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ARTICLES ABOUT THE HISTORY OF MANCHESTER COLLEGE
(AND PREDECESSORS)
Source: North Manchester
Journal, February 15, 1894
"THERE'S MILLIONS IN IT."
A Proposition to Endow the College with a Million Dollars
and Make it a University.
Will it be Accomplished is the Question?
The public meeting at the opera house, last Thursday night,
to discuss the college question, will probably result in
determining the truth or falsity of the proposition to endow
it with a million dollars in the near future. The meeting
resulted in more good than such meetings usually do in that
the scheme, with some if its details, was given to the
public and a committee appointed which, we have since
learned, have performed their duty with neatness and
dispatch.
To come to the point without further waste of words a
gentleman, Prof. C.E. Kriebel by name,
claims to have the management and disposition of an
endowment fund of one million dollars and the annual income
thereof, and he proposes to place it to the benefit of the
college in this place under certain conditions. The
endowment is perpetual and the annual income is to be
devoted solely to paying the necessary expenses of poor and
worthy students through college, and in no other way
whatever. The number of students in any one year is limited
to 500, if the income is sufficient to accommodate that many
or more, but if the number of students should be less than
that only so much as is necessary for their maintenance can
be used. This is in brief the plan as stated, although there
are some minor conditions that need not be stated at this
time.
In consideration of bringing this endowment to the college
here Prof. Kriebel makes the following demands on the town:
First, that he be given a nominal superintendency over our
city schools; second, that the college be furnished free
electric lights and free water; third, that 100 one-year
scholarships be subscribed in the town, or 150 in the town
and township, at $30 each, the money to be payable in three
installments, three months apart, and the first to be due in
September next. These scholarships can be used at any time
the owner may desire and are transferrable within town or
township only.
If these demands are acceded to Prof. Kriebel proposes to
bring to the college a corps of fifteen or twenty high-class
professors in the several departments of study and to raise
the college to the rank of a university of the first class.
He has a plan which he thinks will bring in all the students
that can be accommodated, and in short he proposes to
advance the college to the rank of a university in all that
the name implies. This is a general statement of the
proposition, but the minute details of how the business is
to be transacted or how the university is to be conducted
were not entered into. Very little other direct information
was vouchsafed, but it was generally given out that it would
soon resolve into a big thing and all details would come
around in good time.
These matters were discussed at some length and it was
decided that the school board would enter into a provisional
contract with Prof. Kriebel when he has established his
corps of teachers here and made plain beyond peradventure of
a doubt that he has and will perform all he claims. The
contract can be terminated at the option of the board at the
end of any month. The town board granted what he asked of
them and will enter into a contract on terms similar to the
above. As to the scholarships a committee consisting of J.W.
Ulrey, D.C. Harter, P.D. Young, M.H. Snorf, Sam Noftzger,
Rev. Thomas, Albert Williams and J.J. Martin was appointed
to solicit them. We understand the committee is succeeding
admirably in its work and already have nearly the required
number pledged. This being the case it remains that Mr.
Kriebel come forward with his part of the contract. He
proposes to open the school next September.
To accomplish all this Mr. Kriebel, who now occupies the
position of superintendent of the Butler schools, has made
several visits here during the past three months. He has had
numerous conferences with the college authorities and with
the town and school boards on this subject, but secrecy was
always enjoined. But since last week's meeting we presume it
cannot be longer called a secret, and we make it legitimate
matter for publication.
In all his dealings, however, Mr. Kriebel has never informed
anyone who the philanthropist is who has given this large
sum, nor how or where it is invested or the probable income
thereof. In fact on this point he has been very chary of
information, although pressed to tell those things. For this
reason, and some others, some people have looked upon the
proposition with suspicion, while others regarded it as
"almost too true to be true." It has some mysterious
features about it, but as Mr. Kriebel is said to be an
honorable gentleman it will be well not to pass a too hasty
judgment on this matter. As arrangements now stand much will
be gained for the town if it turns out as promised, and at a
reasonable cost if all proves true. Now that all that Mr.
