Formation and design of Atlanta University, 1866-1875

The Edmund Asa Ware records are the third series of the Atlanta University Presidential Records.

This series is comprised of administrative correspondence and financial records produced during the administration of Edmund Asa Ware, superintendent of schools for the State of Georgia under the auspices of the Freedmen's Bureau, and later first president of Atlanta University. The records are divided into five subseries. The first subseries consists of correspondence between Ware and officials of the American Missionary Association regarding the purchase of land for the erection of buildings, the establishment of a normal school, and the establishment and support of teachers in Georgia by the A.M.A. and other philanthropic organizations. The second subseries relates to the plan and design of Atlanta University under the Ware administration. Included are building plans, plans for the expansion of the institution, and financial records concerning supplies and equipment for the first two dormitory buildings. The third subseries relates to Atlanta University's finances under the Ware administration. The bulk of papers in this group consists of letters of donations, establishment of scholarships for students, sale of property deeds, contributions of school supplies and clothing from friends and philanthropic agencies. The fourth subseries consists of various types of biographical data about Dr. Ware compiled by his son and friends and colleagues. The final group contains correspondence and financial records of Atlanta University during the administration of Acting Presidents Thomas Chase, Horace Bumstead, and C.W. Francis. All three of these individuals served in this capacity after Ware’s death in 1885.