Meeting Minutes, 1862
BackCreator: Offices of Board of Trustees and President
Subjects: Administration, Board of Trustees, BOT Minute Books
Date: 1862
Format: Text/pdf
Original Format: Paper, microfilm
Resource Identifier: MINUTES 1862.pdf
Collection Number: UA 1
Language: English
Rights Management: Educational use only, no other permissions given. Copyright to this resource is held by Michigan State University and is provided here for educational purposes only. It may not be reproduced or distributed in any format without written permission of the University Archives & Historical Collections, Michigan State University.
Contributing Institution: Offices of Board of Trustees and President; University Archives & Historical Collections; MATRIX
Contributor: Offices of Board of Trustees and President
Text File: Download
Transcript: Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes - 1862
[Begin page 91]
State Agricultural College Michigan
Feb. 26 1862
The regular meeting of the State Board of Agri-
culture was called to Order at 11 o'clock A.M. There
were present Messrs Wells, Parsons, Gage, Carpenter,
and Rich. The President being absent, Mr Wells was
appointed President pro tempore; and Mr. Charles Rich
empowered to act for the secretary whenever it might
be necessary for him to be absent.
[Yerkes'
Resignation]
A Communication was received from S.A.
Yerkes, resigning his position as a member of this
Board; - he having enlisted in the military service
of the Country. The Resignation of Mr Yerkes was
accepted by the Board.
The Board adjourned until Tomorrow.
T.C. Abbot Secy.
State Agricultural College Michigan
Feb. 27, 1862
Board met as per adjournment, at 9 A.M. Present
Messrs Wells, Parsons, Gage, Carpenter, Rich, and His Excel-
lency Governor – Blair.
[Land Sale]
Resolved that James Bayley be, and is hereby
auhroized to contract for sale of the South East quarter
of the North West quarter of Section 27, in the Township
of Bath, Clinton County, part of the Swamp lands belong-
ing to the Agricultural College, at the price of Eighty
Dollars, Said tract of land being in part covered with water.
[Accounts]
The following Bills, presented by the Committee on
accounts were then allowed: - to wit.
Grove and Whitney $25.53 No 52
Ford and Wells 1.97 " 53
B.F. Savage 25.43 " 54 Austin Blair 29.05 " 55
D. Carpenter 14.25 " 56
P. Parsons 12.30 " 57
Charles Rich 14.85 " 58
H.G. Wells 13.50 " 59
Justus Gage 18.50 " 60
The Committee on Employees made a Report recommen-
ding Mr. C.A. Kenaston of Oberlin Ohio, as a Suitable
person to take charge of the Preparatory Department of the
College: whereupon it was ---- .
[End page 91]
[Begin page 92]
[Kenaston
Prepty. Dept.]
Resolved that C.A. Kenaston be employed to take charge
of the Preparatory Department of the College, during the pleasure of the
Board, at a Salary of Five Hundred and Fifty Dollars per year, and
that the said Kenaston be, and he is, hereby authorized to finish
off the unfinished dwelling connected with the College at his
own expense, and when finished to occupy the same, the
cost of fitting up said building to apply on rent of said house.
The Board then adjourned until tomorrow at 8 A.M.
T.C. Abbot
Secretary ..
State Agricultural College, Michigan
Friday Feby. 28, 1862 AM Session
Board met as per adjournment. Present, the
same numbers as yesterday.
[Bell]
Resolved that Mr. Philo Parsons be authorized to
procure a bell suitable for the use of the Agricultural
College; - and to make such disposition of the old
bell as he shall judge advisable. for the interests of the
College.
[Report]
Professors Fisk and Miles submitted a Report
in accordance with a Resolution of the Board passed
Nov. 15. 1861: the Report was accepted, and ordered to be
placed on file.
On motion of Mr. parsons, it was
[Crippen elected
to Bd. of Ag.]
Resolved, that James B. Crippen, President
of the State Agricultural Society, be, and hereby is,
elected a member of this Board, in the place of S.A. Yerkes, resigned.
[Bayley
Resignation]
A Communication was received from James
Bayley, Superintendent of the Farm of the State Agricul-
tural College, tendering his Resignation of the office
of Superintendent
The Resignation of Mr Bayley was accepted.
On motion of Mr. Gage,
Resolved that in accepting the Resignation of
Mr. James Bayley, as Superintendent of the Farm of
the State Agricutlrual College, and of the Boarding Hall
the Board are animated with a proper sense of the zeal, econ-
omy, and integrity manifested by Mr Bayley in the discharge
of his duties as said Superintendent; and that we tender
to him the Expression of our Sympathy, on account of his
present ill health.
[End page 92]
[Begin page 93]
[Com on
Farm Supt.]
Resolved that Messrs Phil Gardner, and . H.G. Wells
be and then hereby are authorized to engage a
Farm Superintendent to take charge of the Farm and
Boarding Hall, doing the pleasure of the Board
at a compensation not to exceed the sum of Eight
Hundred Dollars ($800.00) per annum.
The following Report on the Building of a Barn
was submitted by the Committee to whom that subject
was referred by Resolution of Nov 15. 1861 : - viz.
[Barn]
The Committee appointed by the Board for the
purpose of taking into consideration the Building of a Barn
have had the matter under consideration and recommend
that the Board adopt the Plan submitted by Mr. Carpenter
for its construction : in size sixty (60) feet by forty six
(46) feet : and that Messrs Parsons and Carpenter, with
the Farm Superintendent obtain specifications in detail for
the same, and procure materials, and proceed in its erection
as speedily as the interests of the College will permit
The Report was accepted, and adopted.
