THE BOTANISTS OF PHILADELPHIA. 329 



pany, a corporation owned principally and controlled by 

 Mr. E. P. Wilbur, former President of the Lehigh Valley 

 Kailroad Company. This position he held for five years, 

 after which he resumed his professional work in the Borough 

 of Emlenton. In 1876 he appeared before the State Board 

 of Examiners for the Normal Schools, passed the exami- 

 nation successfully, and became an authorized teacher of 

 didactics. 



He became a resident of Philadelphia in 1892, when 

 he took charge of the Business Departments of Temple 

 College, Broad and Berks Streets, and of the Union College 

 of Business, Broad and Market Streets. 



He found much pleasure in pursuing a course of 

 general studies in science and language, and in 1877 

 Franklin and Marshall College recognized his industry as a 

 student, and conferred on him the degree of Master of Arts. 



Having the confidence of the people at his permanent 

 home in Coplay, he was frequently called upon to fill 

 positions of honor and responsibility. He was the first 

 commissioned Magistrate when that town became a borough, 

 which office he held from 1869 to 1890. He was Secretary 

 of Town Council for thirteen years and School Director five 

 years. 



The judges of the courts frequently appointed him to 

 serve on road juries and commissions, and there are few 

 townships in Lehigh County in which he was not called to 

 execute these appointments. 



His favorite study since 1869 has been botany. When 

 not in the class-room he has been out in the fields. When 

 he came to Philadelphia he prepared himself further in 

 botany, by taking, for three years, the special course for 

 teachers in botany and zoology at the University of 



