ALBERT R. MANN LIBRARY New York State 'Colleges OF Agriculture and Home Economics AT Cornell University Cornell University Library The original of tiiis book is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924084845134 00 o w hJ 1-1 o o "to Pi w Pi < fa Missing Page 6 REPORT AND PREFACE. make the occasion a pleasant one, long to be remembered for its " Feast of Reason and Flow of Soul." Wm. Durham, C. C. Archer, John H. McMakin, Committee of Arrangements. The Call brought together some three score promi- nent citizens of the gray-haired type, who made the occasion a most enjoyable and memorable one. A per- manent organization was perfected under the name of " The' Students' Association of Farmers^ College" and the following officers were elected : President, A. B. Huston. First Vice-President, Rev. R. S. Hageman. Second " " Dr. W. L. Davis. Secretary, R. H. Langdale. Treasurer, John H. McMakin. A Committee, consisting of F. N. Wild, William Ferris, and William Durham, was appointed and in- structed " to prepare a Historical Sketch of Farmers' College "from its organization to its close, with such col- lateral facts as it might see proper to give." A. B. Hus- ton was added to the Committee and made chairman. With this brief statement of its origin and purpose, the Committee begs leave to report to the Association that it has discharged its agreeable but arduous duty to the best of its ability. It involvfed a great deal of re- search and labor to gather the requisite data, which is mainly based on the official records and documents of the corporation, and may be accepted as authentic. The Committee, construing the words "close of the Institution " to mean the time when the name of Farm- ers' College was dropped out of official existence in 1884, REPORT AND PREFACE. 7 largely confined its treatment to that period. But at the Reunion in 1905, when the Sketch was practically completed on that line, the A.ssociatiou decided to have the Sketch extended so as to embrace briefly the history of the school from the time its name was changed to " Belmont College " in 1884, down to its merger into the " Ohio Military Institute " in 1890, — the corporation re- maining the same, — and especially noting the list of graduates during the " Belmont " period, and so in- structed the Committee. This necessarily involved ad- ditional labor and responsibility. The Committee apologizes for the length of this Sketch, but this grew materially from 'Cos. financial prob- lem involved in the College scheme. As this problem developed, the failure of the scheme became inevitable. The desirable element of completeness in such a history seemed to demand a certain amount of detail, perhaps only justified by the local character of the subject. Respectfully submitted and fraternally dedicated to the former students of "Farmers' College" and "Bel- mont College." By the Committee, A. B. Huston, Chairman. E. N. Wild, William Ferris, William Durham. p > e: z S. <^ 2, i t-r| 2 ?^ CO o O O oo CONTENTS PAGE I. Gary's Academy, - 19 II. Creation of- " Farmers' College" — The Charter — Stock Company — i 846 — Origi- nal Promoters and Directors — Dedication 22 # III. Opening of the College — The Faculty — Freeman G. Cary, President — His Plan 31 IV. Elective Methods of Study — I,iberal Education for the Masses, 38 V. Plan for Permanent Endowment — I,im- ited and Perpetual Scholarships, - 40 VI. Conversion of Stock into Scholarships^ Three Classes — Ownership in the Per- petual Reorganization, 44 VII. "Excelsior" and " Brick Row " alias " Rat Row " — Suggestion of an Experi- mental Farm, 48 ^''III. Farm Department Established^ — Mr. Cary, Superintendent, - 51 IX. College on High Tide of Prosperity — 1852-1856 — Hon. Isaac J. Allen Suc- ceeded Mr. Cary as President — McMick- en's Donation of $10,000. — Death of 11 12 CONTENTS. PAGB Dr. Bishop — Serious Loss — Ivaboratory — Highest Number of Students in 1856, 330 — Resignation of Dr. Allen, 56 X. Financial Problem Serious — Mr. Gary Surrenders Head of Farm Department — Report of Committee on Financial Con- dition—College Absorbing the Capital in Expenses — Rev. Charles H. Mattoon elected President, - - 70 XI. On the Decline— Effects of "Civil War" — Proposal to Sell or lycase I,ands — Schedule of Property — Cost — Dr. Mat- toon Resigned — Prof. Jacob Tuckerman succeeded him, 75 XII. Suspension of College Course at end of the War — 1865— Critical Period — Fac- ulty reduced to Three, - 86 XIII. Sale of the "Model Farm "—In i866 Rev. Charles D. Curtis became President 89 XIV. I/iquidation or Perpetuity — A Vital Question — Struggle ofFaction s — R e - vival in 1873 — Co-Education Introduced ■ — Prof. J. S. lyowe elected President — Mr. Cary favored lyiquidation — His Great Disappointment, 93 XV. Resumption of Graduation in 1877 — Reunion of Alumni — Enthusiastic Movement for Revival — Rev. John B. Smith took place of Prof L,owe Resigned 99 CONTENTS. 13 PAGE XVI. In 1879 in place of Pres. Smith, election of Prof. P. V. N. Myers, in Interest of the Revival — Prospect more Hopeful — Settlement with Gary Heirs of their Claims in Farm Lands — Change of Name Mooted, .... - loi XVII. Change of Name in Fact — Last Financial Report prior to the Change — Exit " Farmers' " College, - - 105 XVIII. Some Reflections on the Change — The Sequel Disappointing, - - - 112 XIX. "Belmont College^' its Struggles and Final Merger into the O. M. I. - 114 XX. Some Reminiscences, - 126 XXI. Biographical Sketches — The Cary Fam- ily — Dr. Bishop — Dr. Myers, 131 XXII. . A.ppe ndix : I. Presidents, 157 2. Professors and Teachers, 157 3- Principals of Preparatory De- partment, 160 4- Alumni and Alumnae 161 5- Roll of Honor, - 168 6. Old Students of Farmers' Col- lege Living, 169 Freeman G. Gary ILLUSTRATIONS. Farmers' College, Gary's First School, (Now Dr. P. T. Kilgour's Residence.) Freeman G. Gary, Gary's Academy, Portrait of Dr. R. H. Bishop, Part of "Excelsior," Portrait of Dr. I. J. Allen, Dr. R. H. Bishop's Gottage, Dr.- Bishop's Burial Mound, Polytechnic Hall, Portrait of P. V. N. Myers, Judge A. B. Huston, Gen. S. F. Gary, MURAT HaLSTEAD, Bishop John M. Walden, Belmont Gollege and Ohio Military Institute, 154 Frontispiece 9 IS 21 33 47 57 - 61 63 65 • 103 127 137 149 151 17 FARMERS' COLLEGE. HISTORICAL SKETCH. Farmers' College was incorporated by a special act of the Legislature of Ohio passed February 23rd, 1846, by the name of the "Farmers' College of Hamilton County." It had its origin in what was called "Pleasant Hill Academy," but better known as "Gary's Academy." The College was so essentially the outgrowth of the Academy that a brief notice of the latter is a proper in- troduction to a sketch of the former. I. The Academy. Freeman G. Gary was the founder of the Academy in 1833. He graduated at Miami University in 1832, and in the following spring he began his remarkable career as a teacher by opening a high school for boys in his own residence on Pleasant Hill, with four pupils. This residence, a frame structure, is now the home of Dr. P. T. Kilgour, and is well preserved. His modest school grew rapidly in public favor, and soon re- quiring larger accommodations, he erected a small two-story brick building near the center of the spacious triangular lot of 3.45 acres at the junction of the Ham- ilton Pike (then called the "Huston Road") and the Colerain Road (now Belmont Avenue), some six miles 19/ 20 HISTORICAL SKETCH north of Cincinnati. This very soon proved inadequate to meet the demand for admission. So Mr. Gary added a larger and for that time quite imposing brick struc- ture, even if the "boys" did call it the "Pork House." The whole contained fourteen rooms, and with some additional frame buildings for dormitories constituted "Pleasant Hill Academy." It was but a bound from the humble school- room in his own house to the capacious and formidable Academy. For over twelve years Mr. Cary conducted this school as his own private enterprise, and its success was in- deed phenomenal. The first year closed with 28 pupils, the second with 40, the third with 58, and so on, steadily increasing to an annual average of about 120. During the existence of the Academy nearly 1,200 young men, gathered from the whole West and South, but chiefly from Ohio, secured the benefits of the liberal education furnished there, many of them well advanced in the classics and higher mathematics. In the later period of the Academy Mr. Cary had drawn to his aid an able corps of instructors, including Professor James H. Bacon, teacher of Ancient Languages, and John Silsby, teacher of Mathematics and Physical Science, to which in the last year were added those two eminent educators. Dr. Robert H. Bishop, then late President of Miami University, and Rev. John W. Scott, late a pro- fessor in that University. It was with sincere pleasure and gratitude the students of that period recurred to the superior advantages they enjoyed under these teachers. Even from this brief statement it can be readily un- derstood how, with such a large and growing patronage, and .with such an able and efficient head, supported by such a strong faculty, Cary's Academy acquired a wide reputation, and came to be regarded as the best Academy in the West. o > > > a H 00 22 HISTORICAL SKETCH It was especially equipped for greater possibilities. .It was like a spring that had overflowed its barriers and needed a wider channel. It became the real source and foundation of Farmers' College. It found a merited destiny through its merger into the larger enterprise. Freeman G. Gary was the moving ..spirit in both. This great and successful work had en- listed his whole fervid nature and exhaustless energy. He had $10,000 invested in the building and apparatus. .And yet he found in the year 1845 the increased facil- ities inadequate. II. Geeation of Farmers' Gollege. The Charter — Stock Company — Original Promoters and Directors. It was then the dream of Mr. Gary's life began to take forrii and he conceived the project of a College. He consulted some of his leading friends and patrons, and they approved the movement and promised as- sistance. At first they determined to enlarge the accom- modations and render the institution more permanent and public. They got together and, after full discussion and deliberation, resolved to raise by subscription in shares of $30.00 each a sufficient sum to purchase an eligible site and construct a suitable building, the sub- scribers to the capital stock to be entitled to interest, payable in tuition. Professor John W. Scott voluntarily undertook to procure subscriptions, and in a very short time his efforts were so successful as to justify the calling of a meeting of the subscribers, the purpose announced being the erection of "a building for an institution of learning especially suited to the wants of the agricultural and business community." Thus it appears that the idea of an education that would reach FARMERS' COLLEGE. 23 the masses and best fit them for the ordinary pursuits of life, was the prominent motive in the very inception of the undertaking. We find in the catalogue of the Academy for 1841 Mr. Gary's statement that, "The great and leading object had in view from the commencement of this Institution has been ultimately to give an ex- tensive and thorough course of scientific instruction." The meeting was held on the 22d of August, 1845, ^.t the Chapel of the Academy, and a large number of citizens were in attendance. It was duly organized by the election of Nathaniel S. Schooley, of Springdale, as Chairman, and Charles Cheney, of Mt. Pleasant, as Secretary. Professor Scott stated its object and the success already met with in the way of subscriptions, which then amounted to 100 shares. It was thereupon resolved to organize the Company by the election by ballot of a board of fifteen directors, who should have the general charge of the erection of the building and the management of the fiscal concerns of the Company. The directors chosen were so representative of the original promoters of the College that it is deemed fit- ting to insert their names in this record, to-wit: I. John W. Caldwell, Carthage. 2. Edgar M. Gregory, Cincinnati. 3. Samuel F. Cary, Pleasant Hill. 4- Nathaniel S. Schooley, Springdale. 5- Timothy Kirby, Millcreek Township. 6. T. B. Weatherby, Millcreek Township. 7- Charles Cheney, Mt. Healthy. 8. Edward R. Glenn, Springfield Township. 9- Paul C. Huston, Colerain Township. 10. John Matson, Miami Township. II. Edward Hunt, Elizabethtown. 12. J- Ely, - Cheviot. 13- Giles Richards, Butler County. 14. Taylor Webster, Hamilton. 15- Jacob Dennis, Dearborn County, Ind 24 HISTORICAL SKETCH It was further resolved that the building to be erected be denominated the "Farmers' Collegiate Hall, of Ham- ilton County," that the work be pushed forward with all possible dispatch, and that they make application to the Legislature of the State at its next session for an Act of Incorporation, "in accordance with the general ob- jects and plan of the Association." Prof. Scott was appointed permanent agent of the Company to solicit stock subscriptions. The further appeal to the public was promptly re- sponded to, and over 400 persons, mostly farmers and mechanics, were contributors in Hamilton and adjoining counties. Encouraged at the prospect and feeling as- sured of a Charter, the Board determined to proceed at once to secure a site, purchase the ground, and make contracts for the building. The site selected by the Committee (Messrs. Richards, Huston, and Ely) ap- pointed for the purpose, and approved by the Board, was four acres of ground nearly west of the Academy lot across the road, perhaps the most commanding, beautiful, and suitable location on the Hill, which even then was noted for its superb position, beauty of scenery, and salubrious air. - This was on September 26, 1845. Two acres were obtained from William Cary (the father of F. G. and S. F.), one by donation, and two. adjoin- ing from F. G. Cary, and paid for in stock of the Com- pany. Subsequently there were added i 97-100 acres on the South side purchased from F. G. Cary, and i 1-2 acres on the North side purchased from S. F. Cary, making in all 7 42-100 acres as comprising the College lot, which is intact at this time. The Legislature was duly memorialized for a Charter, with form submitted through S. F. Cary, appointed for the purpose, and on the 23d day of February, 1846, it FARMERS' COLLEGE. 