[Land Sale]
Resolved that Philo Parsons be, and he is hereby authorized
to take into consideration the proposition of George B. Van Atta, to
purchase the South half of the South East Quarter of Section
Eleven (11) and the North East Quarter of Section Fourteen
(14) Swamp lands in the township of Meridian, and that
he be authorized to contract the same to said Van Atta
at a price not less than Six Hundred Dollars, provided
he may deem that the interests of the College will be subserved
by such sale.
On motion of Mr. Gage
[Experiments]
Resolved that Professors Fisk and Miles be
authorized to carry out the experiments referred to in
their Report submitted to the Board this present Session.
[Supt. pro. tem.]
Resolved that Professor Fisk be, and he is here-
by authorized, and requested to take charge of, and direct
the students as to their labor, until a Superintendent
of the Farm shall be appointed, and be on hand to perform
the duties of his office.
[Steward]
On account of the severe illness of Mr Bayley,
Messrs Parsons and Carpenter were appointed a Committee
at once to see Mr Harrison, and engage his, and Mrs.
Harrison's services on the farm, and in the Boarding
Hall, until some other person shall be engaged to take
charge of the same; so as to relieve Mr and Mrs Bayley entirely
[End page 93]
[Begin page 94]
of all care in regards to it.
[Account]
An account was allowed in favor of
Dr. M. Miles of $17.17 No 61.
The chair being temporarily vacant, Mr Wells was
appointed to fill it and it was
[Appropriatn.]
Resolved that the Treasurer of this Board is hereby
directed to obtain from the Treasurer of the Board Five Thou-
sand Dollars ($5000.00) of the appropriation to the Agricultural
College made by the present Legislature, and hold the same
subject to the disposition of the Board.
The Board then adjourned
T.C. Abbot Secretary
State Agricultural College, Michigan
May 28, 1862, PM. Session
The Regular Meeting of the State Board of Agriculture
was called to order at 3 o'clock P.M. There were present
Messrs Wells, Rich, Parsons, and Gage. In the absence of the
President of the Board. Mr Wells now made President pro-
tempore.
The reading of the Records of the last Session was deferred
until tomorrow morning.
At the request of the President, Professor Fisk made
a statement respecting the state of the Health of the Students,
[Health]
Resolved that in view of the condition of the heatlh of the
Students during the present month, and the desire expressed by
a majority of those in attendance, it is expedient that the usual
Recess of two weeks during the month of July be anticipated, and
that the same be ordered from this, the 28th inst, to June 18th.
Adjourned to tomorrow A M. at 9 o'clock
T.C. Abbot Secretary
State Agricultural College Michigan
May 29. 1862
Board met as per adjournment; members present
the same as yesterday.
The Record of the Session in February last were
read and approved.
[Crippen Declines]
A letter received by the Secretary from James
B. Crippen was read; - in which he declines to serve
as a member of this Board, owing to other engagements.
In the absence of Mr. Carpenter, Mr Gage was ap-
pointed to act as member of the Finance Committee with
Mr. Parsons
[End page 94]
[Begin page 95]
[Accounts]
Accounts against the College were then allowed as follows: -
James Bayley final settlement of acct. as Supt. $299.58
L.R. Fisk expenditures for College 15.04
T.C. Abbot " " " 44.36
Philo Parsons Provisions etc 614.99
" " " 106.51
M. Miles Expenditures for College 18.30
It was ordered that the Services rendered by Mr Harri-
son for 24 days as Superintendent of the Farm be accounted
an [affect?] to the Bill of the College against his [illegible in original], up to the
7th of May. ($53.55)
The Bill of John A. Kerr, and Hosmer and Kerr for
printing etc ($50.50) was referred again to Committee on
finance, to be reported in at the August meeting, 1862, with
recommmendation that affidavit be made, showing why Bill
was not presented to "Board of Education".
Resolved that T.C. Abbot (Secy.) be authorized to
draw warrant on the College Treasurer in favor of L.G. Berry,
in the sum of $1456 26/100 to cover various items advanced by
said Berry & James Bayley, at various times, as per
request of Board.
[Thanks to
B.G. Wade]
Resolved that this Board in behalf of the Agricul-
tural interests of the State of Michigan extend to the Honorable
Benjamin F. Wade thanks for his earnest and well timed
effort to procure Congressional aid in sustaining the great
farming interests of the Country, by the establishment of
Colleges in which Agriculture as a Science shall receive that
attention which its importance demands
Resolved that his Excellency Governor Blair, the
President of this Board, be requested to communicate the
foregoing Resolution to Senator Wade, and to give him
assurance that the people of Michigan hold in high
estimation his general course as a legislator; and
that they believe that, in efforts to uphold and sustain the
American Government, he is moved by considerations
of unbending integrity and patriotic impulses.
Mr. Parsons submitted the following Report
[Land Sale]
The Subscriber, to whom was entrusted the
sale of Swamp Land, Lots numbered or described as
follows S ½ of S. E ¼ Sec. 11, N.E ¼ of Sec 14 in Township
Meridian, begs leave to report to the Board of Agriculture
that he has contracted with Mr. Vanatta for the above
described lots of Swamp lands, at $600: Two Hundred to
[End page 95]
[Begin page 96]
be paid the coming Fall, and the balance of $400. payable
Two Hundred Dollars annually with 7 per cent interest
till paid.
[Barn]
After a Recess for dinner, the Board, & Farm
Superintendent examined proposed locations for a barn which
it is purposed to build; after which the Board by vote fixed
upon the cite, and left stakes to mark the four corners of it.
[Accts.]
The Account of Mr Tibbits was audited and
allowed, and the balance in favor of the college of $18.88
was ordered to be carried to a new account.
It was ordered that a warrant for $850.00 be
drawn in favor of Mr Tibbits, Farm Superintendent, to cover
Expenditures made by him, with moneys informally furnish-
ed by Mr Berry, for the Boarding Hall & Farm
[Land Sale]
Resolved that J.S. Tibbits be empowered to sell on
the best terms the Swamp lot wanted by W.F. Kelly in the town
of Meridian: also the fractional lot wanted by Mr Clark,
Mr Tibbits ascertaining the positive value before making
the sale, and being governed thereby .
Resolved that Mr. J. S. Tibbits have the use of Room
No. 11, from and after the 5th day of June next.
[Prutzman
Bd. of Agr.]
The Board then proceeded to fill the vacancy
in their body occasioned by the resignation of Mr Yerkes.
ha
Mr. Abra^m C. Prutzman of St. Joseph County was unani-
mously elected to fill the vacancy in the Board.
It was ordered that a warrant be drawn in
favor of Mr. Kenaston for the amount due him at this
time
[Arbor Barn $50.]
It was ordered that a deduction of Fifty Dol-
lars be made from the rent of House occupied by Prof
essor Abbot, for the present year; - that being the cost
of the Barn erected by him.
It was ordered that a warrant be drawn in
favor of Mr L.G. Berry, to cover the Interest paid by him
to Mr Jas. Bayley, for the use of money.
[Sheep]
Resolved that the Farm Superintendent be
authorized to purchase such number of sheep, after
shearing, as shall be, in his opinion for the interest of
the Institution.
[Rent]
Resolved that the rent on the house now
being finished by Mr Kenaston, be for the first year from the
time he begins to occupy it at the rate of One Hundred
Dollars per Annum.
[End page 96]
[Begin page 97]
[Wages]
Resolved that this maximum. rate of wages to
be paid to Students for labor during the present recess . -
to be paid those only who labor as manny as ten hours
each day, be six pence per hour and board, not including
their washing.
[Accts.]
- J. Gage, Bill for expenses allowed $25.60
- Charlie Rich " " 16.""
- H.G. Wells " " 14.75
The Board then adjourned
T.C. Abbot Secretary
State Agricultural College Michigan
August 27, 1862.
Regular meeting of the State Board of Agriculture
Present Mr. Gage . Adjourned
Aug 28. 1862
Adjourned meeting of the Board. Present Messrs
Gage and Carpenter Parsons. Recess
Present Messrs Weill, Parsons, Rich and Gage.
Adjourned to meet at the Agricultural College on
Monday the 10th of November next.
T.C. Abbot
Secretary.
State Agricultural College, Michigan
Nov 11, 1862
The State Board of Agriculture met pursuant to
Adjournment, and adjourned until tomorrow.
Nov 11. 1862
Board met to adjourn until tomorrow at 9 A.M.
Members spent their time in attendance on the Examinations
of College classes.
Nov. 12. 1862
Board met at 9. A.M. There were present Messrs
Wells, Parsons, Rich, Carpenter, Gage, and Prutzman. in the
absence of the President of the College, Judge Wells was
made President Pro-tempore.
A Communication was received from the
Faculty of the College, recommending for the honors of graduation
the students named in the following Resolution, there upon
passed by the Board.
[Graduates]
Resolved that the Degree of Bachelor of
[End page 97]
[Begin page 98]
Science be conferred upon
Oscar Clute.
Albert. J. Cook.
Frank Hodgman.
Charles A. Jewell Jr. and
Edward M. Proctor.
[Diplomas]
Resolved that a fee of Five Dollars ($5.00) be required
for each Diploma.
[Dismission]
Resolved that no degree nor honorable dismission from
the College be granted to any student until his College bills
shall be paid in full.
[Dismission]
Authority [now?] given the Faculty to excuse students after
this Commencement exercises from further attendance the present
term, on their individual application.
The Board then took a Recess in order to attend the
Comencement Exercises of the Graduating Class,
After dinner met and continued in Session until dark.
Adjourned to 8. A.M. tomorrow
Nov 13, 1862
Board met at 8. A.M. Present the same as yesterday.
[Appropriatn.]
Resolved that the balance of the appropriation made
to the State Agricultural College for the year 1862, by the
Legislature of the State, be drawn from the State Treasury
into the hands of the Treasurer of this Board, to be held
subject to the control of the Board.
[Donations]
Resolved that Professor T.C. Abbot, acting Secretary
of the Board of Agriculture be requested to acknowledge the
receipt of all donations to the Agricultural College of
Michigan.
[Blanks]
And for the purpose of facilitating action under this
resolution, that he be authorized to have printed the neces-
sary blanks
[Fees]
Resolved that the entire amount of the matriculation
fees, together with the fees for Diplomas collected from students
during the last two years be appropriated to the increase
of the College Library ; and that said fees hereafter collected
from year to year be a permanent appropriation for the
same purpose.
[Books]
Resolved that the chairman of the Committee on accounts
(Mr. Parsons) purchase for the Library of the College a [illegible in original] of the
Encyclopedia Britannica, and other valuable works which he may
select to an amount that can be purchased by the sums received
for matriculation and Diplomas, during the last two years.
[End page 98]
[Begin page 99]
[Com. on Afc]
Mr. Prutzman was added to the Committee on Accounts
and Supplies.
Mr. Geo. B. Vanatta, to whom lots of Swamp Lands
were sold last May , (see Resolution of the Board, May
28th 1861 A.M. Session and Report of S. Parsons May 29,
1861) personally made representations and requests of the
Board; whereupon it was
[Land Sale]
Resolved that Mr. Vanatta be allowed one year
for this payment of Seventy Five Dollars of the Two Hundred
dollars which was to constitute his first payment, due
this Autumn; and that in a year from this time a deed
be executed of the land to him, and a mortgage received
after
from him of the land, to secure payment of the terms there^ due: -
- this Resolution to take effect only on condition of his
paying Ninety Dollars down, and Thirty Five by the First
of December next, and the balance of the first payment
before the Execution of the Deed.
[Rules]
Resolved that the Secretary of the Board be
requested to report to this Board at its next meeting, all
the Rules, Regulations, and Bylaws now in force in
the Agricultural College, in a form proper for publication.
[Museum]
Resolved that Professor Miles be requested to
open corresondence with the Smithsonian Institution,
and other Scientific and Literary institutions of the
Country, to ascertain to what amount specimens in
Natural History can be obtained by donation and
exchange for the benefit of the Agriucltural College, and
that he report, as soon a may be to the commtitee on Accounts:
And that said Committee be authorized to act make such
expenditures, not to Exceed Two Hundred Dollars, for procuring
specimens so offered in exchange or by donation, as in view
of the representations made, the Committee shall deem
advisable.
[Reports]
The Report of the Faculty to the Board was read, accepted
adopted, and ordered to be printed in connection with the Report
of the Secretary of the Board.
The Report of Professor Thurston, Superintendent of
Horticulture was read, accepted, adopted, and ordered to
be printed in connexion with the Report of the Secretary.
[Catalogue]
Mr. Gage Chairman of the Committee appointed
to prepare a Catalogue of the College for the year 1862 reported
that the Comittee had attended to the duty assigned, and present-
ted the printed Catalogue as the result of their labors
[End page 99]
[Begin page 100]
The Report was accepted, adopted, and the Committee discharged
[Hog Sale]
Resolved that Mr. Parsons be authorized to make sale
of the hogs now fallowed on the farms not to exceed twenty five
in number, in such may as in his opinion, shall be for the best
interest of the College.
[Tibbits]
Resolved that Mr. Tibbits be requested to remain in charge
of the Farm and Boarding Hall until the regular meeting of the
Board the last Wednesday of February 1863.
[Help]
Mr. Tibbits was by vote authorized to hire hands, not to
exceed two persons, to work during the winter
[Barn]
Mr Tibbits was by vote, requested to make a full
and complete statement of the cost of the new barn, separate
from his full account of Expenditures [illegible]
[Bridge]
Resolved that Professor Fisk be requested to call on
Almond Harrison, and request him to examine the South end
of the bridge over the Cedar River, and see whether in his
judgment, as a man of honor and fair dealing he ought
not to make said Bridge secure and safe, as it is now most
insecure and unsafe
[Clearing]
Resolved that Mr Tibbits during the Fall and winter
proceed to clear up the [heater?] piece on the left of the bridge, on
the bank of the river as far as the line of the cleared land
saving for wood as much as possible, and burning, or putting
into a condition to burn, the balance. Also that during the
winter the banks of the stream, while ice is in the river, be
as thoroughly cleaned as possible, and old trees be cut down and
burned.
[Accounts]
Accounts were allowed as follows: To (warrant)
P. Parsons paym't of Bill of [Crapo?] A $53.28 (90)
C.A. Kenawton B 251.68 -91-
T.C. Abbot C 169.89 -92-
Geo. Thurber D 280.75 -93-
L.R. Fisk E 221.52 -94-
D. Thurber paymt. of Diploma Bill F 93.62 -95-
M. Miles G 101.27 -96-
[?] and Whitney I 19.26 -98-
" " J 45.63 - " -
L.R. Fisk K 40.00 -99-
J.S. Tibbits L 231.03
. Justus Gage M 56.50 -102-
. Charles Rich N 15.20 -103-
. " " O 15.00 - " -
. D. Carpenter P 15.00 -104-
. D.. Q 15.00 - " -
[End page 100]
Begin page 101]
warrant
. A.C. Prutzman R $26.00 -105-
. H.G. Wells S 37.75 -106-
P. Parsons T 30.55 -108-
" " paymt Elec Bill U 14.65 - " -
" " V 262.83 - " -
" " W 11.44 - " -
Jacob Wiessner X 7.00 -109-
Bill of H.D. Wood ordered to be paid on being certified to,
as Correct by M. Tibbits [(illegible in original)] $1.87 1/2
[Accounts]
Bill of [illegible in original] for $115."" ordered to
be allowed on affidavits being attached showing why Bill was
not presented to the Board of Education.
Bill of S. Lansing for Blacksmithing to be allowed if certified
to by Mr. Tibbits as correct.
[Refunding]
The matriculation fees of Students Valentine, Miller,
Payne and Kenyon were ordered to be remitted or refunded
because sickness had prevented their having any of the
benefits of the Institution.
Adjourned to meet at Benton House after tea
T.C. Abbot
Acting Secretary of the Board
Same date. Benton House
Adjourned to meet at the call of H.G. Wells .
T.C. Abbot Secy.
Jackson Mich Dec. 4 1802
The State Board of Agriculture met at the call of Mr.
H.G. Wells, at the Marion House at 2 P.M. Present
Messrs Carpenter, Gage, Parsons, Wells, Rich, and
Prutzman. Mr. Wells acted as President of the Board.
The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.
[Com on Employees]
Mr. A.C. Prutzman was made a member of the
Committee on Officers and Employees. in place of Mr. Herkes,
resigned.
[T.C. Abbot
president]
Resolved (unanimously) that T.C. Abbot.,
Professor of History and English Literature be, and he
hereby is, appointed President of the State Agricultural
College, with a Salary at the rate of Fifteen Hundred
Dollars ($ 1500.00) per annum.
Professor Abbott being present signifed his
acceptance of the officer tendered him.
[Steward]
Resolved that the committee on Officers and
[End page 101]
[Begin page 102]
Employees be requested to find some suitable person to take
charge of the Boarding Hall for the ensuing year at a Sal-
ary not to exceed the sum of 450 Hundred Dollars per
annum; and that the farm manager be thereafter relieved
from the control and managmenet of the Boarding Hall.
