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University of Georgia Board of Trustees |
(unnumbered page inserted between pages 2 & 3)
List of the Trustees of the University of Georgia
Members Names Date of appointment time of death resignation removed
Abraham Baldwin Dec. 5. 1800 - - - - - - - - Nov. 11 1801 - - - - - -
Hugh Lawson ditto June 17 1802 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Benjamin Taliaferro ditto - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Refd. 20 Dec. 180
Joseph Clay Junr ditto - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ditto
James Jackson ditto - - - - - - - - Nov. 11. 1801 - - - - - -
John Twiggs 1 ditto - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
John Clarke 2 ditto - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Revd., Robt. M. Cunningham ditto - - - - - - - - Removed - - - - - -
John Milledge ditto - - - - - - - - 4th. July 1806 - - - - - -
Josiah Tattnall Junr ditto June 1803 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Ferdinand O Neal 3 ditto - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
John Stewart 4 ditto - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
James McNeil ditto Sept 1804 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
George Walton Nov. 11. 1801 Feb. 1804 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
David B. Mitchell 5 ditto appointed Prest. Of the Board - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Edwin Mounger 6 Dec. 20. 1802 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Abraham Marshall 7 June 17.1802 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Hope Hull 8 Mar 19. 1803 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Thomas Petters Carnes 9 July 22.1803 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Jared Irwin 10 Nov. 10. 1804 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Dennis Smelt ditto - - - - - - - - 8th Novr. 1811 - - - - - -
Thomas Flournoy 11 5th July 1806 - - - - - - - - 7th Novr. 1811 - - - - - -
Peter Early 12 5th July 1808 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
William H. Crawford - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
John Griffin resigned - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Edward Paine - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Stephen Upson - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Joel Abbot - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Savannah April 26th 1794
(for minutes of 1786 see page 18)
(page 1)
At a meeting of such of the members of the Senate of the University as could be collected in Savannah at the house of John Habersham.
Present
The hon’ble George Walton
William Stith Judges
William Gibbons, Speaker of the House of Repres.
Joseph Clay
John Habersham Trustees.
There being five vacancies in the Board of Trustees, occasioned by death and removal from the State, namely William Houstoun, Nathan Brownson, and Abiel Holmes removed out of the State, and Jenkin Davis and William Glasscock deceased, by which means it becomes difficult to convene a quorum to transact business, Resolved that the following five persons be nominated, and if concurred in by five of the absent Members, that they be appointed to supply the vacancies in the said Board; Provided they the said Members shall severally subscribe their assent to the same in writing. viz. Revd. Edward Ellington & Edward Telfairo Joseph Clay Junior, Thomas P. Carnes & Thomas Glasscock
Resolved, that Judge Stith be requested to enquire respecting the present state of the funds arising from the sale and leases of lands in Greene County belonging to the University and procure as correct a statement thereof as may be in his power, and transmit the same to the Secretary of the Board of Trustees, to be laid before the next meeting
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Resolved, that the next meeting of the Senate of the University be at the Filature in Savannah at Twelve O’Clock on the twenty Ninth day of July next, and that the Secretary notify the absent members thereof in writing.
And the Bord adjourned.
N. B. For the minutes of the 13th of February 1786 see page 15.
Whereas by the 7th. Section of the Charter of the University of Georgia it is provided that “the Trustees shall have the power of “filling up all vacancies of their own board, but not without Seven of “their number at least concurring in such Act” And, Whereas by the deaths of John Houstoun, Jenkin Davis William Glasscock and Nathan Brownson, and by he resignation of Abiel Holmes and William Houstoun, there are vacancies of six Members of the board, we the undersigned Trustees in pursuance of the powers above recited, do hereby appoint William Stephens, George Walton, Abraham Jackson, Peter Early, Thomas Peter Carnes, and John Springer to supply the vacancies aforsaid. We do also appoint the 1st day of July next, for a meeting of the Board of Trustees at the Court House in Augusta. Oct. 20th. 1797.
Abraham Baldwin
(signed) Ben. Taliaferro
W. Few
Joseph Clay
James Habersham
John Habersham
H. Lawson
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Augusta July 2d. 1798
At a meeting of the Trustees of the University of Georgia, at the Academy, Pursuant to appointment of a majority of the Board, dated 20th October 1797.
Present
William Few Benjamin Taliaferro
John Habersham Hugh Lawson
Four members only attending, and not being a quorum for business, they adjourned to meet tomorrow morning, at Mr. Benjamin Harris’s house at 8 o’Clock.
July 3d. 1798
The Members met according to adjournment viz.
William Few Benjamin Taliaferro
John Habersham Hugh Lawson.
Messrs. Abraham Jackson, Peter Early and Thomas P. Carnes appeared and took their Seats at the Board in the consequence of having been elected Trustees by a majority of the same, on the 20th. of October 1797, to fill vacancies occasioned by death and resignation.
Judge Few being the Senior Trustee took the Chair.
