Millikin University - Millidek Yearbook (Decatur, IL)

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THE JAMES MILLIKIN UNIVERSITY

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Decatur enefactors to the niversity l NND' 4 .T WW . . 'ii mm M ' JFK. NIC condition of the proposition for the establishment of the institution at Decatur was that the citizens of the city and county should raise at least one hundred thousand dollars for it. Over eight hundred persons, firms and organizations joined enthusiastically in contributing to that end. Many contributed most liberally and all will ever be held in grate- ful remembrance. We find great pleasure in presenting the portraits on the opposite page of the fine enterprising and generous-hearted citizens who subscribed the largest amounts in order. Orlando Powers gave the sum of ten thousand dollars. In his business affairs he was exceedingly fortunate, at the time of his death, July 2, 1902, being the owner of extensive properties in this city and vicinity. including the Powers, Block and Opera House. He was a public spirited man, and as a life-long friend of Mr. Millikin took great pleasure in contribut- ing so substantially to the new college he was founding. The Orlandian Literary Society is named in kindly remembrance of him. V Thomas T. Roberts early showed himself a warm friend to the enterprise and at a most opportune time aroused flagging interest by subscribing five thousand dollars. Mr. Roberts has made a comfortable fortune in Decatur and has always subscribed liberally to every laudable movement. He has served as a member of the Board of Managers from the first, being chairman of the finance committee. No one rejoices more than he in the growth of the University. YN'illiam H. Ennis, a long-time prominent contractor among a score or more of active leaders in developing central Illinois, also contributed the sum of five thousand dollars. He likewise recognized the advantages of a great college here and true to his habit was found among its generous promoters. Mrs. Caroline M. Powers was among the first to appreciate the value of such an institution to Decatur and promptly subscribed the sum of five thousand dollars. This example had a happy influence and she is pleased to say that she considers it one of the wisest investments of her life. She is now eighty-seven years of age and yet has not lost her interest in the enlarging life of this community. One of her sons, Theron Powers, was at once appointed a member of the Board of Managers and continues to act as chairman of the committee on grounds with great acceptance to all. David S. Shellabarger is always counted upon to do generously for every good thing and, though already contributing a generous sum to establish a laboratory in a neighboring college, subscribed five thousand dollars. Long a successful business man and president of the school board of Decatur, he enjoys an envia'ble reputation which is the reward of a well-spent life. 14