Series P9
Andrew Sledd papers, 1869-1939 (bulk 1897-1939)
1.5 linear ft. (5 boxes and 1 bundle)
Series P9 is a collection of the personal correspondence, notes, publication manuscripts, and memorabilia of Andrew Sledd, first president of the University of Florida. The series contains manuscripts to many of his works--some unpublished--including his unfinished memoir, "Autobiography of a Southern Schoolmaster." The autobiography begins with recollections of his childhood and ends, unfortunately, in the middle of the controversy surrounding the decision to relocate the University of Florida to Gainesville in 1905. Also included in the series are his letters to his father-in-law, Bishop Warren A. Chandler, for the years 1897-1913 and a small, but significant, group of materials related to his appointment as President of the Florida Agricultural College in 1903, his selection as the first university president, the relocation of the campus to Gainesville, and his ouster in 1909. Newspaper clippings document the controversy surrounding his 1902 article on southern race relations. With the exception of printed material and publication manuscripts, records related to his interpretation of Bible scripture and his views on church doctrine are scarce.
The series also contains limited records of others in the Sledd Family. Most significant are records of his father, Rev. Robert Newton Sledd, which consist of an estate book, some of his sermon notebooks, deeds, and miscellaneous papers.