25 passed an Act incorporating the "Farmers' College of Hamilton County," as recorded in Volume 44 O. L. 163. This Act has so important a bearing upon the sub- sequent history of the College, it is deemed proper to insert it here in full, to-wit: "AN ACT TO INCORPORATE THE FARMERS' COLLEGE OF HAMILTON COUNTY. "SECTION I. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, that Charles Cheney, Edgar M. Gregory, Nathaniel S. Schooley, J. W. Caldwell, Tay- lor Webster, Paul C. Huston, Jacob Dennis, Timothy Kirby, T. B. Weatherby, Edward R. Glenn, John Matson, Edward Hunt, J. Ely, Giles Richards, and Samuel F. Cary and their associates and successors, be and they are hereby constituted and made a body politic and cor- porate, with perpetual succession, by the name of the Farmers' College of Hamilton County, and by that name may sue and be sued, plead and be impleaded within all the Courts of law and equity, may have a common seal, and are hereby vested with all the powers and privileges necessary to carry into effect the object of said asso- ciation, to manage the affairs of which the persons named in this section are hereby authorized until other directors shall be elected and qualified. "Section 2. The stock of said Company shall be divided into shares of Thirty dollars each, each share to entitle the owner thereof to one vote. "Section 3. The stockholders of said association shall meet at Pleasant Hill Academy, on the second Monday of April, 1846, and tri-ennially thereafter, and elect by ballot fifteen of their number trustees, who shall con- stitute a board of directors for said association; said directors shall have power to fill all vacancies that may occur in said board, and shall hold their office until their successors shall be elected and qualified. It shall be lawful at all elections for the stockholders to vote by proxy duly authorized in writing; said stockholders shall 26 HISTORICAL SKETCH also meet annually, on the second Monday in April, for the transaction of business. "Section 4. The said directors shall have power to appoint a Treasurer, Secretary, and such other officers, agents, and superintendents as they may deem neces- sary; may make all contracts, manage and superintend the affairs of the association, and adopt such by-laws as they may deem necessary for the government of said association, not inconsistent with the constitution and laws of the United States and of the State of Ohio. "SscTiON 5. The objects of this association shall be to direct and cultivate the minds of the students in a thorough and scientific course of studies, particularly adapted to agricultural pursuits. "Section 6. Said corporation shall be permitted to hold real estate not exceeding ten acres for College pur- poses, together with such other property as may be nec- essary for the objects mentioned in the fifth section of this Act, not exceeding in the whole forty thousand dollars. "Section 7. The said corporation is made subject to the provisions of so much of the Act entitled 'An Act to regulate incorporated literary societies,' passed March 7, 1839, ^s ^^^ now in force, except so far as changed by this Act. "Section 8. The capital stock of said Company shall be transferable by assignment on the books of the Com- pany. "Section 9. The Board of Trustees of said associa- tion, with the approbation of the instructor, shall have power to establish a course of studies, and they may grant certificates or diplomas, under their corporate seal, to such students as they may deem worthy of such honor. "EuAS F. Drake, Speaker of the House of Representatives. "Seabury Ford^ Speaker of the Senate. "February 23, 1846. ' FARMERS' COLLEGE. 27 The Act took effect from the date of its passage. The incorporation was named the Farmers' College, partly because the patrons and purchasers of the stock were mostly farmers, and partly because the course of study adopted by Mr. Cary was especially adapted to those who wished to qualify themselves for industrial and scientific pursuits. It will be observed that the persons designated as Trustees in said Act were the same chosen as Directors in the preliminary organi- zation. It was arranged to have the corner-stone of the Col- lege edifice laid on the 13th of April, 1846, and Rev. Dr. Robert H. Bishop was invited to deliver an address on that occasion. That eventful day soon came, and agree- ably to the Charter, the stockholders met at Cary's Academy and organized by selecting E. M. Gregory as Chairman and Charles Cheney as Secretary. Quoting from the record of the Board : "A large audience was in attendance, and by invita- tion previously given the venerable Doctor Bishop then delivered an able and interesting address, and was fol- lowed by the Rev. Doctor Scott in some pertinent and interesting remarks, showing the origin, object, and gen- eral plan of our enterprise. "The meeting then adjourned to the site of the con- templated new edifice, when the corner-stone was laid by the Rev. Doctor Bishop in an appropriate and striking manner." His dedication, so characteristic of the man, — solemn, comprehensive, and impressive, was as follows : "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost,, the One and the only Living and true Jehovah, I deposit this corner-stone. And in behalf of the stockholders, and of the coinmunity at large, I dedicate this structure and all its appurtenances to Lit- 28 HISTORICAL SKETCH erature and Science, for the promotion of the best in- terests of the human family in the. development of mind, in the investigation of the infinite varieties of the nat- ural productions of the land, and the water, and the atmosphere belonging to this globe, which is given as the residence and patrimony of man in his present state. Nor is it iii the least derogatory to the true dignity of man to acknowledge, as we here unitedly do, that, though he is lord of the lower world, he is entirely dependent at all times and on all occasions on the great Sovereign of the Universe for all his powers, and for all his en- joyments, and for all his hopes and prospects. "And let all the people present, with uplifted hands, say 'Amen and Amen', and in so doing pledge them- selves to be guardians and patrons of the Farniers' Col- lege of Hamilton County, Ohio, so long as it shall be worthy of public patronage." To which the audience responded with a hearty "Amen." The scene to the multitude assembled was novel and inspiring, and all felt the seriousness and im-' po.-tance of the occasion. Both of the distinguished speakers enforced by clear and convincing arguments the dignity of labor, and the importance of a more general distribution of education in the community of a practical character, and by Insti- tutions such as this was designed to be, — "to raise up another and better, because a more educated and in- telligent kind of agriculturists, mechanics, and business men, than the present or any former generation." These addresses had a marked influence in impressing public sentiment favorably toward the new College. Of the many copies printed we have been able to find but one, which belongs to Miss Jessie Cary. They are as pertinent now as when delivered, and deserve permanent preservation. After the feast that followed the public ceremonies, the stockholders returned to the Academy FARMERS' COLLECJE. 29 and completed the organization of the corporation by the election by ballot of a Board of Directors as follows : J. W. Caldwell, Charles Cheney, T. B. Weatherby, Giles Richards, E. M. Gregory, S. F. Gary, John McMakin, Jos. Longworth, Edward Hunt, Timothy Kirby, Paul C. Huston, A. Foster, John Matson, James Huston, and Jacob Dennis. (54 votes cast.) The Act of Incorporation was then read to the stock- holders and they voted to accept "the same, and ordered 1,000 copies of the addresses of Doctors Bishop and Scott to be printed for distribution. The new Board acted with promptness, and on April i8th organized by electing E. M. Gregory, President ; Charles Cheney, Secretary, and S. F. Gary, Treasurer, and appointed the important committees and proceeded at once to the responsible work at hand. It devolved on this Board to execute the wishes of the stockholders, and the record of their proceedings shows that they devoted their best energies towards raising the necessary funds ; they observed economical business methods in the erec- tion of the building, as illustrated by their paying the superintendent $1.50 per day, but only for the time actu- ally engaged in the work, and "the walls went up hecmise the people had c mind to the work." Indeed, these were the men who were most actively and prominently identi- fied with the executive labors and official management in the early years of the institution. They were selected without reference to political or religious bias, and solely as representatives of the best interests of the stockholders and their important enterprise. And we believe this may be truthfully aifirmed of that governing body throughout the history of Farmers' College. On June ist, 1846, the Board adopted a code of by- laws, one of which limited the capital stock to $15,000, 30 HISTORICAL SKETCH with the right reserved in the majority of the stockholders to increase the same, and another asserted the control of the buildings and property of the Association by the EHrectors with power to lease. Rev. A. Benton was employed to solicit new subscrip- tions and to collect unpaid ones. The payment of sub- scriptions did not keep pace with the progress of the work, but to meet the emergency money was borrowed on the faith of the Board. The College building was completed by September ist, 1847, ^"d cost the sum of $11,898.45; the furniture, $600.79; total, $12,498.24. The four acres of land cost $700.00, which included $300.00 for removal of Mr. Grant's house across the street, made necessary by an exchange of property be- tween Grant and William Gary to secure the site desired. The building was a substantial brick structure, 120 feet in front by 48 feet in depth, and three stories high, con- taining twenty-seven rooms. It was an imposing edifice for that time, and commanded notice and admiration. In "Howe's Ohio Historical Collections," published in 1847, ■the following reference to it may be found on page 237, — only the word Academy is inadvertently used in place of College: "About six miles north of Cincinnati, in a beautiful situation among the hills, has lately been built the Farmers' Academy, a chartered institution." Its level grounds in front, although not spacious for a campus, were ornamented with maple and evergreen trees and presented an attractive appearance. It was with eager delight and a sense of pride the "boys" looked forward to gathering within its walls, as their Alma Mater. They were soon gratified. There was in fact no interregnum. The students of the Acad- FARMERS' COLLEGE. 31 emy became imperceptibly and without any friction the students of the College, and many of them later its dlumni. It was only like the shifting of a banner to indicate a. change of authority. The necessary prelimi- nary steps were taken without delay to organize the College, and establish a course of studies as authorized by the Charter. On August 2ist, 1847, the Board adopted a by-law allowing six per cent interest on paid-up stock in tuition. The same to be forfeited if not demanded as required. The first meeting of the Board in the new building was in Philomathean Hall, on October 9th, 1847, ^^^ adopted a form of diploma. in. Opening of the College. The Faculty — Mr. Cary, President — His Plans and Viervs. The committee appointed to dispose of the edifice re- ported in writing, "that it was expedient to place the edifice in the hands of Freeman G. Cary, as President of the Board of Instructors, to pay six per cent interest on stock in tuition under the rules of the Board, to pay public assessments and taxes, to insure the building and keep it insured in the name of the Board or Corporation in at least $8,000.00, and to keep up ordinary repairs, and to furnish the proper means of education of such students as may present themselves for our course of instruction, receive and collect tuition fees, assessments for room rent from students, for four and one-half years from November 1847." A contract was entered into with Professor Cary to that effect, and a course of study adopted. This ar- rangement, while it enlarged the responsibilities of Mr. Cary, supplied him with greater facilities and extended 32 HISTORICAL SKETCH the scope of his educational work, and was permissible under the Charter and By-laws. But it may well be imagined the very great burden he assumed. He was elected President, and he selected, as it was within his province to do, his corps of pro^ fessors, which included most of thgjjrery able teachers he had in the Academy. The Board of Instruction organized by Mr. Cary was as follows : FREEMAN G. CARY, A. M., President and Professor of Moral Philosophy and Rhetoric, and Superintendent of Buildings, Grounds, and Finance. ROBERT H. BISHOP, D. D., Professor of History and Political Economy. JOHN W. SCOTT, D. D., Professor of Chemistry and its application to Agriculture and the Arts. JOHN SILSBY, A. M., Professor o Mathematics, Natural. Philosophy, and Astronomy. JOSEPH WILSON, (In place of Prof. James H. Bacon, retired.) Professor of Ancient and Modern Languages. GEORGE S. ORMSBY, Teacher of the Primary Department. Thus, it may be said, the Farmers' College sprang frQm Cary's Academy, like Minerva from the brain of Jupiter, full-armed and equipped. President Cary was unsurpassed in his position, and was assisted by a Faculty of pre-eminent ability in their respective lines. And there were over two hundred stu- dents in attendance. The outlook of the new enterprise Dr. Robert H. Bishop. 