Mercer University and its President Otis Smith

Otis Smith 1840-1844

• Clergyman, educator (1800-1865); A.B. degree; married to Martha Womack (1827)
• Presented diplomas to the first graduating class in 1841 (Richard Malcolm Johnson, educator/author; Benjamin F. Tharpe, minister; Abner R. Wellborn, physician)
• Gave strict attention to the morals of the students, keeping a record of their proficiency and deportment that was forwarded to parents and guardians and requiring attendance at morning and evening prayer services
• Received $40,000 bequest of Jesse Mercer to the university in 1841
• Saw enrollment drop from 132 in 1840 to 50 in 1842, due to a severe agricultural depression which was widespread, and accepted the resignation of the entire faculty in 1842 (Professors Sanford, Mell, and Pierce were reelected)

Circular, December 1840:

"Religious Worship. Every student is required to attend regularly morning and evening prayers; and preaching twice, and Sabbath school once each Sabbath."

"Labor. Each student is required to labor from 2 to 2½ hours, 5 days in each week. Those over 18 years, to receive 5 cents per hour for their labor, and the younger in proportion, to be paid at the end of each term."