William S. Denison pledged $10,000 toward the Granville College, which was a Baptist school. Honoring an earlier commitment, the trustees accordingly changed the name of the institution to Denison University. They also voted to move the college to land then available for purchase in the village of Granville. Denison died in 1880. William S. Denison William S. Denison (17941880) was a Baptist farmer who was a major benefactor and namesake of Denison University in Ohio. William S. Denison was born in Colrain, Massachusetts on November 13, 1794 as the youngest of eight children. His family was originally from Stonington, Connecticut. Denison migrated to
William S. Herriman William S. Herriman William S. Herriman (24 October 1791 – 6 April 1867) was a wealthy businessman who became President of Long Island Bank, the first bank in Brooklyn, New York. He remained in that position until his death when he was replaced by William C. Fowler. Herriman was born 1791 in Jamaica, Queens, New York, and was the third of four known surviving children. He had a brother and three sisters. His father was Stephen Herriman (formerly Harriman) III (1757-1792). His mother was Elizabeth Smith (1760-1847). William married Maria Belle Stillwell Frecke/Freeke on 13 December 1820. Herriman had five