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Meeting Minutes, 1861

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Creator: Offices of Board of Trustees and President
Subjects: Administration, Board of Trustees, BOT Minute Books
Date: 1861
Format: Text/pdf
Original Format: Paper, microfilm
Resource Identifier: MINUTES 1861.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 (8.27 MB)
Transcript: Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes - 1861

[Begin page 72]

Lansing. Jan. 15, 1861.
The Board of Education met at the office of
the Secretary at 9 o'clock A.M. Present. W.J.
Baxter. Edwin Willits and the Secretary.
[W.J. Baxter Prest.
Bd. of Educatin]
On motion of Mr Willits. W.J. Baxter was
elected President of the Board for the year 1861.
The Secretary made the following report which
was accepted and ordered to be [spread?] on the records

Gentlemen of the State Board of Education.
By resolutions of the Board passed July
5th, 1860. Certificates of the Board were authorized
to be issued for not exceeding $9000 for the Agricul-
tural College, and not exceeding $5000 for the Normal
School, to be used in negotiating loans or advances
for these Institutions respectively, and the Secretary
was authorized to negotiate such advances at an
interest not exceeding 10 per centum, per annum.
[Report on
Loans]
In accordance with these resolutions, I issued
to the Auditor General, Certificates of the Board
for the following amounts, and received from him
Warrants on the State Treasurer payable the 1st
day of May, 1861, which I procured to be discounted
as follows, for Agricultural College.
Aug. 1. Three Warrants for $1000 each discounted by P.
Bach of Ann Arbor at 10 per cent, net proceeds $2790.69
Aug. 1. One Warrant for $1000 discounted by B. Follett at
10 per cent, net proceeds $930.23
Sept. 10th One warrant for $1000. by B. Follettt at 10 per cent
- net proceeds $940.30
Nov. 1. Two warrants for $1000 each. by D.McIntyre at 10 per. ct.
Net proceeds $1904.75
The amounts received on all these warrants
were paid to the Treasurer of the Agricultural
College and a warrant has been drawn on him
and placed to the credit of the Board for the
amount of interest paid on these warrants.
Jan. 1st, having obtained from the Auditor General
another warrant of $1000. payable. Nov. 1st 1861. for
the Agricultural College; I negotiated the discount
of the same with Dr. C.H. Gregory at 10 per cent
and the net proceeds, $923.08 have been paid to
the Treasurer of the Agricultural College.

[End page 72]

[Begin page 73]

On the 1st day of October last I procured from
the Auditor General, two warrants for $1000 each
which were discounted by B. Follett Esq at 10
per cent. . to May 1st 1861. and the net proceeds
$1894.75 were left in his hands as Treasurer and
paid by him, on proper warrant to the teachers
of the Normal School.
L M Gregory. Secretary.

The members of the Board went in the afternoon
to the college to inspect the work of the masons
in replastering the walls of the Boarding Hall.

[Plastering
Boarding Hall]
Evening Session. The account of Geo. W Palmer,
and John LaDavidson for replastering Boarding
Hall. on Contract was allowed as follows.
Cost of labor/materials as per Contract at
27 cents per yard $730.53
Cost of lime, (excess over 30 cents per bush.) 48.70
For patching walls & materials therefor 35.50
Total $814.73
Paid them in farm produce $14.04
Lath 1.75 15.79
Balance due Contractors $798.94

[Accounts]
Jan. 16. Board in Session. Present same members
as yesterday
Settled account of James Bayley, Farm
Superintendent, and allowed balance due him
as per bill on file. $177.60
________


Evening. Examined the accounts of S.A. Lane, late
Steward. Allowed balance due him as per bill
on file 55.76
Balance of bill audited Nov. l. unpaid 153.38
Due him on Settlement. $209.14

Jan. 17. Board in Session. present Baxter, Willits & Sec'y
Examined accounts of Prof. T.C. Abbot.
Allowed postage bills paid by him 11.04
Balance on salary etc as per bill on file 84.03
$95.07

[End page 73]

[Begin page 74]

Examined accounts of Prof L R. Fisk and
allowed balance salary etc, as per bill. $101.28
[Legislature]
Board employed a part of the day in conference
with members of the legislature on the interests
of the Institutions under their charge.

