Pioneer history of Ingham County, compiled and arranged by Mrs. Franc L. Adams, secretary of the Ingham County pioneer and historical society.

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PIONEER HISTORY OF INGHAM COUNTY

cation being taught by competent teachers), six to labor and the
balance to sleep, eating and recreation. A chapel in which religious services are held each Sabbath, a reading room and a
bathing room are attached to the school, and are always accessible
to the boys. The Superintendent, Mr. Robinson, is a gentleman
who thoroughly understands his position, and never for a moment
loses sight of the great object of the institution, the reformation of
the youth under his charge.. His firm but kind mode of conducting the school has not only made him a favorite with the boys,
but has been the means of saving many of them from the consequence of vicious training.
STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.
Faculty of Instruction.
Lewis R. Fiske, A. M., professor of agricultural chemistry.
T. C. Abbott, A. M., professor of history and English literature.
George Thurber, M. D., professor of botany and horticulture.
Manly Miles, M. D., professor of zoology and animal physiology
James Bayley, superintendent of the farm.
J. G. Ramsdell, instructor in bookkeeping.
This institution, although generally regarded as one of the
public buildings of Lansing, in reality is three and one-half miles
distant from the city, and within the limits of the township of
Meridian. The tract was purchased by the State Agricultural
Society on the 16th of June, 1855, and comprises 676.57 acres.
It lies on both sides of the Cedar river, and is regarded as a judicious and admirable location, although it was nearly in a state
of nature at the time of the purchase. The soil, fortunately for
the institution, embraces nearly every variety known to Michigan, while the surface is sufficiently diversified to admit of all the
various experiments deemed desirable.
Under the superintendence of S. M. Bartlett, of Monroe, a college building 100 x 50 feet, and a boarding house of nearly equal
size, each three stories high, and of brick, have been erected, and
others are in contemplation.
The object of the Agricultural College is to give to students a
thorough, practical and theoretical education to fit them to enter
understandingly upon that profession which the immortal Wash