The Presbyterian. (Philadelphia, PA) Saturday, October 22, 1836. P. 166.
To the Friends of Education.
The Rev. Wm. J. Fraser, is now in the city of New York, soliciting contributions to aid in the endowment of McDonough College, McDonough county, Illinois. This institution, situated midway between the Illinois and the Mississippi river, was chartered last winter; and has for its object, the promotion of the cause of Education in the West, and a special view to the raising up of a sound and able ministry of the Gospel. It is at present decidedly and avowedly under the control of Old-school Presbyterians. Mr. Fraser is President of the Board of Trustees, and is a gentleman of established standing and character. He comes recommended not only by individuals in his own locality, but by names familiar to this community, such as Dr. Blythe and Dr. Matthews, of South Hanover, W. L. Breckinridge, Louisville, Ky, Drs. Green, Cuyler, & c., Philadelphia and many others, who testify alike in his favour, and in favour of the importance of the object for which he solicits.
Having carefully examined his documents, I feel entire freedom in presenting him as an individual entitled to the fullest confidence of all with whom he may, in Providence, be permitted to meet. The cause for which he pleads, the cause of education and sound religion in the West, can scarcely be overrated. His appeal is to the wealthy, the patriotic, the benevolent, and the pious.
Signed, John Knox, D.D.
We very cordially unite in the above, J. McElroy, W. W. Phillips.
People Referenced in the Letter:
- Blythe, Dr. James, First President of Hanover College, South Hanover, Indiana. Came from Lexington, Kentucky, where he had been a professor of chemistry at Transylvania University and later its president
- Matthews, Rev. Dr. John, First Professor of Hanover College, South Hanover, Indiana. Came from Shepherdstown, Virginia.
- Knox, John, D. D., pastor of Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of New York City.
- McElroy, Rev. Dr. Joseph, pastor of Scotch Presbyterian Church at Grand and Crosby Streets, New York City.
- Phillips, Rev. Dr. William Wirt, pastor of First Presbyterian Church of New York, Wall and Broadway
- Breckinridge, Rev. William Lewis, pastor of First Presbyterian church, Louisville, Ky, formerly professor at Centre College
- Green, Rev. Dr. Ashbel, journalist in Philadelphia; former president of Princeton University;
- Cuyler, Rev. Dr. Cornelius C., pastor Second Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia