former and 3 m. from the latter. The city con- said township when incorporated be called sists of three streets nearly parallel with each Williamstown." The property was sold, and other. It is the seat of the eastern lunatic the funds were allowed to accumulate till 1785, asylum of Virginia, established by act of the when a free school was incorporated by the colonial assembly in 1769 and opened in 1773. | legislature, nine trustees were appointed, and This is the oldest institution of the kind in the a lottery was granted for raising funds to erect country. There are two public schools (one a school house; about $3,500 was thus obmale and one female) for each race, and Bap-tained, the inhabitants of the town raised tist, Episcopal, and Methodist churches. The about $2,000 more, and in 1790 a brick buildEpiscopal church edifice dates from 1678, and ing (now the West college), 82 ft. long, 42 ft. is still in good repair. The college of William broad, and four stories high, was completed. and Mary is adjacent to the city. (See WIL- The free school was opened Oct. 20, 1791, the LIAM AND MARY, COLLEGE OF.)-In 1699 an act Rev. Ebenezer Fitch being the first principal. of the general assembly was passed directing In 1793 the institution was incorporated as a the building of the capitol and the city of Wil- college under the name of Williams hall; the liamsburg (so named from William III.) at the property vested in the free school was trans"middle plantation," and giving the governor ferred to the college, and a grant of $4,000 power to incorporate the city. Several parts was made from the state treasury to purchase of this act not having been executed, it was re- a library and apparatus. Mr. Fitch was apenacted with additions in 1705. The charter pointed president, and entered upon his duties was dated July 28, 1722. The seat of govern- in October, 1793. The academy was continued ment having been removed from Jamestown till 1806. The first commencement of the colin 1700, the general assembly met in the col- lege was held Sept. 2, 1795, when four stulege till the completion of the capitol in 1704, dents graduated. A catalogue was published and again from 1718 to 1752, while the capi- in 1795, said to have been the first college catatol, which had been burned, was rebuilt. In logue ever printed in this country; the col1780, in pursuance of an act of 1779, the seat of lege had then 77 students. In 1815 the Rev. government was removed to Richmond. The Zephaniah Swift Moore became president. governor's house or palace, completed after Under his administration strong efforts were 1710, was burned in 1781. The capitol was made to remove the college to Northampton, again burned soon after 1830. A battle was but the legislature refused its sanction, and in fought here between a portion of the federal 1821 Dr. Moore resigned, and became presiforces under Gen. McClellan and the confed- dent of Amherst college. He was succeeded erates, May 5, 1862. (See CHICKAHOMINY.) by the Rev. Edward Dorr Griffin. The BerkWILLIAMSBURGH, an E. county of Southshire medical institution was placed under the Carolina, bounded N. E. by Lynch's creek and the Great Pedee river, and S. W. by the Santee, which is here navigable by steamboats, and drained by Black river; area, 1,200 sq. m.; pop. in 1870, 15,489, of whom 10,143 were colored; in 1875, 21,055, of whom 14,234 were colored. The surface is level and diversified by pine forests, and the soil is generally fertile. The Northeastern railroad passes through it. The chief productions in 1870 were 103,487 bushels of Indian corn, 37,011 of sweet potatoes, 249,800 of rice, and 1,791 bales of cotton. There were 764 horses, 3,034 milch cows, 4,884 other cattle, 3,487 sheep, and 10,902 swine; 12 manufactories of tar and tur-ed to the college a magnetic observatory. In pentine, and 4 saw mills. Capital, Kingstree.

supervision of the college in 1823, and this relation was maintained till 1832. During President Griffin's administration a large building was erected, containing a chapel and other rooms, which is now known as Griffin hall. In 1836 he resigned, and was succeeded by the Rev. Mark Hopkins, whose reputation as a metaphysician gave a distinctive character to the college. Dr. Hopkins resigned in 1872, and was succeeded by the Hon. Paul Ansel Chadbourne, the present incumbent (1876). In 1836 an astronomical observatory was built, mainly through the instrumentality of Prof. Albert Hopkins, who also erected and present

