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, immediately filed the Trust Deed with the Cuyahoga County Recorder’s Office.  By March 29th he had secured the endorsement of fifteen of Cleveland’s leaders who were selected as the incorporators, with five members serving on a Board of Trustees for the new School.  Not being well versed in matters of scientific education, members of the Board began a search of existing schools and advisors who could guide them in determining the principles and standards on which the Case School was to be operated.

Restricted by the lack of operating funds, in January 1881 the Board limited the initial preparatory instruction to Mathematics, Astronomy, Chemistry, Drawing and French and German languages, with a course in Physics instituted whenever the progress of the class rendered such instruction advisable.  They appointed John N. Stockwell as Instructor in Mathematics starting January 1, 1881, and authorized him to select suitable rooms at No.7 Rockwell Street and to make preparations as may be necessary for the reception of students on the first Monday of April 1881.  The Board also appointed Dr. Arthur F. Taylor Instructor of Chemistry for one year from July 1, 1881.

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.