On an application of Mr. James Patrick, stating, that he had paid the amount of a verdict and costs in an action instituted in the Superior Court of Greene County, by Robert McAlpine, on account of a mill dam erected by the said Patrick on lands of the University, Ordered, that Mr Davis Gresham be requested to render a statement to this Board respecting the said Secit at the next meeting.
The Board then adjourned until tomorrow morning 7 o’Clock.
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July 4, 1798
The Board met according to adjournment.
Present.
William Few, President pro tempore,
Benjamin Taliaferro, John Habersham,
Hugh Lawson, Abraham Jackson,
Peter Early, Thomas P. Carnes
It appearing to the Board that Aquilla Scott was, during their recess, appointed by the President and Mr. Few, to discharge the duties of Treasurer until a meeting of the Trustees could be had; and it appearing expedient and necessary, under the present circumstances; therefore Resolved, That this Board do approve of the appointment of the said Aquilla Scot as Treasurer pro tempore until the next meeting.
The Board having appointed a committee to report on the mode of leasing the lands that are at present vacant, and of renewing the leases of those which are near expiring, they reported the following Resolutions, which being severally taken up and considered were agreed to viz.
Resolved, That the several tracts of land lying on Shoulderbone, Riehland, Falling, Fishing, Shoal, Sandy, and - - - - - - - - Creeks, belonging to the University of Georgia, be leased, in lots of 100 acres each, to the highest bidder, by the Agents in several counties hereafter appointed, for the term of Ten Years, taking separate Notes, with sufficient security, for the sums to grow dew and payable respectively on the 25th day of December in each year, until the expiration of the aforesaid term of Ten Years.
Resolved, That where any leases have been heretofore executed by any Agent of this board, and the time mentioned in the said lease or leases has not yet expired; it shall be the duty of such Agent to lease the said lots again for such a term as that all the leases will expire and be completely ended on this 25th. day of December which will be in the year 1808.
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Provided that, in all cases of letting out the aforesaid lots, the tenants in possession shall have the preference where he, she, or they, may bid a sum equal to any other person.
Resolved, That, where any uncultivated lot or lots may be bid off, the lessee shall have the same, rent free for the term of four years from the date of the lease, under the stipulations heretofore pointed out in former leases made by Agents of this Board. And it is hereby Ordered, as an additional stipulation that no person shall clear, cut down and cultivate, more than 50 acres out of each lot of 100 acres leased of the agents aforesaid, and for every Acre so cut down the sum of five dollars shall be paid P annum; and, for the subsequent term of six Years, the lessee shall pay the Rent, he she or they, may bid for the same. And, in order that the Rents may be effectually secured, the lessees shall execute Notes for the amount, payable annually to the Trustees of the University, or their successors in Office, which said Notes are to be taken for a sum not exceeding 20 dollars each: And, where any person shall lease two lots, he, she, or they, shall not be obliged to make the building improvements herein referred to on more than one of the two lots so leased: And, where it sh[a]ll have happened that the lessees, or any of them, who have heretofore rented any lot o lots from any of the Agents of this Board, have not made the improvements stipulated in their several leases, the Agents are required to report the names of such defaulting lessees, and in what respect they have made the default, to this Board, at their next meeting, in order that measures may be taken to enforce a strict compliance with their several contracts.
Resolved, That the leasing of the land on Shoulderbone in Hancock County, shall be on this express condition, that if the Legislature, at their next Session, shall authorise the Trustees of
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this board to dispose of the said tract of land, then, and in such case, the several leases of the lots of this particular tract of land shall absolutely cease, end, and determine on the 25th. day of December 1799.
Resolved, That the several Agents of this Board shall take especial care to advance the interest of this institution, by not suffering the lots to be bid off, unless the Sums offered, in the opinion of said Agents, shall amount nearly to the value of one fourth the part of the produce which might probably be raised on the said lots.
Resolved, That, if it should happen, after the day appointed for leasing the (Sic.) lots on the several tracts of land belonging to the University, that there be any lot, or lots remaining unleased, the Agent for such a tract shall have power to let the same by private contract.
Resolved, that the compensation to be allowed the Agents of this Board for their services shall be six per Centum on all the monies received and paid over by them: and that reasonable compensation shall be made by the Board to the Agents for those tracts which are now uncultivated, their services during the four years in which said lands are free from rent: and that the compensation to be allowed to the Treasurer for his services shall be four Per centum on all monies received and accounted for by him.
Resolved, That the Secretary do write to the proper Officer in the state of South Carolina, requesting him to furnish this board with the grant for a track of 5000 acres of land, belonging to the University, which lies in the fork between the Tugalo and Keowee rivers, if such a grant was forwarded to be registered in the said State of South Carolina.
Resolved, That it shall be the duty of several Agents to transmit to the board, annually, an accurate account of all monies due, and from whom: And it shall also be the duty of the Treasurer to lay before the Board, at their annual meeting, an account, specifying all
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monies lodged in his hands and by whom, and of expenditures made.