Kriebel asks will be granted it will probably be but a short
time until all details are known. In the meantime people
should wait with patience.
The JOURNAL sincerely hopes that there may be more truth
than poetry in this matter and that it may turn out to be
all that is claimed for it. A million dollars properly
invested will bring in an annual income of about $50,000,
and this will educate a large number of students. With a
faculty of the best professors to be had it will not be a
hard matter to secure plenty of students, and as buildings
and a general enlargement of the university is promised
almost from the very start its advantages will be apparent
to all.
In closing we would suggest to those having the matter in
charge to refrain from making too extravagant promises or
statements about the matter which would calculate to excite
too great expectations. While they themselves may have a
correct idea of its future the public may be led to expect
more than is reasonable, and while all that is intended may
be performed the public's anticipations may be aroused to
such a point by enthusiastic talk as to cause
dissatisfaction in the future. As we understand it the
matter now rests awaiting the final action of Mr. Kriebel.
We wish more definite information was to be had, but it is
not. We shall endeavor to keep the public posted on the
matter as fast as developments occur.
Source: North Manchester
Journal, February 22, 1894
The College Matter Rests.
So far as we have heard there are no new developments in the
college endowment matter spoken of last week. There is no
new information and the matter rests waiting the action of
Prof. Kriebel which, we presume, will come about in good
time. The following article appeared in a number of papers
last week. Being exactly the same in every paper it was
probably sent out by the college authorities. it may contain
something of interest and we give it, following:
"An aged gentleman of wealth and without heirs offers to
place a million dollars to the credit of the North
Manchester college as an endowment fund. The college
authorities, the city council and the city school board have
all granted requests to secure the fund, and so far as North
Manchester is concerned its part is done. One condition of
the grant was that the college be conducted on the
university plan. This calls for an enlargement of some of
the courses and the addition of others. Among those added is
the department of Pedagogy, of which Arnold Thompkins has
been invited to become the head. The head of the music
department is a professor from Zurich, Switzerland. This
endowment is for poor students--any one bringing in six
others receives his entire expense, room, board and tuition.
The United Brethren of Indiana may be congratulated on this
promised help to their educational work."
In addition to the above in some items sent to this office
by Prof. Howe is the following bearing on this matter: "The
securing of our promised endowment calls for the enlarging
of some departments and the adding of others, but no change
in the title or ownership, the United Brethren owning the
college in fee simple.
Source: North Manchester
Journal, March 8, 1894
THE COLLEGE ENDOWMENT SECURED.
The College Trustees Contract with Mr. Kriebel to take
Charge of the College and Bring the Million Dollars Here. A
Synopsis of the Contract which will Bring Big Returns as it
Now Appears.
The matter of the million dollar endowment for the college
seems to be taking on a more definite and business-like
shape than at first. A meeting of the trustees of the
college was held last Friday to consult with Prof. Kriebel
about securing the endowment. After some discussion the
trustees assented to Prof. Kriebel's proposition and made
him president of the college. The JOURNAL had no invitation
to be present at the meeting and our information is largely
gathered from some of the trustees individually.
The following trustees were present at the meeting: J.
Regness, Mentone; J. Ricker, Peru; Bishop Castle, Elkhart;
George Bumgardner, South Whitley; Tobias Gushard, Disko;
J.F. Bartmess, Buchanan, Mich.; J. Zinn, Logansport; P.
Mott, Indianapolis; J.L. Parks, Elkhart; J.A. Simons,
Warsaw; R.J. Parrett, Lafayette; W.H. Byrer, F. Thomas, A.E.
Stewart, D.N. Howe, C.H. Bell, D. Zurface, R.P. Burton, and
Dr. Lancaster of this city. Prof. Kriebel and Prof. Weaver
of Wauseon, Ohio, his associate in business, were present
and unfolded their plans to the meeting. The propositions
were substantially as stated heretofore and the trustees
entered into a contract with Prof. Kriebel to take charge of
the college and conduct it in accordance with his plans and
his contract with the donor of the million dollars.
