Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes – 1871 [Begin page 205] Office of the Secretary of the Michigan State Board of Agriculture, Lansing, Jan. 11. 1871. Adjourned meeting of the State Board of Agriculture Present, Messrs Wells, Prutzman, Hosford, Knapp, Childs, Abbot, & the Secretary. It was [Estimates] [Cheml Laborat.y $10000.] Resolved, that the Board ask of the Legis- lature, now in session, an appropriation comprising the following items, viz., $17,000 to defray the running expenses of the College for the year 1871 & the same amount for the same purpose for the year 1872; $6,000 to defray indebtedness of the College, & $10,000 for the erection of a Laboratory, making in the aggregate $50,000. Adjourned. Sanford Howard Secretary [End page 205] [Begin page 206] Office of the Secretary of the Michigan State Board of Agriculture Lansing Feb. 22 1871 Special meeting of the State Board of Agriculture. Present Messrs. Wells Carpenter Prutzman. Knapp. Hosford. Childs Abbot and the Secretary. The following comunication was received from the Treasurer Mr Joseph Mills [Resignation of Treasurer Mills] To the Hon. State Board of Agriculture Gentlemen: - Being about to change my residence from this city, I hereby tender you my resignation as Treasurer to your Board, and ask you to designate an early day to examine and adjust my afc with you It is gratifying to me that during the time I have served you in this capacity, there has existed between us the utmost cordiality. Very Resp'ly Joseph Mills Lansing Feb 22, 1871. It was: Resolved, That the resignation tendered by Joseph Mills, of his office as Treasurer of the State Board of Agriculture and Agricultural College, be hereby accepted. Resolved. That in informing Mr. Mills of the acceptance of his resignation, the Board take the opportunity to express their entire satisfac- tion with the manner in which he has discharged the duties of his late office and their regret that his removal from the State renders his resignation necessary. The following report was presented The undersigned being a committee to examine the accounts of Joseph Mills as Treasurer of this Board, report: That they have examined said accounts and find them correct. D. Carpenter Chairman of Com It was Resolved, That the above report be accepted. [End page 206] [Begin page 207] [Longyear Treasurer Bond $10000] Resolved, That Ephraim Longyear be the Treasurer of this board from the time that he files with the Secretary a good and Sufficient bond in the sum of ten thousand dollars. Resolved, That the sum of twelve thousand dollars be drawn from the Treasury of the State into the hands of the Treasurer of the Board. [Havens claim] Resolved, That a committee consisting of the President of the Baord and Mr Knapp be appointed to consider the claim of Martin Haven and to report on the same at the next meeting of the Board Adjourned Sanford Howard Secretary for Haigh Office of the Secretary of the Michigan State Board of Agriculture Lansing March 14th 1871 Special meeting of the State Board of Agriculture Present Messrs. Wells. Prutzman. Hosford. Childs. Abbot. It was so Resolved. That we proceed to the election of a Secretary Pro. Tem in place of Sanford Howard lately disceased. [Haigh Secty. pro tem.] R. Haigh Jr was elected to fill the Office. Resolved That the office occupied by the Secretary in Lansing be given up as soon as the time for which it was rented expires, and that the College property therein be transferred to the College. Resolved. That the Secretary, pro. tem proceed to prepare the Report for 1870 for publication, under direction of the Faculty of the College. Adjourned T.C. Abbot, Secy Pro.tem Jos. H. [End page 207] [Begin page 208] Michigan State Agricultural College Lansing March 29th 1871 Special meeting of the State Board of Agriculture. Present. Messrs Wills, Prutzman, Knapp, Childs, Abbot and the Secretary, pro tem. The Records of the four previous meetings were read and approved. [Books of S. Howard] It was. Resolved, That the sum of thirty-five and 50/100 dollars be appropriated from the matriculation fees of the year. to purchase books offered for sale by Mrs Sanford Howard, and that the President of the College be authorized to make the necessary negociations. [Entomology Cases] [Botany Specimens] Resolved. That the sum of Seventy-five dollars be appropriated for Entomological cases in the muesum, and the sum of Twenty five dollars for microscopic illustrations to [Gray?] Structural Botany. [Library] Resolved. That the matriculation fees of the year be appropriated to the purchase of books for the Library. [Extra pay in lieu of Houses] Resolved. That an appropriation be made, as an equivalent for rent of houses to professors Cook and Beal, of the sum of one hundred and twenty dollars for each. [Addition to Dwelling] Resolved. That