Resolved, That the Agents employed by this Board do give bond, with approved security, to the Trustees, and their Successors in Office, in the sum of One thousand dollars on each tract of land superintended by them, for the faithful performance of their duty, which bond shall be taken by the Treasurer, and by him transmitted to the Board at their next meeting: That said Agents shall be empowered to collect and receive the rents annually becoming due on the leases made by them respectfully, and shall account and pay over to the Treasurer, annually, all the monies they shall so receive, which account and payment shall be accompanied with an Oath, that they are just, and in full of all they have received; the Oath to be administered by any Justice of the Peace: That the Treasurer shall, before he enters on the duties of his Office, take an Oath for the faithful performance thereof, and give bond, with approved security, to the Trustees, and their Successors in Office, in the Sum of Five thousand dollars, for the like faithful performance of his duty; the Oath to be administered by either of the Judges of the Superior Courts.
Resolved, That the Treasurer deliver all the Notes payable to the Trustees into the hand of the Agents of Greene and Hancock counties, and that the said Agents do so severally, without loss of time, proceed to the collection of the sums of principal and interest due thereon, by suit or otherwise.
Resolved, That the following persons be appointed Agents to this Board, who shall superintend the leasing of the land in their respective Counties, and perform the duties of their respective Offices, as contemplated in resolutions entered into by this board, viz. In the county of Hancock, Andrew Baxter, in the counties of Greene and Oglethorpe, Davis Gresham, in the county of Franklin, Larkin Cleveland; and in the county of Jackson, Roderick Early, and in case
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of death resignation, or refusal to Act, the Trustee of this Board who may reside nearest the place where the Agent so dying, resigning, or refusing to Act, resided, shall appoint in writing a successor.
Resolved, That Davis Gresham, Agent for the County of Greene, be directed to call on William Greer for a settlement of all accounts between him and the Trustees of the University; and in case the said Greer should refuse or fail to make such a settlement, and pay over all monies in his hands to the said Agent, that he be directed to pursue such legal Measure as he may deem necessary to compel such payment: And the said Agent is further directed to apply to the said William Greer for all books, bonds, notes, and other documents relative to the funds of the University; and that he be requested to lay before the board, at their next meeting, a statement, specifying the exact number of lots sold in the Town of Greenesborough, the names of the several purchasers, the amount of sales, and the number of lots yet unsold.
Resolved, That the several Agents appointed by this Board, after giving due notice, by advertisement at three or more of the most public places in the County, do proceed to lease the several lots at such time and place as they may think proper, and that this duty performed so soon as it can be conveniently done consistent with the interest of this institution.
The Board then adjourned until tomorrow morning 7 o’Clock
July 5th. 1798.
The Board met according to adjournment
Resolved, That Aquilla Scott, Treasurer pro tempore, deliver over to the Board of Trustees at their next meeting, all bonds and monies in his hands belonging to the University.
Letters from Messrs. Joseph Clay and James Habersham, respectively, were received, and laid before the Board, resigning their seats as Trustees; whereupon the Board proceeded to the choice of
(pge 9)
two persons to fill the vacancies, when Joseph Clay Junior and Seaborn Jones were duly elected.
Statement of the Funds in hand belonging to the University of Georgia, as reported by Mr. Aquilla Scott, the Treasurer pro tempore
In notes of sundry persons for rent of land, and sale of lots in Greenesborough - - - - - 5636:14
Estimated amount of interest on said Notes - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 932:29
In paper medium L75.10 at 4 dollars for every pound - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 302: “
_______
$6870:43
In cash on hand - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 993:32
Deduct for so much paid Davis Gresham for 10 years services - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - 250: 00
Ditto for so much paid Aquilla Scott, Treasurer pro Tempore, for his services from May 1795 to 4th. July 1798 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - -150:00
________
593:32
$7463:75
Say 7463 dollars and Seventy five Cents.
Resolved, That the above statement be published, from which the Trustees are are impressed with a conviction that the Funds are sufficiently respectable to commence the building of the University; which subject will, in all probability, be taken in consideration and determined on at the next meeting of this Board.
Resolved, That 200 Copies of the foregoing proceedings be published, under the direction of the secretary; and that he transmit a proportional number of copies to the Governor, to each Member of this Board, to the several Agents, and the Treasurer, respectively, in order that they may be distributed.
Resolved, That the next meeting of this Board shall be at Louisville, on the second Tuesday in January 1799, when all the Members are earnestly requested to attend punctually, as a failure on their part will, in a probability be productive of consequences highly injurious to an Institution on the prosperity of which materially depend on the liberty and happiness of the rising generation: And that
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every member who does not attend the meeting shall, unless he can give a good and sufficient excuse for such non-attendance, be fined in a sum of twenty dollars.
W. Few, President pro tempore
John Habersham, Secretary.
Louisville 8th. January 1799
The Trustees of the University of the state of Georgia met this day in Louisville pursuant to their adjournment
Present Benjamin Taliaferro,
Thomas P. Carnes,
Peter Early,
There not being a sufficient number of members present to proceed to business; those attending adjourned untill 10 o’Clock tomorrow morning to meet at the Coffee House.
