John Birkinbine

In 1863, he undertook 1 year of military service, although his subsequent studies were interrupted by a vision imperfection.

He was associated with designing and constructing various public water supplies and later worked as a consulting engineer.

[4] For a number of years during the late 19th century,[3] he was connected with the United States Geological Survey and was regarded by the government as being "an expert on iron and manganese ores".

He was called to the majority of states in America, as well as to other countries such as Canada and Maxico and examine and report upon iron ore mines, as well as to assist in designing and constructing new blast furnaces.

[7] Among his other accomplishments included developing a scheme for utilizing the water power of Niagara Falls and devising blast furnaces for use in the Lake Superior copper region.