Nelson Rounds, 1868-1872

Record Group

Identifier: Record Group II

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of letters from Willamette University Board of Trustee member, Gustavus Hines, to Rounds, encouraging him to accept the Presidency of Willamette University. In his letters, Hines discusses the opinions of Trustee members regarding Rounds' potential appointment. Hines also discusses travel opportunities to get from Rounds' home in New York to San Francisco via the Isthmus of Panama. Two letters from Rounds' son-in-law, Leland, are included. Also included are Rounds' contract with the University, an expense list from Rounds' move to Oregon and resolutions regarding student activities. These documents have been digitized and transcribed.

Dates

1868-1872

Language of Materials

From the Collection:

Materials are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

Smith, Hudson, and Pelton's records are currently closed to researchers. All other records are open.

Biographical / Historical

Nelson Rounds was a Methodist Episcopal Minister and President of Willamette University from 1868 to 1870. He was born on May 4, 1807 in New York. Rounds was a graduate of Union College in New York, received his Doctor of Divinity from Hamilton University in 1833, and was given an honorary degree from Wesleyan University. On March 26, 1835, he and Mary Comfort married. They had 13 children. Rounds served as Professor of Ancient Languages at Cazenovia Seminary in 1836, editor of the Northern Christian Advocate from 1844-1848, and presiding elder of several important districts in the church. In 1868, he was appointed President of Willamette University, as well as Professor of Ancient Language and Moral Philosophy. Rounds left Willamette University for the state of Washington in 1870. He passed away on January 2, 1874.