens and begs his mother to write to Stone asking that he not be expelled which is what the second letter is regarding. December 11, 1899, December 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
Magruder Maxwell asks Stone to send him information on the costs of attending the college. September 18, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
T. J. Mason in two letters to Stone explains that his son has been offered a full time position with the railroad and will not be returning to school and asks Stone to withdraw him from the college. October 20, 1899, October 14, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
W. Martin asks Stone to give his son permission to come home for Christmas. December 20, 1899.
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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.
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John M. Stone Papers
C. C. Mc Mullen writes to Stone telling him to be expecting him to enter the college on January 1. October 20, 1899.
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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.
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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.
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John M. Stone Papers
P. D. McLeod writes to Stone to ask about buying some of the college's pine land. September 26, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
H. J. McLaurin writes to recommend Mr. Ben Roberts to study mechanical education at the college. November 27, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
Mrs. M. A. Hussey on behalf of the Murdoch brothers asks that they be send home for Christmas break for ten days. [December] 9, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
In a series of letters, J. M. Marmuck asks that his son Vivian be excused from work in the field, drawing, and religious services except for those that are non-denominational. He is Catholic and thinks it would be wrong for him. In later letters he thanks Stone for his attention to this matter then asks that his son be excused from school for a few days. In one of the letters he asks Stone to prohibit his son from using tobacco. October 18, 1899, October 20, 1899,November 12, 1899, November 15, 1899, November 29, 1899, September 15, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
M. A. McClaugherty writes to Stone in response to an attached exerpt. He tells him that he has the best stock farm in South Mississippi that is 350 acres. He tells him that if he is interested he will send him a full description of the place. December 30, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
F. M. Lee writes to Stone in two letters asking that his son not have to take a drawing class. October 9, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
A. Lagrange writes to Stone in a series of three letters. The first asking that his grandson be moved up to a higher class and the second recommending Pedro Lopez for admission to the college. In the third he thanks Stone for writing such a kind letter regarding Lopez and tells him that he translated it into Spanish and sent it to his mother. July 6, 1899, August 10, 1899, August 24, 1899.
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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.
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John M. Stone Papers
J. C. Keen asks Stone to give his son permission to come home. October 7, 1899.
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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.
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John M. Stone Papers
J. C. Robert asks Stone to excuse his son from some of the work because he seems to be exhausted all the time. In the second letter he asks Stone to renew his permit to be excused as his son is always sick and doesnt need to work so much. October 23, 1899, January 2, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
R. F. Abbay requests that his nephew, Robert Irwin Abbay, be admitted to the A and M college. He also requests assistance in providing board and education for the boy's mother, Georgia Irwin Abbay, and his young sister. Mr. Abbay also expresses his wish that the college acquire a Textile School, as he wants his nephew to learn the trade. December 27, 1899
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John M. Stone Papers
R. S. Adams requests that his son attend the A and M College. December 23, 1899.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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John M. Stone Papers
David F. Boyd, former president of Lousiana State University, write to Stone offering his services as a professor. Boyd states his experience which includes working with William T. Sherman at LSU, president of the Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical college, serving with Generals Dick Taylor and Kirby Smith in the Civil War, and being appointed by Sherman, at the request of the Khedive of Egypt in 1875, as president of the Military College of Egypt. May 8, 1899.
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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.
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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.
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John M. Stone Papers
John T. Clark grants his son, Arthur W. Clark, permission to come home for Christmas.
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John M. Stone Papers
John F. Champenois grants permission to his son, Eldridge, to come home for Christmas.
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John M. Stone Papers
B. H. Chisis writes to Stone begging to be allowed back to the College after being expelled. December 21, 1899.
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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.
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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.
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John M. Stone Papers
George Cooke, a student at Howard College in East Lake, Alabama, requests information on transferring to the College. December 29, 1899.
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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.
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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.
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John M. Stone Papers
Professor A. J. Wiechardt reccomends that preparatory students be allowed to work in the shops and drawing rooms and that Senior Mechanical students be relieved from evening duties for four hours during the week. The Committee on Courses of Study endorses his request. June 5, 1899.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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John M. Stone Papers
W. A. Evans, an 1883 graduate of the College, requests to Stone the opportunity to apply for a Master's degree. He is working at the state univeristy in Chicago, Illinois and requests to submit his laboratory work there be acepted for his Master's. October 26, 1899.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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,
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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John M. Stone Papers
D.S. Gregory writes to Stone requesting that his son J. T. Gregory be withdrawn from the college. December 13, 1899.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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John M. Stone Papers
L. A. Halbert writes to Stone regarding his son, Vivian Halbert. He says that ever since his son came home on December 22nd he has been very sick and asks Stone to excuse him from school until he is well. December 27, 1899.
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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.
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John M. Stone Papers
R. J. Harding writes to Stone asking him to keep an eye on his nephew R. J. Harding Jr since he is a country boy ready to get a practical education. He also writes about Val. Baldwin who is at the time sick with a slow fever but as soon as he is well will be attending the college and asks that Baldwin and Harding Jr be roommates since they are neighbors at home. September 26, 1899.
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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.
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John M. Stone Papers
In two letters, J. W. Henderson writes to Stone recommending Earl Justice Lake and Fred and Jim Birver for admission to the college. He asks Stone to find a vacancy for these three young men at A and M College. September 12, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
W. M. Henry writes to Stone inviting him and the Agricultural College Battalion to Governor Longine's inauguration. December 13, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
T. J. Hubbard asks Stone to withdraw his son Shelby S. Hubbard from the college. November 11, 1899.
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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.
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John M. Stone Papers
J. E. Lockwood writes back to Stone saying that he cannot legally lower rates just for students of A and M college. September 5, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
R. G. Lilly writes to Stone asking him to show attention to his grandson Eldridge Lilly as he is en route to the college. September 18, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
W. D. Lilly writes to Lee asking that his son be allowed to come home Friday and return that Tuesday morning as a Christmas break since he has never been away from home for Christmas before. December 7, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
J. W. Lake writes in a series of letters to Stone regarding his son. In the first he sends a recommendation for admission to the college. In the second he ask that his son would be allowed to come home for Christmas holidays and in the third he asks that his son not be vaccinated against small pox since he was just vaccinated four years and due to the outbreak in Starkville he wants to be sure that he is not vaccinated again.