Case School of Applied Science, 1881-1947
In 1877, Leonard Case, Jr., a well-known philanthropist from Cleveland, decided that the bulk of his estate to be used for the founding of Case School of Applied Science. The School was to include classes on mathematics, physics, mechanical and civil engineering, economic geology, mining and metallurgy, natural history, drawing and modern languages, as well as add "other kindred branches of learning" as they would be considered and decided upon by the Case Trustees.
After Case's death in 1880, Henry Gilbert Abbey, Case’s confidential advisor, wrote the deed, selected the incorporators and the trustees for the new School, and greatly influenced the principles and standards on which the School was founded.
Case School of Applied Science was open on September 15, 1881 and was one of the first independent technological schools in U.S. to teach natural and applied sciences.