an addition be constructed to the house occupied by Professor Fairchild, of brick, 22 X 25 feet. to consist of kitchen, pantry, dining room, and nursery, at a cost not exceeding $80000; provided Professor Fairchild bear one half the expense should it not exceed $70000: and $35000 of the cost. if it should exceed $70000 [Haven Claim Refused] The committee apointed to examine the claim of Martin Haven. for damages against the college in the loss of sheep, to the amount of $67554. reported: That the claim has no validity against the State Board of Agriculture, evidence being fur- nished the committee that the sheep were received on the College Farm with the express understanding that the risk of loss was to be entirely with the owner of the Sheep. The Report was accepted and adopted [End page 208 [Begin page 209] A communication for Isa [Crouse?] President of Livingston County Agricultural Society. in regard to aiding at the next annual Fair of that Society, was laid on the table. [Farm Report] The Report of the Superintendent of the Farm Department on plan of opperations for the year was read and accepted. The portion relating to the cultivation of crops was adopted. The portion relating to drainage was adopted provided the Superintendent hire men not to exceed one month for one man. The Board then adjourned till 7 o'clock P.M. At 8½ o'clock the Board met the same members being present as in the afternoon with the exception of Mr Prutzman and the addition of Mr Hosford It was voted That the Board proceed to the election of officers. [Bd. Officers] H.G. Wells was elected President of the Board. and R. Haigh Jr. Secretary pro. tem [Treasurers Bond] Voted. That the bond of Ephram Longyear as Treasurer of the Board and College be approved. [Morris, Foreman] Voted. That the appointment, by the president of the College, of Willard K. Norris as foreman of the Farm be approved. [Z. Chandler Swamp Land] H.G. Wells chairman of the Special Com- mittee on Swamp lands, reported the sale to Hon. Z. Chandler of 373 acres of Swamp land for the sum of $37300 which money was in the hands of the Treasurer of the Board. [Standing Com.] Voted that the President of the Board proceed to the appointment of standing committees The following were appointed On Accounts, Messrs Prutzman & Abbot " Farm Messrs Childs and Phillips " Hort. Dept " Wells and Knapp " Officers & Employees " Hosford and Abbot [End page 209] [Begin page 210] Buildings Furniture & Messrs Knapp and Prutzman College property [Chem.l Laboratory] It was voted That the committee on be buildings ^ requested to obtain propositions for the erection of the New Laboratory on the enlarged plans of Dr Kedzie. as soon as possible Adjourned till 8 o'clock tomorrow March 30. 9 oclock A.M – The following resolutions were adopted and ordered to be put on the records. [Secty. Howard Resolutions] Whereas the Secretary of this Board the Hon. Sanford Howard was removed from us by death on the ninth of March. Therefore: Resolved. that we recognize in our late Secretary a man of eminent abilities, and acquirements, and national reputation, in matters relating to agriculture in all its branches: and that we cherish a grateful memory of the many private virtues that endeared him to us and made him universally respected. Resolved that we tender to his afflicted widow and children, our sincere sympathy with them in their deep sorrow. It was. Voted that Mr Howard entire Salary be paid for one month from the time it was last paid, and that the President of the College be directed to adjust all outstanding accounts between with Mr Howard and the Board. [Laboratory Site] Voted that the President of the Board be authorized to determine the location of the new Laboratory building. [Contract] Voted. that the proposition of Messrs Edwards & Cooper be accepted, and that a contract be entered into with them for the erection of the New Laboratory building. according to the enlarged plan, for the sum of $890700 The Board then to a recess till 1.30 P.M. Voted that Messrs Knapp & Childs constitute a building committee [End page 210] [Begin page 211] Resolved that the sum of Four Thousand Dollars of the appropriation made by the Legislature for the construction of a Chemical Laboratory be drawn from the State Treasury in the hands of the Treasurer of the Board. [Laboratory Funds] Resolved that the President and ec S^retary of the Board be authorized to draw from the State Treasury into the hands of the Treasurer of the Board from time to time such sums of the appropriation made by the Legislature for the construction of a Chemical Laboratory, as may be needed to pay for the construction and furnishing of the same. [Pig Pen] Voted that Five Hundred Dollars of the Swamp Land Fund be appropriated for the construction of a pig pen. [ " " ] Voted that the