Jan. 18th Board in session. Present Baxter. Willits & Sec'y
The general affairs of the College were discussed
and certain amendments agreed upon to be asked
for in the law provided the College should be
left in the hands of the Board
Messrs. Baxter & Gregory having been authorized
to audit the afc of J.C. Holmes [their?] afc was
allowed as followes
[Accounts]
For moneys paid by on him for College $28.95
" Salary. 1 quarter to Jan. 1 1861 187.50
$216.45
Cash advanced him per Warrant $10.00
" received by him for brick sold 29.00 39.00
Balance due him on settlement $177.45

Allowed Salary of Prof. Geo Thurber to Jan 1st, 61 250.00
" Dr M. Miles cash paid for blank books
for museum & freight on glass ware $6.00
" Tompkins & Co. balance on old afc 14.38

L.M. Gregory
Secretary

[End page 74]

[Begin page 75]

[State
Board of
Agriculture]
Meeting of the State Board of Agriculture April 1861.

In pursuance of notice previously given by the Governor
of the State, the State Board of Agriculture met at the
City of Lansing on the fourth day of April 1861 and
some of the members of the Board being absent the organizaton
of the Board was postponed until tomorrow.
April 5th
[NOTE: The following sentence appears to be "X'd" out in the original.]
Board [conversed?] and organized by the appoint-
ment of Austin Blair President and Charles Rich as
Secretary Pro-tem.
April 5
Mr President laid before the Board
[Organization]
The Board convened and there were present
Davis Carpenter, Justus Gage, Silas A. Yerkes Charles
Rich and Austin Blair Governor of the State; and
there were Absent Hezekiah G. Wells and Philo Parsons.

[Blair Prest.
Rich Secty.]
On motion the Board organized by appointing
Austin Blair President of the Board and Charles Rich
as Secretary Pro-tem.

[Terms]
The Board then on motion proceeded to draw
for periods of Service of the Several members of the Board
the numbers being prepared by the Clerk, the members,
under the direction of the President, Severally drew numbers as follows.
David Carpenter Drew for four years
Justus Gage Drew for two years
Silas A. Yerkes Drew for Six years
Charles Rich Drew for Six years
Wells & Parsons being absent the President drew for
them as follows.
For Hezekiah G. Wells the Period of four years
for Philo Parsons the period of two years.

[Inventory]
On motion of Mr. Yerkes, the President was requested
to notify J.C. Holmes and request him to furnish this
Board a list or inventory of all the property belonging
to the Agricultural College.

The President laid before the Board a com-
munication from L.R. Fisk that he was prepared to

[End page 75]

[Begin page 76]

make a report to the Board of the condition of the Agricultural
College. On Motion the Board voted that the said L.R Fisk
be requested to submit his report to the Board tomorrow at 10
O clock in the forenoon.

The Board adjourned to meet tomorrow morning at
10 Oclock at the College Buildings.

April 6th.
[Fisk, Report]
Board met at the College Building: as per adjournment
L.R Fisk submitted his report to theBoard and
after hearing the same read, the same was accepted by
the board – After having spent some time in viewing the
the College Buildings and Farm, the Board adjourned
to meet at the Governor's room at 9 Oclock on morning
monday morning next.

Monday April 8th
Board met as per adjournment at the
Room of the Governor.
[Berry. Treasurer]
[Bond $5000.]
On motion the Board proceeded to the
election of Treasurer of this Board. Langford G. Berry was
duly elected Treasurer. Ordered by the Board that the
Treasurer be required to enter into execute a Board to
the Board in the Sum of five thousand Dollars with
good and Sufficient Securities to be approved by the Board,
for the faithful performance of his duties as Treasurer.

[Vacating
all positions]
The following resolutions were adopted by the Board
Resolved – that this Board regards all the profes-
sorships & offices at the Agricultural College as vacant
from this date, and will proceed to choose Such
professors tutors & employers as the necessities of the College
demand at their earliest convenience –
[Term &
Course of Study]
Resolved – that the Board determine that the
next term of the State Agricultural College Shall com-
mence on the 7th day of April [illegible in original], and the course
of instruction therein Shall be the Same as provided by
the law creating this [illegible in original] Board & the previous rules and
regulations of the College so far as the same are not in-
consistent with said law.

