Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Seventy Years

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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