Background
Lesley, Robert Whitman was born on July 4, 1853 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Son of James, Junior, and Elizabeth (Thomson) L.
Lesley, Robert Whitman was born on July 4, 1853 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Son of James, Junior, and Elizabeth (Thomson) L.
Matriculated University of Pennsylvania, 1867. Master of Arts, 1908, as of class of 1871. Studied law in office of Benjamin Harris Brewster.
Began with Philadelphia Ledger, 1868, later assistant editors Admitted to bar (Pennsylvania), 1879. Founded cement firm of Lesley & Trinkle, Philadelphia, 1874, and in early 80’s took out a number of patents in connection with manufacturer of Portland Cement, which up to that time had been largely imported from Europe.
At this period while associated with the late David O. Sayler, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, performed an important part in commercial development and introduction of America Portland Cement.
In recognition of his work was made first president Portland Cement Association, later first honorary member. Established American Cement Company, a large producer, and later operated as Giant Portland Cement Company, of which was director
Also director Surface Combustion Company, Philadelphia & Camden Ferry Company Was member of concrete ship committee of American Concrete Institute. Active in testing and developing new inventions in field of aviation in connection with the Clarke Thomson Research.
An organizer Philadelphia War Chest.
Honorary member American Society for Testing Materials, American Concrete Institute. Presiding officer cement section International Congress of Association for Testing Materials, New York, 1912.
Member Franklin Institute (board managers).
Married Eulalia Willcox, 1879.