President of the College be authorized to select a location for the new pig pen. Adjourned R.Haigh Jr. secretary Pro tem Michigan State Agricultural College Lansing May 31st 1871 Regular meeting of the State Board of Agriculture. Present Messrs Wells. Prutzman, Knapp, Hosford, Childs, Abbot and the Secretary The records of the previous meeting were read and approved. [Laboratory Contract] Mr Knapp. Chairman of the Special building committee, reported the completion of the con- tract with Messrs Edwards & Cooper for the con- struction of the New Laboratory. which contract was deposited with the president of the College. Mr Knapp also reported an agreement made with Edwards & Cooper for constructing the addition to the cottage occupied by Professor Fairchild It was Resolved that two thousand dollars of the appropriation made for current expenses be drawn from the State Treasury [End page 211] [Begin page 212] into the hands of the Treasurer of the College. Resolved: [Fair Exhibit] That the Faculty of the College be directed to make an exhibition from the different departments of the College at the State Fair. Resolved. [Insurance] That the President of the College be directed to effect insurance on the College Hall. Resolved. [ R ] [Labor assignments] That two Hundred and Seventy- five ($27500) be appropriated to the Farm Department for the purchase of a team of horses for the use of the department. Resolved [Stock] That Dr Miles be authorized to purchase Ayrshire, Alderney or Hereford, and Galaway Stock with the proceeds of the sales of Stock – but not to exceed the sum of Eight Hundred and fifty dollars ($85000). Resolved [Dr Kedzie Barn] That the President of the College be authorized to pay Dr Kedzie for materials used in the construction of the barn built by him provided the sum does not exceed Three Hundred dollars Resolved [Horse Barn] That Two Thousand dollars ($200000) of the Swamp Land fund be appropri- ated to the building of a Horse barn. under the direction of the Farm Superintendent of the College. The Committee on Farm Management and the building comittee. Resolved, [Law Amendment] That the committee on Farm Management and the Superintendent of the Farm Department be a committee to [End page 212] [Begin page 213] report at the next meeting rules and suggestions necessary for the carrying out of the amendament to the law reorganizing the College. approved April 17, 1871. Resolved That an extra meeting of this Board be held on the third day of the State Fair, at Kalamazoo, in the Office of the President of the State Agricultural Society at 2 P.M. Resolved [Lightning Rods] That the Faculty be authorized to have the new College Hall supplied with lightening rods Resolved [Wm K. Kedzie Collection Eggs] That the thanks of the State Board of Agriculture be given to Wm K. Kedzie for the beautiful case of birds eggs he has presented to the College Adjourned R. Haigh Jr. Secretary Pro tem The following is the contract for the new Laboratory: [Laboratory Contract] Memorandum of an agreement made and entered into this 30th day of March A.D. 1871. by and between D. Edwards & Abrm Cooper, builders of the city of Ypsilanti. Washtenaw County. Michigan. parties of the first part, principals, and D.L. Quirk and C. Yost, their Sureties of the said City of Ypsilanti and the State Board of Agriculture, of the State of Michigan by its building Committee. S.O. Knapp and J. [illegible in original] childs part of the second part. This memorandum Witnesseth that the said D. Edwards & Abrm Cooper, with their Sureties D.L. Quirk agreed and C. Yost hereby ^ & find themselves to erect & finish for the consideration hereinafter mentioned a building to be used as a chemical laboratory at Such point on the Agricultural College Farm near the City of Lansing as may be designated by the president of the State Board of Agriculture of the State of Michigan. [End page 213] [Begin page 214] Said Laboratory to be erected and finished in accordance with plans and specifications accompanying this memorandum which are designated by the letters A.B.C. It is hereby expressly understood and agreed, by the contracting parties hereto, that said Laboratory building, in its material, construction & entire finish, is to exhibit good taste, patience and skill on the part of the builders and their employees, & when completed to be creditable in every respect, to themselves and the Sovereighn people of the State of Michigan In consideration of the foregoing covenents and agreements on the part of said D. Edwards & Abrm Cooper & their sureties, the Said State Board of Agriculture, through its building Committee, finds and obligates its to pay said Edwards & Cooper the sum of Eight thousand nine hundred & Seven dollars in payments as follows: three thousand dollars on the execution of this agreement, three thousand