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
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
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
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
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
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
Mrs. E. B. Stinson writes to Stone asking first if her son would be able to come to college. In the second letter she writes because she is concerned about his grades. She says the reason is that he is always on the go and she does not know who he is getting his permits from. September 13, 1899, February 9, 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
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
Will T. Walker writes about his son coming to school at A and M and asks that he be excused from any work while there. September 23, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
J. M. White responds back to Stone with answers to his questions regarding the library at A and M. October 31, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
G. D. Wilson writes to Stone first asking that his son Willie be allowed to come home at once. He then writes to ask how his son is doing in school and tells him he is delicate in health so he may need extra care. He then writes to tell Stone that he agrees with his decision regarding Christmas holidays and wants his son to stay at school even for the one day they have off. March 2, 1900, November 2, 1899, December 5, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
Mrs. A. Wolf asks Stone when the college will be open because she would like to send her son Frank in time. September 15, 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
The Committee on Courses of Study reccomends that Meteorology be transferred from the Chemistry Department to the Physics Department. January 27, 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
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
R. S. Adams requests that his son attend the A and M College. December 23, 1899.
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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
Wilmer Atkinson Company requests a catalog, circulars, personal statements and photographs for Farm Journal regarding the A and M College. October 18, 1899.
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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.
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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.
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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
J. A. Tillon writes to Stone regarding his son's behavior and performance in school. He tells him that he has permission to come home if he does not keep up with his studies. November 2, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
J. M. Taylor in a series of letters to Stone first asks him to recommend a reliable young man who is familiar with dairying. In the second letter he asks Stone to make room for a young man he knows that would like to come to college. He agrees to pay for his expenses. In the third, he asks Stone to resolve an apparent quarrel between his sons. They have both written that they are not getting along and Taylor would like for Stone to talk to them. Nov ember 11, 1899, December 5, 1899, February 24, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
M. L. Weems writes to Stone telling him that his son has been given $100 toward tuition but would also like for Stone to help him find a job while at college. He then writes regarding his nephew and thanks Stone for excusing him to go to Oxford. December 2, 1899. December 4, 1899, November 24, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
The senior class writes to the faculty citing reasons that they should be excused from etymology. October 3, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
C. H. Campbell writes to Stone request that his son, Charles, be allowed to drop English History as the course is taking up too much of his time which could be devoted to other studies. October 5, 1899.
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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John M. Stone Papers
Mrs. J. G. Welborne asks that her son be given permission to come home for Christmas. December 16, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
Mrs. M. M. West writes to Stone first to ask him to allow her son to be absent then in a later letter addresses an issue that has come up regarding a stolen turkey. She begs him not to kick her son out of school for being a part of it. She then writes to him regarding her son coming down with small pox and would like for him to be excused until he is well enought to come back to school. November 30, 1899, December 15, 1899, January 29, 1900.
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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.
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John M. Stone Papers
Robert E. Wilson writes to Stone as a general land agent and makes an offer on land at the college. He includes a graph of the land in which he intends to purchase.September 2, 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. 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
Ben E. Stewart writes on behalf of his brother asking that he be excused from field work and given a regular seat in the dining hall. In the last letter he asks that his brother be excused to come home for Christmas holidays. October 19, 1899, November 2, 1899, December 18, 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
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
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
Lonzo Worrell writes to Stone regarding the price of school if he were to start in January and stay until June. November 28, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
S. J. Wallace asks Stone to consider him for a possible opening at the dairy farm. He has heard that there have been some promotions and would like to take the former job of one of the promoted if it is available. September 10, 1899, October 5, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
P. M. B. Waid asks Stone to let his son take a mechanical course instead of an agricultural course. In a following letter he asks that his friend be sent a catalogue because he would like for his son to enter the college soon. September 29, 1899, January 23, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
Richard R. Wade writes regarding his admission to the college as well as reduced rates. December 28, 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
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
In a memo sent by Stone, he gives permission for Miss Rome to be absent from class. May 17, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
C. A. Ruff writes to Stone asking if he can come to school to work in the shops and study just that. He wishes to not have to take any literary classes and would like to work in the shop and outside of the school to be able to pay off his expenses for college. December 19, 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
In a series of correspondence, all with last names beginning with the letter P. December 20, 1899, M. Perkins writes to Stone giving his son permission to come home for Christmas. August 18, 1889 a father writes to Stone inquiring about the expenses for college for his son. August 23, 1899, W. H. Perkins writes to Stone regarding his son whom he would like to send to the college in the upcoming term. T. J. Pathy writes to Stone asking to withdraw his son from the college. W. H. Perkin writes to Stone on February 7, 1900 asking him to excuse his son from drill because he has a sprained ankle that needs to heal. December 22, 1899, A. B. Phillips writes to Stone asking if A and M College teaches locomotive engineering and when school starts back. Mrs. S. Picard writes to Stone asking that her son be excusec from church on Sunday due to their religious beliefs and that he be excused from field work because he will never use that in his future occupation and she would like for him to have more time to devote to his studies. December 20, 1899, August 18, 1889, August 23, 18[8]9, February 7, 1900, December 22, 1899, October 11, 1899, March 5, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
W. S. Neal writes to Stone asking how much tuition his son would be able to work off as he will not be able to pay for him to go. He also notes that Stone should let other people in before his son because they are unable to pay. August 24, 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
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
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
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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.
