Background
Whitaker, Milton C. was born on December 16, 1870 in Frazeysburg, Ohio, United States. Son of Reuben B. and Jennie (Magruder) Whitaker.
Whitaker, Milton C. was born on December 16, 1870 in Frazeysburg, Ohio, United States. Son of Reuben B. and Jennie (Magruder) Whitaker.
In 1893 Whitaker entered the University of Colorado. He studied under Professor Charles South. Palmer, the head of the department of chemistry, who inspired him to make chemistry his major. He also studied mineralogy, geology, petrology, metallurgy, assaying, mechanical engineering and electrical engineering.
He assisted in the chemical laboratory, as well as doing some teaching.
Whitaker received his Bachelor of Science in 1897, and a Master of Science in 1900.
In 1915 he received an honorary doctorate of Chemical Engineering from the.
His areas of speciality were chemical engineering and industrial chemistry. In 1898 Whitaker was appointed the post as instructor in chemistry for the sophomore class of Columbia College. He devoted seven years to directing research work, solving chemical and engineering problems, and developing the factories at Philadelphia and Columbus.
From 1908-1910 he was a special lecturer on works management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
In 1910 he returned to Columbia University as professor of industrial chemistry and chemical engineering. He directed the conversion of the basement of Havemeyer Hall into a comprehensive chemical engineering laboratory.
He was head of the Chemical Engineering Department for six years until 1917. In 1916 he became general manager of the Curtis Bay Chemical Company, and in 1917 was its president
In November 1917 he also became president of the United States. Industrial Chemical Company, successor to the Curtis Bay Chemical Company, and also vice president/director of the United States. Industrial Alcohol Company.
From 1911 to 1916 he was also editor of The Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, one of the official journals of the American Chemical Society. He was chairman of the New York Section of the Society of Chemical Industry, vice president of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, and president of the Chemists" Club. From 1918-1920 he was Director Emeritus of the Research Corporation for Science Advancement.
Between 1912 and 1921 he was granted twenty-two United States. patents for items and processes ranging from removing nickel from hydrogenized fat to apparatus for producing ethylene.
In 1923 he was awarded the Perkin Medal, which he described as "the greatest honor that can be conferred upon a chemist by his fellow workers". In his acceptance speech he went on to say: "I am deeply appreciative of the distinction which your committee has bestowed upon me, and doubly grateful to receive the beautiful symbol of the honor from you, sir, a Perkin Medalist yourself and by unanimous consent the beloved dean of our profession." He was referring to Charles F. Chandler, a mentor of his during his time at Columbia University.
Member American Institute Chemical Engineers (president 1914), American Institute Chemists, American Chemical Society, Society Chemical Industry, American Association for the Advancement of Science, Chemists’. Clubs: Chemists, Rockefeller Center Luncheon.
Married Mabel Martin, July 9, 1900. Married second, Frances Strader Culver, June 16, 1934. Children: John M., Robert M.