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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Board of Trustees of the Agricultual and Mechanical College of Mississippi. Volume 3. July 15, 1908 - July 1, 1910.
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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Board of Trustees of the Agricultual and Mechanical College of Mississippi. Volume 2. March 5, 1894 - June 12, 1908.
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
The charter sent by Joseph W. Power that established Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges. April 9, 1904.
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John M. Stone Papers
Lamira M. Carruthers ' thesis outline senior year. Titled ""Life in the American Village"" she outlines the advantages of social intercourse within a community and having influences in our surroundings. She concludes that the intellectual elevation and strenth of a society always derive from social intercourses. January 11, 1901.
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John M. Stone Papers
L. T. Kennedy writes to Stone asking for a catalogue and other information to be sent to him as he would like to enroll in the college. March 9, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
Dr. Fred M. Brougher writes to Stone on behalf of M. M. Gibson who would like his son sent home from the College as soon as he has recovered fromt eh measles. January 1, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
W. L. Hutchinson writes to Stone in regards to an expert coming and making a road to the college. February 19, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
Lamira M. Carruthers writes to Stone and faculty submitting her application for graduation. January 11, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
J. S. Moore writes to Stone regarding the building and equipment for a dairy building. January 28, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
Clarence Langhten asks for information on how to enter A and M college. He wants his son to school at the college at the age of thirteen. January 5, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
J. B. Glagien asks Stone to excuse his son from school for a week due to illness. January 8, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
S. D. Stinnis gives permission for his son to withdraw from school. February 13, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
W. B. Alsobrook requests information on the college for his son Clarence. January 4, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
M. B. Starnes tells Stone that he had attended the college and now recommends it to others. He asks Stone to send him a catalogue so he will be able to continue to refer people to the school. January 22, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
W. H. Harvard writes directly to Stone asking for a list of costs to attend the college. In a follow up letter written as a recommendation letter S. J. Robinson writes to Stone explaining that W. H. Harvard is one armed but ensures Stone that he is a hard worker and will make a great student. January 10, 1899, January 6, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
J. S. Hamilton writes to Stone regarding his son's illness. He says he is too sick to be back in classes but would like for him to come to Starkville and get his things then return home until he is well. February 24, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
J. Elizabeth Ball writes to Stone begging him to let her son, Harrison E. Ball, remain at the College. January 6, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
George M. Tuxbury writes to Stone on behalf of Mrs. J. Elizabeth Ball, whose son, Harrison E. Ball, is sick and must return home to Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Tuxbury implores Stone to find a job for Harrison at the College which will help him pay for his expenses, as he fears that there are no opportunites for the boy in Ocean Springs. January 6, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
Jas. K. Varadaman writes to Stone regarding her son. She asks that he be excused from blacksmith duty as it is causing his eyes to hurt. She then sends a letter giving him permission to come home and spend time with his family at Christmas. In following letters she first withdraws her nephew then her son from college. October 30, 1900, December 1, 1899, February 20, 1899, March 2, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
Sallie Campbell writes to Stone to request that her son, John T. D. Horman, be allowed to withdraw from school to help out at home. Undated.
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John M. Stone Papers
Mrs. J. F. Graves writes to Stone explaining that she missed the cutoff to send her son to school because they were still refugees in Jackson from the Yellow Fever outbreak. She says that since they can now afford it she would like for him to be able to come late. She also asks about payments for tuition and how anxious she is for him to be able to come to school. January 5, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
M. G. Breckenridge writes to Stone requesting information on the College. January 3, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
L. L. Hunt tells Stone his son has his permission to be absent from the college until March 10. February 24, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
Transcript-Gov. Stone, I desire my son Henry to go to the Inaugural at Jackson on 16th Will you please permit him to go. Yours, etc. James Burkitt. January 12, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
J. Lee tell Stone that it will be impossible for him to return to college and therefore asks to withdraw from school. January 1, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
H. M. Johnson inquires to Stone about how much time is given for work and study before he agrees to send his son to A and M College. February 10, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
Frank M. Wells asks to come lecture at the college while he is on tour. He tells him that he charges $25 and would like to arrange a date to come. January 8, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
S. P. Walkers asks that a catalogue be sent to him and asks if there is a possibility for students to take Latin. March 8, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
C. M. Roberts writes to Stone regarding A and M college establishing their own separate post office. February 11, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
A. C. True writes regarding a set of the Rothamsted Memoirs. They had been sent to several agricultural colleges and they would like Stone to let them know if they have been received as well as for him to write a thank you to Sir John Bennel Lawes who gave them. September 29, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
Carl Tower writes to Stone regarding a possible position as a professor of philosophy or psychology at A and M college. March 2, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
John V. Toulme writes to give his son permission to travel to Jackson if Stone agrees. January 8, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
D. A. Tompkins writes to Stone regarding a Textiles Department at the college. March 12, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
J. H. Minge writes to Stone asking if the college has any cattle for sale and what kind of cattle he recommends for beef. February 23, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
A. G. Thompson gives his son permission to leave the college for a few days to travel to Jackson. January 11, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
