philanthropist; born in
Slaterville, R. I., March 4, 1815; was trained in the manufacture of cotton, in which his father had large interests; and on the death of his father succeeded to those interests.
He early manifested an active concern in the cause of education.
The gift by which he is best known was that of $1,000,000, made in April, 1882, for the purpose of “uplifting the lately emancipated population of the
Southern States and their posterity.”
For this patriotic and munificent gift the thanks of Congress were voted, and a medal was presented.
Neither principal nor income is expended for land or buildings.
Education in industries and the preparation of teachers are promoted in institutions believed to be on a permanent basis.
The board consists of
Prof. Daniel C. Gilman,
ex-president of Johns Hopkins University, as president;
Chief-Justice Fuller, as vicepresident;
Morris K. Jesup, as treasurer;
J. L. M. Curry, as secretary and general manager; and Bishops Potter and Galloway, and
Messrs. William E. Dodge,
William A. Slater,
John A. Stewart,
Alexander E. Orr, and
William H. Baldwin, Jr. The fund is a potential agency in working out the problem of the education of the negro, and over half a million of dollars has already been expended.
By the extraordinary fidelity and financial ability of the treasurer, the fund, while keeping up annual appropriations, has increased to $1,500,000. Schools established by States, denominations, and individuals are helped by annual donations.
Among the most prominent are the
Hampton Normal and Industrial; the Spelman, the Tuskegee, and schools at
Orangeburg, S. C.; Tongaloo, Miss.;
Marshall, Tex.;
Raleigh, N. C.; New Orleans; the Meharry College at
Nashville, etc.
Mr. Slater died in
Norwich, Conn., May 7, 1884.
