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 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
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
T. W. Ford in a letter to his son says that he is welcome to do as he pleases but gives him the option of staying in school or coming home and helping him. He says that if he does come home he wants him to sell his books for as much as he can and be prepared to work hard. He also give him the choice of staying in school and studying hard. October 9, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
Mrs. J.B. Flood in a series of letters to Stone corresponds with him regarding her son. In the first, she explains that her son is always sick so that he is aware of that fact. In the second, she asks that he be excused to come home to Columbus for the evening. The third she gives permission for Stone to punish her son after he has received a misdemeanor. The fourth she gives permission for him to return. The last letter she is upset with Stone for letting her son return home without her permission. She goes on to say that she did not expect this kind of thing from this college and expects them to be more strict. September 21, 1899, December 14, 1899, December 18, 1899, December 21, 1899, December 20, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
In two letters, W. H. Ellis asks Stone to excuse his son, William Henry Ellis, from field work in favor of working in the shopand for permission to return home for the Christmas holiday. October 27, 1899 and December 7, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
T. P. Edwards writes two letters to Stone, requesting that his son, W. T. Edwards be allowed to come home for Christmas with his roommate Mr. Mock, and in february 1900, to return home due to a case of the measels. December 20, 1899 and Febraury 17, 1900.
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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
W. J. East writes to Stone, reccommending C. J. Mitchell to the College. He states that Mitchell is too poor to cover the expenses and in turn will work to defray the costs. September 18, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
Helen D. Bell, State Librarian of Mississippi, writes to Stone requesting that her son, Lyerly, be allowed to borrow bedding as he did not have his trunk with him. She also included a money order of fifty dollars for tuition. She notes that a Major Porter recently died of yellow fever but that there were no other cases in Jackson. September 18, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
W. B. Barr, College Surgeon, writes to Stone requesting that all students and campus staff be vaccinated against small pox, as it is becoming an epidemic. He requests that all campus personell be brought to him for examination. December 19, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
Mrs. Robert C. Betts writes to Stone to acknowledge her approval of his decision to keep the students on campus during the Christmas holidays. December 6, 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.
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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.
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John M. Stone Papers
T. R. Leavell writes to Stone informing him that he and Mr. Jones will be at the college after Christmas and hope to find everything going well. December 19, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
In a series of four letters to Stone, the Jackson family writes in regards to their family member being sent home. In the first, H. Z. Jackson writes to Stone asking for another chance for his nephew. He ensures him that he will not break the rules anymore and if he does he asks to be notified. In the second letter, H. Z. Jackson himself writes to Stone an apology letter for his behavior and asks to return in December. In the third, Mrs. Lillie Jackson apologizes on behalf of her son and in a fourth she asks that Stone keep and eye on her son back at the college. She says that his classmates tease him about being sent home and that he wishes to return home due to embarrassment and harrassment. December 12, 1899, December 13, 1899, January 3, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
E. J. Hilliard writes to Stone requesting a catalogue because his brother would like to attend the college. September 14, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
The U.S. Department of Agriculure's Editor and Chief sends a letter to Stone regarding information that is to be useed in the yearbook of 1899. He asks questions regarding the colleges library and asks for Stone's reply. October 23, 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
In a letter to Stone, C. W. Call asks for permission for his son Frank Wall to be able to come home for Christmas holidays. December 18,1899.
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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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
Robery Clifton Nickle submits his 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
W. J. Call submits his thesis and application for graduation. February 17, 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
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
A. B. Corodeie submits his thesis and application for graduation. February 17, 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
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
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
James Whitokre submits his senior thesis outline and application for graduation. February 17, 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
M. B. Bacol submits his thesis and application for graduation. March 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
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. 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
C. W. Lancaster submits his thesis and application for graduation. January 11, 1897.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
O. M. Lawrence submits his application for graduation with the understanding that he must pass book keeping and drawing before commencement. January 24, 1898.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
Ward writes to Lee regarding pictures being taken and included in the catalogue. He encloses an example of what the photographs would look like. March 16, 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.
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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
W. H. Kier submits an outline of his thesis and an application for graduation. January 24, 1898.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
W. C. Chapman submits his thesis and application for graduation. January 24, 1898.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
M. H. Brama submits his application for graduation and notes that he has not passed the book keeping class but says he is getting lessons from the teacher in the afternoons to make it up. January 22, 1898.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
W. L. Hutchinson writes to Lee asking for permission to go on a trip to Copiah to collect soil samples. May 3, 1897.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
Stephen Lee, of the senior class, submits his application for graduation. January 24, 1898.
