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John Mahelm Berry Sill reference collection

 Collection
Identifier: 02.JMBS

Scope and Contents

John Mahelm Berry Sill was the eighth president of Michigan State Normal College, serving from 1886 to 1893. His papers consist of such materials as researcher biographies, press clippings, CVs, handwritten speeches, and memorials and obituaries.

The John Mahelm Berry Sill reference collection include the following files: Biographies, Clippings, CVs, correspondence from the Department of State, memorial programs and obituaries, photographs, and handwritten speeches.

Dates

  • 1892 - 1963

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Researchers are asked to request materials 24 hours prior to visiting the the University Archives.

Biographical Note

John Mahelm Berry Sill was born on October 23, 1831 in Black Rock, New York. In 1836 the Sill family relocated to Jonesville, Michigan, where Sill attended the district school and worked on the family farm. Sill's mother and father passed away in 1842, and for the next few years Sill worked on neighboring farms while attending school. In 1847, Sill founded the first Union School in Michigan with A.S. Welch; when the Michigan State Normal College was established, Welch was appointed the first principal, and Sill transferred with him to serve as assistant and continue his studies. Sill was one of the three persons who composed the first graduating class of 1854; Sill then took charge of the MSNC Department of English and the Model School. In 1863, Sill was appointed as the first Superintendent of the Detroit public schools. After two years, Sill resigned and accepted a position as head of the Detroit Female Seminary, a position he held for ten years. Finally, in 1886, Sill was elected as principal of the MSNC. Sill resigned in 1893 and was appointed as the Minister to Korea by the United States Department of State.

Extent

0.4 Linear Feet (1 archive box)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The John Mahelm Berry Sill reference collection document the eighth president of Michigan State Normal College, who served from 1886 to 1893. His papers consist of such materials as researcher biographies, press clippings, CVs, handwritten speeches, and memorials and obituaries.

Related Materials

For more on John Mahelm Berry Sill, please see the Biography and Photograph files in the University Archive file collection.

Title
John Mahelm Berry Sill reference collection
Status
Completed
Author
Natalie Morath
Date
2013 February 14
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Part of the Eastern Michigan University Archives Repository

Contact:
Bruce T. Halle Library, Room 310
955 West Circle Drive
Ypsilanti Michigan 48197
734-487-2673