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McNiece, Robert G. (Robert Gibson), 1839-1913. Westminster College Dean Robert G. McNiece correspondence, 1891-1908.

Title: Westminster College Dean Robert G. McNiece correspondence, 1891-1908.

This collection contains the incoming, outgoing, and third party correspondence of Robert G. McNiece during his service to Westminster College (Salt Lake City, Utah) as an original faculty member, member of the Board of Trustees, and college dean. The materials in the collection date from 1891-1908. The letters are authored by only a handful of individuals and address a variety of subjects relating to the founding and early years of Westminster College. The collection consists largely of correspondence regarding the use of Reverend Dr. Sheldon Jackson's property in Washington, D.C., and the activities of Thomas Gordon, the college's floundering investment agent. The majority of these letters are either addressed to or from R. G. McNiece. Other authors include General John Eaton (the college's first president), Colonel William M. Ferry and Jeannette H. Ferry (college benefactors), Thomas Gordon, and Sheldon Jackson. Third party correspondence consists mainly of letters concerning Gordon and the financial status of the college from Presbyterian organizations, prospective donors, and community members. On the whole, this collection accurately describes the financial situation of the early college. It presents a chronicle of the struggle of the college founders in trying to secure necessary funding to create a strong financial foundation and an endowment. The most central focus of this collection is the property in Washington, D.C. The property was originally owned by Sheldon Jackson, but donated to the college when he was unable to fulfill his original commitment to provide the college with a $50,000 grant (i.e., Jackson deeded the property to the college in place of his grant). It is believed that Jackson's inability to fulfill the original agreement allowed the college to change its name from Sheldon Jackson College to Westminster College (the name change was solidified in the provisions of Ferry's donation). The original agreement, based on Jackson's grant, was broken by Jackson himself. Complications arose when the college's financial agent, Thomas Gordon, was discovered to have abused his power of attorney for personal gain. The end result of Gordon's misappropriation was a substantial monetary loss for the college (amounting to about $35,000). No lawsuit was ever filed against Gordon, for fear that the negative publicity generated would doom the college. In 1902, trustee William M. Ferry would step in and provide the college with the funding it desperately needed, buying the property that the campus currently occupies. An outgoing letter (May 1898) from McNiece to Mrs. Jeanette H. Ferry mentions the plan to consolidate Sheldon Jackson College and the Salt Lake Collegiate Institute and informs Ferry that both Dr. Eaton and Dr. Jackson have given their approval.

ArchivalResource: 0.3 linear feet.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/727986885 View

Shriver, William P. (William Payne), 1872-1957. [Correspondence, 1906-1954 with Henry Sloan Coffin ... et al.] / William P. Shriver.

Title: [Correspondence, 1906-1954 with Henry Sloan Coffin ... et al.] / William P. Shriver.

ArchivalResource: l folder (12 items) ; 36 cm.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/8711692 View

Sweazey, George B. (George Beaty), 1875-1946. George B. Sweazey Salt Lake Collegiate Institute Principal's correspondence, 1903-1913.

Title: George B. Sweazey Salt Lake Collegiate Institute Principal's correspondence, 1903-1913.

