Boston University chartered (1869)

Boston University was chartered by the Massachusetts Legislature in 1869, evolving from the Newbury Biblical Institute founded in 1839. Three trustees obtained the charter, which was signed by Governor William Claflin on May 26, 1869. The founders, successful Boston businessmen and Methodist laymen, directed specific provisions in the charter, marking a significant transition from a theological institute to a university.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. Boston University traces its roots to the Newbury Biblical Institute, established in Newbury, Vermont, in 1839. The institute moved to Boston in 1867, receiving a charter as the Boston Theological Seminary. In 1869, three trustees obtained a new charter from the Massachusetts Legislature for a university named Boston University, reflecting the institution's expansion beyond theological training.

Founders. The trustees who secured the charter were Isaac Rich, Lee Claflin, and Jacob Sleeper. These men were successful Boston businessmen and Methodist laymen with a history of involvement in educational enterprises. Lee Claflin's son, William, served as Governor of Massachusetts and signed the University Charter on May 26, 1869, after its passage by the Legislature.

Charter Provisions. As reported by Kathleen Kilgore in her book Transformations, A History of Boston University, the founders directed the inclusion in the Charter of a provision that was unusual for its time. The supplied passages do not reproduce the text of this provision, so its specific contents cannot be stated here.

People involved

Sources

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