dollars when the walls of building herein provided for, are finished & the balance of said first above mentioned sum, when said building is completed & accepted by the State Board of Agriculture. Given under our hands this day & year above Stated, in duplicate D. Edwards Abrm Cooper Signed D.L. Quirk \ Sureties C. Yost / S.O. Knapp \ Building J. Webster Childs / Committee [End page 214] [Begin page 215] Michigan State Agricultural College Lansing August 30, 1871 Regular meeting of the State Board of Agriculture. with a full Board present. The Records of the previous meeting were read and approved The following reports from the Faculty was accepted and approved: [New Curriculum] The Faculty respectfully request the Board of Agriculture to adopt a revised course of Study, varying in no essentials from the one in the catalogue for 1870, the course recommended is herewith submitted, they also desire permission to arrange the studies of the classes for two years and a half in a way to lead the classes readily into the new course. [Fair Exhibits] The Faculty of the College respectfully represent that the Exhibition of College stock, fruit and other things at the state fair or other fairs is a serious interruption to the studies, lectures, and labor of the students, and ask the Board to reconsider and rescind the order toe xhibit at the State Fair. It was resolved that the sum of Three Thousand Two Hundred and fifty dollars of the sum appropriated for the current expenses of the College be drawn from the State Treasury in to the hands of the Treasurer of the Board. Resolved that the sum of One Thousand Two Hundred and Twenty six dollars be drawn from the Land Grant fund into the hands of the Treasurer of the Board. [Library Room] Resolved that the Faculty be authorized to transfer the Library from the present room into that now used as a Chemical Laboratory when the same shall cease to be used as a Laboratory [Fruit Garden] A resolution appropriating Seventy dollars to the Horticultural Department for the formation of a small fruit garden in accordance with plans and Estimates presented, was referred to Committee the ^ on Horticultural Department, the President of the College and the Superintendent of the Horticultural Department [End page 215] [Begin page 216] with power to act. The Board then adjourned for dinner and to attend the Junior Exhibition to be held in the college chapel at 2. P.M. Thursday A.M. August 31st The following report from Committee on Accounts was accepted and adopted: [Accounts] The Committee on Accounts report that they have Examinined the accounts and vouchers of the several warrants named below, and find them correct, and recommend their allowance by the Board. Warrants numbered 1462 to 1558 inclusive, Excepting the following: No's 1467, 1501, 1504, 1507, 1511, 1517, 1518, 1522, 1548, 1550, 1553. A record of all the warrants in order, with names of persons to whom they are drawn, the bills paid by them, and the sums paid , is kept in a book belonging to the College Signed A.C. Prutzman \ Committee T.C. Abbot / The following report from the faculty was referred to a committee consisting of the President of the Board and the President of the College. Sometime since the Board authorized the faculty to lay out the grounds of the College, and the faculty appointed a committee of their own number to do it. The work, so far as carried on does not seem to satisfy. [Landscape Gardener] I respectfully propose that the Board take measures to provide for the proper laying out of the College grounds, planting of trees, location of buildings etc. by a competent Landscape Gardener, soo soon as means can be spared after paying the ordinary current expenses of the College: T.C. Abbot. Pres't [Re organizing] A report from the Committee appointed to suggest report "rules and suggestions necessary for carrying out the Law reorganizing the College" was received, accepted and laid in the table. It was resolved that the Board [End page 216] [Begin page 217] hold a special meeting on Tuesday November 14. 1871. beginning at 9. oclock a.m. Adjourned R Haigh Jr. Secretary Pro. tem. Michigan State Agricultural College Lansing Nov 14th 1871 Special meeting of the State Board of Agriculture All members present except Gov. Baldwin The Regular order of business was dispensed with and the following preamble and resolutions adopted: Whereas The Senior class of the present year have completed their course of study and have been recommended by the Faculty for graduation, Therefore [B.S.] Resolved that the degree of Bachelor of Science be conferred on E Burritt Fairfield George D. Moore Peter H. Felker John W. Porter Byron L. Halsted Frank A. Sessions Henry P. Halsted Edward M. Shelton Robert F. Kedzie Richard M. Slocum John J. Kerr [Dalston?] P. Strange [M.S.] Resolved that the degree