34 HISTORICAL SKETCH was most promising, even brilliant. Every sign was hopeful. . ' The first Annual Commencement of the College w4s held in its chapel on the 23rd of Septerriber, 1847, when a class of five, that had come from the Academj?, graduated. It was an occasion of unusual interest and was largely attended. And this was true of the subse- quent commencements, especially of the. first decade. They were indeed gala occasions for the surrounding country people. The degree of "American Scholar" (S. A.) was conferred on the class. Under its Charter the College could grant certificates or diplomas, but could not confer the degree of A B. or A. M. It was not until 1855 that it conferred these degrees, after the Leg- islature had passed an act authorizing it. The same re- marks apply to the comilien cements and classes of 1848 and 1849. They were from the Academy, ten in that of 1848, and sixteen in that of 1849, — ^the largest in the history of the College. We do not deem it advisable to insert the names of the graduates as they appear from year to year, but include them by classes in an appendix. And we may as well say here, that we do not under- take to include a complete catalogue of all the students, — only those that are living so far as could be ascertained. To do more would hardly be feasible. There were two flourishing Literary Societies, the ''Burritt" and the "Philomathean," inherited from the 'Academy, with libraries of some six hundred volumes each. They had spacious, elegant halls assigned to them in -the College building; At the meeting of the stockholders, held April loth, 1848, they resolved to relinquish all claim to the reimbursement of the stock as provided in the original subscriptions, and authorized the Board of Directors to FARMERS' COLLEGE. 35 increase the capital stock to $18,000.00 if necessary to carry out the plan then on hand. In the first catalogue of the College published — that for 1847-1848 — Mr. Cary announced his theory of gov- erning the students, which proved eminently successful in practice. We quote: "The government will be mild, but firm — essentially parental in its character. Private ad- vice, warning, and expostulation will ever precede public censure and reproof. It will be taken for granted that every youth and young man is honest — that he has en- tered the institution to improve, and the last thing ques- tioned will be his integrity." At the triennial meeting of the stockholders, held April 9th, 1849, after electing a new Board of Directors, they passed unanimously resolutions thanking the late Board, (which was the fii'st Board), for their unselfish energy and ability in the erection of the College edifice, approving their action and expressing gratification at the prosperity of the institution under their management, and the able and faithful discharge of duty by the Faculty. On May 14th, 1849, the Institution met with a great loss in the resignation of Professor Scott. The Directors and Stockholders joined in expressions of their sincere regret at his retirement, and in bearing testimony to his great ability as a teacher, and to his high character as a man and a Christian. At a meeting of the Board, March 27th, 1850, a com- mittee was appointed to devise proper measures and pro- ceed to raise an endowment of $10,000.00 for a perma- nent professorship to be called the Bishop Professorship of Farmers' College. Unfortunately this commendable movement was not consummated. The arrangement with Mr. Cary was felt to be only temporary, as the Board and all interested foresaw that 36 HISTORICAL SKETCH the Institution could not be maintained for any great length of time, without more enlarged means. President Gary, anxious to sustain and render per- manent what had required years of mirequited toil to begin, and thus far successfully prosecuted, entered upon the herculean labor of carrying out this arrangement with the Board of Directors by employing a full corps of pro- fessors, and sustaining them by tuition fees alone. With- out a ruinous pecuniary loss, he struggled through' and met all his engagements, and the Institution gained con- tinually in public favor and patronage, as shown by the number of students attending, which increased from year to year, until it reached over three hundred. So much of the future of the Institution seemed to depend upon the health and life of a single individual, that Mr. Gary was extremely anxious the College should be on a more public and permanent basis. Dr. Bishop, and the other eminent educators he had employed, were in full sympathy with him in all his aspirations and plans. In this connection it seems appropriate, and due to the memory of President Gary, to quote from a report he made to the Board on the 27th of March, 1850, the following language : "One hundred and sixty pupils have been in atten- dance the past term. Our professorships are filled with men fully competent to their several stations. There has been no withdrawal of confidence, no diminution of patronage ; but the interests of the College have not been thus sustained without great self-denial and per- sonal sacrifice, more, I am satisfied, than this community will continue to require — more, at least, than they can reasonably expect." He further adds : "You are ready to inquire, how has the. College been kept up through these adverse circumstances, paid its professors, paid its FARMERS' COLLEGE. 37 interest on the stock as demanded, insurance, paid for fuel, lights, repairs, furniture, apparatus, etc., and not incurred a ruinous debt? I answer, the College meets the emergencies of the times, is blessed with a numerous paying patronage, without which it could not exist a single day. The professors live on small salaries, smaller than it is reasonable to ask men of such acknowledged ability to live upon, five hundred dollars per year being the maximum amount paid. "As for myself, I may state that while I have $10,000.00 invested in the enterprise, I have been content with the pittance left, if any, after paying all other expenses, and if none, by industry, strict economy, and the fruits of a few acres of ground, to eke out a bare support." Anxious to build up an institution of learning of a permanently practical character, a cherished object from the beginning, President Cary concludes : "Did I this day know that our enterprise would be finally successful, that a spirit would be awakened all over our land, to put forth similar efforts, increasing the facilities and inspiririg the desire for the more liberal mental training of the million, resulting in the proper modification of our College to suit the age, I would be willing not only that my money should be exhausted, but that my life's best energies be spent even to its close in the accomplishment of such desirable results." These were the noble, unselfish sentiments of that sterling; liberal educator, whose hopes and ideas reached far beyond his generation. Well did the early students of Farmers' College understand and appreciate Mr. Cary's broad views of education, his abiding faith in that Insti- tution to meet the wants of the age, and his willingness to make every sacrifice for its permanent welfare. To that end he stood undaunted, and no opposing obstacle discouraged him. The Board was seriously impressed with this report. 38 HISTORICAL SKETCH and determined to devise a plan to place the College upon an enduring basis and render it a permanent blessing to present and future generations. This was regarded as the beginning of the third era in its history, the first being the substructure in the Academy, and the second the creation and organization of the College under corporate auspices. Committees were appointed charged with the duty of preparing and submitting a plan, and at once entered earnestly upon their work. IV. Elective Method of Study. — Liberai, Education. About this time, and doubtless in furtherance of the general awakening among those in control of the Insti- tution in favor of a more liberal and practical education, Mr. Giles Richards, chairman of the Committee appointed to report on the peculiarities of the course of instruction of this Institution, its wants, etc., on July 17th, 1850, presented a very able and exhaustive report on the sub- ject, which the Board accepted and adopted and ordered 1,500 copies of it to be printed for general distribution. It was a strong plea for reformation in Collegiate in- struction generally, and in favor of the course of instruc- tion in Farmers' College especially, which was peculiar to the system adopted and practiced from the beginning, in not requiring the study of the dead languages, or the pure mathematics, as a necessary part of a liberal edu- cation, teaching both, however, to those who might choose, substituting therefor other branches having more direct relation to the practical duties of life. This marked thfe important and radical difference between this and all other institutions of learning at that time. A minimum course of study was prescribed, and this course, or its equivalent,^ must be thoroughly mastered before a pupil could receive the Diploma of the College. This system FARMERS' COLLEGE. 39 gave to young men the right of selection, and the use of equivalents, and thus adapt their studies to their pro- spective pursuits in life. It was a system that appealed to the masses of the people, — the rulers in this country, — and therefore suited to the genius of our government, and embodied in it the very elements of the growth and stability of our institutions. Unquestionably Freeman G. Gary was the pioneer in the practical application of this elective course of study, and he favored it in the days of the Academy. It was a fundamental propo- sition with him. His idea was that "every man had a special right to that kind of education which would be of greatest value to him in the prosecution of useful in- dustry." We find Mr. Richards quotes in his "Plea" from a report made by Francis Wayland, President of Brown University, to the trustees of that Institution, the following pertinent statement : "We have in this country 120 colleges, 42 theological seminaries, and 47 law schools, and we- have not a single institution designed to furnish the agriculturist, the man- ufacturer, the mechanic, or the merchant with the edu- cation that will prepare him for the profession to which his life is to be devoted." Now, a half century later, all the leading colleges and universities in our land have, within a recent period, adopted, at least partially, the elective or equivalent plan, and recognize its wisdom and justice. We can not but see in this a tribute to the strong practical common sense and farsightedness of the founder of Farmers' Gollege. In this year (1850) no class graduated, which was attributed to the depressing effects of the fear of cholera and small-pox in the preceding year: But no doubt the elevation of the standard of graduation the previous year contributed to that result. The attendance during this 40 HISTORICAL SKETCH year numbered 207. It was during this season of dis- cussion and consideration of a permanent plan for the College that the Board received from Dr. R. H. Bishop the following quaint and pathetic communication : "Sept. i8th, 1850. "To the Directors of Farmers' College: "Gentlemen, — Though in my 73d year I have been only a stranger and sojourner on earth. The time of my departure can not be at any great distance. The object of this note is merely to ascertain from you ; — whether I may have 12 or 14 feet in some corner of the College lot allotted to me, to be used as a resting place to ni)- body and the body of her who has been my companion and nurse for nearly 50 years, when our spirits shall be called to the Eternal World. "With respect and affection, sincerely yours, "R. H. BISHOP." The Board "unhesitatingly and unanimously granted" the req'uest, and so informed the Doctor. The place was selected with his consent on the College lot on the slope below the building. On the Board of Instrviction, Prof. R. S. Bosworth took the place of Dr. Scott, resigned, and Prof. J. S. Henderson succeeded Prof. Silsby. resigned. y. PiiAN FOR Permanent Endowment. — Limited and Perpetual Scholarships. The Board finally, after much deliberation, on the loth of January, 1851, determined on and adopted a scheme which contemplated : (i) The extinguishment of all private interests and claims ; including the Academy buildings and grounds, apparatus, cabinets, etc. (2) The conversion of the original stock into the form of scholarships. FARMERS' COLLEGE. 41 (3) The raising of an endowment fund sufficient to support the requisite number of professors. (4) The securing of such modifications of the Char- ter as would suit the enlarged plan. The main purpose was to endow the College by means of professorships and scholarships. It was proposed to raise at least $100,000 for the en- dowment by means of limited and perpetual scholar- ships, and convert the original stock into the same form: at par ; each contributor of $30 to be entitled to a two years scholarship, of $50 a five years scholarship, and of $100 a perpetual scholarship ; all free of charge for tui- tion. The College property was to vest in the owners of the perpetual scholarships, and the management of the Institution be under their control. Efficient agents in the persons of Mr. Eli Taylor and Rev. A. Benton were at once put into the field to present this plan to the public and procure subscriptions for scholarships, the terms of which required payment on the 1st of March, 1852, provided the sum subscribed should in the aggregate amount to $100,000 by that tixne. The work of these agents was very successful, especially, that of Mr. Taylor, who was a man of unusual intelli- gence, judgment, and force, and was exceptionally quali- fied for this work. They reported that the people uni- versally approved the system of education pursued in this College and the plan to raise an endowment fund, and some predicted "that Farmers' College must become the great university of the West." On September 25th, 185 1, they reported subscriptions to the amount of $95,195, leaving only $4,805, to be obtained by March 1st, 1852, in order to make the amount binding. This was Commencement day, and the degree of American Scholar was conferred upon the class of 1851. 