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John M. Stone Papers
Patrick Larkin of Texas writes to Stone asking for terms and qualifications for entering the college. October 14, 1899.
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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.
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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.
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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
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 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
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 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
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. 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
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
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
John H. Wellborn, a land agent and county surveyor, writes to Stone regarding land at the college that is for sale. August 14, 1899, December 5, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
The senior class writes to the faculty asking that they be allowed to take their final examinations before commencement so they will be able to make up work if they have any before graduation. May 29, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
Mrs. J. H. Stevens asks Stone to extend her sons leave as he is still very sick at home with the measels. December 28, 1899. December 30, 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. 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
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
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.
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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
In a group of correspondence, all with the last name beginning with the letter O. In a series of letters, September 19, 1899 J. D. Ozier writes to Stone regarding his son Lois coming to college. In the next letter he writes to him explaining that his son is not enjoying college and is begging to be picked up. The next letter he asks Stone to allow his son to come home, bringing with him everything but the room furniture which he is to leave with his roommate. He then asks Stone to allow his son to come back to school but only wants him to be able to study certain subjects. February 8, 1900 T. T. O'Bryant writes to Stone asking him to watch out for Cameron Williams. December 20, 1899, J. B. O'Kelley writes to Stone regarding Christmas holidays for his son. December 13, 1899, J. A. Overstreet writes to Stone asking for his son to be able to come home on December 22nd. September 19, 1899, December 8, 1899, December 13, 1899, December 29, 1899, January 5, 1900, February 8, 1900, December 20, 1899, December 13, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
S. D. Lee writes to his son asking about his well-being and telling him that he is taking his wife to New Orleans the next day because she is ill. December 24, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
In a series of three letters, the first being from a son to his parents and the second and third being to Stone, the Halstead family writes concerning grades and Christmas holidays. In the letter home to his parents, the son writes about how he has been studying but did not have time to study the last four chapters before being called to boards. He says that he failed and is now in fear that he will be sent back to prep school. In the second letter, the mother, C. M. Halstead writes to Stone asking him not to send her son back to preparatory school as it will discourage him. In the third, C. M. Halstead writes to Stone regarding Christmas holidays. She thinks that it is unfair that the students will not be given a break as so many children look forward to coming home for this time of year. October 19, 1899, October 26, 1899, December 3, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
T. L. Wainwright sends notice that his son Orville has permission to come home on the train and return the following Tuesday. December 18, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
A.P. Watson's senior thesis outline titled The Railroad a Friend of the Farmer. May 12, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
In a series of five letters, Mr. J.W.T. Falkner writes to Stone regarding some disciplinarian issues with his son. His son apparently told his dad when he left home that he was going to Columbus to see some girls but never returned to the college until later. Stone has written Mr. Falkner telling of his son's absence and Mr. Falkner replies and explains that his son has never been dishonest up until this point. He also notes that his son has never been subjected to strict rules and never done much work so he hopes that Stone will have him working on the fields at the college as a punishment for his absence. September 3. 1899, September 25, 1899, September 28, 1899, October 17, 1899, October 23, 1899, December 24, 1899.
