Background
Thomas, Franklin was born on May 19, 1885 in Red Oak, Iowa, United States. Son of Review Thomas D. and Eleanor (Jones) Thomas.
Thomas, Franklin was born on May 19, 1885 in Red Oak, Iowa, United States. Son of Review Thomas D. and Eleanor (Jones) Thomas.
Bachelor of Engineering, University of Iowa, 1908, C.E., 1913. Studied McGill University, Montreal, Canada, 1908-1909. Doctor of Engineering, University of Southern California, 1949.
Chainman C.B.&O. Railway, 1903-1904. With the Mines Power Company, Cobalt, Ontario, Canada, 1909-1910. Instructor department of engineering University of Michigan, 1910-1912.
With Alabama Power Company, made designs for developments at Lock 18, Coosa River and Muscle Shoals, Tennessee River, 1912-1913. Professor civil engineering, California Institute of Technology since 1913, also chairman administrative committee of faculty, 1917, and 1920-1921 during absence of president and following his resignation, chairman division engineering 1926-1944, Dean of students since 1944. Assistant Engineer United States Reclamation Service, while on leave, 1919.
Has served as consultant on municipal projects. Commissioned First lieutenant Engineer R.C., United States Army, 1918.
Member and vice chairman Board Dirs. City of Pasadena, 1921-1927. Member board Metropolitan Water District of Southern California since 1928, vice chairman 1928-1948.
Member American Society of Civil Engineers (vice president 1944-1945. Clubs: Twilight, New Century (Pasadena), Kiwanis.
Married Marie Elizabeth Planck, September 20, 1910. Children: William Planck, Richard Erik, Edward Albert (deceased), John Robert (deceased), Eleanor May (Mistress Lee R. Champion), Margaret (deceased), Katherine (Mistress Donald G. Langille).