[Report]
The Secretary then read to the Board the first draft
of his annual Report to the Legislature of the State.
Resolved that when this Board adjourns, it adjourn
to meet at the Agricultural College the last Tuesday of
January next.
Adjourned. T.C. Abbot
Acting Secy. of the Board.
[End page 102]
Request a Reproduction[Begin page 91]
State Agricultural College Michigan
Feb. 26 1862
The regular meeting of the State Board of Agri-
culture was called to Order at 11 o'clock A.M. There
were present Messrs Wells, Parsons, Gage, Carpenter,
and Rich. The President being absent, Mr Wells was
appointed President pro tempore; and Mr. Charles Rich
empowered to act for the secretary whenever it might
be necessary for him to be absent.
[Yerkes'
Resignation]
A Communication was received from S.A.
Yerkes, resigning his position as a member of this
Board; - he having enlisted in the military service
of the Country. The Resignation of Mr Yerkes was
accepted by the Board.
The Board adjourned until Tomorrow.
T.C. Abbot Secy.
State Agricultural College Michigan
Feb. 27, 1862
Board met as per adjournment, at 9 A.M. Present
Messrs Wells, Parsons, Gage, Carpenter, Rich, and His Excel-
lency Governor – Blair.
[Land Sale]
Resolved that James Bayley be, and is hereby
auhroized to contract for sale of the South East quarter
of the North West quarter of Section 27, in the Township
of Bath, Clinton County, part of the Swamp lands belong-
ing to the Agricultural College, at the price of Eighty
Dollars, Said tract of land being in part covered with water.
[Accounts]
The following Bills, presented by the Committee on
accounts were then allowed: - to wit.
Grove and Whitney $25.53 No 52
Ford and Wells 1.97 " 53
B.F. Savage 25.43 " 54 Austin Blair 29.05 " 55
D. Carpenter 14.25 " 56
P. Parsons 12.30 " 57
Charles Rich 14.85 " 58
H.G. Wells 13.50 " 59
Justus Gage 18.50 " 60
The Committee on Employees made a Report recommen-
ding Mr. C.A. Kenaston of Oberlin Ohio, as a Suitable
person to take charge of the Preparatory Department of the
College: whereupon it was ---- .
[End page 91]
[Begin page 92]
[Kenaston
Prepty. Dept.]
Resolved that C.A. Kenaston be employed to take charge
of the Preparatory Department of the College, during the pleasure of the
Board, at a Salary of Five Hundred and Fifty Dollars per year, and
that the said Kenaston be, and he is, hereby authorized to finish
off the unfinished dwelling connected with the College at his
own expense, and when finished to occupy the same, the
cost of fitting up said building to apply on rent of said house.
The Board then adjourned until tomorrow at 8 A.M.
T.C. Abbot
Secretary ..
State Agricultural College, Michigan
Friday Feby. 28, 1862 AM Session
Board met as per adjournment. Present, the
same numbers as yesterday.
[Bell]
Resolved that Mr. Philo Parsons be authorized to
procure a bell suitable for the use of the Agricultural
College; - and to make such disposition of the old
bell as he shall judge advisable. for the interests of the
College.
[Report]
Professors Fisk and Miles submitted a Report
in accordance with a Resolution of the Board passed
Nov. 15. 1861: the Report was accepted, and ordered to be
placed on file.
On motion of Mr. parsons, it was
[Crippen elected
to Bd. of Ag.]
Resolved, that James B. Crippen, President
of the State Agricultural Society, be, and hereby is,
elected a member of this Board, in the place of S.A. Yerkes, resigned.
[Bayley
Resignation]
A Communication was received from James
Bayley, Superintendent of the Farm of the State Agricul-
tural College, tendering his Resignation of the office
of Superintendent
The Resignation of Mr Bayley was accepted.
On motion of Mr. Gage,
Resolved that in accepting the Resignation of
Mr. James Bayley, as Superintendent of the Farm of
the State Agricutlrual College, and of the Boarding Hall
the Board are animated with a proper sense of the zeal, econ-
omy, and integrity manifested by Mr Bayley in the discharge
of his duties as said Superintendent; and that we tender
to him the Expression of our Sympathy, on account of his
present ill health.
[End page 92]
[Begin page 93]
[Com on
Farm Supt.]
Resolved that Messrs Phil Gardner, and . H.G. Wells
be and then hereby are authorized to engage a
Farm Superintendent to take charge of the Farm and
Boarding Hall, doing the pleasure of the Board
at a compensation not to exceed the sum of Eight
Hundred Dollars ($800.00) per annum.
The following Report on the Building of a Barn
was submitted by the Committee to whom that subject
was referred by Resolution of Nov 15. 1861 : - viz.
[Barn]
The Committee appointed by the Board for the
purpose of taking into consideration the Building of a Barn
have had the matter under consideration and recommend
that the Board adopt the Plan submitted by Mr. Carpenter
for its construction : in size sixty (60) feet by forty six
(46) feet : and that Messrs Parsons and Carpenter, with
the Farm Superintendent obtain specifications in detail for
the same, and procure materials, and proceed in its erection
as speedily as the interests of the College will permit
The Report was accepted, and adopted.
[Land Sale]
Resolved that Philo Parsons be, and he is hereby authorized
to take into consideration the proposition of George B. Van Atta, to
purchase the South half of the South East Quarter of Section
Eleven (11) and the North East Quarter of Section Fourteen
(14) Swamp lands in the township of Meridian, and that
he be authorized to contract the same to said Van Atta
at a price not less than Six Hundred Dollars, provided
he may deem that the interests of the College will be subserved
by such sale.