Resolved – That the four Professors heretofore employed
at the College are hereby reappointed to wit:

[End page 76]

[Begin page 77]

[Re elections]
Lewis R. Fisk A.M. Professor of Agricultural Chemistry
T.C. Abbot " " " Civil & Rural Engineering
George Thurber M.D. " Botany & Vegetable Physiology
Manly Miles " Zoology & Animal Physiology;
to hold their professorships during the pleasure of this
Board to be paid Salaries at the rate of one thousand
dollars per year each.
Board adjourned to meet at the
College Buildings to morrow morning at 10'Oclock

Tuesday April 9th
Board met at the College Buildings as
per adjournment _

The following Resolutions were passed by the
Board
[Course of
Study]
Resolved _ That the Board approve
and establish the following course of Study
to wit:
Preparatory
Terms
First Higher Arithmetic Physical & Mathematical English Grammar
Geography – advanced –
2 Algebra Natural Philosophy Rhetoric

1st Year
1 Geometry Meterology History
2 Trigonometry & Elementary English Literature
Surveying Chemistry Book Keeping

2nd Year
1 Physics Vegetable Physiology & Rhetoric
Horticulture
2 Civil Engineering Botany Horticulture & Inductive
Mineralogy Logic

3rd Year
1 Drawing & Rural Geology Mental Philosophy
Engineering
2 Astronomy Zoology Moral Philosophy
4th year
1 Analytical Animal Physiology Political Economy
Chemistry
2 Agricultural Entomology Veterinary Agricultural & Geographical
Chemistry Medicine. Economy of Botany, Technology [Household?]
Domestic Animals Breeding etc & Rural [Economy?]

[End page 77]

[Begin page 78]

[Abbot, Secty p.t.]
Resolved – That Professor T.C. Abbot be requested to act
as Secretary Pro tem – of this Board until a permanent
Secretary Shall be chosen.

[Bailey, Supt. Farm
& Boarding Hall]
Resolved – That this Board retains the Services of
James Bailey as Superintendant of the farm to continue
during the pleasure of the Board at a Salary at the rate
of Eight hundred dollars per year. He shall take charge
and have control of the farm and boarding hall
under the direction of the Board – and it is understood
that Mr Bailey will move into the boarding hall and
will be entitled to occupy the same free of rent & have
the board of himself and wife free of charge and will
be entitled also to keep his team at the expense of the Col-
lege and will use it for its benefit and Subject to his
order or control _ If at any time the board Shall be of
opinion that the interest of the college will be promoted
by making Some other disposition of the boarding hall
then said James Bailey shall vacate the same upon
reasonable notice.

[Clearing]
[Barn Re Roof
College Hall Re Roof]
[Kitchen]
Resolved – That the Superintendent of the farm be and
he is hereby directed to cause to be chopped chained &
fenced twenty five acres on the College farm & that
he contract for the same to the best advantage not
to exceed twelve dollars per acre – also that he
cause the Brick barn to be newly roofed & the roof
of the college building to be repaired so as to be freed
from leaks; also that he employ such assistance
in the boarding hall as may be necessary to carry
on the same –

[Buy Oxen]
[Groceries {oc?}]
[Sell Stock]
Resolved – That the farm Superintendent be authorized
and directed to purchase a yoke of Oxen & tools for
the farm such as he may deem necessary and
Supplies for the boarding hall rendering from time
to time a true account of the same to this board,
also to sell such of the Cattle & horses on the farm
as he may think proper.

[Bridge]
Resolved – That the Superintendent of the farm be
authorized to contract with [Alwan?] Harrison to
build a bridge across the Cedar River on the farm
at the price of Seven hundred and fifty (750) dollars
[End page 78]

[Begin page 79]

payable at any time within one year. Said Bridge
to be one hundred and fifty feet in length and
Sixteen feet in width and according to a plan and
specificatons to be prepared, to be located as near as
may be to the center line of the farm running north
and South.
[Bills]
Bills Audited & allowed by the Board
To I.H. & H.D. Bartholomew Bill on file $23.05
" " " Bill on file .42
L.R. Fisk Postage & Stationary 4.50
P.C. Ayres Repairing Buildings 47.58 No. 16.

Resolved by the Board
[Thurber
Horticulture]
That Professor George Thurber be requested
to take charge of the department of Horticulture until
the Board find it convenient to make some
other disposition of the Same.