1841 the building known as East college was WILLIAMSBURGH, N. Y. See BROOKLYN. destroyed by fire, and in 1842 two new buildWILLIAMS COLLEGE, an institution of learn- ings, East and South colleges, were erected. ing at Williamstown, Berkshire co., Mass. It In 1846 a library building was erected and owes its origin to the bequest of Col. Ephraim named Lawrence hall. Kellogg hall was built Williams, whose will (1755) directed "that the in 1847; Jackson hall, for the museum of natremainder of his lands should be sold, at the dis-ural history, in 1855; Alumni hall, containcretion of his executors, within five years after an established peace; and that the interest of the moneys arising from the sale, and also the interest of his notes and bonds, should be applied to the support of a free school in a township west of Fort Massachusetts; provided that said township fall within the limits of Massachusetts, after running the line between Massachusetts and New York; and provided the

ing a new chapel, in 1860; and Goodrich hall, containing the gymnasium and chemical lecture room, in 1865. Near the college buildings is the "Mills park," on the site of and commemorating the prayer meeting of students in which originated American foreign missions. In 1796 the legislature granted the college two townships, which were sold for $10,000, and in 1805 and 1809 two other town

ships, sold for $10,000 more.

WILLIAMSPORT, a city and the county seat of Lycoming co., Pennsylvania, on the N. bank of the West branch of the Susquehanna river, between Lycoming and Loyalsock creeks, 70 m. N. by W. of Harrisburg; pop. in 1870, 16,030. It is surrounded by high hills and much fine scenery. The streets are wide and straight, lighted with gas, and traversed by horse cars. The business quarter is substantially built, and numerous handsome residences and gardens make the place very attractive. It owes its prosperity to the lumber business. The Susquehanna boom extends from 3 to 4 m. up the river, and in spring is filled with pine and hemlock logs. The annual shipments of lumber average about 250,000,000 ft. The West Branch canal passes through the city, and the Philadelphia and Erie, the Northern Central, and the Catawissa and Williamsport railroads meet here.

About 1820 was professor of mathematics there from 1760 residents of Berkshire county gave $17,500 to to 1764, and afterward studied medicine at prevent the removal of the college to North- Edinburgh and Utrecht, and practised in Philampton. In 1868 the legislature of Massachu-adelphia. He went to London in 1773, and, setts gave the college $75,000 on condition that being called before the privy council, warned $75,000 more should be secured by voluntary it of the impolicy of its measures. He redonation. The productive funds of the col- turned in 1776, after a time settled at Edenton, lege now exceed $300,000, and its funds for N. C., was a surgeon in the army, was several the benefit of needy students amount to $90,- times elected to congress, and was a member 000. Prizes amounting to $425 are distribu- of the convention that framed the federal conted annually. There are geological, botanical, stitution. In 1793 he removed to New York. and zoological collections, and the college He published "A Discourse on the Benefits of library contains 17,000 volumes. All the in- Civil History" (New York, 1810); "Observastruction is given directly by full professors. tions on the Climate of America (1811); and In 1875-'6 there were 11 professors and 170 "History of North Carolina" (2 vols., 1812). students. The number of graduates is 1,541. WILLIAMSON. I. A central county of Texas, drained by San Gabriel river and its tributaries; area, 1,100 sq. m.; pop. in 1870, 6,368, of whom 801 were colored. The surface is level and diversified by prairie and woodland, and the soil is very fertile. The chief productions in 1870 were 12,247 bushels of wheat, 208,574 of Indian corn, 5,086 of sweet potatoes, 22,518 lbs. of wool, and 913 bales of cotton. There were 7,946 horses, 3,481 milch cows, 29,221 other cattle, 12,062 sheep, and 7,850 swine. Capital, Georgetown. II. A central county of Tennessee, drained by the head streams of the Harpeth river; area, 476 sq. m.; pop. in 1870, 25,328, of whom 11,411 were colored. The surface is generally hilly and the soil highly fertile. Iron ore and some other minerals are found. The county is intersected by the Louisville, Nashville, and Great Southern railroad. The chief productions in 1870 were 227,294 bushels of wheat, 1,010,443 of Indian corn, 99,933 of oats, 24,440 of Irish and 20,555 of sweet potatoes, 187,008 lbs. of butter, 29,944 of wool, 80,415 of tobacco, 3,815 bales of cotton, and 2,680 tons of hay. There were 7,194 horses, 3,121 mules and asses, 5,060 milch cows, 6,988 other cattle, 15,226 sheep, and 41,703 swine; 8 manufactories of carriages and wagons, 2 flour mills, and 7 saw mills. Capital, Franklin. III. A S. county of Illinois, drained by Big Muddy river and other streams; area, 432 sq. m.; pop. in 1870, 17,329. The surface is diversified by prairie and woodland, and the soil is fertile. Bituminous coal is abundant. The Carbondale and Shawneetown railroad terminates at the county seat. The chief productions in 1870 were 170,963 bushels of wheat, 655,710 of Indian corn, 180,986 of oats, 38,901 of Irish and 24,900 of sweet potatoes, 16,728 lbs. of butter, 43,908 of wool, 1,152,589 of tobacco, and 3,059 tons of hay. There were 5,129 horses, 1,667 mules and asses, 4,016 milch cows, 6,354 other cattle, 20,971 sheep, and 30,281 swine; 5 manufactories of carriages and wagons, 2 flour mills, 1 woollen mill, and 3 saw mills. Capital, Marion.