This collection consists of the incoming correspondence and six examples of third-party correspondence of George B. Sweazey. The records begin sparsely in 1903 and continue steadily throughout the next decade, ending in December 1913. Sweazey was best known as the fourth principal of the Salt Lake Collegiate Institute. George Sweazey was also hired as the second faculty member of the Sheldon Jackson College (later renamed Westminster College) in 1897. Several important pieces of correspondence concerning Sweazey's promotion to principal of the Salt Lake Collegiate Institute are included in the series, with special emphasis on those from August 1903. Several letters from Caskey, the then current principal of the Institute, and George F. McAfee, the Superintendent of School Work for the Presbyterian Board of Home Missions, commend Sweazey on his work and attempt to persuade him to take the position of principal at the Institute. In one letter Robert G. McNiece, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church and chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Collegiate Institute, asks Sweazey to consider becoming principal so that the Collegiate Institute and Westminster College might be "closer to being one." A telegram from Charles L. Thompson, Secretary for the Board of Home Missions, on 1 September 1903, announces Sweazey's appointment and so begins correspondence dealing with the business, students and faculty of the Collegiate Institute. It includes correspondence between George F. McAfee, Robert G. McNiece, and a telegram from Charles L. Thompson; letters concerning the financial situation of the Salt Lake Collegiate Institute; letters from parents inquiring into their children's acceptance to school; letters from Mary Thomas, Gilbert Nance, and Theo Lei concerning tuition payments; correspondence with Harvey C. Olin, John F. Pingry, Rob M. Craig, George H. Mars, Chas F. Rowing, and Lou Paden; third party correspondence with B.F. Clark concerning Mr. Eiler J. Freece. The majority of the correspondence deals with the business arrangements and the students of the Institute. Sweazey was well known for his generous nature, which is evident in the overwhelming number of letters concerning financial aid and placement of students. Parents would often write considering their children's admission to the school; frequently asking for work or a place for their child to board at school. The letters of various parents can be tracked through the series ending usually with them thanking Sweazey for admitting their children into the school. Despite the leniency displayed toward students, the business records found in the collection show careful financial dealings. Several groups of letters deal with the purchases of books for the school library. Other business affairs include buying diplomas and advertisements for the school. An extended communication was maintained between Sweazey and the treasurer of the Presbyterian Church Board of Home Missions, Harvey C. Olin. Olin was responsible for funding the overall improvement of the school. Sweazey was also in direct communication with John F. Pingry, from the Department of School Work. Rob M. Craig, Superintendent of the Department of School Work would periodically inform Sweazey of new school openings, lesson work, and general changes within Presbyterian education. Sweazey also kept in close contact with the other Presbyterian schools in Utah. George H. Mars, of the Wasatch Academy of Mount Pleasant, and Principal John M. Cathcart, of the New Jersey Academy in Logan. Each shared the changes within their schools regularly with Sweazey. Most of the letters dealing with changes and important events within nearby schools appear in the latter half of the series, between 1908-1913, when Sweazey was fully established in the community as well as in the Institute itself. Many of the letters also came from prospective candidates for teaching positions at the Collegiate Institute. A letter from Chas F. Rowing, 17 June 1904, recommends librarian Lou Paden to the school. Ms. Paden later became the librarian of Westminster College for more than 30 years.

ArchivalResource: 2.8 linear ft.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/133271245 View

Sweazey, George B. (George Beaty), 1875-1946. George B. Sweazey Salt Lake Collegiate Institute Principal's commissions, 1904-1909.

Title: George B. Sweazey Salt Lake Collegiate Institute Principal's commissions, 1904-1909.

This collection consists of six commissions of George B. Sweazey as Principal of the Salt Lake Collegiate Institute between the years of 1904-1909. The commissions are printed with blue ink and tri-folded and resemble a pamphlet. The documents are designed by the Board of Home Missions of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, and specifically by the "Mission School Department under the auspice of the Woman's Board of Home Missions." Information on Sweazey and his official title as "Principal Teacher of the Salt Lake Collegiate Institute" is followed by the statement of his salary for the following year. The records show Sweazey's salary beginning at $816.67 in 1904; by 1909 he was being paid $1,400 a year. The first document dated in 1904 was signed on September 1 of that year; later documents were signed on the first day of April, shortening his title to "Principal of the Salt Lake Collegiate Institute." Commissions were then signed by the President of the Home Board, D. Stuart Dodge, and by Secretary Charles L. Thompson, or in later years by Associate Secretary John Dixon. The contracts enumerate responsibilities expected to be preformed by Principal Sweazey. Responsibilities include: faculty meetings, reports (monthly financial statements and statistical reports), payment of salary, religious responsibilities (Bible studies, Catechism, and daily sessions of prayer), financing of institutional improvements, travel expenses, vacations, and the rights of the Board. One section entitled "Personal and Important" reminds Sweazey of his missionary responsibilities to foster Presbyterian unity, lead a Christian life, and provide leadership "inspired by the Holy Spirit" to those around him. The final section lists Biblical passages meant to imbue Sweazey with the meaningfulness of his work, including quotes on his "particular commission" and "benediction." The Commissions show one aspect of the business relationship and strong religious connection Sweazey held with the Presbyterian Church.

ArchivalResource: 0.1 linear ft.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/726762439 View