Edmund Asa Ware records

Edmund Asa Ware came to Atlanta in 1866 to replace Frederick Ayer as the American Missionary Association’s (A.M.A.) Superintendent of Schools. He immediately made plans to convert an old building, formerly a Confederate Commissary, into a schoolhouse for newly freed slaves. This new building was named Storrs School, after the Congregational Church of Cincinnati for their financial assistance in refurbishing the structure. Ware became principal in 1866. In 1867, Ware was appointed Superintendent of Schools for the Freedman’s Bureau in Georgia. This assignment forced him from his official role with the A.M.A., but he retained supervision of its educational work. Ware was one of the leading organizers in establishing an institution of higher learning for African Americans in the South. In October, Ware, along with ten others in a biracial group presented a petition to the Fulton County (Georgia) Superior Court asking to be incorporated under the name and title of the “Trustees of the Atlanta University.” As President of the Board, Ware directed efforts to find a suitable campus site, and secure funds for the erection of buildings. Fifty acres of land was purchased “consisting of several blocks between Hunter and Parsons and Walnut and Chestnut [Streets].” Another classroom was established at the remodeled Washburn Asylum Building to assist in overcrowding of the Storrs School. The first building (North Hall) was completed in September, 1869. Students were educated at levels according to their academic readiness. A grammar school was formed to train those not ready for the preparatory and collegiate departments. A Scientific Preparatory Department was established at the preparatory level. Theological and Agricultural Departments were opened at the collegiate level. Edmund Asa Ware remained President of AtlantaUniversity until his death in 1885.