Erasmus Darwin MacMaster, bulk: 1838 - 1868, bulk: 1844 - 1890
Scope and Contents
The collection consists of correspondence and printed materials primarily relating to MacMaster's tenure as Miami University President. Included his resignation address and his final report to the Miami University Board of Trustees.
Dates
- Majority of material found within 1838 - 1868
- Majority of material found within 1844 - 1890
Creator
- Anderson, W. C. (William Caldwell), 1804-1870 (Person)
- President. Miami University (Oxford, Ohio) (Organization)
Conditions Governing Access
Materials do not circulate and and made available to users in the Miami University Archives.
Conditions Governing Use
Materials do not circulate and are made available to users in the Miami University Archives.
Biographical / Historical
Erasmus D. MacMaster was born in Mercer Pennsylvania on February 4, 1806. He earned an A.B. from Union College, Chicago, Illinois in 1827. MacMaster was licensed by the Reformed Presbytery of New York on June 16, 1829, and ministered in Ballston N.Y. from 1831 to 1838. After serving as President of Hanover College in Hanover, Indiana from 1838 to 1845, MacMaster accepted the presidency of Miami University. His Miami tenure was plagued by smallpox and cholera outbreaks and conflicts with the student body culminating in the so-called "Snowball Rebellion" in January 1848. By the time of MacMaster's departure from Miami in 1849, enrollment had dwindled to sixty-eight students and the University faced major financial problems. MacMaster went on the serve on the faculty of the New Albany, Indiana and Theological Seminary in New Albany. At the time of his death on December 10, 1866, MacMaster was Professor of Theology at Northwestern Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois.
Biographical / Historical
Birth-Death
1806-1866
Term
1845-49
Holdings
Erasmus D. MacMaster Collection, 1838-1968 (bulk 1844-90).
0.1 linear ft.
Organized into the following series: I. Addresses and sermons, 1838-56; II. Correspondence with the Miami Board of Trustees and Miscellaneous correspondence, 1838-57; III. Miscellaneous Materials, 1845,1968.
Arranged chronologically within each series.
Correspondence and printed material mainly related to MacMaster's tenure as Miami University President. Includes MacMaster's resignation address and his final report to the Miami Board of Trustees.
Acquired from various sources.
Finding aid in repository; folder level control.
Cite as: Erasmus D. MacMaster Collection, Miami University Archives, Oxford, Ohio.
A. B., Union Coll., 1827. D.D. LL.D., Miami Univ., 1864. Licensed by the Reformed Presbytery of New York, June 16, 1829. Pastor Presb. Church, Ballston, N.Y., 1831-38. President Hanover Coll., Ind, 1838-45. President, Miami Univ., 1845-49. Prof. Systematic Theology in Theo. Sem., New Albany, Ind., 1850-66. Professor, Theology, Northwestern Theol. Sem., Chicago, June 2-Dec. 10, 1866. Born, Mercer, Pa., Feb, 4, 1806. Died, Chicago, Dec. 10, 1866. Vide, sketch and portrait, Presbyterian Encyclopedia, p. 506. [Miami University Alumni Directory, Centennial Directory, p. xix]
Bibliography:
Samuel Spahr Laws, "The Administration of Erasmus Darwin MacMaster, D.D., LL.D." In The Diamond Anniversary Volume. Edited by Walter Lawrence Tobey and William Oxley Thompson. Hamilton, O.: Republican Publishing Company, [1899], pp. 107-49 [ARCHIVES REF]
John W. Noble. "The Junkin-MacMaster Administrations," In Historical Addresses Delivered to the Alumni In Connection with the Centennial Commencement Exercises of Miami University, June 12-17, 1909. Miami Bulletin ser.8, n.3 (September 1909): 14-18.
Extent
1 Boxes
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
Collection of materials related to the life and career of nineteenth century American academic and theologian Erasmus D. MacMaster.
Abstract
President; Presidents' Junkin, MacMaster, Anderson, Stoddard, Hall, and Stanton Collection; 1841-1871;1961 Box 1 [13A-A-2A] Contents: George Junkin Addresses and Publications, 1836-53 1. The Vindication, Containing a History of the Trial of the Rev. Albert Barnes, by the Second Presbytery and by the Synod of Philadelphia . . . Philadelphia: Printed by Wm. S. Martien, 1836. 2. A Treatise on Justification. Philadelphia: Whetham, 1839. 3. Two Addresses Delivered at Oxford, Ohio, On Occasion of the Inauguration of Rev. Geor. Junkin, D.D. as President of Miami University. Cincinnati: Western Church Press, 1841. 4. The Integrity of Our National Union, vs. Abolitionism: An Argument From the Bible, . . . Cincinnati: Printed by R. P. Donogh, 1843. 5. The Baccalaureate in Miami University, Delivered, August 8th, A.D. 1844. . . Rossville: J. M. Christy, Printer, 1844. 6. The Little Stone and the Great Image; or, Lectures on the Prophecies Symbolized in Nebuchadnezzar's Vision of the Golden Headed Monster, . . . Philadelphia: James M. Campbell, 1844. 7. A Plea for North-Eastern Pennsylvania. The Tenth Baccalaureate in Lafayette College. . . Easton, Pa.: J. P. Hetrich, 1845. 8. The Rights of Colleges in "The Literary Fund," Vindicated: Being the Baccalaureate in Washington College, Virginia. [Delivered at Commencement, July 3rd, 1853,] . . . Richmond: Ritchies and Dunnavant, Printers, 1854. 9. An Address Delivered Before the Literary Societies of Rutgers College. New York: Pruden and Martin, 1856.[xerox copy] Presidency, 1840-44 1. Junkin's correspondence with Trustees (1840-44). a. To Joel Collins, accepting Presidency of Miami (December 25, 1840). b. To Joel Collins, re. payments to individuals in Oxford and Junkin's views on abolition (November 8, 1842). c. Junkin's resignation from the presidency and Trustees' acceptance (October 12, 1844) 2. Junkin's reports to the Trustees (1842-44). a. Junkin's acceptance of the "duties of superintendent of public grounds and buildings, and conditions (April 12, 1842). b. Report (April 12, 1852). c. Report (November 25, 1843). d. Report/To the Committee on the vacant Professorship (November 24, 1843). e. No.1-The Superintendent's Report on Fuel (1843). f. No.2-Superintendent's Report (August 1843). g. "Gentleman of the Board" (August 1843). h. Resolution setting the President's salary at $1300 (August 1843?)/Petitions from the Alumni . . . Relation to President Junkin (August 6, 1844?). i. Report/Superintendents Report (November 24, 1843). j. To Rev. Jas. G. Barnes, etc. (April 13, 1844). k. "Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Board, . . . " (July 26, 1844). 3. Superintendent's Report (August 5, 1844). 4. Extract of journal re. Junkin's Inauguration (August 11, 1841). 5. Correspondence re. Alpha Delta Phi and secret societies at Miami (1844 and undated). a. "Gentlemen of the Board . . . " (August 6, 1844). b. Junkin's resolution prohibiting secret societies at Miami (n.d.). c. Report of the Committee to whom was referred the subject of the Alpha Delta Phi society (n.d.). 6. Letters and memorials to the Trustees requesting Junkin's resignation (1844, and undated). a. W. H. Rogers [Address in Maysville?](July 30, 1844). b. From alumni meeting in Oxford, Union Hall, W. M. Corry (August 7, 1844). c. "Your memorialists, alumni of the university . . . L. W. Chalfant"[4 signatures] (n.d.). d. Memorial from 22 alumni (n.d.) e. Memorial from 7 alumni (n.d.) f. Memorial from 7 alumni (n.d.) g. Memorial from 9 alumni (n.d.) h. Memorial from 5 alumni (n.d.) Correspondence, Miscellaneous, 1840, 1863 1. Miscellaneous correspondence. a. George Andrew [student] to his father, recommending Junkin (December 6, 1840). b. George Junkin to "Br.?" re. student discipline and dismissal (April 24, 1863). Family Correspondence, 1841-43 1. Junkin family correspondence. [copies] [Letters from Junkin's wife and daughter to other family members that deal mainly with personal affairs. Some letters contain critical references to Oxford and Miami University. Originals in possession of Miss Janet Preston, Baltimore, as per cover letter dated July 15, 1992. Copies acquired from Mary P. Coulling.] a. Ellie Junkin, Miami Valley, to Miss Helen Dickey, Oxford, Pennsylvania (April 17, 1841). b. Ellie Junkin, Miami Valley, to Miss Helen Dickey, Oxford, Pennsylvania (July 10, 1841). c. Julia R. Junkin, Oxford, Ohio, to Mrs. Jane M. Dickey, Oxford, Chester Co., Pennsylvania (September 9, 1841). d. Julia R. Junkin, Oxford, Ohio, to Mrs. Jane M. Dickey, Oxford, Chester Co., Pennsylvania (December 20, 1842). e. Ellie Junkin, Paradise, to Miss Helen Dickey, Oxford, Chester Co., Pennsylvania (June 25, 1842). f. Ellie Junkin, Paradise, to Miss Helen Dickey, Oxford, Chester Co., Pennsylvania (October 5, 1842). g. Julia R. Junkin, Oxford, Ohio, to Mrs. Janet M. Dickey, Oxford, Chester Co., Pennsylvania (March 7, 1843). h. Julia R. Junkin, Oxford, Ohio, to Mrs. Jane M. Dickey, Oxford, Chester Co. Pennsylvania (March 7, 1843) Miscellaneous, 1841-1996 and undated 1. "Trouble Brewing in Ohio," and "Miami University" The Protestant and Herald (November 3, 1842; February 3, 1843) 2. [T. E. Thomas?]. A Review of the Rev. Dr. Junkin's Synodical Speech, in Defence of American Slavery; Delivered September 19th and 20th, and Published December 1843; With an Outline of the Bible Argument Against Slavery. Cincinnati: Printed at the Daily Atlas Office, 1844. 3. "Exercises at the Unveiling of the Junkin Memorial Tablet, at Lafayette College, Easton, Pa., Tuesday May 24, 1887" (n.p.). [Cover title: Junkin Memorial Tablet] 4. "Fireside Musings: Dr. George Junkin." Oxford Press (May 14, 1897). [copy] 5. Jim Zbick, "Secession Fever on a Southern Campus," America's Civil War (March 1996): 26-32. 6. Critique of Junkin's pamphlet opposing Anti-Slavery movement (probably by Robert Hamilton Bishop) in Princeton Review (n.d.) Erasmus Darwin MacMaster Addresses and Sermons, 1838-56 1. A Discourse Delivered November 7th, 1838, on the Occasion of the Author's Inauguration as President of Hanover College, Indiana. Hanover, Ind.: Published by the Board of Trustees of the College, 1838. a. Addresses at the inauguration of Rev. E.D. MacMaster as President of Miami University, Ohio, August 13th, 1845. Cincinnati: Printed for the University by E. Shepard, 1845. [Call # LD3241/.M548/1845] 2. Impending Judgments Averted by Repentance: . . . Cincinnati: Printed by John D. Thorpe, 1849. 3. An Address on the Occasion of the Author's Resigning the Office of President of Miami University, Commencement Day, August 9th, 1849. Cincinnati: Printed by J. A. and U. P. James, 1849. 4. 'Omicron,' Review of an Address of E. D. MacMaster on the Occasion of His Resigning the Office of President of Miami University on Commencement Day. August 9, 1849. Cincinnati: C. Clark, 1849 5. The True Life of a Nation. An Address, Delivered at the Invitation of the Erodelphian and Eccritean Societies . . . New Albany, In.: Printed by Norman, Morrison, and Matthews, 1856 Correspondence with the Miami Board of Trustees and Miscellaneous Correspondence, 1838-57 1. Correspondence with the Miami Board of Trustees a. MacMaster to Joel Collins, accepting the Presidency of Miami University (December 9, 1844) b. MacMaster to the Board of Trustees, final report to the Board (August 9, 1849) c. MacMaster to the President and Board of Trustees re. sale of a draft on the Treasurer (September 20, 1849) 2. Miscellaneous correspondence a. E. Nott to MacMaster, containing recommendation for the Rev. Mr. Murdoch (July 10, 1838) b. Thomas E. Thomas, Rossville, to MacMaster, Oxford, Ohio, re. "purchase of a library for the N. Albany Theological Seminary." Contains reference to the Trustees' selection of Dr. Anderson as Miami University President (June 26, 1849) c. W. B. Sprague to MacMaster, New Albany, Indiana, re. Presbyterian Church business (September 21, 1857)[also typed transcript] Miscellaneous Materials, 1845,1968 1. Program for MacMaster's inauguration as Miami University President (July 5, 1845) a. "MacMaster, D.D., Erasmus D.," in Presbyterian Historical Almanac, and Annual Remembrancer of the Church for 1867, vol.9, pp. 171-81, by Joseph M. Wilson. Philadelphia: Joseph M. Wilson, 1867. 2. Copy of Ripley's Believe It or Not clipping referring to MacMaster's remarkable memory [printed in Hamilton Daily News, December 16, 1968] William C. Anderson Contents: Materials Relating to Anderson's Presidency of Miami University, 1849-54, and undated 1. Correspondence (1849, 1854) a. Anderson to Hon. Jer. Morrow, Dayton, accepting the Presidency of Miami University (September 21, 1849) b. Anderson to the Miami Board of Trustees, letter of resignation (June 29, 1854) 2. "Inauguration of Rev. W. Anderson, D.D. . . ." (11 August 1850) 3. Reports to the Board of Trustees (1850-53, and undated) a. Report, reference to establishing a Department of English, which would "become a Normal school for the State" (August 6, 1850) b. Report, Reference to the Department of English and Normal School (June 24, 1851) c. Superintendent’s Report (1851) d. Superintendent’s Report, with references to planting of trees [120] and hedge, students burning the privy, and need to raise the salaries of Professors (June 22, 1852) e. Report (June 24, 1953) f. Superintendent’s Report (June 24, 1853) g. Report (n.d.)[not in materials returned from Special Collections] h. Report (n.d.) Orange Nash Stoddard Addresses and Publications, 1855-85 1. A Comprehensive Education, Truly Practical: An Address Delivered . . . February 9, 1855. Oxford, O.: Published by the students; Printed at the Citizen Book and Job Printing Office, 1855. 2. Relations Between Mind and Body. Reprinted from The Post-Graduate and Wooster Quarterly, October, 1887. Wooster, O.: Wayne County Herald Print., 1887. 3. "Friends of Miami:" address for a reunion (June 17, 1885) Board of Trustees Materials, 1845-70 and undated 1. Stoddards's reports to the Board of Trustees re. the classes under his instruction (1845-51, 1853-58) 2. Stoddard's reports to the Board of Trustees re. the classes under his instruction (1861-70 and undated) 3. Resolution of the Board of Trustees re. Stoddard's resignation [1870?] Correspondence 1870 4. Stoddard to R. L. Stanton, re. resignation from Miami and acceptance of post at Wooster (April 2, 1870) Family 1934-36 and undated 1. Family a. Mary Stoddard Longbrake, Dayton, Ohio, to Alfred Upham, letter containing brief reminiscences of her father, Dr. Stoddard (October 27, [1934]) [original and copy] b. News clip re. Longbrake letter (n.d.)[copy] 2. Death of Mary Stoddard Longbrake a. Mary Longbrake Harshman, Dayton, Ohio, to Alfred Upham regarding her mother Mary Stoddard Longbrake's death in December 1935 (March 8, 1936) b. Alfred Upham to Mary Longbrake Harshman expressing sympathy at death of her mother (11 March 1936)[copy] John W. Hall Addresses, 1846-55 1. Address on Female Education Delivered July 10, 1846, . . . Dayton, O.: Published by the Board of Trustees; R. N. and W.F. Coney, Printers, 1846 2. Speech on Collegiate Education, Delivered by Rev. J. W. Hall, D.D. at his Inauguration as President of Miami University, June 1855. Cincinnati, O.: Moore, Wilstach, Keys, 1855 a. The Speeches Delivered at the Inauguration of Rev. J.W. Hall, As President of Miami University, June 28, 1855, . . . Cincinnati: Moore, Wilstach, Keys, 1855 Annual Reports to the Miami Board of Trustees, 1855-66 1. Reports to the Board (1855-66) a. Report (June 27, 1855) b. Report, signed by