Meharry - Family - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

“Area universities and colleges at a glance” – Meharry Medical College: Meharry Medical Department quietly grew on the Central Tennessee College Campus in 1876. Established by the Freednman’s Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church it took as its charge and mission to deliver care to the ex-slave population. The school’s mission was bolstered in 1910 by Abraham Flexner’s national report that mostly condemned medical education but singled out Meharry and Vanderbilt as schools worthy of future development. Samuel Meharry was one of the school’s patrons. He came to the school’s aid after the Rev. Jon Braden, president of Central Tennessee College appearled to him for help. Nearly 50 years earlier Meharry’s salt Wagon had been stuck in a Kentucky swamp when a family of freed slaves opened their home to him and helped him lift his salt wagon from the mud.  When Meharry left, he reportedly said, “I have no money but when I can, I shall do something for your race.” Meharry kept his promise. He along with his four brothers, donated more than $30,000 in cash and real estate to establish the medical department. Central Tennessee College became Walden University in 1900 but the school’s stability soon declined. By 1915, the school had fallen on financial hardship and Meharry faculty decided to form Meharry Medical College.  

… the school is named for the Samuel Meharry family, whose members contributed liberally to support the school. Legend has it that 16 year old Meharry who was white was taken in by a family of free blacks living near the Ohio River where his wagon had broken down. The black family gave him food and lodging and helped him repair his wagon. He vowed to repay their kindness by doing something to help black people. Years later when he was asked to contribute to the establishment of the Medical Dept of Central Tennessee college which eventually became Meharry – he and his brothers gave almost $34,000 to the college… receives more than 3,000 applic a year 80 slots about 75% black 15 white and other minorities.