On motion of Mr. Gage
[Experiments]
Resolved that Professors Fisk and Miles be
authorized to carry out the experiments referred to in
their Report submitted to the Board this present Session.
[Supt. pro. tem.]
Resolved that Professor Fisk be, and he is here-
by authorized, and requested to take charge of, and direct
the students as to their labor, until a Superintendent
of the Farm shall be appointed, and be on hand to perform
the duties of his office.
[Steward]
On account of the severe illness of Mr Bayley,
Messrs Parsons and Carpenter were appointed a Committee
at once to see Mr Harrison, and engage his, and Mrs.
Harrison's services on the farm, and in the Boarding
Hall, until some other person shall be engaged to take
charge of the same; so as to relieve Mr and Mrs Bayley entirely
[End page 93]
[Begin page 94]
of all care in regards to it.
[Account]
An account was allowed in favor of
Dr. M. Miles of $17.17 No 61.
The chair being temporarily vacant, Mr Wells was
appointed to fill it and it was
[Appropriatn.]
Resolved that the Treasurer of this Board is hereby
directed to obtain from the Treasurer of the Board Five Thou-
sand Dollars ($5000.00) of the appropriation to the Agricultural
College made by the present Legislature, and hold the same
subject to the disposition of the Board.
The Board then adjourned
T.C. Abbot Secretary
State Agricultural College, Michigan
May 28, 1862, PM. Session
The Regular Meeting of the State Board of Agriculture
was called to order at 3 o'clock P.M. There were present
Messrs Wells, Rich, Parsons, and Gage. In the absence of the
President of the Board. Mr Wells now made President pro-
tempore.
The reading of the Records of the last Session was deferred
until tomorrow morning.
At the request of the President, Professor Fisk made
a statement respecting the state of the Health of the Students,
[Health]
Resolved that in view of the condition of the heatlh of the
Students during the present month, and the desire expressed by
a majority of those in attendance, it is expedient that the usual
Recess of two weeks during the month of July be anticipated, and
that the same be ordered from this, the 28th inst, to June 18th.
Adjourned to tomorrow A M. at 9 o'clock
T.C. Abbot Secretary
State Agricultural College Michigan
May 29. 1862
Board met as per adjournment; members present
the same as yesterday.
The Record of the Session in February last were
read and approved.
[Crippen Declines]
A letter received by the Secretary from James
B. Crippen was read; - in which he declines to serve
as a member of this Board, owing to other engagements.
In the absence of Mr. Carpenter, Mr Gage was ap-
pointed to act as member of the Finance Committee with
Mr. Parsons
[End page 94]
[Begin page 95]
[Accounts]
Accounts against the College were then allowed as follows: -
James Bayley final settlement of acct. as Supt. $299.58
L.R. Fisk expenditures for College 15.04
T.C. Abbot " " " 44.36
Philo Parsons Provisions etc 614.99
" " " 106.51
M. Miles Expenditures for College 18.30
It was ordered that the Services rendered by Mr Harri-
son for 24 days as Superintendent of the Farm be accounted
an [affect?] to the Bill of the College against his [illegible in original], up to the
7th of May. ($53.55)
The Bill of John A. Kerr, and Hosmer and Kerr for
printing etc ($50.50) was referred again to Committee on
finance, to be reported in at the August meeting, 1862, with
recommmendation that affidavit be made, showing why Bill
was not presented to "Board of Education".
Resolved that T.C. Abbot (Secy.) be authorized to
draw warrant on the College Treasurer in favor of L.G. Berry,
in the sum of $1456 26/100 to cover various items advanced by
said Berry & James Bayley, at various times, as per
request of Board.
[Thanks to
B.G. Wade]
Resolved that this Board in behalf of the Agricul-
tural interests of the State of Michigan extend to the Honorable
Benjamin F. Wade thanks for his earnest and well timed
effort to procure Congressional aid in sustaining the great
farming interests of the Country, by the establishment of
Colleges in which Agriculture as a Science shall receive that
attention which its importance demands
Resolved that his Excellency Governor Blair, the
President of this Board, be requested to communicate the
foregoing Resolution to Senator Wade, and to give him
assurance that the people of Michigan hold in high
estimation his general course as a legislator; and
that they believe that, in efforts to uphold and sustain the
American Government, he is moved by considerations
of unbending integrity and patriotic impulses.
Mr. Parsons submitted the following Report
[Land Sale]
The Subscriber, to whom was entrusted the
sale of Swamp Land, Lots numbered or described as
follows S ½ of S. E ¼ Sec. 11, N.E ¼ of Sec 14 in Township
Meridian, begs leave to report to the Board of Agriculture
that he has contracted with Mr. Vanatta for the above
described lots of Swamp lands, at $600: Two Hundred to
[End page 95]
[Begin page 96]
be paid the coming Fall, and the balance of $400. payable
Two Hundred Dollars annually with 7 per cent interest
till paid.
[Barn]
After a Recess for dinner, the Board, & Farm
Superintendent examined proposed locations for a barn which
it is purposed to build; after which the Board by vote fixed
upon the cite, and left stakes to mark the four corners of it.
[Accts.]
The Account of Mr Tibbits was audited and
allowed, and the balance in favor of the college of $18.88
was ordered to be carried to a new account.
It was ordered that a warrant for $850.00 be
drawn in favor of Mr Tibbits, Farm Superintendent, to cover
Expenditures made by him, with moneys informally furnish-
ed by Mr Berry, for the Boarding Hall & Farm
[Land Sale]
Resolved that J.S. Tibbits be empowered to sell on
the best terms the Swamp lot wanted by W.F. Kelly in the town
of Meridian: also the fractional lot wanted by Mr Clark,
Mr Tibbits ascertaining the positive value before making
the sale, and being governed thereby .