42 HISTORICAL SKETCH The College had during the year quite recovered from the partial depression of 1850, and had 228 students in at- tendance. John S. Whitwell had been added to the Faculty as Professor of Ancient Languages and Litera- ture, and D. Molony as Professor of Modern Languages and Literature. Thus the work went on, no difficulty being appre- hended in securing the necessary enabling Act author- izing a change in the Charter. On March 24th, 1852, a little over a year, the agents reported $108,000 as sub- scribed in scholarships before the ist of that month, and most of which was drawing six per cent interest, which seemed to insure the complete success of the plan. It was indeed an extraordinary exhibition of confidence by the people in the plan and in the management. On the 9tb-ol- April, I&52, a general Act of the Legislature was passed, under which all the requisite changes and modifi- cations, including an enlargement of the capital stock, could be made. To perfect the entire plan a reorgani- zation was necessary. On the 8th of May, 1852, a meeting of the original stockholders was duly held, pur- suant to law, in the College chapel, at which time, by a unanimous vote, the property was formally transferred to the Perpetual Scholarship holders, and the capital stock increased to $150,000, exclusive of improvements, grounds, donations, etc. To this meeting the Board of Directors made a full report, from which we make the following extract : "The Board at the termination of their official term are gratified in being able to state that the entire history of the Institution, thus far, has been one of uninterrupted prosperity. This prosperity is attributable chiefly to the faithfulness, zeal, and ability of the President and Pro- fessors of the Institution. The Board has had little FARMERS' COLLEGE. 43 to do but superintend the buildings and grounds of the Corporation and contract for their occupancy. It is not to be disguised that the popularity and prosperity of the College have not been secured without great sacrifices on the part of the President and his associates." All the duties of the President of the Board, Secre- tary, Treasurer, and Trustees had been performed gratui- tously. They further report that President Cary's lease ex- pired on the. 1st of March, 1852, and that it would be impossible to continue the arrangement for a longer period, and they refer to the plan proposed, the legis- lation secured, and the efforts already made through subscriptions and otherwise to put the Institution on a broader and more permanent basis. The result was that the 137 stockholders present, by a unanimous vote, ac- cepted and adopted the necessary provisions of the new law, the conversion of the capital stock into scholarships, and increased it to the sum of $150,000, and according to the plan adopted by the Board, January loth, 1851, heretofore given, authorized the Board to comply with the law in reference to the certificates for record, etc. They also adopted the following resolution: "Resolved, That all the stock in the Farmers' College not subscribed to the scholarship fund previous to the first day of January, 1853, shall from and after that date be considered as converted into Scholarships, limited or perpetual, on the proposed plan, as the amount in each case shall warrant." This was the final meeting of the original Stock- holders, and in qut division may be considered as having closed the third era of the College. 44 HISTORICAL SKETCH VI. Conversion of Stock into Scholarships. Ownership /;/ the Perpetual — Reorganisation. Immediately after this meeting, on the Same day, in pursuance of notice, the owners of scholarships, named in the record as a large number, met, as stated in the notice, "for the purpose of completing a new organiza- tion, electing a Board of Directors, and increasing the present facilities, by procuring additional grounds, build- ings, apparatus, etc." After the meeting had organized, it was unanimously resolved that the College be reorganized upon a plan of limited and perpetual scholarships, according to the terms proposed by the Board of Directors on or about January loth, 185 1, as aforesaid and ratified by the original Stockholders at their meeting this day, and they also approved -and ratified the action of said original stockholders. By reason of some inconsistencies between certain provisions of the Cofege Charter, and of the general law then recently enacted, this day accepted by the original stockholders, it was deemed advisable, in order to fully complete and perfect the plan of reorganization, to adopt the following Constitution or Articles of Associa- tion which they did unanimously, to wit: "Section ist. The Stock of said Company shall con- sist of limited and perpetual scholarships, and the mode of representation in the Board of Directors shall be as follows, to wit : Every owner of one perpetual scholar- ship or more shall be entitled to one vote, and in no case shall any person be entitled to more than one vote. "Section 2d. The Capital Stock raised in the form of limited or perpetual scholarships shall not exceed $150,000; nevertheless this sum shall not include any money or other property given to said corporation by devise, bequest, or donation. FARMERS' COLLEGE. 45 "SECTION 3d. All sums of money which shall be sub- scribed in the form of limited or perpetual scholar- ships or given to the Institution by devise, bequest, or donation (unless otherwise directed by such Devisor, Testator, or Benefactor) when collected, shall be in- vested, in the manner directed by the Board of Direc- tors, in Stocks of the United States or of the State of Ohio, or in bonds, drawing interest, not exceeding ten per cent, secured by mortgage on unincumbered real estate, within the State of Ohio, of at least double the value, in each case, of the sum so secured, exclusive of all perishable improvements, and reinvest the same in the same manner, as from time to time it shall be re- turned to the Treasury ; "Provided, however, that the Directors may appro- priate so much of the principal of said fund as may be necessary to pay the expenses of soliciting and collect- ing the subscriptions, absorbing the original stock, and for the purchase of additional grounds and buildings, apparatus, and cabinets connected with or contiguous to the College, except as hereinafter limited in the fourth section. "Section- 4th. Of the whole sum of $150,000, when raised, in the form of limited and perpetual scholarships, $100,000 shall be preserved sacred and inviolate, as a pemianent endowment fund for said College, and under no pretense whatever shall be diverted to any other purpose, the interest of the sum only shall be appro- priated to the current expenses of the Institution. "Section 5th. All devises, bequests, and donations which may be made to the Institution, shall be re- ceived and appropriated accorcHng to the terms and conditions imposed by Devisors, Testators, or Benefac- tors, provided such terms and conditions are not in- consistent with the general design of the Institution. "Section 6th. These sections may be amended and others added, at any regular triennial meeting of the owners of Scholarships, two-thirds of those present voting therefor." 46 HISTORICAL SKETCH The meeting then elected a Board of Directors, most of whom were members of the late Board. Thereupon the following resolution was unani- mously adopted, to wit : "That it is expedient to provide at the earliest prac- ticable day the means of elucidating in practical Agri- culture and Horticulture such students as may desire such course of instruction, or whose parents or guard- ians may direct such course for them." On the same day the new Board organized, and ap- pointed a committee to report a plan for the invest- ment of the permanent endowment fund. It clearly appears from the record referred to, that at this point in the history of the College the original corporators joined with new subscribers for the purpose of establishing a permanently endowed Institution, and extending the capital stock to $150,000; and to effec- tually protect the funds, and have a well defined plan for using the money, the Stockholders on the day of the reorganization (May 8th, 1852), adopted the Constitu- tion above set forth, Article 4th of which set apart $100,000 as an endowment fund, to be preserved "sacred and inviolate" as such, and only the interest to be used in the current expenses, such as paying the Faculty. Negotiations had begun with Mr. F. G. Cary for the purchase of his school property, which took the shape of a proposition by him to the Board, that there might be no embarrassments by reason of private own- ership. On May 15th, 1852, these culminated in a sale. The Board agreed to pay him $10,000.00 for his Academy grounds and buildings, the cabinets, appa- ratus, and all his interests, and these at the expiration of his lease were conveyed to the corporation, and the Board assumed the entire control. > 2; H 00 N3 48 HISTORICAL SKETCH At last a formal reoFgaiiization followed. The Board of Instruction was now strong, and consisted of ^'reeman .G. Gary, as President, salary $i,ooo; and professors, Rev. Robert H. Bishop, J. S. Henderson, D. Molony, R. S. Bcjsworth, J. S. Whitwell, and George S. Ormsby, salaries ranging from $500 to $700. The whole curriculum was efficiently covered, which, even in the classical department, was substant;ially the same as that pursued in other colleges. The Board also presented to Professors Bishop, Henderson, Whit- well, and Ormsby each a scholarship. ' VII. "Excelsior" and "Brick Row." Alias "Rat Rotv" — Suggestion of an Experimental Farm. On June 30th, 1852, it was determined to erect an additional building for dormitory purposes on the lot purchased from S. F. Gary, next north of the College lot. This was soon accomplished. It was a brick building of three stories and twenty-one rooms, and took the well-remembered name of "Excelsior." A remnant that adjoined it in the rear, forming an L, is- yet stand- ing in the shape of a little brick building and is still occupied. There was also constructed a brick building of eight rooms called "Brick Row" on the lot purchased from F. G. Gary next south of the College lot. This building the boys generally knew as "Rat Row." The commencement was held this year in June, the time having been changed from September. The usual diplomas were granted to the class of 1852, and John M. Walden, who had just graduated, was appointed Assistant Teacher in the Preparatory Department. Mr. Eli Taylor, in his report as agent, made the following significant suggestion, which was put on record : FARMERS' COLLEGE. 49 "My extensive intercourse with the friends of the College and of general education enables me to ascer- tain what the public desire and expect of the Direc- tors of the Institution. And permit me to say that an Experimental Farm, where the science and practice of Agriculture and Horticulture shall be thoroughly taught, is demanded by the exigencies of the age. Never was a fairer field open for such an enterprise, and none can command more free and liberal contributions to carry it forward." Pertinent to this suggestion, it occurs to us as proper to insert here a few extracts from a stirring' appeal made to the public by Mr. F. G. Cary, on behalf of the Corporation, in the Catalogue of 185 1 : "We aim, in the first place, to develop th« mental powers of each pupil, and then give to that develop^ ment such a direction as may suit his genius and taste, and the occupation for which he is destined.' An ex- amination of our course of studies will show that, while we afford opportunities for mastering those de- partments of science which are most susceptible of application to agriculture and the mechanic arts far greater than other institutions furnish, we have made ample arrangements to meet the wants of those who aspire to become scholars in the highest sense of the word." "But none of our candidates for the honors of the In- stitution are obliged to undertake any studies but such as may be conducive to the ends they have in view, and all who have gone creditably through a course, equiva- lent to the regular course of classics and mathematics, even though difiFerent in kind, are entitled to an official statement of the fact in the form of a diploma." "Our course is as extensive as that of any Western College, and in Mixed Mathematics we have advan- tages to offer such as none of them possess. Among others may be mentioned our large Telescope, a Re- fractor of 6 1-4 inches aperture, equatorially mounted, and which cost about $1,300.00. No college in the 4 50 HISTORICAL SKETCH United States has so large a telescope if we except the one at Harvard University." "Our means of teaching Agricultural Chemistry are considerable, and this subject receives, we are war- ranted in saying, more attention in Farmers' College than in any other institution in the country." These expressions indicate clearly and forcibly the attitude the College had assumed and maintained as a thorough, liberal, and progressive institution of learn- ing under an enlightened and enthusiastic management. While Mr. Taylor reported encouragingly as to col- lections for the Permanent Endowment Fund, it was thought advisable to give impetus to the movement by appealing to the friends of popular education in the East for contributions. So the Board on November 26th, 1852, authorized and instructed him to make a tour in the East, and appointed Hon. Caleb B. Smith (who had recently come into the Board), Giles Richards, and JR.ev. John Covert. ..a committee to draft a Circular. Letter for his use in the work. The letter furnished by the committee set forth the claims of Farmers' College, its superior location, its buildings, its 260 students, and its unparalleled suc- cess. Among the pertinent and forcible suggestions made, were : "The distinctive feature of Farmers' College is the practical character of its course of instruction, the leading design of which is to call into vigorous exer- cise the mental energies of the masses, and cause our youth to form habits of thinking for themselves, and to qualify them for a high position in any of the indus- trial pursuits. With a commendable zeal and liberality the farmers, mechanics, and business men in Southern Ohio have come forward to sustain this enterprise. No Institution of learning in the West has a firmer FARMERS' COLLEGE. 