Background
Bien, Morris was born on April 17, 1859 in New York, United States. Son of Joseph and Theresa (Leipold) Bien.
Bien, Morris was born on April 17, 1859 in New York, United States. Son of Joseph and Theresa (Leipold) Bien.
Bachelor of Philisophy, University of California, 1879. LL B., Columbian (now George Washington University, 1895. Master of Laws, National University, 1896.
In United States Geological Survey in topographical field work and map-drawing. Topographer, 1879-1893, in charge of work in various parts of the country, including also irrigation investigations in Rocky Mountain States. In General Land Office, Washington, in charge of rights of way upon public lands of the United States for irrigation, railway, and other purposes, 1893-1902.
In the United States Reclamation Service, now bureau of Reclamation, in charge of land and legal matters, July 1902-July 1924, assistant commissioner in charge of lands and contracts branch, also acting director and acting commissioner.
Has prepared important Acts of Congress. Examined and reported upon right of way and irrigation legislation considered by Department of Interior, 1893-1924.
Prepared reports on right of way and irrigation in Annual Reports Commander General Land Office, 1893-1902, and on irrigation matters in Annual Reports of the Reclamation Service and other publications, 1902-1924.
In 1904 prepared draft of a State Irrigation Code which was enacted without material change in 1905 by legislatures of North Dakota, South Dakot, and Oklahoma, later in part in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah, Montana and other states and territories.
Home: Takoma Park, Distric.
Married Lilla Virginia Hart, March 25, 1886. Children: Van Tuyl Hart, Corabel.