THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN BICENTENNIAL PROJECT

“Speramus Meliora; Resurget Cineribus”

The subject of this research pertains to the founders of the University of Michigan, John Monteith, Augustus Woodward, and Father Gabriel Richard, in preparation of the upcoming University Bicentennial in 2017. In this presentation we are primarily focusing on Fr. Richard’s contributions. With the help of the University Libraries, especially the Bentley Historical Library, and offsite resources including Church Diocesan Archives, and online archival and biographical information, we hope to build a clear and concise description of Rev. Richard’s life. This research would be available for a planned University Founders Exhibit, which would celebrate the stories of these men. With Fr. Richard being an important figure in the history of Michigan as a state, we are interested in his whole life, not just his contributions to the University. For example, he was the first of three priests to serve in the U.S. Congress, he established the first newspaper in the Michigania Territory, and he extensively ministered to Native American tribes in the territory. From the letters of Fr. Richard it is clear that he had been planning a “School of Literature, Science and the Arts” as early as 1808. Research shows that with the additional resources contributed by Judge Woodward and Rev. Monteith, these plans came to manifestation, on paper, in the Act to Establish the Catholepistemiad, signed in 1817. Ultimately, we hope to achieve much wider understanding of a man who co-founded what would become one of the finest higher education institutions in the world.

The materials used in this project were largely gathered from the University Libraries, however additional outside resources were also employed.

Sources used include primary and secondary documents found at:

• The University of Michigan Bentley Historical Library • The Hatcher Graduate Library• The Archdiocese of Detroit Archives• The Library of Congress Digital Collection

The information gathered is then chronologically organized; a bibliography listing sources is created; recurring themes about Fr. Richard are examined to see how they would relate to Fr. Richard’s role in the University so we may focus on the involvement of Fr. Richard in the University of Michigan, as well his relationship with the Native American. Once completed, this research was uploaded to a U-M Box folder for review by the research team.

• 1806 Fr. Richard was planning a way to better educate the Indians in the surrounding areas. Governor Hull shared Fr. Richard’s concerns for educating the Indian people, and he included his concerns in his second inaugural address. By 1808 Fr. Richard had six schools in operation.

• 1808 – First mentions the need for a school of “Literature, Scientific Knowledge, and the Useful Arts” in a letter to President Jefferson

• August 1812 – After the surrender of Detroit, the British captured Fr. Richard and demanded he swear allegiance to the King. Fr. Richard

• replied, “I have taken one oath to support the Constitution of the United States, and I cannot take another. Do with me as you please.” Fr. Richard was freed by the intercession of Chief Tecumseh, who was a British ally but also a friend of Fr. Richard.

• August 26, 1817 “Act to establish the Catholepistemiad, or University of Michigania” is signed into law. Fr. Richard is appointed Vice President

• January 26, 1824 – Gives a speech to Congress advocating for the funding of a road from Detroit to Chicago (Michigan Avenue)

The original goal of this research was to gather information on the involvement of Fr. Richard in the University and Territory of Michigan to prepare for the U-M Bicentennial in 2017. Through research, an outline of Fr. Richard was prepared which detailed his commitment to the citizens of Detroit, and his association and dedication to the University of Michigan.

We discovered many additional contributions that Fr. Richard had made beyond the University. For instance, Fr. Richard was an avid promoter of the arts in Detroit, thus he brought with him from the East Coast a printing press and pipe organ, which were the first of their kind west of the Allegheny.

It is our hope that during 2017, students may become more aware of the founders of Michigan, and in turn use their intellectual attributes to guide the University into the next 200 years. Further research could explore the intentions founders’ for creating the University. Topics such as who was at the heart of promoting the University, the relationship of Fr. Richard and the Native Americans could also be examined.

ABSTRACT THE FOUNDERS

THE LIFE OF FR. RICHARD

METHODS

CONCLUSION

Poster created by John Thomas ZekanyProject sponsored by Gary Krenz, Ph.D.The University of Michigan Bicentennial Office

Bicentennial Project Team Members: Dr. Gary Krenz - Executive Director, Michelle French - Associate Director, Kim Clarke - Director of Communications, Bailey Oland – Associate AssistantBicentennial Project Student Members: Lindsay Barnett, Clair Bartosic, Michelle Cassidy, Jakop Dopp, Andrew Grafton, Angel Izaguirre, Jerry Jones, Ali Kahil, Louis Miller, Bailey Surbrook, J. T. Zekany

Top left: Portrait of Fr. Richard painted likely in the early 1820’s (Courtesy of Bishop Boyea of the Diocese of Lansing)

Right: 1809 letter from Fr. Richard to Thomas Jefferson describing the schools he established for white and Indian children (Courtesy of the Na-tional Archives)

Bottom left: Fr. Richards appointment to professorship of mathematics. (Courtesy of the Bentley Historical Library)

The original building of the Catholepistemiad and University of Michigan in Detroit

1818 Ste. Anne’s in Detroit The original seal of the Catholepistemiad

• Reverend John Monteith•FatherGabrielRichard• Judge Augustus Woodward