[Funds]
Resolved – That the Treasurer of this Board is
hereby directed to obtain from the State Treasury
one thousand dollars of the unexpended balance
of the appropriation to the Agricultural college for
the year 1860 and hold the Same Subject to the
disposition of the board.
The Board adjourned sine dine
Chas Rich Sec'y Pro tem

State Agricultural College May 29. 1861
The first regular meeting of the State Board
of Agriculture was called to order by Gov. Blair,
the President, at 2. P.M. in the museum of the
Agricultural College: Present Messrs Blair, Wells
Gage, Carpenter, and Yerkis.
[Reports]
Report of Prof. Fisk, in behalf of the Faculty, was
read by him, and accepted.
Report of Dr. Thurber, on the interests of the Hor-
ticultural Department, was read by the Secretary, &
accepted.
[Accounts]
Resolved – that the various sums charged, and cred-
ited Students for Board and work, this Spring, before the
opening of the College, be charged, or allowed them in Settle-
ment, at the close of the first quarter of this term.
Mr James Bayley's account was audited and
allowed at $504.57. (Warrant No. 8)

[End page 79]

[Begin page 80]

Adjourned to meet at same place tomorrow at 10 A.M
T C. Abbot
Secretary.

State Agricultural College, May 30, 1861
St. Board of Agriculture met according to adjournment
There were present Messrs Wells, Gage, Carpenter, Yerkis, Rich,
and Parsons: the President being absent Mr. Gage was made
chairman.
After discussion, the following Resolution was adopted.
[T.C. Abbot
Histy & Eng. Lit.]
Resolved – that a Professorship of History and
English Literature be established in the College
Resolved, - that Prof. T.C. Abbot be transferred
to the Professorship of History and English Literature;
with the understanding that he do not enter upon its
duties, but continue to give instruction in Civil and
Rural Engineering, until instruction in the latter de-
partment be otherwise provided for.
[Board Committees]
Resolved, that there be constituted of this Board
the following Standing Committees to consist of two mem-
bers each:
Committee on Accounts and Supplies
" " College Property
" " Offficers & Employees.
[Labor 4 hours]
Resolved that the Faculty of the College be
empowered to employ students in labor four hours a day
whenever they shall deem it necessary.
[Credits]
Resolved, that in place of payment of wage for the
work of students by warrants, the Secretary of the
Board be authorized to give credit for such wages in
the quarterly settlement, made with students for
board.
At 1 P.M. the Board took a Recess of one hour,
at the close of which time; and an hours delay caused
by a review of the Military Company of the college
the meeting was called to order by the President
Gov. Blair.
The official Bond of Langford G. Berry, Treasurer
of the Board, elect, was submitted and approved.

[Sell Garden truck]
Resolved that D. Thurber be authorized to dispose
of the surplus products of the Garden.
The President then announced the members of the
Standing Commtitee, constituted by Resolution of the Board

[End page 80]

[Begin page 81]

adopted by the Br in the forenoon to be as follows:
[Standing
Committees]
Committee on Accounts and Supplies
Mr. Parsons
" Carpenter
Committee on College Property
Mr. Wells
" Rich
Committee on Officers and Employees
Mr. Gage
Mr. Herkis
[Sell Swamp Lands]
Resolved that James Bayley be authorized to sell Three
Hundred and Twenty (320) acres of the Swamp Lands granted
by the Legislature of Michigan to the "Agricultural College" at
an amount not less than Five Dollars per acre, and that on
payment of the purchase price of said Land to the Treasurer of the
Agricultural College that the President and Secretary be author-
ized to execute and deliver a deed for the same.
[Accounts]
Mr. Parsons, Chairman of the Committee on Accounts
and Supplies then presented the following accounts, as
having been examined by the Committee, and found correct.
They were thereupon severally by the vote of the Board allowed.
[illegible in original]
Grove and Whitney (per Jas Bayley $91.84 34
" " " (" D. Thurber) 9.04
Geo. K. Grove 6.46 33
L.R. Fisk 2.38 (10)
T.C. Abbot 81.42 (11)
George Thurber 20.71 (9)
J.C. Holmes 187.50 (5)
H.D. Benhamx 6.00
Parsons & Johnson (1) 104.27 (7)
" " (2) 25.70 (6)
P. Parsons (3) 27.49
D. Carpenter 21.20 (13)
J. Cage 21.251 (14)
Charles Rich 19.001 (12)
L.A. Yerkes 13.80 (15)
[Salary Warrants]
Resolved that the President and Secretary
be authorized to draw warrants at the End of Each
quarter for the Salaries of Professors.
[illegible in original]
Resolved that the remainder of the unexpended
appropriation for the Year 1860 be, and the same is hereby
placed in the hands of the Treasurer of the Board and
set apart for the payment of Current Expenses, to be drawn
x Pd. by allow. on afc. College Bills. on Ledger A.

