Small, coed, liberal arts, Midwest colleges are proud of their old campuses and trees and of their high academic standards. Most began as religious colleges in the 19th century. Knox College (in Galesburg, Illinois), founded by George Washington Gale, was to founded to educate young ministers, especially poor ones who were accustomed to hardship, self discipline, and work - needed for living on the frontier. The author relates the history of its founding and the many obstacles.