Earlham College opened as Friends Boarding School in 1847. We did not have a President in those days, and the person in the equivalent position was called the Superintendent. The position and office of the President was created in 1867, and former Superintendent, Barnabas C. Hobbs, became Earlham's first president. The title of Superintendent continued on for another forty-four years, but some of the job responsibilities changed. The Superintendent became essentially the business manager for the college. The office of Superintendent was discontinued in 1911.
Sources:
Alumni Directory of Earlham College, 1847-1947.
Bulletin of Earlham College: Alumni Directory, 1847-1940.
Earlham College • 801 National Road West • Richmond, Indiana 47374-4095