Admissions

There is confusion regarding the exact period McKinley was at Allegheny. Some College sources suggest 1859-60; others mention 1860-61. Because of his seminary studies, McKinley was admitted as a junior. Officially, however, the College listed him as a member of the class of 1864.

McKinley fared well in his studies, thanks to his abilities and an amazing memory. He had a knack for quickly learning the faces, names, aspirations, and hometowns of nearly every student—a skill that would serve him well in his later political life. He was socially active and participated in “town-ball,” the team sport of the time.

A gifted debater, McKinley defended the abolitionist cause. He kept an even temper and usually the debates remained dignified. He gave the impression of being a gentleman and was known as a model student who was always on time for classes but seldom early; he kept a disciplined schedule and was known for attending all recitation and chapel sessions as expected.

The reasons why McKinley did not continue at Allegheny are unknown. College legend has it that he was dismissed for the prank of putting a cow in the belfry of Bentley Hall. Beyond records of cows regularly appearing in Allegheny recitation rooms, no data supports this myth. There is better evidence that McKinley and his roommate lodged a goat in the belfry, a much easier task to accomplish than the alleged bovine prank. No record of punishment comes down to us.

In the summer of 1860 he returned to Poland, Ohio to bolster his health and take a stopgap job in the post office there. While intending to return to Allegheny soon, the following winter he taught in the Kerr school district less than three miles from Poland. Following the outbreak of war, he enlisted in June 1861. Years later he would write to College President William Crawford that it was one of the greatest regrets of his life that he did not complete his studies for the College diploma. When he was governor of Ohio, McKinley did return to Allegheny as the 1895 commencement speaker and received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.

[Excerpt from "Through All the Years: A History of Allegheny College"
by Jonathan E. Helmreich, Emeritus Professor of History and College Historian]