O. N. Stoddard for the President (July 2, 1856) c. Report (June 29, 1857) d. Report (June 25, 1861) e. Report (1861) f. Report (1862) g. Report (June 30, 1863) h. Report (June 28, 1864)[fragment] i. Report (June 27, 1865) j. Report (June 28, 1866) Crisis in the Miami Modern Language Department, 1858-60 1. Hall to the Board of Trustees (June 28, 1858) 2. Hall to Mr. Chalfant, Chairman of the Board Committee appointed to look into the state of the University (November 15, 1859) 3. Hall to the Board of Trustees (July 2, 1860) 4. Report of the Trustees Committee on the Learned Languages 5. Crisis in the Modern Language Department (1859-60) a. J. McLain Smith to Hall (November 16, 1859) b. D. H. Evans to J. W. Hall (November 9, 1859?) c. Edward A. Guy to Hall (January 18, 1860) d. ? [Senior at Miami during 1858-59] to Hall (October 14, 1859) e. Josiah Morrow to Hall (October 14, 1859) f. George H. Fullerton? to Hall (November 15, 1859) g. Joel A. Battle, Jr. to Hall (November 9, 1859) h. A. F. Jones to Hall (January 18, 1860) i. Dickinson P. Thruston to Hall (December 1, 1859) j. D. M. Ure to Hall (November 26, 1859) 6. Crisis in the Modern Language Department (1859-60) a. A, M. Flory to Hall (October 9, 1859) b. Josiah Morrow to Hall (October 14, 1859) c. S. W. Davies to Hall (October 27, 1859) d. Charles B. Magill to Hall (November 12, 1859?) e. James R. Patterson to Hall (November 25, 1859) f. Jas. S. McDonald to Hall (January 10, 1860) g. W. Mark Williams to Hall(January 19, 1860) h. A. S. Dudley to Hall (January 25, 1860) i. Forster? to Hall (n.d.) Investigation of the Hall Administration, 1862-64 1. Report of the Faculty Committee, signed O. N. Stoddard, R. H. Bishop, R. W. McFarland, Charles Elliott, David Swing (March 7, 1862) 2. "Testimony taken before the Committee appointed to enquire into the condition of Miami University (September 9, 1863)[Witnesses: Rev. Wm. R. Rodgers; Rev. Mr. Kumler; Rev. L. L. Langstroth; R. H. Bishop; Peter Sutton; O. N. Stoddard; John H. Shuey; Dr. G. Keely; Dr. Goodrich; E. S. Brooks; J. M. Hall; Letters: John W. Falconer; Beclett and Millikin; R. W. McFarland]; Wm. McSurely to Aydelott re. Dr. Hall (September 14, 1863) 3. Report of the Committee of Trustees appointed to investigate the condition of the Miami University (1863); Views of B. P. Aydelotte upon the evidence before the Committee of Trustees to investigate the condition of Miami University (September, 1863) 4. 4 Letters to the Board of Trustees [1863] [Benjamin W. Chidlaw, John W. Herron, John M. Millikin, Robert W. Steele] 5. Remonstrance of the Junior Class against the removal of President Hall; Remonstrance of the Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior Classes, and the Preparatory Department [1864] 6. Memorandum re. Student testimony in disciplinary actions, signed R. H. Bishop, Charles Elliott, and R. W. McFarland; Results of inquiries regarding the practice of other colleges (June 16, 1863) 7. Letters solicited by President Hall on student testimony in disciplinary actions: Amherst College, Ohio Wesleyan, Marietta College, University of Michigan, Indiana State University, Williams College, Darmouth, Yale, Ohio University (1864) 8. Letters, some solicited, on Hall's administration, re. efficiency, Hall's loyalty to the Union, Southern sympathies, religion and morality, and discipline (1863) Miscellaneous, 1866-1958 1. Senior party invitation from Hall to M. Munns (May 25, 1866) 2. Report on Portrait of Dr. Hall. An account of funds, transaction. Chas. Webber, artist. Signed June 1886, Nelson Saylor 3. Henry Mitchell MacCracken, "The Administration of President John W. Hall, D.D., LL.D., 1854-66." [Copy of transcription from The Diamond Anniversary Album. Edited by Walter Lawrence Tobey and William Oxley Thompson. Hamilton, O.: Republican Publishing Company, {1899}, pp.167-84] 