USA > Ohio > Hamilton County > College Hill > Historical sketch of Farmers' College > Part 4
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July 11th, 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 1851-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.
LL
2
PYROTECHNIC HALL-1855-6.
66
HISTORICAL SKETCH
Mr. William Cary 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. Cary 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. Cary was in advance of his times in his ideas of Industrial Education. He had hoped to make Farmers' College a great permanent center 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 the 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
67
FARMERS' COLLEGE.
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. Tle 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 Model and Experimental Farm, wherewith to demonstrate and make practical the lessons of science-the First Com- plete Institution of the Kind organised 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 Cary, 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
$130,963 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.
69
FARMERS' COLLEGE.
On April 15th, 1857. Professor Milton Sayler, of Cincinnati, was unanimously 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 Ist, 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 Farm Department. The Farm proper, with all the buildings, horses, harness, wagons, and farm implements, were rented to Freeman G. Cary 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 Chemistry. 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 FINANCIAL PROBLEM .- SERIOUS.
Mr. Cary's Resignation as President of the Farm De- partment-Report of Committee on Financial Condition-College Absorbing the Capital in Expenses-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. Cary, adopted, and signed by the members.
Rev. Samuel J. Browne offered a donation of one
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FARMERS' COLLEGE.
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 subsequent 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 16th, 1858, Prof. F. G. Cary 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 grounds 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 Cary by purchase and do- nation. With perhaps pardonable pride this Agricul-
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FARMERS' COLLEGE.
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 September 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 (Land), . $49,438 00 Stock Collections, . $112,588 69
College Building, . . 12,030 39
Donations, 13,763 55
Excelsior Building, . 4,069 44
Notes Payable, . 13,088 00
Laboratory Building, 5,015 84
Mrs. E. Howard, . 1,350 00
Expenses on Far.n, . 16,532 39
Hannalı E. Cary, . .
821 33
A. Benton, . . 1,000 00
$87,086 06
Parsons, etc .. 183 52
F. G. Cary, (D) . 626 79
Small debts, (R) . . 359 38
College Furniture, $ 1,253 03
Philosophical Apparatus,
2,079 44
College Bell, .
198 00
3.530 47
Incidental Expenses, See E, . $22,045 38
Education Fund, See H,
14.991 64
Taxes, (I), .
181 02
37,218 04
Carried forward, . .
$127,834 57
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HISTORICAL SKETCH
Brought forward, . . Sundry Stocks worth say $1,500,
$127,834 57 $143,781 26 2,090 00
129,924 57
S. F. Cary (A), . .
3,782 49
Loan of Endowment Fund.
8,600 00
Notes Receivable,
785 52
A. H. Bailey, .
133 03
Applegates Publications, .
136 34
Small balances due College, See R
419 31
$143,781 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. 1, 1855-212 years average $1,759 74 per annum, $4,399 38 To Sep. 1, 1858-313 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 (COST)
College Lot of William Cary, 4 acres, . . $700 00
College Row Lot of William Cary, . I 92/ 100. 1,500 00
Triangular Lot of F. G. Cary, 3 45 100 . . 6,500 00
Excelsior Building Lot of S. F. Cary, I
1
43 100 . 2,500 00
Wilstach purchase .
II 00 100 . 3,100 00
Cary & Thomas purchase,
I 00 100 . . 1,100 00
Resnor purchase, 16 64 100 . . 6,000 00
Wm. Cary purchase and Donation,
48 22 100 . . 19,288 00
Wood purchase, . 2 50 100 . 3,700 00
F. G. Cary purchase, .
1,800 00
Lathrop purchase, .
0 90
5 24 100 . 100 . 800 00
Blacksmiths purchase, I 00/
100 . 1,000 00
Acres, . 98 80/100. $48,438 00 Ernst Lots, 2 lots in Ernst's Subdivision, . 1,000 00
98 So/ 100 acres and two lots,
$49,438 00
50 100 . . 450 00
Huntington purchase,
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FARMERS' COLLEGE.
September 24th, 1858, Messrs. Bagley and Witherby (committee before appointed for the 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
I. Farmers' College and 4 acres (27 rooms), $12,730 34 $20,000 00
2. Excelsior B'ld'g and 112 acres (23 rooms),
4,969 44
4,000 00
3. Brick Row and 1.92 66 (8 rooms),
500 00
1,000 00
4. Old Academy and 3.45 16 (14 rooms),
6,500 00
6,000 00
5. Laboratory Bldg and 21/2
(19 rooms),
10,700 00
12,000 00
6. Frame Building and ( 6 (8 rooms),
1,100 00
1,500 00
Cary & Thomas
7. Cary & Thomas Huntington
no land (6 rooms),
500 CO
1,000 00
8. Huntington › Blacksmith ١ and 1/2 acre (2 rooms).
1,000 00
700 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.
XI. ON THE 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."
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HISTORICAL SKETCH
June 29th, 1859, was Commencement Day, and the class of that year graduated.
On July 13th, 1859, the last resolution was followed up by another appointing Messrs. Bagely. Hoffner, and Witherby a committee "to examine the lands of the Farm 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 the 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, 1860, 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
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FARMERS' COLLEGE.
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 Cary's Academy.
"Lots 4. 5. 6, and 7 contain 9.29 acres and is a portion of the William Cary 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 11th, 1860, 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 :
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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, 1800, 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, 10,00C 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 farın, 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,
2,027 00
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.
79
FARMERS' COLLEGE.
"The College is in possession of the following prop- erty :
Real Estate, with improvements, to a cost of . $87,086 00
Philosophical Apparatus, and College Furniture, . . 3,610 97
Cash in Treasury, Notes, endowment fund notes, . 6,953 45
Stock at par $2,027.00 worth, say, . 1,000 00
Notes and subscriptions in the hands of the Agent, considered good, 26,00 ) 00
Whole Amount, $124,650 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, 66
1,400 00
J. Tuckerman, Professor,
900 00
P. J. Klund,
800 00
J. H. Wilson,
800 00
J. P. Ellinwood, 66 66
700 00
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
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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." AAmong 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."
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