51 hold upon the workingmen than Farmers' College. The Glasses appealed to have contributed liberally, and we may say to the extent of their ability. The Halls of the College are crowded, and increased facilities are demanded. It is the cherished object of your petitioners to make this truly the Peoples' College, a moral and intellectual lighthouse in the Great Valley." We do not find that any practical benefit came from this movement, if it was carried out. Mr. Taylor reported colections: Principal and interest $23,132.70 Notes 51,492.80 Stocks taken up 9,610.00 Other sources 6,890.00 $91,125.50 In his report he took occasion to sound an important note of warning in the following language : "I wish leave to call the attention of the Board to the importance of raising a fund by donation equal in amount to the cost of all buildings, grounds, and per- sonal property, thus leaving the entire fund received upon scholarships as a permanent investment to yield an annual revenue for the support of the College. To this result you must ultimately come as the only safe basis of the Institution." VIII. Farm Department Established. Mr. Cary, Superintendent. On February 9th, 1853, the Board adopted the fol- lowing resolution : "Resolved, That an effort be made at once to raise the sum of $100,000 by donation, to secure a farm and establish an Agricultural Professorship and Department of practical Agriculture and Horticulture, and consti- 52 HISTORICAL SKETCH tute a building fund, and that a committee of three be appointed to prepare a subscription, and put the same into the hands of the Agent, to be by him circulated during his collections of the scholarship fund." The committee consisted of Messrs. S. F. Gary, Caldwell, Reznor, and Gregory. This was the initial step in the fourth era of the College history — ^the es- tablishment of an Agricultural Department. March 7th, 1853, the Board adopted a suitable memo- rial on the death of Professor Daniel Molony^ which occurred September 9th, 1852, in which they recognized in Professor JNtolony "the urbane and finished gentle- man, the profound and accurate scholar, and the ac- complished instructor." He had been succeeded by Professor Pright J. Klund. • Tliey also passed suitable resolutions on the death of Professor John S. Whitwell, which occurred January 28th, 1853, and whose place had been taken by Re?v. Lorenzo Gary. The Committee appointed to prepare a subscription for funds to establish a Department of practical Agri- culture and Horticulture reported, and their report was taken up, amended, and adopted as follows : "Farmers' College. "It was the original design to connect with this In- stitution a farm for scientific and practical experiments in Agriculture and Horticulture, including the analysis of soils and fertilizers and their adaptations to the various products of the earth. Agriculture must ever be the commanding interest of the West, and a Col- lege furnished with ample facilities for applying the principles of science to husbandry and the mechanic arts is indispensable in developing the resources of the country. Many fertile fields are becoming sterile for the want of a knowledge of the laws of production, farmb:rs' college. 53 and few, if any, yield one-half the crops which a less ainount of labor, scientifically employed, would return, "To carry out the design of Farmers' College, pro- cure a farm, erect additional buildings, and furnish suitable apparatus, will require the sum of $100,000 in addition to the endowment, and at a meeting on the 9th of February, 1853, the Directors resolved to pro- ceed immediately to raise that amount, upon the con- ditions set forth in the following Subscription. "The undersigned agree to pay to the agent of Far- mers' College the sums by us respectively subscribed, on the first day of May, 1854, provided $50,000 are sub- scribed by. that day. Sums of $100 or over may be paid in three annual payments by giving notes and pay^ ing six per cent interest annually in advance to the Treasurer of the College. "College Hill, February 21st, 1853." The Commencement was held in June, and the class of 1853 received the usual diplomas. August 25th, 1853, Hon. John McLean was elected a Director, and the professors were re-elected, on same terms as before, except as to Professors Bishop, Hen- derson, Ormsby, and Klund $100 was added to their salaries, making them $700. Freeman G. Cary was appointed Agent of the Board to raise the fund for en- dowment of the Department of Agriculture. September ist, 1853, at the Board meeting Freeman G. Cary was present and informally proposed to -resign the Presidency of the Faculty of the College, and as- sume the office of Superintendent of the Department of Agriculture and Horticulture. This subject had become a matter of serious and earnest discussion before the Board, the importance of the Department, the plan, course of instruction, etc. 54 HISTORICAL SKETCH They were loath to part with Mr. Gary as Presi- dent of the Faculty, his success had been so pronounced and their relations so harmonious, and it was only the feeling that greater good might accrue to the Institu- tion from the change, that they were disposed to con- sider the acceptance of his resignation, and they put themselves on record to that effect. September 17th, 1853, Mr. Gary read to the Board his plan of the Farm Department of Farmers' GoUege. It was presented in complete detail, and included a course of four years' instruction. He stated the object to be "the promotion of scientific Agriculture and Horti- culture, and by it to give to these pursuits as far as pos- sible the dignity at present ascribed to the professions." This department was to be optional with the students, and to be equivalent- to the Lingual Department. It contemplated practical instruction in the field. He recommended securing fifty to seventy-five acres for a "small model, experimental farm and gardens" hear the College. He considered a fund of $100,000 necessary to carry out the enterprise, purchase of ground, erection of buildings, endowment of professorships, etc. He expressed his deep concern personally in these words : "I must confess I was never in a position that I needed more counsel of friends and light in relation to duty, than in regard to the step you would now urge upon me in order to carry out these our cherished plans." He saw many difficulties ahead in this untried field, but he resolved to meet them and resign his present position, a most enviable one, and undertake the Presi- dency of the Farm Department, at a salary of $1,500 FARMERS' COLLEGE. 55 per >eai-, and expenses. The Board unanimously ap- proved the plan, and thereupon Mr. Gary presented the following paper: "College Hill, September 17th, 1853. "In view of the great object which this Board has decided to enter upon, viz: the addition of a Depart- ment of Scientific Agriculture and Horticulture to the present Academical advantages of Farmers' College, I resign my position as President of this Institution, on the conditions upon which you have decided. "F. G. GARY." Mr. Gary's resignation was accepted by the Board, and he was unanimously elected President of the De- partment of practical Agriculture and Horticulture at a salary of $1,500 per annum and his traveling ex- penses. On October 13th, 1853, he reported in writing an address to the public on the new enterprise, and the same was printed and widely circulated. This address embraced "a. brief history of Pleasant Hill Academy and Farmers' College, together with a plan and course of study of a Department for the pro- motion of Scientific Agriculture and Horticulture." It made a strong and convincing appeal to the public, and among its statements was the rather startling fact: "We have Colleges and Institutions for the study of Medicine, Law, Theology, and Commerce, but we have no schools of Agriculture, although their establishment have been recommended by all the Presidents of this Union, from Washington down, and Governors of States have repeatedly urged their importance." This young College had already taken a strong hold upon the industrial communit}-. The reason therefor found appropriate expression in the words used by Mr. 56 HISTORICAL SKETCH Cist in his history of "Cincinnati in 1-851," on page 274, under the head of "Farmers' College:" "The prominent characteristic of this institution lias ever been Ihe practical character of its course of in- -struction. To assert the dignity of labor has been its object." IX. The Institution on the High Tide of Pros- perity — r852-i856.. Hon. Isaac I. Allen succeeded Mr. Cary as President — M-cMicken's Gift — Death of Dr. Bishop— ^Lab- oratory — Highest Number of Students in i8§-6 — Dr. Allen Resigned. The number of students in 1853 was 321, one of the best years in the history of the College for attendance. A four-year course was established in the Collegiate Department, and a two-year in the Preparatory. Rev. Lorenzo Cary was elected Professor of An- cient Languages and Literature in place of Professor Whitwell, deceased. Professor Samuel St. John, of Connecticut, who had been elected to the Presidency of the College at the urgent request of Profesor F. G. Cary, declined the honor, and on December 24th, 1853, the Hon. Isaac J. Allen, of Mansfield, Ohio, was tendered that position at a salary of $1,200 per annum, and he soon thereafter signified his acceptance and assumed its duties. His Inaugural Address, delivered on June 7th, 1854,. Commencement Day, was marked by its eloquence and scholarship, and it glowed with good will and promise for thie Institution. He was in full accord with Mr. Cary in his experimental Farm project, and it was ■during his administration, which was very successful,. Isaac J. Allen. 58 HISTORICAL SKETCH that much of the work was accomplished in the in- auguration of the Farm Department. There was no graduating class in 1854, but the students numbered 282. In this year Charles McMicken came into the Di- rectory, and proved a substantial friend of the College. He gave $10,000 to establish a professorship of Agri- cultural Chemistry. He added strength to a Board already containing some able and distinguished men. ' In September, 1854, a convention of the friends of Industrial University Education throughout the country was held in a tent on the grounds of the proposed Farm, and was largely attended. The session occupied three days, and was addressed by men of note from far and near interested in the cause. At this time the movement at Farmers' College for a Farm Department was attract- ing wide attention, and may be considered a distinct era, i:he fourth in its history. i On March i6th, 1855, the Board elected Rev. Samuel J. Browne a member, and adopted a by-law organizing the Farm Department "for the illustration of science in Agriculture and Horticulture," to consist of three Professorships — one of Scientific and Practical Agricul- ture and Horticulture, one of Geology and Agricul- tural Chemistry^ and one of Botany and Vegetable Physiology. Freeman G^ Cary was unanimously chosen Princip9.1 of this Farm Department, with defined but liberal powers. Mr. Cary accepted the position, fully sensible of the re- sponsibilities it involved, but with him it was a labor of love. The hope now was being realized he had cher- ished from the creation of the College, and the idea was recognized in the very Charter itself. At this point it is pertinent to mention that a claim was made some two FARMERS' COLLEGE. 59 years later giving precedence to an Agricultural College established under legislative sanction in the then young State of Michigan, and dedicated May 13th, 1857, in the vicinity of Lansing. On that occasion it was proudly heralded as the first Agricultural College founded in the West. It may be well to insert here in part what Mr. Cary had to say on this question of priority. At this time there was published at Farmers' College a magazine called "The Cincinnatus," devoted to "scien- tific Agriculture and Horticulture," and edited by F. G. Cary. In Volume 2, August number, 1857, alluding to the Michigan College, Mr. Cary, in a kindly spirit, re- futed the claim of that College, as follows : "For years we have plead the cause of such Insti- tutions ; we have endeavored to demonstrate their neces- sity, and to the extent of our ability have labored for their upbuilding. Farmers' College, though strangely ignored in certain directions, claims to be a pioneer in the great work. Her history dates back when not an Institution of the kind was to be found in our broad land; and the doctrines she then promulgated are the same as those now so eloquently held forth by the Pres- ident of this new Agricultural College. While we would not pluck a laurel from the brow of the President or the State that thus lays claim to the establishment of the 'pioneer Agricultural College of the West,' we would simply state the fact that Farmers' College of Ohio has already a history from its incipient movement of nearjy a quarter of a century, and has a regularly endowed College of over twelve years, and has been instrumental in educating to a greater or less extent over two thousand young men, some of whom are men of in- fluence and position in several of the States of this Union, and not a few in foreign lands as Missionaries or pioneers." In obtainirig subscriptions to scholarships Mr. Cary had called to his aid Mr. A. H. Bailey, and his progress 60 HISTORICAL SKETCH as agent for the past year was encouraging, in face of the financial distress all over the countr}\ He reported results in figures as follows : — Perpetxial scholarships subscribed .... No. 532 . . $53,200 00 Limited scholarships 5 years, subscribed . " 71 ■ • 3,550 00 " " 2 " " . " 30 . 