A Timeline of Western University
1854
Kansas becomes a territory of the United States.
1855
The Emigrant Aide Company establishes the township of Quindaro, Kansas, with the goal of creating a freeport town among several pro-slavery towns.
1857
Construction of the town of Quindaro begins.
1862
Rev. Eben Blachley founds the Freedman’s School in Quindaro, Kansas, with the mission of educating escaped enslaved people and their children.
1863
First African Methodic Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church is founded in Wyandotte City (now Kansas City, Kansas).
1865
The Freedman’s School is formally filed with the state and officially named Freedman’s School.
1869
Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church is founded in Quindaro, Kansas.
1870
Several business owners and Rev. Blachley donate land and financial contributions to build the first school building.
1872
The State Legislature begins funding the school, adding a Colored Normal School to educate Black teachers.
1879
The Exodusters, free Blacks from the South, arrive in Quindaro, bringing new life to the failing town.
1891
The school is moved to a new location and converted into a vocational college, renamed Western University.
1896
Rev. William Tecumseh Vernon becomes the president of Western University.
1904
Rev. Vernon publishes a collection of writings entitled The Upbuilding of a Race, or the Rise of a Great People: A Compilation of Sermons, Addresses and Writings on Education, the Race Question and Public Affairs.
1906
Rev. Vernon is appointed Registrar of the United States Treasury.
1910
Rev. Vernon is reappointed Registrar of the United States Treasury.
1911
Rev. Vernon becomes Supervisor of Government Schools.
1912-1915
Rev. Vernon serves as President of Campbell College in Jackson, Mississippi.
1915-1920
Rev. Vernon serves as Pastor of Avery Chapel A.M.E. Church in Memphis, Tennessee.
1919
Rev. Vernon publishes What the Negro Expects of the World-Wide Democracy, a Statement of the Negro’s Case and Cause.
1920
Rev. Vernon is elected Bishop Vernon at the A.M.E. General Conference
1933
Bishop Vernon retires as Bishop.
1944
Western University is closed, and the last building is torn down. Bishop Vernon dies on July 25, 1944, at the age of 73.