January 9th 1799
The following members met pursuant to adjournment viz.
Benjamin Taliaferro, Seaborn Jones,
Thomas P. Carnes, Peter Early,
A sufficient number to form a Board not having convened, the members present adjourned untill tomorrow morning 10 o’Clock.
Louisville January 10th 1799.
(pge 11)
The Trustees met according to adjournment.
Present,
Hugh Lawson, Joseph Clay Junr.
Benjamin Taliaferro, Abraham Jackson
Thomas P. Carnes, Peter Early.
Seaborn Jones,
A Quorum having met, and the President being absent, Mr. Hugh Lawson, the eldest Trustee present took the chair.
The Secretary of the Board not attending, Mr. Peter Early was appointed Secretary Pro Tempore.
Mr. John Springer on of the Members, having died since the last meeting – Mr. William Stith Junr. Was elected to fill his vacancy: and Mr. Stith, being notified of such appointment, attended and took his seat.
A letter addressed to William Few, the former President pro tem. Of this Board, was received from Mr. William Stephens, containing his excuse for not attending the present meeting, which excuse was deemed sufficient.
Resolved, That his Excellency the Governor, the Judges of the Superior Courts, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, be informed, that the Trustees of the University have formed a Board, and are now ready to proceed on business with them as a Senatus Academicus.
Ordered, That the Secretary do deliver Copies of the foregoing resolution to each of the Officers mentioned therein, and acquaint them with the time and place to which this Board may be
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adjourned. The Board then adjourned untill 10 o’Clock tomorrow.
January 11th 1799.
The Board met pursuant to adjournment
Present.
Hugh Lawson, Seaborn Jones,
Benjamin Taliaferro, William Stith Junr.
Thomas P. Carnes, Peter Early
Joseph Clay Junr. Abraham Jackson
Resolved, That whereas by the Charter of the University, the Governor and Executive Council, the Chief Justice, and the Speaker of the House of Assembly formed a Board of Visitors, and a component part of the Senatus Academicus: It is the opinion of this Board, that agreeably to the spirit of the Charter it was intended, that the Officers forming or presiding over the different departments of Government, should make a part of the Senatus Academicus; that they might feel a more immediate obligation to promote the interests of the Institution, and that therefore in consequence of the changes made in these departments by the alterations of the Constitution , the Governor, the Judges, or the Superior Courts of the President and Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, ought now to constitute the Board of Visitors. Yet as doubts have arisen on this subject, as well as on the power of the Board to fix upon the seat of the University; It is Ordered that a Memorial be prepared or drawn up, and laid before the Legislature, representing these circumstances and suggesting the propriety of passing an explanatory Act which will obviate all difficulties, and that Mr. Clay prepare such Memorial.
(pge 13)
The Board then adjourned untill tomorrow morning 7 o’Clock.
January 12th 1799.
The Board met according to adjournment
Present.
Hugh Lawson, Thomas P. Carnes,
Benjamin Taliaferro, William Stith Junr.
Joseph Clay Junr. Abraham Jackson,
Seaborn Jones, Peter Early,
A petition was received from Jesse Saunders praying compensation for surveying the tract of land belonging to the University which lies on Fishing Creek in the County of Greene. Whereupon Resolved, That the said survey having been made prior to the possession of any Funds by the University, and at a time when compensation could not for that reason be made: This Board are of opinion it could not have been the intention of the Legislature by whose order such a Survey was made, that the charges thereof should be defrayed from the present funds; especially as persons making other surveys for the Institution have been compensated by the Legislature. They therefore recommend to Colo. Saunders that me make application to that Body.
Davis Gresham Agent for the Counties of Greene and Oglethorpe paid over to the Board the Sum of Eight hundred and seventy four dollars, and sixty six Cents, and made Oath that it was full of all monies received by him.
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It appearing to the Board that Larkin Cleveland who has been appointed Agent for the County of Franklin, had declined accepting said Agency, and that Mr. Carnes had appointed to that office Mr. John Bostwick, Resolved, that said appointment be approved of confirmed.
Resolved, That there be paid to Davis Gresham Agent, in addition to his former allowances, the sum of One hundred dollars in full for his past services.
Resolved, That there be paid to John E. Smith Thirty seven dollars and fifty cents for printing Thirty Quires of Leases.
A letter was received from Aquilla Scott Treasurer P.T. informing the Board, that he cannot now pay over the monies in his hands, belonging to the University, but that he will give a Note with security for the Amount due from him. Whereupon Resolved, that Mr. Stith do make application to him for that purpose and receive such Note.
The Board proceeded to the choice of a Treasurer when Mr. James Meriwether was chosen to that Office.
Resolved, that there be paid to Davis Gresham Agent the sum of eighteen dollars for expenditures made by him in procuring stampt paper.
Resolved, That the Sum in which the Treasurer is bound, shall be subject to be increased or diminished as the situation of the funds may require.
