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
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. 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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. C. Hopper writes to Stone asking for permission for his son to withdraw from college. September 25, 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
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
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
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
John F. Champenois grants permission to his son, Eldridge, to come home for Christmas.
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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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
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
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 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
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.
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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. 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
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. 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
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.
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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. 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
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
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
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
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
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
James Edmonson requests that his son, Eddie Edmondson, be allowed to return home for the Christmas holiday. December 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
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. 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
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
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
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.
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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
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
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
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
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
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
A series of letters between R. C. English and the College regarding his brother E. M. Montie English. R. C. requests that his brother be allowed to attend the College and he sends money for the tuition. In the next letter he notes that he has not received a recipt for the tuition and that he wants to know why his brother was allowed to return home. The secretary of the College writes backenclosing a receipt and ensuring R. C. that his brother left with Stone's permission. December 15, 1899, February 12, 1900, February 15, 1900.
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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
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
A group of letters from G. G. Brown to Stone. IN the September 23, 1899 letter he asks for Stone make his sons, Fred and Jim, write home and to help them along in their studies. He also notes that he is a Confederate Veteran who signed up at the age of 16 and was with Robert E. Lee at Appomattox. In the November 23, 1899 letter, Mr. Brown apologizes to Stone for his son Jim bringing a pistol to campus and asks that Stone send it home. In the December 3, 1899 letter, Mr. Brown agrees with Stone's decision to keep the students on campus during the Christmas holidays. In the January 25, 1900 letter, Mr. Brown worries that his boys are constantly sick and he asks Stone if he can get a refund fort heir tuition if they come home.
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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
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
Georgia Irwin Abbay requests that her son, age 10, be admitted to the school, and that she and her young daughter be allowed to board with a family in Starkville. December 23, 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
