The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1885-06-18
CONSUL no NAaAsAM.

An Interesting Sketch Of Prof. John II
Birch, of Tais City.
Prof. John Mitchell Birch, Of this city
who, aswill be noted in the Associated
Press report from Washington, was yes
terday appointed United States Consul te
Nagasad, Japan, has been resident o.
West Virginia for ten years, having come
to this city in June, 1910. He was born
in Ctaysyille, Washington county, Pa, IN
1859, and is now in his thirty-third year,
His father, John Birch, Esq, Is s.ill liy
ing in Claysyille. Prot. Birch attended
the Washington Jeferson College and
took the second honor in the class Of
1872, which was very large one. His
sophomore year was spent at lafayette
College, ct Easton, Pc. After graduating,
be taught school at Columbia, Pa, until
1875, when he was called to this city 70
take charge Of the Linsly Institute. Al
that time the institaif ion had greatly de.
Perforated. Prof. Birch started with only
eighteen pupils, but in q short time the
attendance increased 50 rapidly that he
was obliged to secure the aid OF John L.
Diekey. and later Charles Clark was as
sociated with them.
nJune, 1881, when Prof. Birch resigned
the offiee Of principal Of the Linsly Insti-
tute TO accept that Of Superintendent oi
the Public Schools Of this city, the attend,
aree at the Linsly Institute was lSl.
Since June, 1881, Prof. Birch has contin-
ued as City Superintendent OF Schools.
During that time, he has done more fol
the public school system here than was
ever done before and has brought the
schools to q high standard d-one that he;
the teachers and the public may well be
proud of; standard that has caused the
Wheeling schools to be frequently held up
as model schools by people from abroad
who have visited them and witnessed
their working. His departure will be q
loss to the schools that viii be felt.
When It became known last evening
that he had received his appointment, his
friends in both parties were profnse and
sincere in their congratulations. Prof.
Birch waa notified Of his appointment
early IN the afternoon by congratulatory
DISPATCHES from friends In Washington.
Outside Of the popularity Prof.. Birch has
euioysd rs school man he has been a
favorite socially and with the leaders oi
his party. When the military fever Was
at its heighth in the State he was one Of
the leaders. BE was one Of the first mem
bers Of the Matthews Light Guards, and
when the First Regiment was formed wGs
one OF the first chosen to form the staf.
He has also been prominent in the
knights Templar circles, and ut present Is
Eminent Commander Of Cyrene Com
mandeFy.
Prof. Birch Will defer his departure Is
long as possible, in the hope Of being able
to remain here until September 1St, 90
that he may close up his school Affairs and
leave the office In such . condition that
his successor may step IN and At once be-
came acquainted with the wants Of the
office.
Nasasali isa city Of 15O, 900 inhabitants
situated on the island Of Kiushiu. II Is an
important seaport and large trade Is car.
RED ON thsEe. The exports are tea, to.
baeco, coal, camphor and porcelain. The
oiIice of Consnl at that point pays S, ,000
and fees, which makes the oElee worth
about S, 500 per snpum.