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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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
W. L. Hutchinson writes to R. C. King informing him that the president has already approved but that J. C. Robert is to go and pick up about 20 head of cattle. June 17, 1897.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
A series of letters between S. D. Lee and C. E. Ard regarding a check to the Meridian bank and discrepancies in the fire code. June 17, 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
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
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
W. C. Chapman submits his thesis and application for graduation. January 24, 1898.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
J. E. Garrison submits his application for a diploma at the next commencement ceremony. January 24, 1897.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
G. E. Tennisson writes to ask that he be able to have a tutor to be able to pass his examinations as he has just failed them and does not want to be put a year behind. October 12, 1896.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
W. C. Wellborne writes to Lee telling him that he is trying to run his department as economically as possible and hopes to have it running on its own by commencement in the spring. October 22, 1896.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
Dabney Lipscomb submits his resignation as professor of psychology and ethics and professor in charge of the preparatory school because he has recently accepted a position as chair of Engish for the State University. June 11, 1895.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
J. L. Logan writes inquiring about the vacant position left by Professor Lipscomb. June 7, 1895.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
T. J. Weddell submits his application for the assistant position in the mathematics department. June 10, 1895.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
T. J. Woofter submits his application for the positon left vacant by professor Lipscomb. June 12, 1895.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
L. B. Reid submits his application for the job left vacant by Lipscomb. June 12, 1895.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
J. M. Sharp writes to ask what the salary is for the open position at the college. June 15, 1895.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
W. L. Bringhunt submits his application for the position of Chair of English. June 9, 1895.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
A. Wiechardt recommends C. Mills for the open position at the college. June 10, 1895.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
S. D. Lee writes to Hutchinson informing him that he has misplaced a letter he had sent him and asks him when he will be returning to the college. May 12, 1895.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
A letter that addresses Lipscomb's regisignation at A and M College. June 11, 1895.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
A. B. McKay writes to Lee to request that he be sent as a representative to the Convention of Agricultural Colleges in Denver, Colorado. June 8, 1895.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
Randle Carpenter writes to be considered for an assistant position in his department as a way to make money to be able to pay for graduate courses. June 6, 1895.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
B. M. Walker writes to resign from his position to go study at the University of Chicago. June 4, 1895.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
George C. Creelman asks that greenhouse duty be given to another member of the faculty and requests that his house be added on to. June 1, 1895.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
J. C. Herbert submits his application for the position recently vacant at the preparatory school. June 10, 1895.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
J. D. Epes writes inquiring about the vacant position in the English department. June 6, 1895.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
W. L. Bringhunt writes to Lee that he would like to be considered for the open position and lists his credentials as mentions that he would like to come to Mississippi to set up a meeting. June 14, 1895.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
A series of letters between Magruder and Lee regarding purchases for the English department. August 21, 1895.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
W. L. Bringhunt submits his application for the vacant Professor of English position. June 14, 1895.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
J. S. Connell writes to Lee asking for the position of Professor of English. He has been teaching the class since Lipscomb resigned and would like to continue to teach it for the upcoming term. June 1885.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
A series of letters, all regarding work or potential work at the college. March 1, 1895.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
A series of letters regarding the recommendation and hiring of a man to do repair work for the college. November 26, 1895, November 20, 1895, November 18, 1895, November 22, 1895, November 16, 1895, November 14, 1895.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
R. J. Wiechardt writes that he can train the new hire in mechanics for a fee of 30 cents an hour. November 28, 1895.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
S. M. Tracy, director at the Mississippi Agricultural Experiment Station, writes to Lee regarding cattle work to be carried out at the station. This work includes testing the digestibility of different foods for cattle as well as the new drug tuberculin. September 22, 1894.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
S. M. Tracy writes to Lee regarding a possible new branch station in the Mississippi delta. He asks Lee his opinion on how they can pay for the new branch without it costing the home station too much. September 22, 1894.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
R. C. King writes to Lee complaining of the repairs needed and notes that the foundation is giving way and that the house needs painting. He also notes that the cistern is too small for use and they never have as much water as they would like. He asks that they be given a new cistern. June 15, 1894.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
G. C. Creelman writes to Lee asking that another room or two be built onto his house because at the time he, his wife, and child were sharing one room while his mother in law slept in the other and the help had to sleep in the hall. September 24, 1894.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
Regarding wages paid for student work over the summer, the students ask that they be given a $10 advance. June 19, 1894.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
Petition signed by students asking that the president confer with the board of trustees to change the pattern of the uniform coat. February 1, 1894.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
W. L. Hutchinson writes to Lee asking for a more suitable building for the mechanical arts department. September 24, 1894.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
Will Browning writes to apply for a position and suggests a salary of $90 a month. April 28, 1894.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
John M. Ordway writes to recommend a young gentleman that currently works for him. March 22, 1894.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
Albert Herget writes to apply for a recently open position in the Mechanical Department. February 7, 1894.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
Report card fro H. J. Davis, includes his grades from freshman year. May 4, 1894.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
Will Browning writes to apply for a recently open position at the college. April 14, 1894.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
Contract made between Cehm and Company and Mississippi A and M College regarding uniforms. August 11, 1894.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
Harry Swimmer writes announcing his resignation at the end of September to go pursue a career in engineering. January 31, 1894.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
H. M. Street writes to Lee suggesting that he consult Mr. Montgomery regarding a bust of Senator Morrill. December 10, 1894.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
Tait Butty writes to Lee asking for more funds for the veterinarian department as they need more dogs for dissection and a better clinical room. September 24, 1894.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
W. B. Montgomery writes to Lee endorsing action to Col. Street and Lee. December 11, 1894.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
R. C. King writes to Lee regarding expenses for H. J. Davis. January 29, 1894.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
Will S. Browning writes to turn down the offer Lee has given him. May 18, 1894.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
W. H. Barr writes to Lee regarding the costs and charges for the physical plant. June 14, 1894.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
Professor Lipscomb writes to Lee suggesting the promotion of Professor Herbert. September 24, 1894.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
S. Archer writes to recommend W. C. Welborn for the position of Chair of Agriculture. June 15, 1893.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
G. W. Thomas writes to recommend W. C. Welborn for the position of Chair of Agriculture. June 14, 1893.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
W. M. Yerger writes to recommend W. C. Welborn for the position of Chair of Agriculture. June 16, 1893.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
Letter written to Lee from the law office of Bishop and Wilcoxen regarding a case of a student being suspended and asking for a mandatory order of reinstatement. April 18, 1893.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
The reports of committee on recommendation for diplomas notes that the fraternity that was supposed to have been abolished still exists. June 17, 1893.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
A letter signed by Anderson, Hand, Will, Nance, Good, and Collins writes that they will use their utmost efforts to break up forever the SAE fraternity. June 19, 1893.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
L. M. Nance writes regarding his recent expulsion from the college but says he has been invited to attend many other colleges that have SAE chapters. January 2, 1893.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
W. C. Welborn writes to officially have himself considered for the job of Chair of Agriculture and lists some of his qualifications. June 5, 1893.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
The case regarding fraternities on campus is being reviewed by the courts and notes that one of the boys has resigned from the fraternity and has entered A and M as a student again. March 14, 1893.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
Resolution adopted by the board of trustees at A and M college that forbids any secret society or club. June 20, 1893.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
W. C. Welborn submits his application for the position as Chairman of Agriculture. June 20, 1893.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
Will H. Browning writes to ask for a year off to further his study in mechanical engineering. June 15, 1893.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
G.W. Burr writes to Stone because he claims he was shorted $157.76 the past year from his salary. September 9, 1893.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
L. P. Smith write to recommend W. C. Welborn for Chairman of Agriculture. June 5, 1893.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
A series of letters starting June 1893 from Dir. Of Miss Ag Experiment Station, S. M. Tracy to Gen. S. D. Lee regarding Grasses and Forage Plants report. S.M. Tracy enclosed letters from Dr. Vasey to Tracy and from Botanist Frederick V. Corville to Tracy regarding the report. June 12, 1893, December 15, 1892, June 5, 1893,
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
S. W. Ferguson writes to recommend W. C. Welborn for the position of Chair of Agriculture. June 15, 1893.
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Board of Trustees of the Agricultual and Mechanical College of Mississippi
Minutes for Board of Trustees meetings showing the founding of the Mississippi Agricultural and Mechanical College (later Mississippi State University) in 1878, the selection of Stephen D. Lee as the first President of the College, and the Selection of Starkville, Mississippi as the site for the College.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
S. D. Lee writes to J. H. Connell saying that his endorsement for the letter is unsatisfactory as well as mentioning that he has sent an incorrect report regarding a charge. January 5, 1892.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
R. C. King writes to J. W. Connell regarding a bill that was unpaid to A. W. Halbert. King says that he paid the man but then realized Connell had not gotten permission from the president to spend that money in the first place. He says that he was reprimanded by the president and that because of Connell's actions he will be presented to the board of trustees and also brings to his attention that other departments are going to have to suffer because the farm department had to borrow the money from them to pay off this debt. April 13, 1892.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
J. H. Connell writes to Lee explaining that he has already handed in the grade sheet and also discusses an apparent quarrel going on between him and his colleagues. March 9, 1892.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
The three upper classes write to petition that their class mates me allowed to return to the college. November 1892.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
A letter from Lee to J. H. Connell regarding his delay in dealing with Mr. W. A. Smith. March 9, 1892.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
In an anonymous letter signed ""alumni"" the secret fraternity is addressed. This person writes to say that the fraternity is evil and that it is the reason for the strife between the senior class and that it needs to be handled. October 8, 1892.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
In a series of letters between J. J. Yeates and R. C. King they discuss the fact that the farm department is behind $130.64 in paying Yates. King then writes to the head of the farm department, J. H. Connell, admonishing him for spending that money that he did not have and putting the college in debt to Yates. Included is an itemized receipt of the charges. January 23, 1892, January 27, 1892, January 26, 1892.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
McGee, Stone, and Gill write questioning the degree of Bachelor of Science and its qualifications. June 15, 1892.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
In a series of letters, beginning with the discussion of extensive student labor being charged to the college and mistakes made in that report then leading into other letters sent by Lee and King regarding Connell and unapproved purchases he has made. November 4, 1892, March 22, 1893.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
R. C. King, the college's secretary, writes to Lee explaining why he has not turned in the financial report for the college yet. He explains that the reason is that student labor over the holidays was not turned in until late and he also notes that it is extremely high compared to years past. January 4, 1892.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
Dabney Lipscomb, a professor at the college, writes in regards to F. F. Will who has had to withdraw because of illness. He writes that he is a studious student and should be allowed to come back to the college. February 5, 1892.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
LeRoy Brown, President of Auburn, writes to Lee defending himself and telling him that he did not write a letter regarding the matters of the SAE fraternity. November 12, 1892.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
The Auburn chapter of SAE writes to L. M. Vance inviting him to come to Auburn to school and join SAE there due to him being expelled from A and M. November 5, 1892.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
W. J. Gallaway writes regarding the building and plans for the physical plant. April 10, 1892.
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Stephen D. Lee Papers
L. M. Nance writes to his professor to ask advice on what he should do because of a confusing letter he sent to Lee in which he insinuated that Mr. Brown had written. November 17, 1892.