[End page 81]

[Begin page 82]

from the State Treasury in such sums and at such times
as shall be convenient and advisable
[Board Rate]
At the informal request of several members of the Board,
[revolves?]
the Committee, on whom ^ the duty of fixing upon the price of
board in the College; consisting of Gov. Austin Blair President,
T.C. Abbot Secretary, and James Bayley, Superintendent of
the Farm, having met, the President, as chairman reported,
that two dollars per week was fixed upon as the rate of board
for the first quarter of Eleven weeks, and submitted the
report for approval to the Board of Agriculture.
The Report was accepted and approved.
[Diplomas]
Resolved that a Committee of three be appointed, con-
sisting of two members of the faculty and one member of the
board to determine upon the graduating Diploma – said
Committee to be appointed by the President, and have au-
thority to procure blanks for Diplomas.
The President announced the names of the committee
as follows: – Messrs Parsons, Thurber and Fiske.
[Catalogues]
Resolved that a Committee of three be appointed
by the President, to consist of one member of this Board
and two members of the Faculty, to prepare for publi-
cation a Catalogue of the Agricultural College; and to
procure the publication of 2000 copies, ready for distrib
ution by the middle of the present College term.
Messrs Gage, Miles and Abbot were appointed to constitute
the Committee. Adjourned, T.C. Abbot
Secretary

State Agricultural College, Michigan
Aug. 28 1861
The Second regular meeting of the State Board of
Agriculture was called to order at 4 P.M. Present Messrs
Wells, Rich, Gage and Carpenter. The President being absent,
Judge Wells was elected President Pro-tempore Records of last
approved
meeting were ^ Adjourned to Tomorrow at 9 A.M.
T.C. Abbot Secretary
State Agric. College, Aug. 29, 1861
Board met according to adjournment. The Records
of the last meeting were read and approved. Present as Yesterday
[Account]
Mr. Parsons of the Committee on Accounts being absent,
Mr. Gage was appointed by the President pro-tem to act tempora-
rily on that Committee
Account of J. Turner & Bro. allowed $6.08

[End page 82]

[Begin page 83]

[Bridge]
Resolved that the Board accept the Bridge
built by Mr. Almond Harrison, under Resolution of the
Board passed May 8, 1861.
Resolved that a warrant be drawn in behalf
of Mr. Almond Harrison, payable the 10th of April, 1862,
for the Sum of $750.00 , in full payment for building the
Bridge.
A Communication was received from the Faculty of
the College, requesting, by the unanimous vote of the Body, a
decision respecting certain rights of jurisdiction
A Communication was received, purporting to be from a
Committee of the Students, requesting a "hearing before the Board"
The Request was granted, and the interview at once took place.
[Boarding Hall
Jurisdiction]
The Board then took a Recess of one hour prior to the
Communication reserved from the Students; on being called to order
again, the Board adopted the following Preamble [illegible in original] Resolutions
The State Board of Agriculture having had
under consideration the Communication addressed to them by
the Faculty of the Agricultural College have embodied their
Conclusions in the following Resolutions.
1" Resolved. that the Entire Boarding House is not put
under the Exclusive control of Mr Bayley: for such control
would involve this disciplinary management of the Students,
which should, of right, belong to the Faculty.
2" Resolved that Mr. Bayley has entire and exclu-
sive Control over that part of the Boarding House which is
necessary to be used in preparing and furnishing board for
the Students and other members of the College, including all
the rooms in the basement, and on the first floor of the Board-
ing House, and room No. 11, on the Second floor, for the use
of his family, and his boarding house employees, and such per-
sons as may call on business, or visits to Students.
3" Resolved that the Faculty have no authority in
directing the manner in which the table shall be furnished
by Mr Bayley, acting under the direction of the Board of Agricul-
ture, except as advisory for the time being
4" Resolved that the Faculty have entire control
over that part of the Boarding Hall devoted to the use of Students,
as dormitories, or rooms for study, and also power to make all
such rules, and regulations respecting the moral deportment
of students and their general propriety of conduct in said boarding
Hall as they shall deem necessary in the premises.
The Board then took a Recess until 8. P.M.

