Born February 26, 1788 in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, his father was also named Henry Williams Dwight (1757–1804) and mother was Abigail Welles (1763–1840).

His grandfather was Joseph Dwight (1703–1765), and mother traced her ancestry to Thomas Welles (1590–1659).

[2] He received an honorary degree from William College, and as a trustee nominated Mark Hopkins as a replacement professor in 1830.

James Fowler Dwight was born January 30, 1830, joined the Union Army in the American Civil War and rose to rank of colonel.

[1] This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress