Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes – 1864 [Begin page 118] Follett House Ypsilanti Michigan, 9 o'clock a.m. February 20th 1864. Special meeting of the State Board of Agriculture; called by the Vice President in accordance with the rules of the Board. Present Messrs Wells, Abbot, Gage, Carpenter; Prutzman. Minutes of the last meeting read and approved. After some informal talk relative to the appointment of a Secretary of the Board, it adjourned to 2 o'clock P.M. February 10th 2 P.M. 1864. the Board convened: present Messrs Wells, Abbot, Gage, Carpenter, Prutzman and Welch The following report from the Committee on Employees was accepted and adopted. [S.S. Rockwell] "The Committee on Employees report that Mr F.A. Stebbins has resigned his position as Steward of the Boarding Hall of the St Agricultural College; and that Mr S.S. Rock= well has been placed in charge of the same by recommenda= tion of the committee. We would recommend the passage of the following reso- lution: - Resolved that Mr S.S. Rockwell be placed in charge of the Boarding Hall of the St Agricultural College at the rate of Four Hundred and Fifty (450) dollars per annum during the pleasure of the Board." Justus Gage, Chairman of the Committee Professor Welch from Committee on Employees made a verbal report on the endeavors made to find a Secretary: it was accepted. [Expenses] It was moved by President Abbot that the Board assume and pay one half of Mr Sanford Howard's expenses in meeting the Executive Committee of the St Agricultural Society, and the Board of Agriculture at the present meeting. The motion was carried. It was voted that the Board adjourn to meet at the Normal School at 8½ o'clock a.m. tomorrow; and afterward assemble here. Thursday P.M. Feby 11th 1864. The Board met at one o'clock: present the same as yester= day. [Funds] President Abbot moved that $ 1000. be drawn from the State Treasury into the hands of the Treasurer of the Board. Carried. A report from the committee on accounts, relative to the expenses incurred in looking for a Secretary, was accepted and the amount allowed, as follows: [afc] Expenses of Professor Welch. $ 73.25 [End page 118] [Begin page 119] Expenses of President Abbot $ 75.25 By request of the Committee on Accounts the accounts and papers presented by Mr F.A. Stebbins were laid over until the next meeting. Board adjourned to 4 o'clock. to listen to an address from Mr Howard. At 4 o'clock Board assembled: present the same as at former meeting. [Mr Howard] Professor Welch moved that a proposal be extended to Mr Howard of Boston Mass. to become Secretary of the Board; and that a salary of Fifteen Hundred (1500) dollars be tendered him. The motion was carried. The Board Adjourned, G.A. Kenaston Sec pro. tem. State Agricultural College May 25, 1864 The regular meeting of the State Board of Agriculture was called to order at 2 P.M. in the Presidents office, by the Vice President of the Board (H.G. Wells). Present Messrs Wells, Carpenter, Gage, Rich, Welch & Abbot. Mr. [Sanford?] Howard was present and enterd upon his duties, as Secretary of the Board. The Records of the last meeting were read and approved. [Accounts] The Report of the Committee on Accounts was then presented, accepted and adopted: - approving the drawing of warrants, originated by numbers as follows Nos. 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 192, 193, 198, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 217, 160, 144, 194, 182, 181, 184, 199 200, 204, 215, 190, 203, 201, 205, 215, 219, 220, 161, 191, 195 196, 197, 218, 155, 221 : -- also acounts were allowed and warrants directed to be drawn for their payment as follows : - in favor of A.N. Prentess for $ 123.12 [Erroc?] & Whitney " 39.20 Lansing & Son " 31.20 .D. Carpenter, Exp at Ypsilanti, 18.80 .Justus Gage " 18.80 .H.G. Wells " 9.60 .Chas. Rich " 16.50 The Report of a Special Committee on procuring [End page 119] [Begin page 120] arms present the following Report, which was accepted and adopted – to wit [Muskets] "The Special Committee to whom was delegated authority to communicate with Gov. Blair for purpose of procuring arms and accoutrements for military Drill would report that they have obtained under the sanc- tion of His Excellency, from Wm. Hammond Quarter Master General of Mich. 60 muskets & accoutrements for the use of the College; and that the same are not in possession of the Faculty , The Committee would further report use of the that they made application for a few tents for ^ College, and that the Quarter Master Genl. was unable to furnish the same, the State having none. We would further recommend that a formal Bond for the arms received be returned to the Q. M. Genl., signed officially by the President and Secretary of the College Signed , Wells Carpenter Kedzie " The Board took a recess until eight o'clock, and then met at the house of the President of the College : The following Resolutions were passed [Secty's Office in Lansing] Resolved – that the Office of the Secretary of the Board be opened in Lansing, and that the President be authorized to procure suitable rooms for that purpose [ " ] Resolved that the President of the College be authorized to draw warrants for the necessary expenses of the Office of the Secretary of the Board, for the quar- ter commencing June 1. 1864 [Bookkeeping] Resolved that the President of the College be authorized to employ some competent person to give instruction in the Art of Bookkeeping to students of the College during the present college year. [Secty's Office] Resolved that the President of the Board be requested to present an account of Salary and the expenses of the office of the Secretary to the State Board of Auditors for allowance. [Dwellings Free] Resolved that for the present year no rent be charged Officers of the College for the dwelling houses they occupy. [Funds] Resolved that the sum of Two Thousand Dollars be drawn from the State Treasury into the hands of the Treasurer of the College to be held subject to the Control of the Board. [End page 120] [Begin page 121] [Com. on Farm] Resolved that a Committee on Farm Management be added to the Regular Standing Committees of the Board. [ " ] The President announced the Committee, to consist of the following Gentlemen, Committee on Welch Farm Management Carpenter [Road] Resolved that a Resolution for the further improv- ment of the College Grounds . passed at a Session of this Board, Aug. 1863, by an alteration of the Highway run- ning through said grounds, be so amended as to change the direction of the line of said road proposed in said Resolution, from its starting point, so that the termi- nation will be at the Plank Road at a point when the [town?] line between Lansing and Meridian crosses said plank road. The Board took a Recess until the next morning May 26, at 7 o'clock The Ref Plans adopted by the Faculty of the College, for Farm and Garden Management for the present season, were examined and approved [Books] The Board then authorized the purchase of Books for the College, as recommended by the Faculty , viz Michaux & Nuttall's N. Amer. Sylva 5 Vols Bigelow on Tariff De la Rive's Electricity 3 Vols Truman on Iron manufacture Ward and Johnson's Atlas Whewell's History of Scientific Ideas 3 Vols " Novum Organum [illegible in original] 1 " " Philosophy of Discovery 1 " Also,, the expenditure of $ 75 or thereabouts for works in Natural History (Audubon, Wilson, Bonaparte Agassiz) [Stebbins] It was resolved that the claim of Mr Stebbins for salary beyond the term of his actual service be not allowed. [Ventilation] It was resolved that Dr. Miles be authorized to plan & construct ventilating apparatus for the Barn. The Board then adjourned. Sanford Howard Secretary [End page 121] [Begin page 122] State Agricultural College Mich August 31.st 1864. The regular meeting of the State Board of Agriculture was held in the President's Office commencing at 2 o'clock P.M.: his Excellency Governor Blair in the Chair. Present, Messrs Carpenter, Gage, Prutzman, Rich, Wells and Abbot. The records of the last meeting were read and approved. [Accounts] The Report of the Committee on Accounts was then presented, accepted and adopted: - approving the drawing of warrants desig- nated by number as follows: - 224, 229, 230, 231, 232, 236, 237, 239, 241, 223, 227, 242, 244, 245, 248, 222, 225, 226, 246, 233, 238, 248, 247, 228 and 240 The Balance of Grove & Whitney's account, presented in May and in part allowed, was also allowed, $ 49.65 Also new account to Aug 19.th 153.04 Balance of account in favor of Mr Prentiss 83.22 " " " " " " Mr Rockwell 4.21 " " " due from Dr Miles $ 171.33 " " " " " D. A. Kenaston 212.71 The following accounts for Expenses in attending former meetings of the Board were allowed: - in favor of H.G. Wells, May meeting $ 18.50 " " " Justus Gage " " 23.00 " " " A.C. Prutzman Feb'y " 20.95 " " " Chas Rich May " 14.85 " " " D. Carpenter " " 22.50 [Insurance] President T.C. Abbot presented a recommendation from the Faculty of the College, relative to effecting an insurance upon the Structures belonging to the College which was accepted. On motion of Mr Gage it was, Resolved, that measures be taken by the President of the College to effect an insurance on the new College Barn and Shed to the amount of $2000. on buildings, $500. on grain and hay and $500. on Stock. On motion of Judge Wells it was [Funds] Resolved that the Sum of Three Thousand Dollars be drawn from the State Treasury into the hands of the Treasurer of the College. On motion of Judge Wells it was, [Secty's Salary] Resolved that the President be directed to pay the Secre- tary of the College, by quarterly payments, at the rate of Five Hundred Dollars per annum: - being the amount of Salary to be paid by the Board additional to the regular Salary to be [End page 122] [Begin page 123] paid by the State. On motion of Judge Wells it was [Well] Resolved that Mr Kenaston be authorized to dig a well near his house, and to procure the necessary fixtures for the same. On motion of Judge Wells it was [Foreman] Resolved that it was the intention of the Board in their Resolution of Nov. 12, 1863, to give Mr Noble, forman of the Farm, his board, in addition to the salary of $400. therin named. On motion of Judge Wells it was. [Date of Meeting] Resolved that when not otherwise determined by vote of the Board, the regular meetings held in accordance with the organic law of the College, shall be at nine o'clock of the fore- noon in the office of the President of the College. On motion of Judge Wells it was Resolved, that when we adjourn, it be to meet at Kalamazoo on the 22nd of September next. On motion of Mr Gage Chairman of Com. on Employees it was [Prentiss, Prof.] Resolved, that Mr. A.N. Prentiss be by this Resolution made Professor of Botany and Horticulture in the State Agricultural College, with a Salary at the rate of One Thousand Dollars per. annum: - the increase of salary over that now received by him to commence on the first of January 1865. On motion of Mr Gage it was [Clute, Prof.] Resolved, that Oscar Clute be by this Resolution, made. Professor of Mathematics in the State Agricultural College and that his Salary from the 1st of January 1865 be so increased as to be at the rate of One Thousand. dollars per annum. On motion of Mr Gage it was [Kenaston, Salary] Resolved. that the Salary of C.A. Kenaston be from and after the 1st of January 1865 at the rate of One Thousand Dollars per annum. On motion of Judge Wells it was [Secty's. Salary] Resolved. that the President of the State Board of Agriculture and the President of the State Agricultural College file a certificate with the State Board of Auditors that Sanford Howard Esq has been appointed Secretary of the State Board of Agriculture in accordance with Sections 6, 11, and 12 of act No 188, approved March 15, 1861 ,; and that he entered upon his duties as Secre- tary on the 19th of May 1864; and that the State Board of Ag- riculture request the State Board of Auditors to make an order by which the Salary of the Secretary may be paid quarterly as the same accrues. [End page 123] [Begin page 124] The Board adjourned to meet at Kalamazoo on the 22d of September next, as per Resolution. Sanford Howard, Secretary – Kalamazoo Mich Sept 22 1864 Board met according to adjournment, and took recess until tomorrow evening of Sept 23, 1864 Met at Secretary's office [illegible in original] There were present Messrs Wells, Carpenter, Gage, Prutzman, and Rich [Eaves Troughs] A Committee consisting of Mr Gage and President Abbot was appointed to pursue eave- troughs for the barn and shed. [Ayreshires] A Committee, consisting of Mr. Gage, Dr. Miles, and Secretary Howard was appointed to purchase Ayreshire cattle, - and the committee authorized to expend a sum not to exceed Three Hundred Dollars, <$ 300.00> in their purchase. Adjourned to meet at the Agricultural College on Tuesday, the 15th of November next. Sanford Howard, Secretary. State Agricultural College Nov. 15th 1864 Board met pursuant to adjournment, and adjourned to eleven o'clock tomorrow. Nov. 16th 1864 Board met, in College Office at the Boarding Hall, his Excellency the Governor in the chair. there were present beside his Excellency, Messrs Wells, Gage, Prutzman. Rich, Welsh, Abbot, and the Secretary. It was [Graduates] Resolved that the Board confer the Degree of Bachelor of Science upon each of the following persons: viz William W. Daniells Lewis J. Gibson Wellman A. Hardy Sylvester M. Millard Lewis Vanderbilt and the Degree of Master of Science upon Albert N. Prentiss. [End page 124] [Begin page 125] in accordance with a recommendation of the Faculty made to the Board [Commencement] The President of the College having announced the time of Commencement Exercises to be arrived. the Board then listened to the Exercises of the Graduating Class, in the College chapel after which the Degrees were conferred upon all the persons above named. The Board then adjourned until tomorrow at Nine o'clock, in order to have dinner, and to attend the Evening Exercises in the chapel. Nov. 17. 1864 Board met at Nine A.M.; present the same members as yesterday. The minutes of the last meetingwere read and approved [Report] The President of the College submitted the Annual Report of the Faculty, which was accepted. It was [Funds] Resolved that the sum of Four Thousand Dollars be drawn from the State Treasurey into the hands of the Treasurer of the College. It was [Sheep Barn] Resolved that a Committee of two. consisting of Judge Wells, and Mr. Carpenter be appointed to super- intend the building of a sheep barn, and a Tool-house, and that Dr. Miles, and Secretary Howard be instructed to report plans for such buildings to this Committee , as early as convenient. [Ayreshires] The Special Committee appointed by the Board for the purchase of Ayreshire cattle. report, That a two-year-old Ayreshire heifer has been purchased for the sum of Two Hundred Dollars, and a Bull calf for the sum of One Hundred Dollars, from the herd of H.H. Peters, breeder of pure blood Ayreshire stock, Southboro- Mass., and that the above named animals are now at the College. The total estimated charges of transportation (the Bill from Detroit not having arrived) is Eighty Four. dollars and Sixty-Eight cents ($ 84.68). All of which is respectfully submitted. [signed] J. Gage, Chairman. Agreeably to a Report of the committee on em- ployees, the two following resolutions were then adopted. [Foreman] Resolved that the services of Mr. C.A. Noble, as forman of the Farm, be discontinued from and after the present date. [End page 125] [Begin page 126] [Miles Practical Agric. & Supt. Farm] Resolved that the professorship of D. Manly Miles be from this date that of Animal Physiology and Practical Agriculture : and that he be the Superintendent of the Farm from this date. It was [Pears] Resolved that Professor Prentiss be authorized to purchase of Wm Adair, enough pear trees to replace those that died in the Pear Orchard the present season. It was [Land Sales] Resolved that the Resolution, passed at a regular meeting of the Board, Aug. 26, 1863, impowering President Abbot to make sale of certain swamp lands belonging to the College, be so amended as to read in addition – Provided that no lands, be sold at a less rate than One dollar and a quarter per acre It was [Green House] Resolved that Prof. Prentiss and the President be instructed to present to the Board at their next meeting a Plan for the erection of a Green House. It was [Barn] Resolved that the Superintendent of the Farm be authorized to make such alteration in the East Door of the Barn as will admit light to the Barn floor, and enable the door to be opened. It was [Reports] Resolved that the Report of the Faculty, and all accompanying Documents be published in connec- tion with the Report of the Secretary of the College, under the supervision, and subject to the approval of the President of the College It was Resolved that the President of the College be authorized to call a meeting of the Board, previous to the next regular meeting, if he deems such meeting necessary. It was [Rent Free] Resolved that the Officers of the College have the houses they occupy free of rent for the year 1865 unless otherwise hereafter directed by the Board. [Accounts] The following accounts were allowed T.C. Abbot, payment of Bills $ 75.00 .Charles Rich, Expenses meetings Aug & Sept 38.62 .H.G. Wells " " " 24.50 [End page 126] [Begin page 127] .A.C. Prutzman, Expenses Aug. meeting $30.50 .A.S. Welch " 18.00 .Justus Gage " Aug, September 30.00 [Kenaston Resignation] Mr. C.A. Kenaston having tendered his resigna- tion of the position held by him, it was Resolved that the resignation of C.A. Kenaston Instructor for the Preparatory Class be accepted. Sanford Howard, Secretary.