Agassiz, Alexander, son of Louis and Cecile (Braun) Agassiz, was born in Neufchatel, Switzerland, December 17, 1835.
His early educational training was received in the gymnasium of his native place. He came to this country in 1849, after his father, the celebrated naturalist, and entering Harvard College, was graduated there from in the class of 1855. He inherited the tastes of his father, and pursued his studies in the Lawrence scientific school (Harvard) during the years 1857 to ’61 inclusive.
In 1859 he was engaged with the United States Coast Survey: in 1861 he was made assistant in the Zoological Museum, Cambridge, and became director of this institution in 1874. He was superintendent of the Calumet and Hecla Mining Company, 1866 to 1869. He was treasurer till 1871, when he was made its president, which position he still holds.
Professor Agassiz was married at Jamaica Plain, November 13, 1860, to Anna, daughter of George Robert and Sarah P. (Shaw) Russell. Of this union were three children: George R., Maximilian and Rudolph L. Agassiz.
Professor Agassiz has been overseer of Harvard College, and is now fellow of this institution.
