Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-12-31
FERDINAND RUDOLPH HASSLER.
Interesting characteristics OF the Founde
of the U. s. Coast and Geodetic Survey.

Interesting characteristics of the Founder
of the U. s. Coast and Geodetic Survey.
Ferdinand Rudolph Hassler came to America
from Aaron, Switzerland, 1905. His family was
wealthy and cultured. His wife was the sole
daughter and heiress of the Huguenot Baron
Gaillard dc Longjumeau. descendant of one
branch Of the Bourbons of France.
When q young man Mr.. Hassler studied in
many parts Of Europe, was an expert hnguist
and man of varied attainments. His first work
was to make a survey of Switzerland, which
was SO accurate correction has ever been
found necessary. Under the rule Of Napoleon
1, of whom Mr.. Hassler was an admirer, he was
one OF the two attorney generals Of Switzerland.
When he came to America il was the leader
Of party Of Swiss, for whom he had chartered
vessel at his own expense, and who intended
to form a colony here. But the advance agent
had spent part of the funds for some land
near Cape Vincent, N. Y, and had sbsconded
forced to disband at 4hiladelphis After this
failure Of his original purpose Mr.. Hsssler
formed plan to survey the coast Of the United
States, in which he was cordially seconded by
his friend, Thomas Jefferson. In spite Of this
he found the undertaking a most dificult one,
and although the United States coast and
geodetic survey was nominally begun in 1907 il
was not firmly established until 1882 Mr..
Hassler had charge of it until his death in ls4S.
FRANK AND HONEST.
His character was one of extreme frankress
and honesty combined with the eccentricities
which are expected of genius. His method of
dealing with Congress is perhaps without pre-
cedent. During his term Of Office as superin-
tendent Of the coast survey q congressional
committee Of investigation visited him at his
Office and made some inquiries concerning his
management. The politicians were amazed to
receive this reply to their question: II can't
not know enough to understand. Go back and
tell Congress l have not time to teach you.'
The nonplussed committee bowed itself out and
that was the last Of the investigation.
While doing his work in the field Mr.. Hassler
Travelled in q large coach, which had three
stories Just above the ground was q wine cell
lar space for provisions and cooking utensils
Above were seats on which one could sit or
sleep comfortably and table. The third story
was for luggage and the various impedimentA
used in making the surveys Several pair Of
horses drew the coach. ard q goat to supply
milk trotted along behind
Mr.. Hasslers favorite instrument was great
theodolite and his care for this and for his
papers cost him his life. Late In the year he
was at work on the Jersey coast. A snow storm
overlook him. and instead o. protecting him
self his first thought was for the theodolite.
As . result hs was taken i'll and died few days
later.
He left son, DIR. C. A. Hassler, surgeon in
the Q. s. navy, who was shipwrscked while q
young man. DR.. Hassler's daughter married
Prof. Simon Newcomb. the astronomer and
mathematician. Prof. Newcomb's children are
wonderful examples Of hereditary genius, espe-
cially the second daughter, DR.. Anita Newcomb
McGea, the wife OF Prot. NcGee Of the Smith
sonian. She il only twenty-eight yssrs old and
has already accomplished much in . scientific
way.