Background
LOWE, Thaddeus S. C. was born on August 20, 1832 in Jefferson, New Hampshire, United States. Son of Clovis Lowe and Alpha Green.
LOWE, Thaddeus S. C. was born on August 20, 1832 in Jefferson, New Hampshire, United States. Son of Clovis Lowe and Alpha Green.
Studied at Common schools. Special studies in chemistry. Constructed balloons as an aid to study of atmospheric phenomena, 1856 and 1858 -59, securing instruments from government, invented and made other instruments for investigating upper air currents, including an altimeter for quickly measuring latitude and longitude without a horizon.
Built, 1859-1860, the largest aerostat ever made, and with it made trip from Cincinnati to a point 900 miles distant, near South Carolina (United States.) coast, in 9 hours, 20 April 1861.
Entered government service as chief of aeronautic corps, which he organised, rendering valuable service to Army of the Potomac, from Bulletin Run to Gettysburg, by observations and timely warnings. In 1862 invented system of signalling to commander of field batteries from high altitudes—largely used in Peninsula campaign, and later by Brazilian government, to which he sold his outfit after Civil War. Invented compression ice machine, 1865, making first artificial ice in United States.
Built regenerative metallurgical furnaces for gas and petroleum fuel, 1869-1872.
Invented and built water - gas machine, 1873-1875, and later other machines. Since 1897 inventing and putting into operation New Lowe Coke Oven system, for simultaneously producing gas and metallurgical coke.
Vice - President San Francisco Coke and Gas Company. Built Mountain Lowe Railway, 1891-1894, and established Lowe Observatory in Sierra Madre Mountains.
Scientist, inventor.
Spouse 1855, Leontine A. Gachon of Paris, France.