WILLIAMSON, Hugh, an American physician, born in West Nottingham, Pa., Dec. 5, 1735, died in New York, May 22, 1819. He graduated at the university of Pennsylvania in 1757,

There are numerous saw mills, several planing mills, machine shops, and founderies, and manufactories of saws, files, carriages, locks, soap and candles, ale and beer, shingle machines, &c. The city contains six national banks, with an aggregate capital of $784,950; a savings bank; a home for the friendless; nine public school houses, with graded schools, including a high school, attended by about 3,500 pupils; and two academies. Two daily, one semi-weekly (German), and six weekly (two German) newspapers are published. There are 32 churches, viz.: 5 Baptist, 1 Congregational, 3 Episcopal, 3 Evangelical, 1 Jewish, 4 Lutheran, 8 Methodist, 4 Presbyterian, 1 Reformed, and 2 Roman Catholic. Sessions of the United States courts for the W. district of Pennsylvania are held here twice a year.-Williamsport was settled in 1797, incorporated as a borough in 1806, and received a city charter in 1866.

WİLLIAMSTOWN, a town of Berkshire co., Massachusetts, on the Troy and Boston railroad, 25 m. (direct) E. of Troy, N. Y.; pop. in 1860, 2,611; in 1870, 3,559; in 1875, 3,683. It occupies the N. W. corner of the state, bordering on New York and Vermont. It abounds in fine scenery, and is becoming a summer resort. Print cloths are manufactured, two factories, with 18,447 spindles, being employed. The town contains 13 public schools, a preparatory school for boys, a town library, and Bap

tist, Congregational (3), Episcopal, Methodist, | lished in New York, and later in the same year and Roman Catholic churches. It is the seat of Williams college. (See WILLIAMS COLLEGE.) WILLIBROD. See WILBROrd.

WILLIS, Francis, an English clergyman and physician, born in Lincolnshire in 1718, died at Greatford, Lincolnshire, Dec. 5, 1807. He was educated at Oxford, took orders in 1740, and was appointed to the living of Greatford, where he opened an asylum for the insane, over whom he is said to have possessed great power of fascination. In 1759 he obtained the degree of M. D. from Oxford. He had charge of George III. during his earlier attacks of insanity (as his son Dr. Robert Darling Willis had during his later ones), and received for his services a pension of £1,500 for 21 years. For curing the queen of Portugal of a similar disorder he received £20,000.