Mr. Clay reported to the Board, a memorial to the Legislature in conformity with the resolution of Yesterday, which was agreed to and ordered to be presented.
A communication having been received from his Excellency the Governor
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on the subject to which the aforesaid Memorial relates, Ordered that the said communication be laid before the legislature together with the Memorial.
Resolved, that the compensation to be allowed the Treasurer of this Board, shall be four per Centum on all monies received and accounted for by him, untill the Funds shall be so great as to make such compensation amount to Five hundred dollars per annum, which shall be the utmost extent of the Treasurers Salary.
Resolved, That the several appropriations made during the present meeting, and the compensations heretofore provided for the Agents shall be paid by the Treasurer upon application to him by the persons intitled thereto.
Resolved, That the next meeting of this Board shall be at Augusta on the 18th day of November next.
Resolved, That the Treasurer do procure proper Books and stationary for keeping his accounts, to be paid for out of the funds of the University. (The University started without money enough to buy a Postage stamp?)
The Treasurer gave Bond and security and took the Oath required. And thereupon the Board delivered over to him the sum of Eight Hundred and seventy three dollars and ninety Cents.
Ordered, That the Bonds given by the Agents of this Board be renewed upon stamt paper.
The Board then adjourned.
(1-12-99)
Hugh Lawson
(Signed) President pro. Tem.
Attest
Peter Early
Secretary P.T.
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Louisville July 2d. 1799
The Trustees of the University of Georgia met & formed a Board.
Present
Messrs. Hugh Lawson Seaborn Jones
George Walton Abraham Jackson
Thomas P. Carnes Peter Early
William Stith
The President being absent Mr. Hugh Lawson the Senior Trustee present took the chair.
The Secretary being absent Mr. Peter Early was appointed Secretary Pro tempore.
The members of this Board having convened at the present time and place in conformity to a proclamation by his Excellency requiring a meeting of the Senatus Academicus; a committee consisting of Messrs. Jones and Stith were appointed to wait on the Governor and inform him, that the Trustees have formed a Board, and are ready to join a Board of Visitors, and form a Senatus Academicus. The committee appointed as aforesaid reported, That they have received for answer, that a Board of Visitors could not be this day formed.
Whereupon the Trustees proceeded to the ordinary business assigned them by the charter.
A petition was received from Colonel Jesse Saunders praying compensation for surveying the Tract of Land belonging to the University, which lies upon Fishing Creek together with an account of his charges. Whereupon, Resolved, that there be paid to Colo. Saunders the sum of Seventy dollars and fifty cents in full for his services and expenses incurred in making the aforesaid survey aforesaid.
The Board then adjourned untill tomorrow 11 o’Clock in the forenoon.
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July 3d. 1799.
The Board met pursuant to adjournment.
Present,
Messrs. H. Lawson S. Jones
G . Walton A. Jackson
T. P. Carnes P. Early
W. Stith
Resolved, That the Agent for the County of Greene do cause suits to be instituted against all persons settled on the Tract of Land belonging to the University which lies on Falling Creek, where the person so settled have not a lease from such Agent.
Resolved, that Peter Early esquire be appointed Attorney and counsel to the University, with powers to prosecute or defend all Actions in which said Board shall be a party.
Resolved, that Mr. Carnes, Mr. Stith and Mr. Early be a committee to digest and report a statement of the situation of that Tract of land surveyed for the University, which lies in the State of South Carolina, between the Tugalo and Keowee rivers.
It having heretofore been found extremely difficult to assemble the Senatus Academicus of the University of Georgia; and notwithstanding the direction of the Legislature and the Proclamation of his Excellency the Governor, requiring that Body to convene at this place on the 2d. Instant, a sufficient number of members have not attended: This Board taking into serious consideration the great and important objects of the Trust, the deranged and inefficient state of the Senatus Academicus, Do Resolve to meet at this place again on the 27th day of November next; and do earnestly recommend it to all the members of the Board of Trustees, and also of the Board of Visitors, then
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punctually to attend.
And it is Ordered, that a copy of the foregoing resolution be transmitted to every absent member of each Board, and be also published in one of the Gazettes of Augusta, Savannah and Louisville.
The Board then adjourned.
(Signed) Hugh Lawson
President pro tempore
Attest
Peter Early
Secretary Pro Tempore.
(The following minutes ought to have been inserted at the beginning of this Book, but have only come to hand since the foregoing was transcribed.)
Augusta 13th. February 1786.
At a meeting of the Trustees of the University of the State of Georgia
Present
Abraham Baldwin, President,
William Few Nathan Brownson
William Glasscock, Hugh Lawson
John Habersham, Benjamin Taliaferro
Pursuant to An Act of assembly passed third of February one thousand seven hundred and eighty six and with the concurrence of the Senate of the University, for laying out a Town in the County of Green on the College survey of Land on Richland Creek.
