|
|
Michigan State Agricultural College BY PRESIDENT ABBOT
The persons who were to constitute the first board are named in the law, section 36. They all served the periods for which they severally drew lots, except Mr. Silas A. Yerkes, of Lowell, Michigan. He met two or three times with the board, and in October resigned his place to enter the army. He entered as second lieutenant of the 13th infantry, became captain February 26, 1863. He was wounded at Chickamauga, September 19, 1863, was bre-vetted major for meritorious conduct, and discharged when no longer able to serve his country as a soldier, May 15, 1865. Mr. Yerkes' place was supplied, by election of the board, by Abraham C. Prutzman, of Three Rivers, who remained a member of the board until 1873. When his term expired he was a member of the senate, and ineligible to a renewed appointment.
February 27 was the time for the beginning of the term, under the old regime, but by legislative action the opening was deferred until such time as the new board should set for it. The board held their first meeting April 4. Governor Blair, member ex-officio, was elected president of the board, and lots were cast for terms of office. Mr. Philo Parsons, of Detroit, and Mr. Justus Gage, of Dowagiac, drew for two years. Mr. David Carpenter, of Blissfield, and Mr. Hezekiah G. Wells, of Kalamazoo, drew for four years,. and Messrs. Yerkes and Charles Rich, of Lapeer, drew for six years. Mr. Langford G. Berry was made treasurer.
The 17th of April the term opened. Messrs. Fiske, Abbot, Thurber, and
Miles were re-appointed to their professorships, in accordance with the course
of study required by law, Mr. Abbot taking as his department, history and
English literature. Mr. J. G. Ramsdell, now Judge Ramsdell, of Traverse
City, gave instruction in book-keeping, and the laws and rules of business.
Michigan State
Page 42
|
|
|
|
|
|