Mr. Kriebel had with him a copy of his contract with the
millionaire, except his name and residence, which according
to the contract is not to be revealed without his consent.
Attached to the copy was Mr. Kriebel's affidavit,
acknowledged before a notary public at Butler, stating that
it was an exact copy of the original and that the donor is
amply able to carry out his contract in every respect. The
contract differs but slightly from the general statements
made at the public meeting held some time ago. It provides
that Prof. Kriebel is to conduct an institution of general
learning in the name of the Young People's Christian Union
of the U.B. church, and the donor will endow a million
dollars for the benefit of poor and worthy young people, who
are anxious to obtain an education, in such a manner that
they will not lose their independence.
There are four classes of beneficiaries, viz.: First,
children of active ministers of any denomination; second,
young men preparing for the ministry of any denomination;
third, any person selected by an active minister in lieu of
his own children; fourth, any person soliciting and bringing
to the college six paying students. The contract provides
that Prof. Kriebel shall pay the tuition of these
beneficiaries and the donor will pay their board and room
rent, provided that the same shall not cost to exceed $100
per year for each person. The number of beneficiaries is
limited to 500 in any one year.
The contract is to be in force for a period of five years,
but if at the end of that time the college has been run in a
satisfactory manner it shall be extended to twenty years
without further action. At the end of twenty years, if the
college is still running in a satisfactory manner, the
endowment becomes perpetual, or in event of the donor's
death in the meantime it becomes perpetual; or if Prof.
Kriebel should secure another million endowment for the
faculty it becomes perpetual. This is a brief statement of
the salient points of the article. It was entered into on
July 14, 1893, and is to go into effect one year from that
date. The names of W.A. Hamilton and Mrs. Dell Kriebel
appear as witnesses to it.
We have not been able to learn the exact nature of the
contract between the trustees of the college and Mr. Kriebel.
It is conditioned, we believe, similar to the above and Mr.
Kriebel is made president of the college and given
possession of the property to conduct the school upon the
lines indicated in the foregoing contract. In addition to
the college as it now stands the trustees are to equip the
building with a furnace, to furnish water and electric
lights and to build a boarding house and kitchen which will
seat 100 persons at a time. Nothing is said as to any salary
for Mr. Kriebel or the faculty of the institution. The
trustees seem somewhat reluctant to make public the terms of
the contract, as they state it has not fully been closed up
yet. Under the new arrangement Prof. Kriebel will not
contract with the town for free water or light, but it is
expected that the trustees of the college will ask such a
concession. It is also stated that Prof. Kriebel has given
up his intention of contracting with the school board.
As to the scholarships subscribed they will have to be
re-subscribed. It seems that the heading of the paper used
is not satisfactory to the professor and demanded more than
he had promised to fulfill. The most important change in the
heading is in the clause stating that "there shall be
fifteen to twenty professors with a degree from some
institution of learning." In the new paper it will read that
"there shall be a faculty of teachers especially prepared
for their work," or words to that effect. Subscribers are
permitted to dispose of their scholarships anywhere in the
county. The work of re-subscription will be begun soon.
We had a short talk with Mr. Kreibel in the evening. He
expressed himself as entirely satisfied with the way the
business had been transacted and was very enthusiastic over
the future prospects of the school. He thought everything
would be settled as he wished it and that great things are
in store for this place. As to the million dollars he said
it was invested in the best of real estate. Prof. Kriebel
and Prof. Weaver will arrive here some time during the
summer and the college will open under their management in
September. The faculty has not yet been all determined upon,
but Prof. Howe will become the head of the theological
department. Mr. Kriebel said it would take much hard work to
get the institution going in good shape but he would spare
no efforts in that direction.
We understand that some people have though that the JOURNAL
was opposed to this matter and was "throwing cold water on
it." We do not believe that anything can be found in these
columns opposing the scheme. Personally, however, we do not
hesitate to say that we are opposed to that part of the
business relating to the public schools which was at first
demanded. As to the college property its owners certainly
have a right to make what disposition of it they see fit.