900 00 Life memberships, . " 65 3,250 00 Donations to particular professorships, . . ... 23,695 00 $84,595 00 Mr. Gary urged the completion of the purchase of the grounds for the Farm. At this time the Treasurer's accounts shewed on January ist, L855, total stock col- lections, cash and notes, $93,000.00 Expenses for current year, $6,401 00 Income, 4.910 00 Deficiency $i,49i 00 On April gth, ,1855, the regular triennial meeting of stockholders was held. The financial report to that body gave as Amount of collections and stock, $93,000 00 Amount of expenditures, real estat-e, build- ings, agency, etc., $36,647 29 Expenses of College over and above in- come to January "ist, 1855, 4.399 38 41,046 67 Amount of Endowment Fund . . $51,953 33 This includes all the receipts and expenditures from the beginning to January ist, 1855, about six years, and the pay of professors, tuition, and current ex- penses since the contract ended with F. G. Gary to Jaliuary ist, 1855, about two and one-half years. The stockholders elected fifteen directors, who on April 1 6th duly organized by the election of the old officers. It was in this month (April 29th, 1855) that X O *T3 o C H > O 62 HISTORICAL SKETCH Farmers' College sustained its greatest loss in the death of Dr. Robert H. Bishop, at the ripe sge of 78. Apart from Mr. Gary he was pre-eminently its tower of strength. It would be proper here to give our .estimate of the great man and of his work as a teacher at Farmers' College, but we reserve this notice for the brief bio- graphical sketch hereafter presented. His remains ^vere deposited, according to the directions in his last will, in a mound above ground in the southwest corner of the Col- lege lot, no stone marking the spot. This was in accord- ance with the custom of his Scotch ancestors. His aged widow survived him but two weeks, and her coffin was placed beside that of her distinguished husband. The Board seems to have taken no action on Dr. Bishop's death until at its meeting of July 25th, when President Allen, F. G. Gary, and William A. Bagley were appointed a committee to prepare, in the language of the resolution, "a proper article' of condolence on the subject of. the death of the late Rev. R. H. Bishop, late professor of History and Political Econortly," We find on the record no action taken by this committee until August 23d, 1856, more than a year after their appoint- ment, when they asked leave to continue and report at the next meeting, which was December 24th. That meet- ing came without a report, but the resignation of Isaac J, Allen as President of the College was accepted. So' far as appears the committee never did make a written report, and no 'memorial of Dr. Bishop was entered on the minutes of the Board, where it was customary and proper for suitable memorials to be entered, Neither was aiiy" notice printed in any catalogue of the College. We can not understand this singular omission, ex- cept on the theory that the Doctor may have left a re- to IS o en I— I > o z a 64 HISTORICAL SKETCH quest that no such action be taken, and that would have been consistent with the modesty of the man. July nth, 1855, was Commencement Day, and was signalized by the Board and Faculty in joint session con- ferring for the first time the degree of A. B., which was on the class of 1855, and they continued to confer this degree on each graduating class thereafter. They also conferred the degree of A. M. on those alumni who had been engaged for three years or over in professional literary, or scientific pursuits. And this rule was sub- sequently adhered to. At this time they conferred the degree of A. M. in course on the following alumni : Class of 1847— All. Class of 1848 — Kinder, Huston, Nixon, Woodruff, and Bennett. Class' of 1849 — Denise, Hough, Howell, Kirby, Ormsby, two Pearsons, and Turk. Class of 1 85 1 — Caldwell, Halstead, Hendricks, Morris, and Turrill. Clas of 1852 — Brown Lynn, Sargent, Swain, Strait, and Walden. It was resolved by the Board thereafter to present to each graduate with his diploma a pocket Bible, "without note or comment on the text." We wonder how many of these little Bibles are still preserved? The attendance of students during the school year just closed was 303. July 25th, 1855, the Board resolved to build a Lab- oratory. This was completed in 1856, and cost $7,000.00. It contained 19 rooms, and was an attractive brick structure. It was known also as "Polytechnic Hall," and stood in the Botanic Garden about opposite what is now the junction of Linden Avenue with the Hamilton Pike. k; !* o H IS o X z o > 00 I 66 HISTORICAL SKETCH Mr. William Gary having been the first person to pay $10,000.00 for the general uses of the Farm Department, under the by-law establishing that Department, his name was given to the first Professorship therein, "Cary Pro- fessorship of Practical Agriculture." On June 20th, 1856, a memorial to Congress was adopted for appropriation of lands in aid of the Farm Department, to be presented by F. G. Gary in person to the proper committee. This was done in a very complete and able manner, but without result at that time ; but he doubtless sowed the seed that bore fruit in after years. The fact is, Mr. Gary was in advance of his times in his ideas of Industrial Education. He had hoped to make Farmers' College ' a great permanent ceiiter of influence in the fostering and promulgation of these ideas. But he was doomed to disappointment in , the end, which, of course, he did not then anticipate. He, however, lived to see something of tlie realization of his hopes. At last the governments, Federal and State, took hold of the movement on behalf of Industrial Education, and for years we have had a great Agri- cultural Bureau at Washington, and Agricultural Col- leges in many of the States under the patronage of the State government, and fostered by the general govern- ment. July 30th, 1856, was Commencement Day, and the class of that year received the degree of A. B. The at- tendance for the year was the highest in the history of the College, 330. ' On August 23rd, 1856, President Allen presented his resignation, and the same was reluctantly accepted by the Board. No reason for this action appears on record. But in a letter written to this Association by Dr. Allen, dated August 27th, 1902, at Morristown, N. J., he gives the reason as "inadequacy of salary." He says, "The FARMERS' COLLEGE. 67 College authorities were willing to do more, but were unable." Then far advanced in years, but well preserved in mind and body, he sent his kindly greeting to the "Old Boys," as "their former and present friend." Unques- tionably Dr. Allen made a very popular President of the College, and his administration was eminently successful. He left the Institution on the high tide of prosperity. Upon the resignation of ,Dr. Allen, Professor F. G. Cary was unanimously elected President by the Board, to fill the vacancy. But he declined, "because of the imperative necessity of his presence in the Farm De- partment." He was then elected President pro tem., to serve until a permanent appointment could be made. In the Catalogues of 1854-55 and 1855-56 was made a somewhat full explanatory announcement of the in- auguration of the Agricultural Department, the opening paragraph being as follows : "Pursuant to the original design of the Institution, particular attention is given to instruction in those branches of Natural Science more directly appertaining to Agriculture. And we have now the' satisfaction of announcing to our patrons and to the public that the Department for Instruction in Scientific and Practical Agriculture and Horticulture is now fully organized under three appropriate Professorships, with a Mqdel and E~vperimental Farm, wherewith to demonstrate and make practical the lessons of science — the First Com- plete Institution of the Kind organized on the Continent of America." The statement follows, that for this object alone the sum of $100,000.00 had been secured, and a Farm most suitable to the purpose near the College had been pur- chased. 68 HISTORICAL SKETCH At this time a full length portrait in oil of William Gary, who took a paternal interest in the College and was beloved by all, was procured and hung in the Chapel, at a cost of $300. Professor Cary having expressed a desire to close up his accounts as agent of the Farm Department and relin- quish the agency, this was done on April ist, 1857, and A. H. Bailey appointed agent in his place. A report of the financial condition of the College to January ist, 1857, made by the bookkeeper, William- A. Bagley, is spread on the record in detail, from which we take the following figures: Amount paid into the Treasury for stocks and sub- scriptions, $98,854 75 Donations in stocks and cash 11,648 55 Notes payable outstanding 20,459 74 I [30,963 04 Amount expended for real estate, buildings, agents, etc. 120,485 52 Amount of capital stock used since the commence- ment of the College 10,477 52 The amount stated as outstanding at 6% interest is, $60,065 38 Total expense for the year, $9,500 00 Total income for the year, 5,803 91 Deficiency, $3,696 09 It thus appears that at this time, January ist,. 1857, the income was far short of the expenses, and the capital stock was substantially diminishing by encroachment, and this condition began to show itself back in 1854, and was progressive; although the large attendance of stu- dents that had marked previous years began to diminish seriously, the school was still enjoying a good measure of prosperity. FARMERS' COLLEGE. 69 On April 15th, 1857, Professor Milton Sayler, of Cincinnati, was tinanimously chosen President of .the College, which was a popular and excellent selection, but he declined. On May 13th, 1857, Rev. Charles N. Mattoon, of Lee Roy, N. Y., was unanimously elected President. He was present and accepted, to take charge August 1st, 1857; salary $1,400.00 per annum. Professor Jacob Tuckerman was appointed Professor of Mathematics in place of Professor Henderson, re- signed, and J. H. Wilson, of Elbridge, N. Y., was elected Professor of Ancient Languages. There was no graduating class in 1857. The Pri- mary Department was merged in the Preparatory De- partment. Plans for endowment of Professorships were agitated at this time. Professor Ormsby offered his resignation as Teacher of the Preparatory Department, and the same was ac- cepted, and J. P. Ellinwood, of Morrow, Ohio, was elected in his place. Thereupon the following resolution was unanimously passed by the Board: "Resolved, That in accepting the resignation of Pro- fessor George S. Ormsby, Principal of the Preparatory •Department, we do it with regret, and would hereby ex- press our undiminished confidence in the ability with which he has uniformly fulfilled the duties of his Pro- fessorship." October 29th, 1857, the Committee appointed to con- fer with Professor F. G. Cary on disposition of the Farm, reported a plan for the future conduct, which was taken up by the Board, fully considered, amended, and adopted. Mr. Cary, being present, accepted the terms of the contract indicated in the report. This report is set out in full in the record, but it is too long for inser- 70 HISTORICAL SKETCH tion here. In substance the contract merged the Experi- mental Farm and Professorship of Chemistry together, and called it The Pann Department. The Farm proper, with all the buildings, horses; harness, wagons, and farm implements, were rented to Freeman G. Gary for two years, from September ist, 1857, to be carried on at his own expense, he to pay his own salary as part of the rent not exceeding $1,500.00 per annum, and any balance to the College. The corporation to pay the salary of the Professor of Chemistr>-. Contract revocable by either party at the end of one year. December 15th, 1857, the Board instructed the Fi- nance Committee "to make an inventory of the estate, real and personal, of the College, for publication for information of our stockholders." X. The FiNANCi.vL Problem. — Serious. Mr. Gary's Resignation as President of the Pariii De- partment — Report of Committee on Pinancial Condition — College Absorbing the Capital in Pxpenses — Rev. Charles N. Mattoon Elected President. On January 13th, 1858, Mr. S. F. Cary, on behalf of the Finance Committee, made a report of the financial condition of the College, which was received and or- dered to be printed and published together with a cir- cular and report from the President and Professors as to the state of the College, the same to be distributed to each stockholder. A memorial to Congress presenting the claims of the College for Government aid was pre- sented to the Board by Prof. Gary, adopted, and signed by the members. Rev. Samuel J. Browne offered a donation of one FARMERS' COLLEGE. 