Transcribed from volume I of Kansas: a cyclopedia of state history, embracing events, institutions, industries, counties, cities, towns, prominent persons, etc. ... / with a supplementary volume devoted to selected personal history and reminiscence. Standard Pub. Co. Chicago : 1912. 3 v. in 4. : front., ill., ports.; 28 cm. Vols. I-II edited by Frank W. Blackmar.

Emporia College, one of the best known denominational schools of Kansas, was founded on Oct. 9, 1882, by the Presbyterian synod of Kansas. Forty acres of land, overlooking the valley of the Neosho, and $40,000 in money were donated to the synod by the citizens of Emporia to aid in establishing the institution. The charter declares that the purpose of the organizers was "to found an institution for instruction in literature, science and art, according to the highest standards of education." The college was formally opened in Nov., 1883, with 17 students in attendance. The second year 80 students were enrolled. For three years the college work was carried on in rented quarters, poorly adapted to teaching, but in 1886, a sum of $10,000 was given to the college by Mrs. Robert L. Stuart, of New York city, and a fine building was erected at a cost of $65,000. This was called Stuart Hall in memory of Mrs. Stuart. Class rooms, laboratory, museum, library, reading rooms and halls for literary societies, were provided in this building. In 1887, William Austin of Emporia gave $5,000 for completing a chapel in the east wing, which was called William Austin chapel, after the donor. It was dedicated on Dec. 8, 1889. In 1886, a large residence on the north side of the campus was purchased for a dormitory for female students. Andrew Carnegie gave $30,000 to the college to erect a library in memory of his friend, John B. Anderson of Manhattan, Kan. This building was dedicated in 1902, and contains some 30,000 volumes. The college has a three-year preparatory and four-year college course, and a special course in music. Many young men attended Emporia College who are preparing to enter the ministry. The expenses of the institution are met by tuition and contributions from church and individuals.

Pages 589-590 from volume I of Kansas: a cyclopedia of state history, embracing events, institutions, industries, counties, cities, towns, prominent persons, etc. ... / with a supplementary volume devoted to selected personal history and reminiscence. Standard Pub. Co. Chicago : 1912. 3 v. in 4. : front., ill., ports.; 28 cm. Vols. I-II edited by Frank W. Blackmar. Transcribed May 2002 by Carolyn Ward.