William P. Lyon papers

The "Journal of a Trip to Middletown, 1841" was written from June 29 to July 3, 1841, by William P. Lyon. It mostly describes Lyon's time in Middletown, Connecticut, but the journal also briefly describes his time in New York City. Throughout the diary Lyon mentions many new acquaintances from Wesleyan University, and dwells heavily on President Nathan Bangs, Professor Harvey B. Lane, Professor John Johnston, Professor Augustus W. Smith, Professor William M. Willett, Professor Jacob F. Huber, as well as many of their "ladies." Lyon also writes about his family and how lonely he feels when apart from his wife, Harriet, and son, Roscoe. Lyon's main reason for writing this journal was to record his journey to Wesleyan, but more specifically to detail the final examinations of the Wesleyan student body. Although Wesleyan University exams are the main topics of this diary, Lyon also describes the "Oriental Society" at Professor Willett's house and his private school, the Irving Institute. This is a photocopy of the original diary which was handwritten in English and contained 47 pages.

The diary begins on June 29, 1841, as the Lyon family departed from their home on the Columbus steamer from Tarrytown, New York, destined for New York City. On board the couple had a lengthy argument about the salary of the recently appointed Methodist pastor, Reverend Abm. Francis, and how it was insufficient for even the most meager lifestyle. Lyon concluded the argument with hopes that his case would be supported at the Quarterly Conference in August. After reaching the city, the family rode to a Mr. Leder's home where they decided to stay the night. During the evening, Lyon remarked on his son's infatuation with the scriptures after his son Roscoe thank God upon seeing an alarmed fire engine go by.

In the morning (June 30), Lyon left his family behind as he traveled by the "Gladiator" steamer towards New Haven, Connecticut. On board he met several acquaintances also bound for Wesleyan University, including Rev. H. Chase and the two brothers Gabriel P. Disosway and Cornelius R. Disosway. After arriving in New Haven, Lyon took an hourlong train ride to Meriden, followed by a two hour coach ride to his final destination of Middletown. After arriving at Wesleyan University, Lyon met with Rev. Horace Bartlett, the steward of the university, who showed them to a wash area and the large dining hall. After dinner, the group went on a tour of the university, followed by a visit to the home of the Wesleyan president. Lyon and President Bangs immediately became well acquainted and the president hoped Lyon would call upon him again. Lyon then returned to the Steward and was introduced to Professor Willett who accompanied him to the chapel to pray. At the chapel, Lyon was quite upset as most of the student body paid no attention to the lecture and instead nodded off. After prayer he went to Prof. Willett's estate south of the university, where Lyon came across a very interesting meeting. It seems at Professor Willett's home there were ". . . half a dozen of students who assembled to form an Oriental Society" (pg. 13); however, this is the only mention of the society and Lyon gives no other details. After this encounter Lyon attended a General Class Meeting of Students, and then decided to return to Professor Willett's house to sleep.

The next morning (July 1), Lyon left Professor Willet's home and returned to the President's room where he met with the Exam Committee. Lyon includes notes on each student's progress through a series of exams over two days. The notes range from a simple "very good" to a small description of how badly the student failed. During the next two days, Lyon was able to observe examinations in thirteen different subjects including: moral philosophy, the United States constitution, political economics, combined mechanics, analytical geometry, declaration, logic, mental philosophy, law, geometry, astronomy, trigonometry, and national history, for which Lyon wrote, "I am the Committee." In addition to evaluating each student on how well he did on the examinations, Lyon also occasionally commented on their attractiveness. After the exams were over, Lyon had dinner with Professor John Johnston, and then decided to lodge with Professor Harvey B. Lane for the night. That evening, Lyon attended a Committee meeting where they decided to "pass upon the students."

The final entry in the diary details Lyon's trip back to New York City on July 3, as well as his summary of Wesleyan University. Lyon bragged that both Professor Willett and Johnston wanted him to stay at their houses during his trip, and that the President demanded that next time William visited, he must lodge with him. Lyon then gives a summary of his experiences with each of the professors he met and their personalities including: Professor Lane, Professor Johnston, Professor Smith, Professor Haber, Professor Willett, Professor Huber, and President Bangs. William also describes the "ladies" of these professors including: the president's wife, Professor Johnston's wife, Professor Lane's wife, and Professor Willett's wife. William concluded that he was disappointed overall in the Wesleyan student body, for they seemed to be tested only on the basic principles. The last sentence of this diary summarizes these sentiments: "I candidly think that one year in Irving would be better for those freshmen than both Soph and Junior year in College."

A typed transcript of Lyon's diary is also available. However, this copy is only from the time that Lyon reached Wesleyan and does not include the time spent with his family in New York.

There are two pieces of correspondence in this collection. The first letter of William Lyon is written to Professor Jacob F. Huber on August 18th, 1840. This letter describes William's gratitude for Wesleyan University granting him an honorary A.M. degree. However, William writes that there is no convenient way of getting his diploma, so he hopes that Professor Huber will forward it to H. + S. Raynor who will pay for the required fee.

The second letter, also to Professor Huber, tells of Lyon's acceptance to the Examination Committee for Wesleyan University. He writes that he has some hesitance in accepting this position because his school is still in session, but recognized that it was too grand of a proposition for him to deny.

A one-page biography of William Phoebus Lyon is details his life from 1819 to December 4, 1841. It names the places he took up residence, a few of his jobs, and his family affairs. However, none of these events are explained in any detail and most only give the years, not the exact dates.