71 hundred feet ground valued at $9,000.00 and $1,000.00 in cash, and a committee was appointed to receive the same. On April 12th, 1858, was held triennial meeting of stockholders, thirty being present. After organization they elected a Board of fifteen Directors. The report of the Finance Committee, referred to above, was read to the Stockholders, but it does not ap- pear on the record. However, it is fully covered by a subsec^uent report made in September, 1858, which is a report of importance in the financial history of the College. At the close of the Stockholders' meeting, the Board met and organized by re-election of the old officers pro tem. June 9th, 1858, permanent officers of the Board were elected, Guernsey Y. Roots taking the Presidency in place of E. M. Gregory, who had served continuously from the beginning, and had filled the position with dignity and efficiency, and was an earnest friend of the College. Mr. Caldwell was retained as Secretary and S. F. Cary as Treasurer. President Mattoon made a favorable report as to the condition of the College and the progress of the students. June 23rd, 1858, the resignation of Professor R. S. Bosworth was received and accepted, and Professor J. H. Wilson was appointed to the vacant chair of Agricultural Chemistry. Further consideration was given to the subject of endowing Professorships by the Professors themselves, and a plan submitted was adopted, but the plan is not given. June 24th, 1858, Commencement. The degree of 72 HISTORICAL SKETCH A. B. was conferred on the class of 1858. Total at- tendance of students this year, 205. September i6th, 1858, Prof. F. G. Gary made a re- port as to the Farm Department, and then his resigna- tion as President of that Department, before tendered, was accepted. His report was filed, but not spread on the record, and if it gave his reasons for resigning the position he had created and taken so much enthusiastic interest in they are not available now, and we are left to conjecture. But it may be fairly inferred that he was disappointed at the condition of the College revenue, and was not hopeful of its improvement in the future. The catalogue of that year, 1858-59, speaking of the Agricultural Department, says : _ "This department has been sustained with commend- able zeal the last year. The Laboratory, Botanic Garden, and Farm are daily becoming more attractive and interesting. The great aim is to illustrate the prin- ciples, and make visible the results of those scientific laws and conditions of development learned in the Lab- oratory. . "The Botanical grounds are on a large scale artistic- ally arranged, for fruitage and flowers, into garden and grove, into lakelet and lawn, and are becoming objects of exceeding interest to all who admire the use- ful and love the beautiful." The groimds in their transformation had the benefit of the taste and skill of that excellent engineer and scientific landscape gardener, Mr. Maxmilian G. Kern. They were secured and eligibly located in immediate proximity to the College, and were ample in dimensions, containing 87 60-100 acres, and making in fact as in name a "Model Farm." Of this farm 48 22-100 acres were obtained from William Gary by purchase and do- nation. With perhaps pardonable pride this Agricul- FARMERS' COLLEGE. 73 tural Department was proclaimed in the catalogues of the time as "The First Complete Institution of -the Kind on the Continent of America." Mr. Cary left its superintendence when it was in complete successful operation. Mr. E. G. Ricker suc- ceeded him. The same catalogue (1858-59) reveals the introduction of a new feature in the admittance by per- mission of five young ladies to the study of Languages ; also a Normal Department was established to prepare students to become teachers, to receive at the completion of their course a Teacher's Diploma. Mr. Giles Richards, chairman of a special Committee for the purpose, made an elaborate report to the Board of the state of the accounts and funds of the College to Septeriiber ist, 1858, and the same was accepted, adopted, and recorded. It covers about six years, since close of contract with F. G. Cary. The following digest is taken from said report. The information it furnishes is of interest to the old students at least: "A digest showing the appropriation of the funds of the institution and their present position September ist, 1858. • Real Estate (Laud), . $49,438 00 College Building, . . 12,030 39 Excelsior Building, . 4,069 44 Laboratory Building, 5,015 84 Expenses on Farm, . 16,532 39 $87,086 06 College Furniture, $ 1,253 03 Philosophical Apparatus, . . 2,079 44 College Bell 198 00 3.530 47 Stock Collections, $112,588 69 Donations, . . . 13,763 55 Notes Payable, . 13,088 00 Mrs. E. Howard, . 1,350 00 Hannah E. Cary, . «2i 33 A. Benton, . . 1,000 00 Parsons, etc., . . 183 52 F. G. Cary, (D) . . 626 79 Small debts, (R) . 359 38 Incidental Expenses, See E, Education Fund, See H, Taxes, (I), Carried forward, $22,045 38 [4,991 64 181 02 37,218 04 $127,834 57 74 HISTORICAL SKETCH - Brought forward, . . Sundry Stocks worth say $1,500, S. F. Cary (A), Loan of Endowment Fund, . Notes Receivable A. H. Bailey, • . . . Applegates Publications, . . Small balances due College, See R $127,834 57 1143,781 26 2,090 00 129,924 57 3.782 49 8,600 00 78552 133 03 136 34 419 31 1143,781 26 $143,781 26 "The expenses of the College proper over and above the income have been since the contract ended with F. G. Cary, President, about six years, as follows : . To Jan. I, 1855— 2 j^ years average $1,759 74 per annum, $4,399 38 To Sep. r, 1858 — 3^^ years average 3,026 36 per annum, 10,592 26 Expenses above income six years $14,991 64 Average per annum $2,498- 60. "Thus it will be seen that the College proper is ab- sorbing the capital to the extent of about $2,500.00 per annum, which will increase as the present income di- minishes, unless new sources of income can be found." E. — "Incidental Expenses" represent cost of collec- tion, agencies, etc. H. — ^"Educational Fund" represent salaries of faculty, tutors, repairs, etc. "Real Estate College Lot of William Car)-, .... College Row Lot of William Cary, Triangular Lot of F. G. Cary, . . . Excelsior Building Lot of S. F. Cary, Huntington purchase, Wilstach purchase . . .... Cary & Thomas purchase, Resnor purchase, Wm. Cary purchase and Donation, . Wood ()urchase, F. G. Cary purchase, Lathrop purchase, Blacksmiths purchase, 4 acres, . . $700 00 I 92/100 . 1,500 00 3 45/100 . . 6,500 00 I 50/100 . 450 0(i I 43/100 . 2,500 00 II 00/100 . 3,100 00 I 00/100 . 1,100 00 16 64/100 . 6,000 00 48 22/100 . 19,288 00 2 50/100 . . 3,700 00 5 24/100 . 1,800 00 .90/100 . 800 00 I oo/ioo . 1,000 00 Acres, 98 80/100 . . $48,438 00 Ernst Lots, 2 lots in Ernst's Subdivision, . . ... 1,000 00 98 80/100 acres and two lots. ),438 00 FARMERS' COLLEGE. 75 Sepiember 24th, 1858, Messrs. Bagley and Witherby (committee before appointed for tlie purpose) reported the number, condition, and value of all buildings be- longing to the College, which report was received and ordered to be recorded. The following is an abstract of that report, and gives first cost and estimated value: Cost Estimate 1. Farmers' College and 4 acres (27 rooms), $12,730 34 f20,ooo 00 2. Excelsior B'ld'g and lyi acres (23 rooms), 4.969 44 4,000 00 3. Brick Row and 1.92 " (8 rooms), 500 00 1,000 00 4. Old Academy and 3.45 " (14 rooms), 6,500 00 6,000 00 5. Laboratorj' Bldg and 2^ " (19 rooms), 10,70000 12,00000 ^- ^■■^"'l Buildiug ) ^ ,. ,g , ^ ^ Cary & Thomas ) ,. . >j ^- Hu^th^g^ton""' i "° l^"d (6 rooms), 500 co 1,000 00 ^" BlacksmUir \ ^"^ >^ ^"'^ (^ "■°°'"^'' ''°°°'°° ^oo 00 $37,999 78 $46,200 00 During this and the following year earnest efforts were made to secure the removal of the Cincinnati Ob- servatory to College Hill. Four acres of ground were offered for a site, and the citizens proposed to raise a guaranty of $7,000.00. But these efforts proved un- successful, the Astronomical Society not approving the site. There seemed to be other reasons, but they are not disclosed. The movement, if successful, would have been a brilliant stroke for the College. The offer was reconsidered subsequently and not renewed. XL On tiiu Decline — Proposal to Sell or Lease Lands. Schedule of Property — Cost—D. E. Mattoon Resigned — ■ Prof. Jacob Tuckerman Succeeded Him. On June 9th, 1859, the Board passed a resolution, "that steps be taken to adopt that clause of the general law regulating Colleges which authorizes the sale of lands belonging to Colleges." 76 HISTORICAL SKETCH June 29th, 1859, was Commencement Day, and the class oi that year graduated. On July 13th, 1859, the last resolution was followed up by another appointing Messrs. Bagely, Hoflfner, and Witherby a committee "to examine the lands of the P'arm Department, and report at the next meeting the best plan in their view of dividing and disposing of the lands to raise a revenue for the benefit of the College;" also to report a plat of subdivision, and include. in it "all the grounds of the Farm and Botanical Garden.'' In addition to this, a committee of ways and means was appointed, consisting of Messrs. Ricker, Richards, Bagley, and Roots. There seemed to be an increasing stress for suf- ficient income to meet th-e necessary expenses of the College. At the same time an agent had been contin- uously kept in the field to solicit stock and collect ma- tured subscriptions. An unfortunate complication had arisen in reference to the $10,000.00 donation of Charles McMicken, and he having died, the matter had to be adjusted by suit against his estate. It ended successfully to the College. On March 14th, i860, the committee on subdivision of the College lands for the purpose of selling or leas- ing same reported, accompanied with a neat lithographic map, all of which was received, adopted, and ordered to be recorded. Their report is recorded in the journal of the Board, and the plat attached. We have not been able to find another copy, although a large number were issued at the time. The essential part of this report is as follows: "We find the whole amount of land owned by said College is 98 80-100 acres. Of this the Farm Depart- ment contains 87 60-100 acres. We have employed a FARMERS' COLLEGE. 77 competent surveyor and have had the 87.60 acres sub- divided into 21 lots as will more fully appear by refer- ence to plat of survey. It will be seen that all the grounds belonging to the College appear on said plat. "Lot No. I contains 7.42 acres on which stands Farmers' College, Excelsior and Brick Row Buildings. "Lot No. 2 contains 26 67-100 acres on which Poly- technic Hall and three other buildings are situated, and is called Experimental Grounds and Botanic Garden. "Lot No. 3 contains 3.45 acres and is called site of Gary's Academy. "Lots 4, 5, 6, and 7 contain 9.29 acres and is a portion of the William Gary purchase, upon which there are some restrictions, balance of restricted land 13.93 lands is contained in Lot No. 2, Experimental grounds. Lots Nos. 8 to 23 inclusive contain 51.44 acres." Memorial resolutions were passed on the death of Andrew H. Ernst, which occurred in February last, late a member of the Board. He was a valuable mem- ber and a strong friend of the College, a man of high principle and imbued with an enlightened spirit of prog- ress. On April nth, i860, a called meeting of the stock- holders was held, an unusually large attendance, — Mr. Roots, the President, explained the object of the meet- ing to be to furnish to the .stockholders, from the Board of Directors, a full report of the condition of the Col- lege, pecuniary and otherwise, and recommendation of a plan for disposition of a portion of the lands for revenue. He thereupon read report of the committee on behalf of the Trustees. This report was printed in full in the College Catalogue for 1859-60. We present here only a part of same, as follows : 78 HISTORICAL SKETCH "To the Stockholders and Patrons of Farmers' College, Hamilton County, Ohio. "The Trustees, with a view to present a full and cor- rect statement of the financial condition of the institu- tion, at the annual meeting in April, i860, have, through committees and agents, required settlements of all claims against it, and the removal of all encumbrances from its real estate. This has been done. The real estate is entirely clear and unincumbered, and embraces 98.80 acres of land. "The following are the balances, viz : The stock collections of all kinds have been, includ- ing that of Wm. Cary $120,288 15 Charles McMicken's Professorship, io,aoc 00 Donations, 13.863 55 Total $144,151 70 "Which has been appropriated as follows : In purchase of real estate, comprising .98.80 acres of land at College Hill, and two lots at Spring Garden, . . ... 49,438 00 Buildings erected on same by the Trustees, .... 24,115 67 Expense, clearing, grading, fencing, etc., on farm, . 13. 532 39 Philosophical Apparatus, College Furniture, and Library, . . . . 3,610 97 Incidental expenses, agents, interest, and Attorney fees, ... 26,222 65 Education Fund, over and above the income since 1852 18,693 07 Stocks worth about $1,000.00 donated, . . . 2,02700 Cash, and Cash items on hand, . . . . . 6,276 52 Debts due from sundry persons, 237 43 Total $144,151 70 "Of the foregoing amount the sum of $26,222.65 has been paid to Agents, Attornies, and for defraying other incidental expenses in collecting. $18,693.07 is the balance of the education fund after crediting the income. And $2,027.00 is in stocks that are of doubtful value. FARMERS* COLLEGE. 79 ■'The College is in possession of the following" prop- erty : Real Estate, wiih improvements, to a cost of . . . $87,086 00 Philosophical Apparatus, and College Furniture, . 3,6io 97 Cash in Treasury, Notes, endowment fund notes, . 6,953 45 Stock at par $2,027.00 worth, say, T,ooo 00 Notes and subscriptions in the hands of the Agent, considered good 26,00 i 00 Whole Amount, 1124,650 48 "The receipts from the foregoing, as managed at , present, will not exceed the following per annum : Interest on notes, bonds and subscriptions $2,000 00 Room rents and matriculation fees, 800 00 Rent of buildings , , . 300 00 Total Receipts, ... . . . $3,100 00 Expenditures. C. N. Mattoon, President, Salary, . 1,400 00 J. Tuckerman, Professor, " . . 900 00 P. J. Klund, " " 800 00 J. H. Wilson, " " ... 800 00 J. P. Ellinwood, " 'i ^qq ^^ Janitor Services, . . 240 00 Repairs and Lights, . . 300 00 Fuel, .... ... . 100 00 Taxes, . . 60 00 Book-keeper, . . . . 300 00 Insurance, 150 00 Contingent, . . 250 00 Total Expenditures, $6,000 00 Expenditures, .... . $6,000 00 Receipts . 