revisited England, where appeared two dramas
published together under the title "Two Ways
of Dying for a Husband: 1. Dying to Keep
Him, or Tortesa the Usurer; 2. Dying to Lose
Him, or Bianca Visconti (1839); "Loiter-
ings of Travel" (3 vols., 1840); and "Letters
from under a Bridge, and Poems" (1840). He
also issued an illustrated edition of his poems.
Returning to New York, he established in
1844, in connection with George P. Morris, a
daily newspaper called the "Evening Mirror;"
but the death of his wife and his own failing
health led him to return to Europe. During
this visit he published "Dashes at Life with a
Free Pencil" (3 vols., 1845), a collection of
magazine articles. On returning to New
York in 1846, he married a daughter of the
Hon. Joseph Grinnell of New Bedford, and
settled at a seat on the Hudson which he
named Idlewild. In the same year he pub-
lished a complete edition of his works in one
large volume, and with Mr. Morris established
the "Home Journal," a weekly, to which he
contributed till his death. His other works
include "Rural Letters and other Records of
Thought and Leisure" (1849); "People I have
Met" (1850); "Life Here and There" (1850);
Hurrygraphs" (1851); "Fun Jottings, or
Laughs I have taken a Pen to" (1853); "A
Health Trip to the Tropics" (1853); “A
Summer Cruise in the Mediterranean in a
United States Frigate" (1853); Famous
Persons and Places" (1854); "Out-Doors at
Idlewild" (1854); "The Rag Bag" (1855);
"Paul Fane, or Parts of a Life else Untold'
(1856); and "The Convalescent" (1860).

WILLIS. I. Nathaniel, an American journalist, born in Boston, June 6, 1780, died there, May 26, 1870. In 1803 he established the "Eastern Argus" in Portland, Me., and in 1816 the "Boston Recorder," the first religious newspaper, the plan of which he had laid before several clergymen as early as 1808, and in 1810 before the Maine missionary society at Bath. Of this journal he was proprietor till 1843. He also founded in 1827 the "Youth's Companion," a weekly paper for the young, the first of that class of periodicals, which he edited and published till 1857. II. Nathaniel Parker, an American author, son of the preceding, born in Portland, Me., Jan. 20, 1806, died at Idlewild, near Newburgh, N. Y., Jan. 21, 1867. He graduated at Yale college in 1827. While in college he published, under the signature of "Roy," a series of " Scrip- WILLIS, Thomas, an English physician, born ture Sketches" in verse and other poems, and at Great Bedwin, Wiltshire, Jan. 27, 1621, immediately after graduating was employed by died in London, Nov. 11, 1675. He graduaS. G. Goodrich (Peter Parley) to edit the "Le- ted at Oxford in 1639, fought in defence of gendary" and the "Token." In 1828 he estab- Charles I., studied medicine, and at the restolished the "American Monthly Magazine," ration was appointed Sedleian professor of which after two years was merged in the natural philosophy in the university of Oxford. "New York Mirror," previously established by In his "Anatomy of the Brain (4to, 1644) George P. Morris, of which he became asso- he first showed that the brain is a congeries ciate editor. Soon after he visited Europe, and of organs, and the seat of moral and intellecwrote letters to that journal entitled “Pencil-tual action. The name "circle of Willis" has lings by the Way" (collected, 3 vols., London, 1835). In Paris he was made an attaché of the American minister. After travelling through southern Europe, Turkey, and parts of Asia Minor, he returned to England, and in 1835 married a daughter of Gen. Stace, commandant of the Woolwich arsenal. He also published there "Melanie and other Poems" (edited by Barry Cornwall, 1835), and "Inklings of Adventure" (3 vols., 1836), a series of tales and sketches which originally appeared in the "New Monthly Magazine" under the pseudonyme "Philip Slingsby." In 1837 he returned home, and for two years lived in retirement on a small estate which he named Glenmary, on the Susquehanna, near Owego, N. Y. In 1839 he became one of the editors of the "Corsair," a short-lived literary gazette pub

been retained for the circular arterial inosculation at the base of the brain by which the vertebral arteries behind and the internal carotids in front are united with each other, while those on the right side at the same time communicate with those on the left by similar free inosculation. He was appointed physician in ordinary to the king in 1666. He was one of the founders of the royal society. He also published a treatise on the "Pathology of the Brain and Nervous System" (1667), in which he gave the true explanation of the phenomena in the spasmodic diseases hysteria, chorea, &c.

WILLISTON, Şamuel, an American philanthropist, born in Easthampton, Mass., June 17, 1795, died in 1874. He acquired a large fortune in the manufacture of buttons. In 1841 he established in his native town Williston