self upon the public-school system of the State, that in 1851 he was offered and accepted the principalship of the State Normal School, at Ypsilanti, Mich. He remained at the head of this institution for fifteen years. In the management of its affairs he displayed an executive power and an ability as an instructor and disciplinarian which placed him in the front rank of educators. He rendered service of the highest value in the general upbuilding of the educational system of Michigan. He conducted teacher's institutes and lectured on education in all parts of the State; he organized the State Teachers' Association, serving as its first president, and being for many years prominent in its management. As trustee of the Michigan Agricultural College, he became greatly interested in industrial education. Leaving the Normal School in 1865, because of impaired health, he removed to Florida, seeking rest and renewed strength in a change of climate. He was elected to the United States Senate from that State in 1867, but terminated his senatorial career the following year in order to accept the presidency of the Iowa Agricultural College. The charter and seal of the institution were formally delivered into his hands March 17, 1869, but he had already outlined a course of study and prepared a plan of organization which had been submitted to and approved by the board of trustees. Able, faithful, vigilant, he proved himself thoroughly competent to guide the institution safely through the difficulties and vicissitudes of its early years. His cultured taste projected its beautiful grounds, 41is executive ability organized its departments, and his far-seeing wisdom planned its courses of study. The fifteen years of his presidency saw the college advanced to the front rank of industrial institutions. Resigning the presidency in 1884, he was in the following year elected professor of psychology and history of civilization, which position he continued to hold with pleasure to himself and great profit to the institution until his death. Dr. Welch received from the University of Iowa in 1873 the degree of Doctor of Laws, and in 1878 the University of Michigan conferred upon him the same high honor. He was the author of several educational works, among which are: "An Analysis of the English Sentence," "A Treatise Upon Object Lessons," " Talks on Psychology," and " Psychology for Teachers." Dr. Welch was a born executive, a ripe scholar, a natural educator. His well-rounded character and generous, kindly disposition won the respect and confidence of his associates, and the love and reverence of his students. For the great work he wrought in the upbuilding of this institution, his name will be held in grateful and lasting remembrance.
John M. Wells, farmer, Nevada, Iowa. Like so many of the representative citizens of this county and township, Mr. Wells is a native of Illinois. He was born near Rochelle on June 2, 1852, and is the son of Chester and Mary (McLain) Wells. The father was born in Chittenden County, Vt., on the 5th of May, 1815, and the mother's birth occurred on the 12th of February, 1821, in Bedford County, Penn. The parents came to Story County, Iowa, on the 16th of October, 1861, and here the father died in 1872. The paternal grandfather, Peleg Wells, was a native of the Green Mountain State, and there received his final summons. He was a soldier in the War of 1812. John M. Wells, the third of four children, came with his parents to this State, in 1861, and received his primary education in the public schools of Story County. In 1869 lie entered the State Agricultural College at Ames, where he paid his way by teaching during the winter months, and working at the college while attending,