3.100 00 Deficiency, ... $2,900 00 The committee recommended sale or lease of about 50 acres in lots, not interfering with the College build- ings, or Farm Department. They were apprehensive 80 HISTORICAL SKETCH that to reduce the expense to the present income would bring the Institution down to a mere Academy. Their idea was to reduce the expense some and enlarge the income. The stockholders had before them two reports on business, a majority report and a minority report. They adopted the majority one, which expressed satisfaction with the reports of- the Directors and in "their efficiency and fidelity in attending to our interests and their efforts to carry out the objects of the Institution." At the same time they regret "that so large a sum has been expended' upon agents in obtaining subscriptions and that the ex- penses of the Institution have so much encroached upon its capital." Among other restrictive resolutions they resolved "that the expenses of the Institution be so graduated that they shall not in the aggregate exceed the sum of $5,000.00, until the annual income shall fully sustain the increased expenditures." The Board was requested to publish in pamphlet form a report of the financial condition of the College, with the plat of subdivision, and a copy of the minutes of this meeting, and send same to each stockholder. Perhaps we are giving too much space to the finan- cial part of this history, but in the years we are writing of the very perpetuity of the College seemed to be in- volved in the policy being pursued by the management, which affected the integrity of the Endowment Fund in diverting a part of it to meet expenses, and the truth of the histor}- requires a statement at least of the most important facts shown by the record. B:it, while rumors existed to the prejudice of the Trustees, the record does not disclose any evidence that they acted other than in good faith and for the best interest of the College as they conceived it. FARMERS' COLLEGE. 81 At the close of the stockholders' meeting the Board of Directors met and organized. F. G. Gary was elected a member in the place of A. H. Ernst, deceased. June 6th, i860, the Board adopted as their guide for future action all the resolutions adopted by the stock- holders at their meeting on April nth. June 20th, i860. Commencement Day. The degree of A. B. was conferred on the senior class. August 14th, i860. Rev. G. N. Mattoon adhered to his resignation tendered July nth, and the Board re- gretfully accepted it. He was succeeded by Professor Jacob Tuckerman, salary $1,000.00. The Board reduced the Faculty to a President and four Professors, and resolved that the expenses of the College should not exceed $5,000.00 per annum. April 8th, 1861, was the regular time for meeting of the stockholders, but there is no record of the meeting, and none was probably held owing to the excited con- dition of the country, — the beginning of the "Civil War." May 1st, 1861, E. G. Ricker was elected President of the Board. June 19th, 1861, Commencement Day. The degree of A. B. was conferred on the senior class. We find the following item on the minutes of the Board of this date ; "A communication was received from the Alumni in session this day suggesting the propriety of changing the name of the College. It was referred to a committee consisting of Messrs_Walden, Gary, and Richards." 6 82 HISTORICAL SKETCH This is the first suggestion as to change of the name we have met with. It marks the beginning of the agita- tion of that subject, which continued and grew through many years before its final culmination. On July loth, 1861, the Board, after some discussion in regard to the financial condition and prospects of the College on account of the state of the country, by reso- lution reduced materially the salaries of the Faculty, ex- cept the Cary Professor of Agriculture. October 9th, 1861, Captain E. G. Ricker, having entered the Army, ofifered his resignation as President, which the Board accepted with a sincere expression of appreciation. He was followed by many others in rapid succession, for patriotism ruled the hour. The effect of the Civil War soon resulted in a marked depletion in the ranks of the students. The falling off in attend- ance had indeed begun before, for other reasons, for in i860 the number was reduced to 173, — but little over one-half of the. number in 1856, which was 330. In 1861 it had fallen to T14. In 1862 still lower, to 92. D. B. Pierson succeeded to the chair of "Cary Pro- fessor of Agriculture." We have at this time another report on the state of the accounts of Farmers' College to January ist, 1862, and dated February loth, 1862. It was the work of Mr. Giles Richards, who had been in the Board from the beginning, and was certainly one of its most in- telligent, able, and useful members. He had, in fact, written nearly all of the reports of much importance. The Board showed its appreciation of his services at this time by a vote of thanks, and ordering his report to be recorded. FARMERS' COLLEGE. 83 It shows credit balances as follows : Stock Collections $129,585 14 McMicken Professoxship, _ 10,000 00 Donations, ' 131863 55 $153,448 69 Faculty (received), 642 82 $154,091 51 On the debit side, — expenditures : Real Estate $49-438 00 Buildings and Improvements 37,648 06 Incidental Expenses 29,732 93 Education Fund, 23,578 32 College Furniture i,53i 53 Philosophical Apparatus, 2,079 44 Loan of Endowment Fund 3,725 00 Miscellaneous Items, . . .... 6,258 23 $154,091 SI Mr. Richards estimates subscriptions of stock out- standing amounting to $52,306.00 as worth at most $24,000.00 less cost of collection. He says, "It is evi- dent that the income is insufficient for the expenditures, and it is only a question of time when its operations must come to a standstill, though that period is now with due care somewhat remote." But he takes a hopeful view, with the exercise of care and economy, and a return of general prosperity. He, however, makes this significant statement in ref- erence to the College : "It has now been in operation fourteen years, in all of which time the expenses of the College proper have exceeded the income $2^,578.^2, or about $1,685 per annum, absorbing that amount of stock collections, which being so greatly reduced they will absorb them in a greater ratio in the time to come." Early in this year, 1862, the College lost by death two 84 HISTORICAL SKETCH among its most devoted and valued friends, W. A. Bagley and William Gary. The former was a faithful and useful member of the Board, and the latter was one of the best of men, of broad views, earnestly sup- ported the great educational work of his son, and showed his practical interest by his large donations. The memorial adopted by the Board especially refers to his philanthropy and his "Endowment of the Gary Professorship of Practical Agriculture in Farmers' College." The numoer of students enrolled in 1862-63, ninety- two. On February 25th, 1863, a special meeting of the stockholders, scholarship holders, donors, and patrons of the College was held, to consider a report of the Board and appoint a committee to co-operate with a committee of the Board to arrange with the 3tate oi Ohio for selection of Farmers' College as one of the Agricultural Colleges to share in the 630,000 acres granted to Ohio by Act of Congress of July 6th, 1862, to promote agricultural institutions. A full report was made and the movement approved, and committees ap- pointed and $1,000 appropriated to defray expenses. On presentation of this matter to the Legislature, that body was so impressed it sent a committee down to examine the property on March i6th, 1864, which re- ported in favor of accepting the proposition of the Col- lege, and a Bill was introduced to carry it out, but no further action appears to have been taken, although Farmers' College, in view of what itself had accom- plished in that direction, signally deserved to be se- lected to share in that Congressional grant. With such great aid whv should it not have secured the permanent leadership in the work of scientific agriculture? It was essentially a people's College, and its permanent success should not have been left to contingencies. FARMERS' COLLEGE. 85 On June 27th, 1863, Commencement Day, the degree of A. B. was conferred upon the nine members of the Senior class. The average attendance of students in that year was sixty-four. It will be observed that the number of graduates was fully up to the average, not- withstanding the general depression. On April 13th, 1864, the stockholders held their regular triennial meeting. A Board of fifteen Directors was elected, only twelve votes being cast. At this election Mr. J. C. C. Holenshade came into the Board, and upon its organization, May 14th, 1864, he was elected its President. The new Board consisted of Giles Richards, S. F. Gary, B. A. Hunt, G. E. Babb, J. M. Walden, R. M. Moore, R. B. Witherby, F. G. Gary, E. G. Ricker, H. L. Wilmer, J. C. C. Holenshade, N. S. Knight, Amos Worthington, S. J. Browne, and Joel Strong. On May 4th, 1864, the degree of A. B. was conferred on the two members of the class of 1864, showing a serious falling off in number. The number of students enrolled in 1864-65, . .114 Average attendance per session 74 On July i2th, 1864, the Faculty of the previous year were re-elected — Tuckerman, President, and Pro- fessors Klund, Wilson, Ellinwood, and Pierson. On October 12th, 1864, the Board, considering the present condition of the country, and that young men should be qualified to render the highest service to the government, resolved to establish a Military Department, to involve no charge upon the general funds of the Institution, and admission to it being voluntary. Nat- urally this might be termed a military overture to the patriotic spirit prevailing. 86 HISTORICAL SKETCH Major W. Beatty became professor of Military Tactics. On April 12th, 1865, a loan of $2,000.00 was au- thorized by the Board to meet the deficiency in the Education Fund, and the proper officers were author- ized to give a lien, to secure such loan, on any property of the corporation. June 2ist, 1865, was Commencement Day, and was published as the 19th Annual Commencement. The degree of A. B. was conferred on the three members of the class of this year. And the degree of D. D. was conferred on the Rev. John M. Walden. XII. Suspension of College Course at End op Civil War. Critical Period — Faculty Reduced to Three. On July i2th, 1865, there being no funds to pay current expenses, the Board resolved to lease or sell the Academy lot of 3 1-2 acres, and apply to the Legis- lature for an enabling act to that end. At the same meeting, on motion of Gen. Cary, the following was adopted: "Whereas, The resources of the College are inade- C[uate to the support of a full corps of professors ; "Resolved, That Jacob Tuckerman, A. M., be ap- pointed for two years at a salary of $1,500.00 a year, and that he be authorized to employ tutors or lecturers, or both, at an expense of not more than $500 a year." A resolution was adopted complimentary to Profes- sors Klund, Wilson, and Ellinwood, whose connection with the College was severed "only from an imperious financial necessity." FARMERS' COLLEGE. 87 There were but two others in the Faculty at that time, — D. B. Pierson, Cary Professor of Practical Ag- riculture, and Major W. Beatty, Military Instructor. This action of the Board virtually recognized their inability to keep up the College to its proper standard as such, with a full corps of professors and a com- plete Collegiate course. It was in effect a suspension of its operation as a College, and an assimilation of it to the rank of an Academy. Various influences con- spired to bring about this unfortunate result. The at- tendance this year had been reduced to an average of 74. The war had produced a general depression. A large number of its brave sons had gone into the Na- tional Army^ — a list of those killed is given in the Appendix, and is, indeed, a "Roll of Honor' — and the support from the South, which had been considerable, had been withdrawn. The income available to pay the professors' salaries and other expenses had, it seems, never been adequate, and it was growing less year by year. In the language of Gen. S. F. Cary, in a "His- torical Sketch of College Hill," published by him in 1886 : "The money first collected was appropriated to the purchase of lands and the erection of buildings. A very large number failed to pay their subscriptions, and agents were employed to collect them. A very large per cent never was collected. The result was that the principal fund was constantly encroached upon to pay teachers' salaries and other expenses. If the stock had been promptly paid and invested the plan would Rave succeeded. Its failure was only a question of time." The number of stockholders or subscribers is stated in the record at from 1,600 to 1,700; but we have not 88 HISTORICAL SKETCH been able to ascertain the number of perpetual scholar- ships, or who hold them. On January joth, 1866, the Board took action, with the view of procuring a disposition of the unproduc- tive lands of the College for the support of the Insti- tution, and to memorialize the Legislature for an En- ablijig Act for that purpose. On March 15th, 1866, a further loan of $2,500 was authorized. On April 5th, 1866, the Legislature of Ohio passed "An Act to authorize the Trustees of Farmers' College of Hamilton County to dispose of certain lands." (Vol. 63 O. L. 211.) This Act empowered the Stockholders, Scholarship- holders, and Donors, at a meeting to be called for that purpose, to authorize and direct the sale or lease of "such part of the real estate of the corporation, as to them may seem proper, for the support of the College." The Act provided for the investment of the net proceeds of such sales "in the stocks of the United States, the State of Ohio, Hamilton County, or City of Cincinnati, bonds yielding an interest of not less than six per cent, which interest, with the annual and other incomes, only shall be used for the support and maintenance of said College, reserving the principal as an irreducible fund for the said College." These provisions were ample as to the power to sell or lease, and specific and mandatory as to the mode of investment. The College had now entered upon what proved tO' be the most trying ordeal of its career, and may be characterized as the ^fth, era of its history, from 1865 until. 1873. During this critical period it was struggling for existence. The agents sent out met with but little FARMERS' COLLEGE. 89 encouragement among the people. The Institution had lost that responsive confidence and favor of the public it had formerly so abundantly possessed. It became a commanding necessity to abandon the original design, so fondly cherished by Mr. Cary and his fi-iends, and sell the "Model Farm." XIII. — Sai