688 PROCEEDINGS OP THE OTTAWA MEETING 



Professor Wright was born at Oberlin, Ohio, in 1846, and was inti- 

 mately identified with the interests of that community, both town and 

 college, during his entire lifetime. He was graduated at Oberlin in 

 1865, and, as a number of scientists have done whose names appear on the 

 roll of Fellows of this Society, he filled out his studies by a course in 

 theology. A degree in theology was given him by Oberlin in 1870, after 

 three years of study at Union and Oberlin seminaries. After two years 

 of teaching, he entered Columbia School of Mines and was graduated 

 from this institution in 1875. In later years his education was broadened 

 by extended travels in regions of geologic interest in Europe and America. 



In 1874 Professor Wright was married to Mary Bedortha, and some 

 time after her death, to Mary P. B. Hill, in 1891. A daughter from his 

 first marriage survives him, and a son from his second. 



Before he had completed his course at Columbia he was called to the 

 chair of geology and natural history in Oberlin College, a position which 

 he held for 30 years. He directed the development of the work in 

 zoology and botany till separate departments were formed for these 

 sciences, and retained for himself the work in geology, which best fitted 

 his taste in teaching and research. All of the departments of natural 

 science in Oberlin, however, show his capacity as an organizer and owe to 

 him in a large measure their present development. 



The greater part of his energies were spent in the class-room and labo- 

 ratory, where he served as a faithful guide to hundreds of students, many 

 of whom, on account of his leadership, devoted themselves in later life to 

 scientific pursuits. His capacity as a man of affairs was recognized by 

 the community in which he lived, and it looked to him to solve its prob- 

 lems in municipal engineering, or at least to suggest the lines along which 

 solutions might be hoped for. The systems of city water supply and 

 sewerage in Oberlin are wholly his work. After a thorough study of local 

 topography and drainage, he directed the installation of what is regarded 

 in Ohio as the model equipment of the state. He secured for the town 

 perfect sanitation and an abundant and pure supply of water at an ex- 

 pense far below that estimated by capable engineers. 



To the persistence and patience of Professor Wright, the cooperative 

 topographic survey now being made in Ohio is due. At first, he labored 

 toward this end almost without assistance. When President of the 

 Ohio Academy of Sciences he brought the matter forward in an address. 

 Few came to his aid, but he persisted in circulating his address, in 

 writing letters, and in speaking on the subject oh all suitable occasions. 

 His system of instruction gradually developed a demand for topographic 

 work. In spite of his untiring efforts, he saw his measure defeated at 



