national act establishing agricultural colleges.
The endowment fund of the college is nearly $650,000. The income of the college from this fund, annually, is nearly $42,000.
If ever the complete history of the college will be written, one of the most brilliant chapters will be the method of handling this fund without loss, and in such skillful manner as to yield a steady revenue to the college.
The first president of the college was A. S. Welch. Elected May 11, 1868, he served continuously as chief executive till the fall of 1883. Resigning, the succeeding year he was elected to the professorship of psychology and history of civilization, which he held to the day of his death, March 14, 1889.
His body lies in the college cemetery. His spirit lives in the hearts and lives of the many students who came in contact with him during his long career as president of the college. His individuality is a part of the history of the college. May the college never part with her rich legacy.
S. A. Knapp succeeded Dr. Welch as president. He served one year. The work not proving congenial, he resigned, and was succeeded by Leigh Hunt. On account of failing health, President Hunt resigned after serving two and one-half years. The board elected W. I. Chamberlain president in May, 1886, and President-elect Chamberlain took charge of his office early in July of the same year.
It is not proposed to give a complete account of the changes in the faculty since the organization of the college. It may be well, however, to note a few of the more important changes made from time to time.
In 1872 Prof. Anthony resigned, and Prof. Macomber was appointed to the chair of physics. Prof. Macomber held the position for twelve years and then resigned; no changes since. Prof. Thompson held the chair of mechanical engineering for twelve years, resigning in 1884, since which time three Changes have occurred in the head of the department. Prof. Jones resigned in 1874. Prof. Stanton was promoted from time to time and elected full professor of mathematics in 1877. There have been no changes in this department. The department of civil engineering, after several changes following the resignation of Prof. Jones, was placed in charge of Prof. Mount in 1883.
Prof. Foote resigned in 1874, was succeeded by Prof. Pope, who resigned in 1884. Two changes have taken place since then in the head of the department.
Prof. Bessey continued to take care of botany till 1884, when he resigned. Two changes have also taken place since in this department. The department of zoology and entomology was organized as a distinct department in 1883, with Prof. Osborn in charge ; no changes. The veterinary department was organized in 1878, with Prof. Stalker in charge; no changes. Prof. Wynn, after fifteen years' continuous service, resigned in 1886; no change in department since, but work has been considerably redistributed:
The department of horticulture was organized as a separate department in 1875, with Prof. McAfee in charge, who, resigning in 1876, was followed by Prof. Budd; no changes since.
Prof. Roberts resigned the chair of agriculture in 1874, and after a few yearly changes Prof. Knapp was elected to the chair in 1880, and resigned in 1885; no changes since.
Gen. J. L. Geddes continued to discharge the duties of the chair of military tactics to the close of the college year, 1882. During most of the period since his connection with the college he discharged the duties of vice-president, and also for many years was college