sity, where he studied for two-thirds of a year, doing special work in chemistry and botany. He next accepted a position in the Iowa Wesleyan University at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, where he taught for two and one-half years, after which he spent two years as professor of chemistry and physics in the University of Chicago.
In July, 1885, he came to Ames, where he has since continued, being professor of chemistry in the Iowa State College throughout the interim of twenty-six years. President Stanton and General Lincoln are the only ones now connected with the college that were here at the time of Professor Bennett's arrival, together with Professor Herman Knapp, who was an assistant professor at that time. Professor Bennett, therefore, ranks fourth in the period of service in the college and he is accorded a high position among the educators of the state. His authorship includes two, books on general chemistry, which he has published since becoming connected with the Iowa State College, and he has also written many articles on chemistry which have appeared in different periodicals. His first work, published in two volumes, on Inorganic Chemistry appeared in 1892 and a second edition in 1894. His work on General Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis was published in 1908. There were about one hundred students in his department when Professor Bennett became connected with the school and he had one assistant or laboratory instructor. There are now about eight hundred students, with two associate professors and seven other instructors. Every graduate of the institution has to take at least one year's work in chemistry.
In 1878 Professor Bennett was married to Amelia E. Chapin, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and their home is the center of a cultured society circle. They have won many friends during their residence in Ames not only among their fellow citizens but among the pupils who have come under Professor Bennett's instructions.
OLE J. Olson.
A substantial element in the citizenship of Roland is that which has been furnished by Norway. From the land of the midnight sun have come many who have proven loyal to American interests in this locality. Their diligence and enterprise has contributed to the development of the wonderful resources of the county and to business progress, while in matters of citizenship they manifest a patriotic spirit. To this class belongs Ole J. Olson, who is now living retired after many years' identification with agricultural interests in Howard township.
He was born in Norway, January 8, 1843, and is a son of Andrew and Julia Olson. The mother died in her native country when her son was only seven years of age, and the father afterward came to the United States