The Oath of Allegiance, A Sword, And A Lost MU Mansion
On February 3, 1862, an order was issued by the Union Army requiring the president, professors, curators, and other officers of the University of Missouri take an oath of allegiance to Missouri and the Federal Government. Major General Hallack’s order stated that “this institution having been endowed by the government of the United States, its funds should not be used to teach treason or to instruct traitors.” Refusal was allowed, but if those named “shall thereafter attempt to obtain pay, or perform the functions of such office, he will be tried and punished for military offense.” President Benjamin Minor and former President John Lathrop responded that they had taken the oath, as did professors Matthew and Norword. William T. Lenoir refused, and tendered his resignation, Thomas B. Gentry was elected to fill the position of Treasurer in Lenoir’s stead. Professor Fristoe had already abandoned the university to join the Confederate Army; his chair was declared vacant.
At the outbreak of the Civil War there was increasingly violent social upheaval in the nation, especially in the border state of Missouri which had sympathizers on both sides. In 1862, still early in the war, Union control of Missouri was not yet absolute. A month before the oath was ordered, Union troops headquartered on campus in Academic Hall. The commander of the garrison, Colonel Lewis Merrill, occupied the President’s House. The University of Missouri closed for part of 1862 and wouldn’t reopen until November.
The President’s House at the time of the Civil War is not the same one standing in 2023. The original President’s House was constructed in 1841, about the same time as Academic Hall, and just east of it. It was a two story structure with a large porch facing north. Unlike Academic Hall, it was poorly constructed and by the late 1840s was in bad condition. It was repaired, possibly expanded, and was used until it was destroyed in fire November 27, 1865. In its 24 year history it was occupied by just four university Presidents and their families, John Hiram Lathrop (1841–1849), James Shannon (1850–1856), William Wilson Hudson (1856–1859), Benjamin Blake Minor (1860–1862), and John Hiram Lathrop (1865–1866). After it burned in 1865, it was replaced in 1867 with the much more ornate Residence on the Quad, the oldest building on the University of Missouri campus in 2023.
William Switzler’s 1882 History of Boone County, Missouri recounts the following ceremony that took place in the house during the Civil War:
“On Saturday night, November 29, 1862, at the military headquarters in Columbia (the president's house in the University campus), the ceremonies attending the presentation of a magnificent sword to Gen. Guitar occurred, as a token of esteem and regard on the part of his Union friends in Boone County. The sword was manufactured in Philadelphia, at a cost of about $150, and is a superb piece of work-manship. The scabbard is plain, but highly polished, and exhibits a richly golden color. Near the top of it, next to the hilt, is engraved in silver the portrait of Washington. On the other side are engraved the words: “Presented to Brig. Gen. O. Guitar by his Union friends of Boone County for his gallant and meritorious conduct at Moore's Mill, Little Compton and Yellow Creek."
The hilt is of solid silver, with golden guard, and bears the engraving of an eagle in combat with a serpent. The end of the hilt is surmounted with a golden eagle. The blade is executed of the finest steel, highly polished. On it, in beautiful colors, is engraved the goddess of liberty, with the letters " U. S." R. L. Todd made the presentation speech to which Gen. Guitar responded.”
The original house is depicted to the left of Academic Hall in two drawings below, which disagree on its appearance. The first is likely more accurate and reflects the “I-House” plan common to early Mid-Missouri.
The President’s House Circa 1860 (To The Left of Academic Hall)
From MU in Brick and Mortar, original at University Archives
The President’s House Circa 1850 (To The Left of Academic Hall)
From MU in Brick and Mortar, original at University Archives
Inspired, in part, by the surviving I-House architecture of the Boonslick, our group, CoMo Preservation, hopes to help homeowners, landlords, and institutions prevent the destruction of historic architecture. Original period styles might be replicated, but will forever lack the social history of authentic structures. The preservation of historic buildings is necessary for Columbia’s residents, students, and visitors to achieve a sense of place and, it follows, for our city’s continued economic success. If you want to join us in our mission sign up for our mailing list to receive news and updates.
Sources:
Switzler, William F. (1882). History of Boone County. St. Louis, Missouri: Western Historical Company. OCLC 2881554.
Stephens, Frank Fletcher (1962). A History of the University of Missouri. Columbia, Missouri: University of Missouri Press. ISBN 9781258386566.
MU in Brick and Mortar: Academic Hall. Columbia, Missouri: University of Missouri Archives. Accessed February 3, 2023.
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