Union University - Lest We Forget Yearbook (Jackson, TN)

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On the 10th day of April, 1874, a convention was called at Murfressboro to consider the question of re-establishing a college for the entire State, and a committee was appointed to locate it. Among the various propositions presented, Jackson was selected as the best site. On August 12, 1874, the Tennessee Baptist Convention, then in session at Treze- vant, appointed a Board of Trustees consisting of thirty-five members. The institution was chartered by the State on June 25, 1 875, under the name Southwestern Baptist University. On August 5, 1890, a deed was made to the Southwestern Baptist University of the campus, known prior to 1875, as West Tennessee College. Colonel J. W. Rosamon, as financial agent, in six months, raised the sum of Thirty Thousand Dollars. During the year 1890, Miss Willie Edwards, of Shelbyville, Tennessee, made a gift to the endowment fund amounting to Three Thousand Three Hundred and Ten Dollars. In November of this year, the American Baptist Educational Society appro- priated Twelve Thousand Seven Hundred Dollars, as an endowment to the University under certain conditions, which were met. Through the liberality of W. T. Adam;, of Corinth, Mississippi, a dormitory for young men was erected in 1895. And in 1896 this building was enlarged by the addi- tion of a three-story front. In 1897, a dormitory for young ladies was erected, which in consequence of a large gift from Mr. J. R. Lovelace, of Martin, Tennessee, was named in honor of his son, Everett Lovelace Hall. In 1879, a movement to endow the chair of Logic and Moral Philosophy, in honor of Dr. J. R. Graves resulted in raising $10,000. Dr. H. C. Irby was secretary of the movement. Dr. Irby, through work and his liberal gifts in money, has been a great asset to the University. His gifts in all have amounted to Twenty-five Thousand Dollars. A new chapel was completed in 1 899, and in honor of Dr. W. D. Powell, wai named Powell Chapel. In 1 901-2, the Perry Estate became the property of the University. With this the Perry School of Bible Instruction was established in memory of Benjamin W. Perry, who gave his estate, amounting to Twelve Thousand Dollars, requesting it to be used especially in the education of young ministers. In May, 1905, the General Educational Society offered the trustees Twenty Thousand Dollars on permanent endowment, if the friends of the institution would promptly raise Seventy-five Thousand Dollars. The effort securing this offer in 1906 was successful under the leadership of President Hale. At a meeting of the Board of Trustees, September 1 7, 1907, the name of the in- stitution was changed from Southwestern Baptist University to Union University, the name given it in its organization in 1845. In January, 1912, the chapel and main building of the institution were entirely destroyed by fire. On account of the liberal gifts of Colonel O. C. Barton, the new administration building was named in his honor, Barton Hall. The following are the names of the presidents who have served the University: J. M. Pendleton, G. W. Jarmon, who served as president both before and after tha Civil War; Duncan H. Selph, Chas. Manly, Geo. W. Jarmon, G. M. Savage, J. W. Conger, I. B. Tigrett, who served as acting president of the institution 1909-1 1 , R. A. Kimbrough, R. M. Inlow, and A. T. Barrett, who served as acting president 1913-14, 1914-15. June 1915, G. M. Savage was again elected president, and served until 1918, when Dr. H. E. Watters, the present head of the University, was chosen. BESS POWELL J

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Union University Office Force. T HE office force is one of the most thoroughly organized forces of the University. ■ Dr. Watters can he found at his desk with his patient smile and knitted brow, always looking and watching after the best interests of the University and each individual student. Prof. Derryberry is in the adjoining office with a sharp eye for business students, and catches everyone that comes near Jackson ; and, after relieving them of the enroll- ment fees, conducts them to the business department, returns to his office and waits for the next wayfarer. Prof. McAliley, the bursar, is constantly found at his desk in the front office on enrollment days, and in his courteous way receives all fees and issues class tickets. The University does not have a more systematic, or a shrewder business man. Mr. W. Q. Maer, the book-keeper, can be found at his desk in the president ' s office carefully recording the accounts of the office. Mr. Maer is an expert book-keeper and has the teachers ' checks out on time. Mr. W. H. Jernigan, who keeps the records of the University and acts as one of Dr. Watters ' stenographers, is strictly business and courteous. He keeps the records of the University in Number One shape, and is always willing and ready to accommodate each and every student who needs his assistance. Miss Rachel Gardner, stenographer of the president, is one of the quickest and best stenographers in town. She can fill any of the positions in the office from Dr. Watters down. Miss Susie Jones, who keeps the Chapel records and sends out the reports, is an indispensable asset to the office force.