Rev. Dr. Joseph Henry Wythe was born in Manchester, England on March 19, 1822, and moved to Philadelphia with his parents at the age of 10. He became a licensed Methodist minister at the age of 19, and went on to receive his medical degree and professorship at the Philadelphia College of Medicine in 1850. Wythe was recommended for Willamette’s presidency and at the same time assumed the pastorate of the Methodist church in Salem. During his brief tenure as president Wythe taught 12 classes and was listed as professor of mental and moral science in the collegiate department; professor of physiology, hygiene and microscopy in the medical school; and professor of biblical languages and literature in the theological department. It is also during this time that WU’s Medical College is opened. After two years of service, Wythe was forced to resign after his refusal to give up tobacco caused the majority of Board of Trustees to vote against his re-election. Wythe died on October 14, 1901.