[End page 83]

[Begin page 84]

[T.C. Abbot
Treasurer Report]
On being called to Order. Mr Carpenter of the Committee on
accounts presented the final Report of T.C. Abbot, as Treasurer
of the Agric. College: when it was
Resolved that the final Report of T.C. Abbot, as Treasurer
of the College be accepted. - _ that a warrant be issued in his
favor for Forty Four Dollars and Eighty Four Cents ($44.84), to
balance his account; - and his Bond be discharged.
In answer to a Communication received from the Com-
mittee to fix the rate of board and wages of students, the three
following Resolutions were adopted.
[Wages]
1) Resolved that the rate of wages to be paid to Students
for ordinary labor be not more than eight cent, and less than one
cent (8 to 1) per hour
[(vide?) Records
Aug 26th 1863.]
[Board]
2) Resolved that in estimating the price of students
hundred
board, they shall be charged at the rate of three ^ dollars per
year for rent of buildings exclusive of room rent: and at
the rate of Two Hundred Dollars per year on Mr Bayley's
Salary.
[Board]
3) Upon request of the Committee to fix the price of
board of students, that they be allowed to revise their action
in relation to the price of student's board, presented to the
Board of Agriculture and approved [at?] the previous meet-
ing of the Board, Resolved that said request be
granted.
[Accounts]
Account of D. Thurber was allowed $11.45
" " " " " " 13.91

[Commencement]
Resolved that the Commencement Exercises of the College be
held on Wednesday, two weeks previous to the Legal close of the
term.
[Clearing]
Resolved that James Bayley be authorized and direc-
ted to conclude a contract for the cleaning and fencing a
piece of land on the South side of the Cedar River lying
South of the Section line, forty one (41) rods in width from
North to South, and East from the Center line of the Farm
to the East line of the Farm, it being about from twenty to
twenty four acres, at a rate not to exceed twelve dollars
($12.00) per acre, and that said job of clearing and fencing be
completed by the 1st day of August, 1862.

[End page 84]

[Begin page 85]

The Board then adjourned to meet tomorrow at
8. A.M. T.C. Abbot
Secretary

St. Agricultural College, Michigan
August 30, 1861
The St. Board of Agriculture met according to
adjournment. Members present same as yesterday. [Record?]
were read and approved.
[Stock]
Resolved that Mr. Bayley be authorized to purchase
such a number of cheap, young cattle, and milch cows,
as he shall from time to time deem for the interests
of the Institution, not to exceed in number the amount
which can be wintered on the Farm without the purchase
of any additional fodder.
Resolved that Mr. James Bayley be allowed the
sum of Twenty Dollars ($20.00) for one red Cow purchased
by this Board from him, for the use of the farm, and that
an Order in his farm be drawn on the Treasurer for
that amount.
[College Basement]
Resolved thatMr Bayley be authorized to put a
brick wall with door through the basement of the college
building East and west at the Second range of [paces?] from the North;
to replaster this Cistern in said basement, and make the windows
frost proof.
[Accounts]
Allowed afc of Justus Gage (May meeting Expenses) $17." " '
" Mr. Carpenter 13.33 '
" " Rich 13." " '
[Gardener]
Resolved that D. Thurber be authorized to employ one of
the Students as head gardiner for such time during the coming two
months, as he may deem proper, at an expense not exceeding fifty
cents per day; and that he be authorized to purchase glass and
material for hot bed purposes.
[Farm Barn]
Resolved that Mr. D. Carpenter be, and he is hereby appointed
a Committee to report a plan and estimate of a farm barn – and
to make his report at his earliest convenience
[Reports]
Resolved that an invitation is hereby extended to the
Faculty of the college to make a detailed report of their views
in regrd to the general interests of this Institution, as to its
working machinery in its different departments, - as a basis
of future action on the part of the Board.
[Ramsdell
Book keeping]
Resolved that the action of the Faculty in procuring
the Services of J.G. Ramsdell to give instruction to a class in

[End page 85]

[Begin page 86]

Book Keeping, and lectures on Commercial law be approved: and
that a Warrant on the Treasurer be drawn in favor of said
Ramsdell for the sum of One Hundred Dollars, pursuant to the
agreement made with him.
[Paint Bridge]
Resolved that Jamie Bayley be directed to purchase
a sufficient quantity of white lead, oil, and coloring ma-
terial to paint the railing on the Bridge erected by Mr. Harri-
son on the premises, a stone color as near as may be: the
labor in painting same to be performed by the students.
[Ditching
Swamp Lands]
Resolved that James Bayley be authorized to com-
mence a System of ditching in connexion with the Swamp lands
belonging to the Agricultural College, confining himself, until
further ordered by the Board, in his expenditure for the same,
to such sum of money as he may realize in sale of lands
belonging to the College, and heretofore ordered by the Board.
Resolved that we now adjourn to meet again
at the Agricultural College, on Monday the 11th day of
November next
T.C. Abbot
Secretary of St. B. of Agriculture