Resolved that Mr. J. S. Tibbits have the use of Room
No. 11, from and after the 5th day of June next.
[Prutzman
Bd. of Agr.]
The Board then proceeded to fill the vacancy
in their body occasioned by the resignation of Mr Yerkes.
ha
Mr. Abra^m C. Prutzman of St. Joseph County was unani-
mously elected to fill the vacancy in the Board.
It was ordered that a warrant be drawn in
favor of Mr. Kenaston for the amount due him at this
time
[Arbor Barn $50.]
It was ordered that a deduction of Fifty Dol-
lars be made from the rent of House occupied by Prof
essor Abbot, for the present year; - that being the cost
of the Barn erected by him.
It was ordered that a warrant be drawn in
favor of Mr L.G. Berry, to cover the Interest paid by him
to Mr Jas. Bayley, for the use of money.
[Sheep]
Resolved that the Farm Superintendent be
authorized to purchase such number of sheep, after
shearing, as shall be, in his opinion for the interest of
the Institution.
[Rent]
Resolved that the rent on the house now
being finished by Mr Kenaston, be for the first year from the
time he begins to occupy it at the rate of One Hundred
Dollars per Annum.
[End page 96]
[Begin page 97]
[Wages]
Resolved that this maximum. rate of wages to
be paid to Students for labor during the present recess . -
to be paid those only who labor as manny as ten hours
each day, be six pence per hour and board, not including
their washing.
[Accts.]
- J. Gage, Bill for expenses allowed $25.60
- Charlie Rich " " 16.""
- H.G. Wells " " 14.75
The Board then adjourned
T.C. Abbot Secretary
State Agricultural College Michigan
August 27, 1862.
Regular meeting of the State Board of Agriculture
Present Mr. Gage . Adjourned
Aug 28. 1862
Adjourned meeting of the Board. Present Messrs
Gage and Carpenter Parsons. Recess
Present Messrs Weill, Parsons, Rich and Gage.
Adjourned to meet at the Agricultural College on
Monday the 10th of November next.
T.C. Abbot
Secretary.
State Agricultural College, Michigan
Nov 11, 1862
The State Board of Agriculture met pursuant to
Adjournment, and adjourned until tomorrow.
Nov 11. 1862
Board met to adjourn until tomorrow at 9 A.M.
Members spent their time in attendance on the Examinations
of College classes.
Nov. 12. 1862
Board met at 9. A.M. There were present Messrs
Wells, Parsons, Rich, Carpenter, Gage, and Prutzman. in the
absence of the President of the College, Judge Wells was
made President Pro-tempore.
A Communication was received from the
Faculty of the College, recommending for the honors of graduation
the students named in the following Resolution, there upon
passed by the Board.
[Graduates]
Resolved that the Degree of Bachelor of
[End page 97]
[Begin page 98]
Science be conferred upon
Oscar Clute.
Albert. J. Cook.
Frank Hodgman.
Charles A. Jewell Jr. and
Edward M. Proctor.
[Diplomas]
Resolved that a fee of Five Dollars ($5.00) be required
for each Diploma.
[Dismission]
Resolved that no degree nor honorable dismission from
the College be granted to any student until his College bills
shall be paid in full.
[Dismission]
Authority [now?] given the Faculty to excuse students after
this Commencement exercises from further attendance the present
term, on their individual application.
The Board then took a Recess in order to attend the
Comencement Exercises of the Graduating Class,
After dinner met and continued in Session until dark.
Adjourned to 8. A.M. tomorrow
Nov 13, 1862
Board met at 8. A.M. Present the same as yesterday.
[Appropriatn.]
Resolved that the balance of the appropriation made
to the State Agricultural College for the year 1862, by the
Legislature of the State, be drawn from the State Treasury
into the hands of the Treasurer of this Board, to be held
subject to the control of the Board.
[Donations]
Resolved that Professor T.C. Abbot, acting Secretary
of the Board of Agriculture be requested to acknowledge the
receipt of all donations to the Agricultural College of
Michigan.
[Blanks]
And for the purpose of facilitating action under this
resolution, that he be authorized to have printed the neces-
sary blanks
[Fees]
Resolved that the entire amount of the matriculation
fees, together with the fees for Diplomas collected from students
during the last two years be appropriated to the increase
of the College Library ; and that said fees hereafter collected
from year to year be a permanent appropriation for the
same purpose.
[Books]
Resolved that the chairman of the Committee on accounts
(Mr. Parsons) purchase for the Library of the College a [illegible in original] of the
Encyclopedia Britannica, and other valuable works which he may
select to an amount that can be purchased by the sums received
for matriculation and Diplomas, during the last two years.
[End page 98]
[Begin page 99]
[Com. on Afc]
Mr. Prutzman was added to the Committee on Accounts
and Supplies.
Mr. Geo. B. Vanatta, to whom lots of Swamp Lands
were sold last May , (see Resolution of the Board, May
28th 1861 A.M. Session and Report of S. Parsons May 29,
1861) personally made representations and requests of the
Board; whereupon it was
[Land Sale]
Resolved that Mr. Vanatta be allowed one year
for this payment of Seventy Five Dollars of the Two Hundred
dollars which was to constitute his first payment, due
this Autumn; and that in a year from this time a deed
be executed of the land to him, and a mortgage received
after
from him of the land, to secure payment of the terms there^ due: -
- this Resolution to take effect only on condition of his
paying Ninety Dollars down, and Thirty Five by the First
of December next, and the balance of the first payment
before the Execution of the Deed.
[Rules]
Resolved that the Secretary of the Board be
requested to report to this Board at its next meeting, all
the Rules, Regulations, and Bylaws now in force in
the Agricultural College, in a form proper for publication.