Resolved, that Thomas Harris, Davis Gresham, and William Grier esquires, be agents, and they are hereby appointed, and a majority of them are
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authorized and empowered to choose and fix a place most proper and convenient for a Town, in which the Court-House and Jail, and other public buildings are to be erected for the County of Greene, on the said College survey of Richland Creek, and to lay out the streest [suspicion of a typo – most likely “streets”] and alleys of the Town of Greenesborough, in such a manner and form as this Board may hereafter direct and point out. The said agents shall have power to fix on eight lots on such a part of said town as may be most convenient for a Church, Academy, Court-House, and Jail, and to advertise and sell at public auction twenty lots and no more ‘till further Orders, to be paid for in three equal payments, for which three separate Notes with security, shall be taken by the Agents, payable to the Trustees of the University of Georgia or their Order, in three, eight, and twilve (Sic.) months from the date of purchase, at which time the Trustees will make a title in fee simple, conditioned only, that a mansion House of framed or squared timber twenty feet long and sixteen feet wide shall be built and made tenable within the term of two years from the time of sale on said lot: Provided nevertheless, that the purchaser or purchasers of such lot or lots do according to contract and the tenor of his or their Note or Notes pay the full price of such lots as it becomes due, otherwise the Lots shall revert, and the said Agents are hereby empowered to bring suit on such Notes in the name of the Trustees, and to sell again such forfeited Lot or Lots in the manner and on the Terms aforesaid.
Resolved, that William Green be, and he is hereby appointed Treasurer for the Trustees in that County, whose duty it shall be to keep a Book, in which shall be entered a full and fair account of all the money transactions of said Agents. And in his hands shall be deposited all the bonds, Notes, and money, as it becomes due, and is collected subject only to the order of this Board.
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Resolved, that the surveyor of the County of Green be requested to make a particular survey of the tract of land on Richland Creek belonging to the University, running six parallel lines at right angles, that the whole may be divided as nearly as may be into forty nine tracks of equal quantity; carefully marking the lines and every corner of each tract, also noting down with particular care all water courses and the quality and the face of the land in each survey, and return an accurate plat of the same to this board within three months. And that Mr. Davis Gresham be requested to make a similar survey and plot of the Tract on Shoulderbone Creek, also the tracts on Falling and Fishing Creeks belong to the University and return the same as aforesaid.
Resolved, that as soon as the surveys and plats are compleated in the manner before pointed out, the lands shall be leased to any person applying for the same on the following conditions,
First – That there shall not be leased to any one person more than four lots.
Second – That the term shall be for seven years.
Third, For the four first years no rent shall be required, provided the person who leases the same shall build a tenantable house of framed or squared timber or not less than twenty feet by sixteen, and shall plant sixty apple trees, and alike number of pear or peach trees, and clear ten acres on each lot. For the last three years the rent shall be one fourth part of the produce. And in the case of neglect in the beforementioned conditions in the four first years, he or they shall pay a sum equal to the value of the rent for the last three years.
Fourth. At the end of the first seven years the tenant shall have the preference of leasing it for other seven years, on such conditions as
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may then be agreed on by the Board.
Resolved, That the President, Mr. Few, Mr. Taliaferro and Mr. Lawson be a standing committee to contract with any person for the lease of the beforementioned Lands, and to take such measures as they may find necessary for carrying the foregoing resolves into effect, who shall report their proceedings at the next meeting of the Board.
Extract from the Minutes of the Board of Trustees.
(Signed) John Habersham
Secretary
Louisville Wednesday 27th. November 1799.
The Trustees of the University of the State of Georgia met pursuant to adjournment.
Present. Hugh Lawson, Abraham Jackson,
Joseph Clay Junr., William Stith,
Thomas P. Carnes, Seaborn Jones,
Peter Early.
The President being absent, Mr. Lawson the senior Trustee present took the Chair.
Resolved, That the compensation to be allowed the Secretary of the University shall be five dollars per day for his attendance, and the like Sum for every thirty miles travel.
A letter was received from Mr. Stephens containing his excuse for not attending this meeting; which excuse was deemed sufficient.
John Habersham esquire a member of this board, having died since the last meeting the board proceeded to the choice of a successors when George Walker esquire was elected to fill the vacancy.
The Board then proceeded to the choice of a Secretary to
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the University, when John Hamill was elected to that Office.
Attest.
Peter Early Secy. Pro. Tem.
Adjourned until 4 o’Clock P.M.
Wednesday 27th November 1799. 4 o’Clock P.M.
The Board met according to adjournment.
Present.
Hugh Lawson Prest. P.T. Seaborn Jones
Joseph Clay Junr. William Stith
Abraham Jackson George Walker.
Peter Early
Resolved, that Messrs. Early and Stith be a committee to wait on the board of Visitors, and inform them, that the board of Trustees are now met, and will be happy to form the Senatus Academicus.
Adjourned untill tomorrow morning 9 o’Clock.
Thursday 28th. November 1799. 9 o’Clock A.M.
Present
Messrs. Lawson, Clay, Jackson, Early, Jones, Carnes, and Walder. The Board received a letter from James Meriwether containing a statement of the Funds of the University, which was read and taken under consideration.
Received and read a letter and an account from Abner Franklin, Ordered that Messrs. Carnes and Jackson be a committee to enquire into the reasonableness of his account & report thereon to this Board.
Mr. Stith attended and took his seat.
On motion, Resolved, that the Secretary be empowered to purchases a strong well bound book for the use of this Board, and another for the
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Senatus Academicus, and that he do fairly transcribe therein all the proceedings, which have heretofore, or may from time to time hereafter take place, keeping the Records of the respective Boards separate and distinct from each other; and for recording all the proceedings anterior to this meeting, this Board will make him a reasonable and adequate allowance.
The Board then adjourned ‘till tomorrow morning 9 o’Clock.
Friday 29th. November 1799. 9 o’Clock A.M.
The Board met pursuant to adjournment.
Present. Hugh Lawson, President pro. tem: Seaborn Jones,
Thomas P. Carnes, George Walker,
Peter Early, William Stith,
Joseph Clay Junr. Abraham Jackson
On motion of Mr. Early, Resolved, That the Agents of this Board, who have not already made returns to the Treasurer of the Notes taken by them for Leases commencing on the 25th. December 1798, do make such returns as speedily as possible; the returns to be made in a list which shall contain an account of the amount of each Note, by whom given, and the number of the lot for which it was given.
Resolved, That the Agents who have in their possession for collection, Notes or Papers, obtained for Rents under Leases prior to the 25th. December 1798, shall keep the accounts of collection on such papers, separate and distinct from all accounts accruing after that day, and shall in their annual returns to the Treasurer observe the same distinction.
Resolved, That the Treasurer do open the accounts for all funds arising from Leases made to commence on the 25th. day of
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December 1798 or since, separate from the accounts of funds due or accruing under Leases or sales prior to that day.
Resolved, That the Secretary transmit a copy of the foregoing resolutions to the Treasurer and Agents of this Board.
Resolved, That the Secretary be directed to purchase a Trunk for the safe keeping of the Papers appertaining to his Office, and that the expense of the same, and of stationary amounting to $8.871/2 be paid him by the Treasurer.
Mr. Carnes from the committee appointed to enquire into and report the sum proper to be allowed to Abner Franklin esquire for his services in distinctly laying off into lots or tracts of one hundred acres each, the five thousand acre tract of land lying on Big shoal Creek in the County of Franklin, reported the following resolution,
Resolved, That the Sum of Sixty dollars be paid by the Treasurer to Abner Franklin esquire in full for his, and the services of the Chainbearers in performing of the aforesaid duty.
And the said Report being read was agreed to.
Mr. Early from the committee appointed (at the last meeting) to digest and report a statement of the situation of that tract of Land surveyed for the University, which lies in the State of South Carolina, between the Keowee and Tugalo Rivers, reported as follows, viz
The undersigned committee of the Trustees of the University of Georgia, in conformity to the resolution of this Board, directing them to digest and report a statement of the situation of that Tract of land which lies in the fork of the Tugalo and Keowee rivers, beg leave to report, That the Tract of country lying between those Rivers was ceded to the State of South Carolina by the Treaty of Beaufort, bearing date on the 28th day of April 1787; one of the clauses of which declared void all grants under the State of Georgia, which
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were not registered in the State of South Carolina within twelve Months from the date thereof. That this treaty was ratified by the State of South Carolina on the 29th. day of February 1788, but such ratification was not communicated by the Executive of that State, to this, untill the 26th. day of May 1788. That the Grant for the tract of Land in question was sent to the proper Office in South Carolina to be registered immediately after the reception of such communication, but was not recorded. Your committee submit to the Board, whether the treaty began to operate untill after the exchange of ratifications between the two States, and of course whether the Grant was not transmitted and presented for enrolment in time. They also submit whether as the tract of land in question was the property of the University prior to the treaty of Beaufort, any power was vested in the commissioners of Georgia to transfer this property to any persons whatsoever, or whether under all circumstances attendant on this transaction, the University could be divested of any property vested in that body by the Legislature of Georgia previous to the said convention at Beaufort.
Your committee state that the tract in question is now settled claimants under the State of South Carolina, and that the same is in value very considerable.
Thos. P. Carnes.
(signed) W. Stith.
Peter Early.
And the said report being read was agreed to.
On the motion of Mr. Clay, Resolved, That the Agent for the County of Greene be directed to survey or cause to be surveyed One hundred acres around the Town of Greensborough at equal distance from its extremities, and that he gave notice to all persons who are or may hereafter be trespassing on the land of the University beyond the limits of that One hundred acres, that they desist from such trespasses, and that if they persist therein he give notice to the attorney of this Board who in such case is hereby directed to institute suits against such trespassers:
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The Board then adjourned ‘till tomorrow morning 9 o’Clock.
Saturday 30th. November 1799. 9 o’Clock A.M.