State Agricultural College. Michigan
Nov. 11, 1861
Mr. Gage, being the only member of the State Board
of Agriculture present, spent the day in attendance on the
Examinations of the College Classes.
T.C. Abbot
Secy.
St. Agric. College, Michigan
Nov. 12, 1861
Messrs Gage and Parsons, without organizing, spent
the day in attendance on the Examinations of the College,
and the Evening listening to the Declamations of the
Junior Class T C. Abbot
Secretary.

State Agricultural College
Nov. 13. 1861.
Messrs Gage, Parsons, Wells, and Carpenter spent
the Forenoon in attendance on the Examination of the
College classes.
In the Afternoon, the Board of Agricul-

[End page 86]

[Begin page 87]

met; and Mr. Wells was made President Pro-tem. The
Secretary being Excused from attendance that he might
settle with students, Mr. Parsons was made Secretary
Pro-tem. These were present Messrs Wells, Gage,
Carpenter, and Parsons.
[Reports]
A report of the Faculty in relation to the general
interests of the Institution, made in [illegible in original] with a request
of the Board of Agriculture, as expressed in a Resolution passed
on the 30th of August, last, was received, read, and accepted.
[ " ]
Mr. Bayley presented a verbal minority Report,
for himself, as the only member of the Faculty, desenting from
the Report presented by the Faculty.
Adjourned to meet at 8½ A.M. tomorrow the 14th inst.
T.C. Abbot
Secretary Pro tem.


State Agricultural College. Mich.
Nov. 15. 1861
Board of Agriculture met pursuant to adjourn-
ment. Present Messrs Gage, Parsons, Wells, and Carpenter
On motion of Mr. Gage
[Clearing]
Resolved that the action of this Board at its last
meeting, authorizing the farm manager to enter into contract
for clearing twenty four acres new land at twelve Dollars
per acre be reconsidered and rescinded.
[ " ]
Resolved that the Farm Manager be authorized to
employ during the coming winter one or two hands, as he
may deem needful, giving preference to young men
desiring to apply their wages in payment of board and
other charges against them as students in attendance at
the College : and that he be instructed so to direct and
apply the labor on the farm, whether of students or others,
as to effect the clearing off and preparing some Six-
teen acres, more or less, for a corn and wheat crop during
the coming year; and that the clearing be done on
rescinded.
the west part of the tract located in the Resolution above ^
[Appropriatn.]
Resolved that the President and Secretary of
the Board of Agriculture be authorized to draw from the
State Treasurer the amount of the State Appropriations for
the State Agricultural College for 1861; and place the
Same in the hands of the Treasurer of this Board.
The Board took a Recess for dinner until 1:30 P.M.
P.M.

A. communicaton from the Faculty. recommending

[End page 87]

[Begin page 88]

[Faculty
Suggestions]
the appointment of a Professor of Civil and Rural Engineering;
and a Tutor, before the commencement of next term. Also
recommending the Expenditure of One Hundred dollars for cases for
museum; fifty dollars for furniture for museum, [illegible in original] etc.: also
twenty five dollars for presentations; - was received, and ac-
cepted;
[ " ]
A Communication was received from the Faculty rec-
commending that the Senior class receive their Degrees, and be
graduated, without further attendance at College, in consideration
of leave of absence granted them to enter a Corps of Engineers to
serve under Gen. Fremont.
[Class Graduated
to join Army]
Resolved that the Degree of Bachelor of Science be conferred
upon Albert F. Allen, Adam Bayley, L. Verna Beebe,
Henry D. Benham, Charles E. Hollister, Gilbert A. Dickey, and
Albert N. Prentiss, members of the Senior Class of the Agricul-
tural College, who were excused before the close of the College
Term to enlist in the Corp of Engineers from Battle Creek
under command of Capt. Howland. to be attached to the
army of General Freemont, and that Diplomas be granted
to them.