The JOURNAL does not desire to say a word that will be
detrimental to the best interests and development of the
town, nor on the other hand is it our especial purpose to
champion the private interests of any concern or
corporation. In treating this matter the JOURNAL has
endeavored to give only the facts as we have been able to
learn them and let the people form their own opinions. If we
have misstated anything we are open to correction and will
take pleasure in so stating. If there is anything in the
proposition itself that has induced this belief the JOURNAL
is not responsible for it. It is not our desire to misstate
anything, but if such has been the case it is due to the
fact that the information vouch-safed has been of a rather
vague and uncertain nature, and not any desire to mislead.
Probably no question has been before our people lately on
which there has been such a constant and universal demand
for information. We have been besought on all hands to give
particulars, and as it is a question of considerable
importance to the public we have endeavored to truthfully
present the facts as stated by those in authority. We
believe that the more fully such things are treated the more
satisfactory the result. We are glad that the college has
secured this munificent endowment, with all the good fortune
it brings with it, and hope that the most sanguine
expectations will be realized.
Source: The Weekly Rays of Light, October 18, 1900 (W.E.
Billings, Publisher and Proprietor)
SOME NEW COLLEGE PLANS. NORTH MANCHESTER COLLEGE TO
BE RUN BY CHURCH. TRUSTEES ARE SELECTED. BRETHREN CHURCH TO
TAKE CHARGE OF INSTITUTION
The North Manchester college seems to have brighter
prospects before it, and all on account of the action taken
by the members of the German Baptist Brethren church of the
state of Indiana.
For some time the affairs of the college have been
in rather uncertain condition, and there have been stories in
circulation in effect that the effort to keep up the school
would be given up. These stories have not been verified, on
the contrary those in charge have used their every effort to
make the school a success. Debts, however, to the amount of
about $20,000 have been hanging over the institution, and in
these days of low priced education it was practically
impossible for the school to build up its work and at the
same time meet the interest on this indebtedness. This has
been the cause of much planning on the part of those
interested in seeing the institution a success. Now a plan
has been hit upon that promises better for the institution
than anything that has been put up in the
past.
The German Baptist church in Indiana is divided into
three districts. The regular business meeting of the
northern district was held a couple of weeks ago, and at
this time a proposition was adopted in effect that the
church should take entire charge of the school. The plan met
with a great display of enthusiasm from the members of that
district, and there were many subscriptions of money
offered. Thursday the business meeting of the central
district of the state was held out at the Eel River church,
seven miles northwest of town, and at this meeting the plan
also met with favorable consideration and action. The
southern district will not have a meeting until in April,
but there is no doubt but what it will favor the plan, as
members from that part of the state have already pledged
their support.
The plan is to secure pledges from those willing to
contribute to the cause, these pledges being in the form of
a promise to pay to the trustees selected by the church the
amount subscribed as soon as a sufficient amount is pledged
to put the college in the hands of the church free from
debt. There has been a liberal response upon the part of the
members of the church in the northern district, and with the
co-operation of the other districts there is no doubt but
what the institution can soon be placed upon a sound
financial basis. The present trustees of the college have
pledged themselves to donate their stock to the amount of
eight thousand dollars to the management.
As soon as sufficient amount is pledged to clear
the property from all debt, and to place it in the hands of
the trustees appointed by the church clear of all incumbrances,
then the present management will make a clear title to the
church. At the same time the title will be so drawn that in
the future it will be impossible for the college to contract
a debt. It is also the intention, not only to clear the
property but to give it sufficient endowment to assure it
clear sailing for the future. Already six thousand dollars
have been pledged as a starter for this fund.
The new board of trustees will include Elder I.D. Parker of
the northern district and Elder Daniel Snell of the central
district. The southern district will select is trustee at
its April meeting.
Elder Parker has done some active work in soliciting in his
district, and so far he has secured subscriptions amounting
to over one third of the indebtedness.
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