4. Gen. Woodhull to R. M. Hughes, Oxford, Ohio, re. author's days at old Miami. Printed in Miami Student (1916?). [Contains reminiscences of Dr. Hall] 5. [E. Marie Marshall] to Rev. James W. Marsall, Panama City, Florida, re. lack of information on Hall family at Miami (March 17, 1958)[copy] Robert L. Stanton 1. Female Heroism: An Address, Delivered Before the Literary Societies of theOxford Female College, June 24, 1857. Cincinnati: Moore, Wilstach, Keys and Co., 1857 2. Addresses on the Inauguration of Rev. R. L. Stanton as President of Miami University, June 27, 1867. Oxford, O.: Richard Butler, Printer, Citizen Printing House, 1867. [Includes address by William S. Grosbeck and Stanton's inaugural address] 3. Annual and Interim Reports, 1866-70 4. Stanton's Reports to the Trustees a. Stanton to the Board, Offers of endowments of Professorships by Presbyterian Synods (December 27, 1866) b. Annual Report to the Board (June 25, 1867) [not with materials sent from Special Collections] c. Addition to Annual Report (June 25, 1867) d. President's Second Annual Report [portions deal with establishing a Department of English Language and Literature under A. D. Hepburn; claim by J. B. Vail of tuition waiver under State Law; and request by African-American soldier for tuition-free admission by State Law](June 30, 1868) e. Annual Report (June 22, 1869) f. Report re. establishment of a department of Military Science under Col. Carlton (November 11, 1869) g. Report re. students in special courses (December 20, 1870) h. Fourth Annual Report (June 28, 1870) 5. Letters of Recommendation for Faculty Appointments, 1862-71 a. June 1862, April-June 1870 b. June 1871 c. Correspondence, 1870-73 and undated 6. Cleveland Abbe, Cincinnati Observatory, to R. L. Stanton turning down offered professorship (June 25, 1870) 7. R. L. Stanton, Cincinnati, Ohio, to Mrs. Rogers expressing regrets at the death of her husband (August 26, 1873) 8. Cleveland Abbe, Cincinnati, Ohio, to R. L. Stanton re. troubles of Cincinnati Observatory (June 25, 18--) 9. Board of Trustees and Stanton house, 1871-72 10. Board of Trustees and Stanton house I a. R. L. Stanton proposal to transfer his house to the Board (June 28, 1871) b. Board of Trustees resolutions in connection with Stanton's resignation (June 29, 1871) c. Pencil note: "Resolved . .." Conditions by Board for taking the House 11. Board of Trustees and Stanton house II a. Agreement by the Board of Trustees for taking over Stanton house. [Signed] John W. Herron, John M. Millikin, George W. Keely (June 2, 1872) b. "Statement concerning Dr. Stanton's house" (n.d.) 12. Receipts a. Receipt from U. S. Express Company for diplomas and express charges (July 10, 1868) b. Receipt for the payment of tuition, Prepatory Department, Joseph S. McCracken (June 20, 1870) 13. Dedication of the buildings facing the South Quadrangle of the South Campus of Miami University
Arrangement
Organized into the following series: I. Addresses and sermons, 1838-1856; II. Correspondence with the Miami University Board of Trustees and Miscellaneous Correspondence, 1838-1857; III. Miscellaneous Materials, 1845-1968. Arranged chronologically within each series.
Physical Location
Miami University Archives, King Library, 3rd Floor, Walter Havighurst Special Collections, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Acquired from various sources.
Existence and Location of Originals
http://archives.lib.muohio.edu/index.php
Other Descriptive Information
http://archives.lib.muohio.edu/show_subCat2.php?subCat1_id=3&&subCat1_name=1845-49,%20Erasmus%20D.%20MacMaster&&cat_id=4&&cat_name=President
Processing Information
The collection was processed by Bob Schmidt, University Archivist, Miami University Archives.
Repository Details
Part of the Miami University and Western College Memorial Archives Repository