of Master of Science, be conferred on John Swift of the class of Sixty Eight The Board then adjourned to attend the Commencement Exercises. Nov 15th Regular Meeting of the Board all members present except Gov. Baldwin and M. Hosford The Records of the previous meeting were read and approved. [Resignation of Rockwell & W.W. Tracy] The Committee on Officers and Employees reported advising the acceptance of the resignation of Mr S.S. Rockwell as Steward in January next. and the resignation of Will W. Tracy as Sup't of the Horitcultural Department for June 30, 1872 [End Page 217] [Begin page 218] with exressions of Satisfaction on the part of the Board with the way these officers have performed their several duties. [Union of Botany & Horticulture] [under W.J. Beal at $1800] The Committee advised the uniting of the Departments of Botany and Horticulture and Superintendency of the Horticultural Department from and after June 30.th 1872, and recommended that Prof. Beal be from that date Professor of Botany and Superintend- ent of the Horticultural Department and that his salary from that date, in consideration of afternoon, Satuday and vacation superin- tendency be at the rate of $180000 a year. [Chair Mathematics] The Committee also advised the establish- ment of a professorship of pure and applied mathematics & engineering, and that it be filled June 30th 1872. [ " " ] The Report was accepted. The part relative to the establishment of a professorship of Pure and Applied Mathematics & Engineering was, by vote, laid on the table for one year. [Tracy & Rockwell] The part relative to the resignations of Messrs Rockwell and Tracy was adopted, and authority was, by vote, conferred on the Commit- tee to fill the vacancies [Uniting Depts.] The part of the report relative to the uniting of Departments, from and after June 30, 1872. the appointment of Prof Beal and his Salary was, by vote adopted Resolved. That the sum of Four Thousand Two Hundred and fifty dollars from the appropriation made by the Legislature, and Eight Hundred forty & 44/100 dollars, from the land grant fund be drawn from the State Treasury into the hands of the Treasurer of the Board. Resolved, that Eight Thousand dollars of the appropriation of the State to the College for 1872, be drawn from the State Treasury into the hands of the Treasurer of the Board Several reports from members of the faculty were received, accepted and laid on the table. [End page 218] [Begin page 219] Resolved that when the Board adjourn, it be until December 20th 1871. at 9 oclock A.M. Adjourned R. Haigh Jr. Sec'y Michigan State Agricultural College Lansing Dec 20.th 1871. Special meeting of the State Board of Agriculture present Messrs Wells. Prutzman Knapp. Childs. Abbot and the Secretary. The Records of the previous meeting were read and approved. The following reports from the Committee on accounts were received and adopted: [Accounts] The committee on accounts report that they have examined the accounts and vouchers for all warrants drawn, and not heretofore allowed by the Board from number 1462 to number 1653 inclusive, and find them correct, and recommend that they be allowed by the Board. The Committee would [also?] report that they have audited the following accounts, viz.: Farm accounts - $2286.97 note. these accounts are covered by warrants: 1661, 1662, 1663, for $50000 each & 1664 $78697 Horte Departments accounts: 21864 Covered by warrants 1511 for $5000 1655 $16864 Farm House accounts: 394.58 Warrants: 1501 $7500 1657 $31958 T.C. Abbot. Warrant 1658 78.28 W.S. George & Co " 1659 & 1660 156.75 Boarding Hall 4025.80 Warrants: 1665, 1666, for $100000 each. " 1667, 1668 & 1669 $50000 " " 1670 52580 " Library Committee: $198.23 and find them and the vouchers correct and recommend that the president be directed to pay them. [End page 219] [Begin page 220] [Farm Plans] The Committee on Farm Management reported the plan of operations for 1872, which was adopted, except the portion refer- ring to the road across the marsh, which was referred back to the committee with power to act. [Secty or Prest. Draw Funds] It was Resolved, that the president and Secretary of the Board be authorized to draw from time to time until the next meeting of the Board, from the State Treasury into the hands of the Treasurer of the Board, any sums arising from the Land Grant interest fund which may be subject to the order of this Board. [Hinman Tax Title] Resolved that President Abbot be instructed to state to Mr Wm Hinman that in view of the action of the Legislature and the opinion of the Attorney General of the State, as given to the Legislature in House document No 43 Legislature 1865 this Board declines to take any action with reference to his claim by tax title of a portion of the College grounds. Adjourned R. Haigh Jr Secy P.T. [End page 220]