George R. PUTNAM

Background

PUTNAM, George R. was born on May 24, 1865 in Davenport, Iowa. Son of Charles and Mary L. (Duncan) Putnam.

Education

Rose Polytechnic Institute., B.S., 1890, M.S., 1895; Stevens Institute., Doctor of Science, 1922

Career

Entered field service, United States Coast and Geodetic Survey, 1890. Was on Mexican and Alaskan boundary surveys. Made a series of gravity measurements, 1895, results of which were the first consistent confirmation of isostatic condition of earth’s crust.

Accompanied scientific expedition to Greenland, 1896. Engaged on survey of Pribilof Islands, 1897 and of the delta of the Yukon River, 1898-1899. Made observations connecting American and European gravity stations, 1900.

First Director, Coast Surveys in the Philippine Islands, 1900-1906. Developed plan of Philippine coast surveys. Prepared plan for revision of charts of coasts of the United States Appointed First Commissioner of Lighthouses, 1910.

Delegate International Navigation Congress, London, 1923.

Works

• Other Work

  • Author: Sentinel of the Coasts. Lighthouses and Lightships of the United States. Nautical Charts

Membership

Member American Society of Civil Engineers, Washington Society Engineers (president 1915), Washington Academy Sciences.; Clubs: Cosmos (president 1920), Chevy Chase.

• Member of American Society of Civil Engineers. Washington Society Engineers. Washington Academy, of Science. Clubs: Cosmos, Chevy Chase*.

Connections

Spouse Marta Wick, September 11, 1913.

Father:

Charles E. Putnam

Mother:

Mary L. (Duncan) Putnam

Spouse:

Marta

child:

Elizabeth Duncan (Mrs Putnam