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Charles Lee Ingersoll

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Charles Lee Ingersoll
Charles Lee Ingersoll
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Subjects: Faculty, Civil War
Description: Charles L. Ingersoll. M.S., 1877
Enlisted in company G, 9th Cavalry, March 7, 1863 at Commerce, for 3 years at age 18. Transferred to company A, May 1, 1864. Commissary sergeant, May 1, 1864. Mustered out at Lexington, N.C. July 21, 1865.

William J. Beal writes "Of the graduates from M.A.C. who have taken high position[s] as educators in the field of agricultural science none stood above him."

At the age of 18, he enlisted from Commerce, Oakland County, as private in the 9th Michigan Cavalry on March 7, 1863 and was mustered out July 21, 1865. His regiment took part in the battles of Burnside's advance in eastern Tennessee, leading up to the Gettysburg campaign, and it was a part of General Sherman's army in its march towards the sea.

At the close of the war, Mr. Ingersoll married and was a farmer and a teach for a few years. He entered M.A.C. in 1872 and graduated with the class of 1874, being considered one of the best scholars in that class. Immediately on graduation he was appointed foreman of the farm, under Professor Gulley, whom he succeeded as professor of agriculture and superintendent of the farm a year later.

In 1879, he accepted a similar position at increased salary at Purdue University, and from there went to Colorado in 1881 as director of the experiment station, professor of agriculture, and for a time was also the president of that college. In 1890, he was called to Nebraska State university, to serve as dean of the Industrial College and director of the Experiment Station.

In his report in 1879, President Abbot speaks highly of Mr. Ingersoll: "Besides his instruction in the classroom, and his care of the farm, he has been active in promoting the good of the College in many ways. The Christina Union always found him a ready and valuable worker, as one of tits officers, and as teacher or superintendent in its Sunday school. To his knowledge and enthusiasm the College cadets owe, more than to any other one, their efficiency in drill and target practice. He was the captain of the company. Professor Ingersoll was a valuable officer in every department of his labors."
He died at Grand Junction, Colorado, at the home of his brother, December 8, 1895, after a lingering illness caused by creeping paralysis. He left behind a wife and one daughter.
Format: Image/jpg
Original Format: Black and white photograph
Language: English
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Contributing Institution: University Archives & Historical Collections
Relation: MSU Photograph Collection
Contributor: MSU Archives and Historical Collections
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