[Museum]
Resolved that Professor Miles be requested to
open corresondence with the Smithsonian Institution,
and other Scientific and Literary institutions of the
Country, to ascertain to what amount specimens in
Natural History can be obtained by donation and
exchange for the benefit of the Agriucltural College, and
that he report, as soon a may be to the commtitee on Accounts:
And that said Committee be authorized to act make such
expenditures, not to Exceed Two Hundred Dollars, for procuring
specimens so offered in exchange or by donation, as in view
of the representations made, the Committee shall deem
advisable.
[Reports]
The Report of the Faculty to the Board was read, accepted
adopted, and ordered to be printed in connection with the Report
of the Secretary of the Board.
The Report of Professor Thurston, Superintendent of
Horticulture was read, accepted, adopted, and ordered to
be printed in connexion with the Report of the Secretary.
[Catalogue]
Mr. Gage Chairman of the Committee appointed
to prepare a Catalogue of the College for the year 1862 reported
that the Comittee had attended to the duty assigned, and present-
ted the printed Catalogue as the result of their labors
[End page 99]
[Begin page 100]
The Report was accepted, adopted, and the Committee discharged
[Hog Sale]
Resolved that Mr. Parsons be authorized to make sale
of the hogs now fallowed on the farms not to exceed twenty five
in number, in such may as in his opinion, shall be for the best
interest of the College.
[Tibbits]
Resolved that Mr. Tibbits be requested to remain in charge
of the Farm and Boarding Hall until the regular meeting of the
Board the last Wednesday of February 1863.
[Help]
Mr. Tibbits was by vote authorized to hire hands, not to
exceed two persons, to work during the winter
[Barn]
Mr Tibbits was by vote, requested to make a full
and complete statement of the cost of the new barn, separate
from his full account of Expenditures [illegible]
[Bridge]
Resolved that Professor Fisk be requested to call on
Almond Harrison, and request him to examine the South end
of the bridge over the Cedar River, and see whether in his
judgment, as a man of honor and fair dealing he ought
not to make said Bridge secure and safe, as it is now most
insecure and unsafe
[Clearing]
Resolved that Mr Tibbits during the Fall and winter
proceed to clear up the [heater?] piece on the left of the bridge, on
the bank of the river as far as the line of the cleared land
saving for wood as much as possible, and burning, or putting
into a condition to burn, the balance. Also that during the
winter the banks of the stream, while ice is in the river, be
as thoroughly cleaned as possible, and old trees be cut down and
burned.
[Accounts]
Accounts were allowed as follows: To (warrant)
P. Parsons paym't of Bill of [Crapo?] A $53.28 (90)
C.A. Kenawton B 251.68 -91-
T.C. Abbot C 169.89 -92-
Geo. Thurber D 280.75 -93-
L.R. Fisk E 221.52 -94-
D. Thurber paymt. of Diploma Bill F 93.62 -95-
M. Miles G 101.27 -96-
[?] and Whitney I 19.26 -98-
" " J 45.63 - " -
L.R. Fisk K 40.00 -99-
J.S. Tibbits L 231.03
. Justus Gage M 56.50 -102-
. Charles Rich N 15.20 -103-
. " " O 15.00 - " -
. D. Carpenter P 15.00 -104-
. D.. Q 15.00 - " -
[End page 100]
Begin page 101]
warrant
. A.C. Prutzman R $26.00 -105-
. H.G. Wells S 37.75 -106-
P. Parsons T 30.55 -108-
" " paymt Elec Bill U 14.65 - " -
" " V 262.83 - " -
" " W 11.44 - " -
Jacob Wiessner X 7.00 -109-
Bill of H.D. Wood ordered to be paid on being certified to,
as Correct by M. Tibbits [(illegible in original)] $1.87 1/2
[Accounts]
Bill of [illegible in original] for $115."" ordered to
be allowed on affidavits being attached showing why Bill was
not presented to the Board of Education.
Bill of S. Lansing for Blacksmithing to be allowed if certified
to by Mr. Tibbits as correct.
[Refunding]
The matriculation fees of Students Valentine, Miller,
Payne and Kenyon were ordered to be remitted or refunded
because sickness had prevented their having any of the
benefits of the Institution.
Adjourned to meet at Benton House after tea
T.C. Abbot
Acting Secretary of the Board
Same date. Benton House
Adjourned to meet at the call of H.G. Wells .
T.C. Abbot Secy.
Jackson Mich Dec. 4 1802
The State Board of Agriculture met at the call of Mr.
H.G. Wells, at the Marion House at 2 P.M. Present
Messrs Carpenter, Gage, Parsons, Wells, Rich, and
Prutzman. Mr. Wells acted as President of the Board.
The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.
[Com on Employees]
Mr. A.C. Prutzman was made a member of the
Committee on Officers and Employees. in place of Mr. Herkes,
resigned.
[T.C. Abbot
president]
Resolved (unanimously) that T.C. Abbot.,
Professor of History and English Literature be, and he
hereby is, appointed President of the State Agricultural
College, with a Salary at the rate of Fifteen Hundred
Dollars ($ 1500.00) per annum.
Professor Abbott being present signifed his
acceptance of the officer tendered him.
[Steward]
Resolved that the committee on Officers and
[End page 101]
[Begin page 102]
Employees be requested to find some suitable person to take
charge of the Boarding Hall for the ensuing year at a Sal-
ary not to exceed the sum of 450 Hundred Dollars per
annum; and that the farm manager be thereafter relieved
from the control and managmenet of the Boarding Hall.
[Report]
The Secretary then read to the Board the first draft
of his annual Report to the Legislature of the State.
Resolved that when this Board adjourns, it adjourn
to meet at the Agricultural College the last Tuesday of
January next.
Adjourned. T.C. Abbot
Acting Secy. of the Board.
[End page 102]