The Board med pursuant to adjournment.
Present.
Hugh Lawson, Prest. Pro. tem.
Thomas P. Carnes, Seaborn Jones,
Peter Early, William Stith,
Joseph Clay Junr. George Walker.
The report of the committee as to the claim of the Trustees of the University to lands lying between the Tugalo and Keowee rivers, being taken up, Resolved, That the same be referred to Messrs. Clay, Stith & Walker to report their opinion as to the claim and title of the University to those lands, and the best mode of persecuting that claim.
The Board then adjourned ‘till 6 o’Clock this evening.
Six o’Clock P.M.
The Board met pursuant to adjournment.
Present. Mr. Lawson, President Pro. Tem.,
Mr. Carnes Mr. Clay
Mr. Jackson Mr. Jones
Mr. Early Mr. Stith
Resolved, that John Wright be allowed the sum of Three dollars for providing fire, candles and attending on the Senatus Academicus, and that the same be paid him by the Treasurer.
The Board then adjourned ‘till four o’Clock on Monday evening.
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Monday 2nd. December 1799.
The Board met pursuant to adjournment.
Present. Mr. Lawson, President Pro. Tem.,
Mr. Carnes Mr. Clay
Mr. Jackson Mr. Jones
Mr. Early Mr. Stith
Mr. Walker
Resolved, That the sum of Forty dollars be, and the same is hereby appropriated to John Hamill esquire as Secretary of the University, which the Treasurer is hereby directed to pay.
Resolved, That this Board do now adjourn untill the Third Monday in June Next, and the same was according adjourned untill that time.
(Signed) H. Lawson prest. pro. tem
Attest
J. Hamill Secy.
of the University
Louisville Monday 16th. June 1800.
This being the day appointed for the meeting of the Senatus Academicus of this University, the following Trustees appeared and took their seats at the long Room at Mr. Posners.
Mr. Baldwin, Prest. Mr. Early,
Mr. Walton, Mr. Jones,
Mr. Carnes, Mr. Walker,
There not being a Board, the members agreed to attend again at four o’Clock this afternoon.
In the mean time Judge Walton and Judge Carnes were requested to attend at the Executive Chamber at three o’Clock to form a board of Visitors.
The said Judges having attended accordingly: they
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returned and laid before the Trustees an Extract of a letter from William Stephens esquire in the words following, viz,
Extract of a letter from William Stephens esqr. To his Excellency James Jackson, dated Savannah 6th. June 1800.
“From the raging of the small pox in Town and Country, it appears, that neither Judge Clay, nor myself, will be able to attend the Senatus Academicus, and on this point we conferred with Judge Carnes, wishing that it were possible, that an adjournment could take place – I have 18 or 20 in family to be inoculated, and of course humanity, and interest, both demand my attention, and the situation of MR. Clay must still be more anxious, as his children (two of them) and a number of his Negroes are to take the disorder – If it were proper for You, to notify the fact, it would at least be gratifying – but these indulgencies must not be too easily granted – true, but if we from the seat of infection, spread the disease, in the Western Country, it will be said we ought to have been interdicted.”
“Taken from the Original”
Whereupon the attending Trustees express it as their sense, that it would be adviseable that another meeting take place on the Third Monday in July next; and that it be signified to that effect to the Board of Visitors, the said Judges having reported that the said board of Visitors were to meet again at Ten o’Clock tomorrow.
His honor Judge Carnes is requested to lay a copy of the foregoing before the board of Visitors; and in case of concurrence, that notice thereof be published in the Savannah and Augusta Gazettes.
Attest. Abraham Baldwin, President
J. Hamill Secy.
of the University.
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Louisville 24th. November 1800.
On the 17th. June 1800, Judge Carnes reported to the President of this board (the members having left Town) that the board of Visitors, expressed their disagreement to the resolution of this board having for object the next meeting on the third Monday in July; and proposed that the next meeting of the Senatus Academicus be on this day, being the 24th of November 1800. In pursuance where of (and notice having been given by the Secretary) the following members met at Mr. Posners, viz.
Mr. Lawson, Senr. Trustee & Pres. Pro. tem. Mr. Clay,
Mr. Walton, Mr. Jones,
Mr. Carnes, Mr. Stith,
Mr. Early, Mr. Walker,
On motion, Resolved, That Mr. Early and Mr. Walker be a committee to wait on the Governor, the President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, and inform them that the board of Trustees are now convened, and will be happy to meet the board of Visitors to form the Senatus [sic] Academicus.
Mr. Walker from the above committee, reported that they had performed their Mission, and that the Governor informed them, that He would notify the Board of Visitors to meet at three o’Clock this afternoon, and would afterwards inform this Board of the result of the meeting of the Board of Visitors.
Judge Carnes from the board of Visitors, informed this Board, that the board of Visitors would be happy to form the Senatus Academicus at the State House at five o’Clock this afternoon.
The Board then adjourned untill tomorrow morning at 10 o’Clock.
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Tuesday 25th. November 1800.