Background
Wetherill, Samuel was born on May 27, 1821 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Son of John Price and Maria Kane (Lawrence) Wetherill.
inventor army officer zinc company executive
Wetherill, Samuel was born on May 27, 1821 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Son of John Price and Maria Kane (Lawrence) Wetherill.
Graduated from the University Pennsylvania, 1845.
10 children. Joined firm Wetherill & Brother, 1845, operated white lead and chemical works. Employed by New Jersey Zinc Company, 1850. Inventor process for deriving white oxide of zinc direct from the ore, 1852.
Founder Lehigh Zinc Company, 1853. Developer process for manufacture of metallic zinc and rolled zinc sheets, 1857. Commissioned captain 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry, 1861, major, 1861, honorably discharged, 1864.
Brevetted lieutenant colonel, 1865.
Married Sarah Maria Chatton, January 1, 1844. Married second, Thyrza A. James, October 19, 1870.