L. L. Chambly writes to Dr. Barr requesting that his son, Tommie, who is ill, be sent home.
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John M. Stone Papers
J. Elizabeth Ball writes to Stone after receiving word that her son, Harrison E. Ball must be sent home due to problems with his vision. Mrs. Ball requests that her son be allowed to remain and continue agricultural work. January 6, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
G. H. Haverton asks Stone to write him a letter of recommendation for a job at West Alabama Agricultural school. February 22, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
S.C. Hilton writes to Stone and faculty submitting an application for a diploma. January 11, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
R. H. Holoms asks to be excused from a second term address. He explains that he was the editor of The Reflector and that it was usually customary for the editor to be elected to a second term. However, he states that the faculty, thinking he was not returning to college, elected a new editor. February 1, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
J.R. Rivers writes to the faculty of the college requesting that his special examination in Algebra be extended for six weeks due to missing school because of an illness. March 20, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
S. H. Hairston writes to Stone and faculty and asks for one more chance in his classes. He talks about how he has not applied himself but would like to try to pass his examinations one more time before he is forced to withdraw from the college. May 18, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
John E. Hill writes to Stone listing his qualifications and asking if there is an opening for him to be able to come teach at A and M College. January 16, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
R. P. Walker writes to Stone regarding an alfalfa field at the college. March 13, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
D. McShan writes to Stone to tell him that he will not be able to come back to college due to unforeseen circumstances. January 2, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
Mrs. Kate McKill asks Stone to withdraw her son from the college as she has fallen sick and needs her son at home to help her. March 12, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
H. T. Saunders gives permission for R. P. Saunders to withdraw from college. January 2, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
Mrs. E. A. Sykes writes to Stone asking that her son be excused from school because he is still ill. She then writes him a letter in response to an apparent rude letter he sent her regarding tuition payments. February 18, 1900, January 12, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
T. A. Kelly writes to Stone regarding J. Yank. He asks that he be allowed to come home since he has lost his voice and the doctor thinks he should rest before returning back to school. January 27, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
M. M. Tibson asks Stone to let her son come home after a physician tells him there is no danger of a relapse. She tells him that her son is very delicate so he needs to be well enough to travel before he is sent home. January 9, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
H. A. Darden asks Stone to examine his son, J. A. Darden, and if his son is in poor health to send him home. February 28, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
Henry H. Goodell, who is the Chairmen Executive Committee for the Assoc. Amer. Agr'l Colls. & Exper. Stas., writes to Stone explaining some changes that need to be made on the two Free Homestead bills. March 9, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
L. N. Dantzler Lumber Company writes to Stone requesting information on the sale of the option for the land of the College, as they desire to purchase it. March 1, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
Laurice B. Hamilton writes to Stone thanking him for his thoughtful letter he sent to her regarding her boys. January 3, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
Hall and George, in a series of two letters, writes to Stone regarding improvements for the college. In the first they ensure Stone that they have many years in the building of large manufacturing plants. In the second they tell Stone that they have begun negotiations with the Industrial Institute and College at Columbus and urge him to respond in case the proper appropriations need to be made. February 21, 1900, February 27, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
J. M. Ledbetter asks Stone to allow his son to go to Jackson for the inauguration of the governor. January 10, 1900.
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John M. Stone Papers
Mrs. M. D. Boisclair requests that Stone provide a summer position at the College for her son, M. D. Bosclair, Jr. February 16, 1900.
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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
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
In a series of letters, Mrs. E. V. English writes to Stone regarding her son, S. M. Montie English. She asks Stone to look after, worries when it is clear that his tuition payment has not arrived, and lets Stone know that her son is with her sick with a cold. December 31, 1899, January 4, 1900, January 5, 1900, March 3, 1900 (two letters)
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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. 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
W. S. Neal writes to Stone asking how much tuition his son would be able to work off as he will not be able to pay for him to go. He also notes that Stone should let other people in before his son because they are unable to pay. August 24, 1899.
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John M. Stone Papers
In a group of correspondence, all with the last name beginning with the letter 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
H. T. Harvard asks Stone to allow his son to leave college December 22 and return January 1. December 14, 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.