[Experiments]
Resolved that in order to carry out the ends and objects
of this Institution, a system of measures should at once be
devised, in accordance with which the best methods for the
preservation of manure, and their application to different
soils in the culture and growth of plants may be determined;
and by which the principles of Science here taught relative to
the propagation and growth of animals and plants may be fully
tested and determined, with a view to their ultimate adop-
tion in farming operations here and elsewhere
Resolved that the Professors of Agricultural chemistry
and animal Physiology be requested to report to this Board at
its next meeting, plans and arrangements in reference to the
views contained in the foregoing Resolution, graduating the
same upon a Scale commensurate with means at the dis-
posal of the Institution, and the present undeveloped condition
of the arm, and such as will fall within the [Compass?] of
their own personal supervision and Control, for the instruc-
tion of the several classes in such studies: and the results
of which they may be able to embody in the annual
Reports from this Institution.
[Educational Labor]
Resolved that Students will not be entitled
to pecuniary compensation for services, or labor performed
as a class, under instruction from the professors; such

[End page 88]

[Begin page 89]

labor being considered as experimented Tests in Science
conducted by themselves as in the Chemical Laboratory: -
nor will the time thus spent be considered as an off-
by law
set against the usual amount of work required ^ to
be performed by Students.
[Fencing]
Resolved that the Farm Superintendent be in-
structed to secure the fences and gates so thoroughly
and effectually, that swine belonging to the Farm, and
also those belonging to neighbors will be kept entirely
from the Ornamental grounds and Gardens of the College.
[Classifying
Labor Accts.]
Resolved that the Farm Superintendent and the
Horticulturist be [severally?] requested [illegible in original] to arrange the
account of Students labor and that of others on the Farm,
and in the Garden, and Fruit Yard, as that the Amount of
labor and other Expense bestowed upon each crop shall
distinctly appear; and also the Expense of labor or money
Expended in permanent Improvements and Repairs upon
the premises; and that they render such accounts so arranged

Semi monthly to the Secretary of the college. in order that
the same may appear in the Yearly Reports. emanating
from this Institution, as required by Law.
[Manures]
Resolved that Professor Fisk be allowed from the
Farm a team and man to procure three or four loads
of Bones, and as many loads of manure from Lansing:
Also facilities for making a compost heap to test the value
of manures: that he be also requested to take early steps
for the proper care of the manure, or slops derived from the
Kitchen depositing swamp muck after clearing out the
present deposits, and with additions of manure from the
Barn and application of the slop preserving fertilizers
now wasted.
[Com. on Officers & Emp]
On motion of Mr. Gage, Professor Fisk as made
an additional member of the Committee on Officers and
Employees, (See Records May 30, 1861.)
[Museum Cases]
Resolved that Sixty Dollars be appropriated for
cases, furniture, and preservatives for the Museum.
[Sell Furnace etc]
Resolved that the Farm Superintendent be
authorized to sell the Endless chain machine, and the
furnaces.
Mr. Gage, chairman of the Committee on Pre-
paring and publishing a Catalogue made the
following Report, viz:-

[End page 89]

[Begin page 90]

[Catalogue]
The Committee on Preparing and Publishing a Catalogue
of the State Agricultural College for the year 1861 by leave to
report – that they have attended to that duty and present
the printed catalogue as the result of their labors.
The Report was accepted and adopted.
[Barn]
Mr. Carpenter, Committee by Resolution of August 30, 1861.
to report Plans and Estimates for a Farm Barn, presented a Plan
and Estimates. His Report was accepted.
[ " ]
Resolved that Messrs Parsons, Wells, and Mr Bayley,
Farm Superintendent constitute a Committee, with authority
to take such immediate measures for the Building of
Barn, as shall by them be deemed necessary.
[Accounts]
Mr Parsons, Chairman of Committee on accounts, presen-
ted for allowance the following accounts which were allowed
by the Board
Parsons and Johnson for $65.28 35
Johnson and Wheeler 31.68 39
Grove and Whitney 61.70 40
D" " [D?] 12.71 40
John A Kerr [H?] (catalogues) 45.80 41
P. Parsons 45.04 42
H.G. Wells (Expenses, Aug 61) 21. " " 43
D. Carpenter " 13. " " 44
P. Parsons " 9.26 45
Justus Gge " 17.25 46
L.R. Fisk 91.21 48
M. Miles 108.68 49
T.C. Abbot 115.36 50
A letter was received from Charles Rich.
member of the Board, explaining, and regretting the necessity
of his absence.
T.C. Abbot
Secretary of the Board


Nov. 27th. 1861. Memorandum. In meeting of the State
Board of Agriculture was held. T. C Abbot Sec y.

[End page 90]




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