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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
J. C. Keen asks Stone to give his son permission to come home. October 7, 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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Stephen D. Lee Papers
Irwin Dauey Sesswood submits his thesis and application for graduation. February 17, 1899.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
James Whitokre submits his senior thesis outline and application for graduation. February 17, 1899.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
B. W. Kilgore writes announcing the resignation of the stenographer and typewriter for the department, Pickard. July 24, 1899. July 18, 1899.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
Bacob, Rogers, and Thayer ask that they be given special consideration for the work they missed last year while serving in the armed forces. January 2, 1899.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
A. B. Corodeie submits his thesis and application for graduation. February 17, 1899.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
List submitted by J. H. Connell of all things destroyed by fire and their value. November 23, 1899.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
W. J. Call submits his thesis and application for graduation. February 17, 1899.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
James Wales Cassell submits his senior thesis and application for a diploma. February 17, 1899.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
R. C. King writes to Lee about the shortage of funds for the mechanical account. He says the reason for this is because the lights in the electric plant were run all night from November to December. January 19, 1899.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
S. D. Lee writes to the governor in regards to a statement the governor had made about anyone being able to give students permission to leave. Lee corrects him by saying the only person who has power to give permission to leave is the president. December 19, 1899.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
M. B. Bacol submits his thesis and application for graduation. March 24, 1899.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
Robery Clifton Nickle submits his application for graduation. February 17, 1899.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
G. H. Alford writes to Lee informing him that he expects to stand The Civil Service examination on April 11th. He notes that he needs to study until that date and asks to be excused from all duties except examinations of military until after April 10th. March 31, 1899.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
Committee selected by the students writes to Lee and faculty requesting that they be given ten days for Christmas holidays. November 24, 1899.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
Passed on January 9, 1898, the rules for which classes may compete for the President's Medal. January 9, 1898.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
The members of the sophomore class write to the faculty asking to be excused from having to memorize their third term address due to their work this term being too crowded. May 29, 1898.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
Eugene E. Adams writes a recommendation letter for Ellwin C. Roberts and also confirms that he served five terms in the district. August 29, 1898.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
Walker, Hubert, and Kilgore, all part of a committee, write regarding the President's Medal. They include qualifications for receiving it as well as when it is to be announced. December 18, 1898.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
W. H. Magruder on behalf of the committee sends a report suggesting that there be a hour limit for students competing for a scholarship. They also write that they cannot think of any work at the college that would be suitable for the women who attend and who are trying to compete for the same scholarship. He concludes by saying that they believe the college to be behind in the development of minor industries. May 8, 1898.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
W. H. Magruder , on behalf of the committee on courses of study, suggests some changes to be made regarding the junior debate and the committees that are used to choose the student competing for a scholarship. May 23, 1898.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
E. L. Dukate asks to be excused from memorizign his last term address due to him giving an address on the presentation of the Magruder Medal on the same day. May 30, 1898.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
H. A. Gamble writes to have permission granted to him and the Young Men's Christian Association to put papers in the parlors. January 24, 1898.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
Alford, Armistead, and Watson write to ask that Mr. Brown be excused from writing and delivering his third term address. May 16, 1898.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
E. J. Gray writes a recommendation letter for Ellwin C. Roberts for a teaching position. August 29, 1898.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
The four students who are to be considered for the Alumni Medal write to the President and faculty asking for them to select a subject for debate. March 7, 1898.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
W. B. Montgomery writes to C. B. Lampkin advising him to dismiss unpleasant memories associated with his college days. August 11, 1898.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
W. F. Goreuflo asks to be excused from memorizing his third term address as long as it will not impair him from receiving his junior scholarship. May 30, 1898.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
B. M. Walker and committee suggest that the college adopt the plan for the junior and senior classes. They also suggest that the recitation period be shortened to 55 minutes and that chapel exercises be put at the close of the second hour. November 28, 1898.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
W. H. Magruder sends a report to recommend that a general certificate be granted to all students who have taken and completed all freshman and sophomore classes. Also that a department certificate be granted to students who have taken and completed work in certain departments. February 21, 1898.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
S. D. Lee writes to King about Collins who he says has not been heard from but when he is needs to be told to take a month off and rest. July 11, 1897.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
J. C. Morphin submits his application for graduation with the understanding that he still must pass all of his examinations. January 11, 1897.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
Stephen Lee, of the senior class, submits his application for graduation. January 24, 1898.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
A series of letters between Lee, Williamson, and Fox regarding an article that was published in the Reflector. March 22, 1897.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
S. D. Lee sends a letter to the faculty regarding disciplinarian problems. The ones mentioned are an article a senior student has published criticizing the president and college as a whole as well as another student stealing an examination from his teacher. March 22, 1897.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
A. J. May writes to King informing him that the appropriations have not come through yet but when they do he will send him money. July 7, 1897.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
S. D. Lee writes to King about his friends from Georgia that are to be arriving soon. July 2, 1897.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
J. S. Butler and J. A. Loch submit their application for graduation. January 11, 1897.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
C. W. Lancaster submits his thesis and application for graduation. January 11, 1897.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
J. L. Stinson submits an outline of his thesis and an application for graduation. January 24, 1898.
