Dr. Sweetser was succeeded by Rev. Daniel Merriman, then thirty-nine,
who had come to Worcester from a church in Norwich, Connecticut. Soon
after his graduation from Williams in 1863, Merriman joined the Union
army and served as first lieutenant in the 132nd Illinois regiment
during the remainder of the war. He then returned to Andover
Theological Seminary and was graduated in 1868. During his long
pastorate at Central church, he received the degree of
D.D. successively from Ripon College, Williams, and Yale. He also
became trustee of Williams, Atlanta University, and Abbott Academy.
Year after year, Stephen Salisbury was reelected president of the
Corporation and he rarely missed a meeting. Excepting only the annual
meetings held in Boynton Hall, the trustees met either at Salisbury's
office or in his home. The position of secretary was held by D. Waldo
Lincoln for ten years prior to his retirement in 1876. Shortly after
his death in 1880, his children donated a fund of $1,000 in his
memory. Mr. Lincoln's successor as secretary was the Rev. Edward
H. Hall, who served until his departure from the city in 1882.
David Whitcomb faithfully discharged the duties of treasurer from the
date of organization until 1876, frequently drawing on his personal
funds to meet the deficits. Philip L. Moen was elected to succeed
Mr. Whitcomb as treasurer. Because of the great pressure of other
affairs, he was forced to resign in June, 1881. The nominating
committee sought to have him reconsider, but reported in November that
if this were not possible, Mr. Whitcomb might resume the
post. Mr. Whitcomb thereupon communicated to the trustees that his
health and years would not allow him again to undertake these
duties. In lieu of service, he presented a gift of $20,000, the income
of which he desired to be used for the best interests of the
Institute. Mr. Moen continued to serve until a successor was elected
in 1883.
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