Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-11-05


developed taste for mathematics and en-
cheering, and ere he had passed the days
of boyhood was fitting himself for the pro-
fession of civil engineering. In some man
ner the attention of the eminent engineer,
George Stephenson, who was regarded as
the head of the profession in the united
kingdom, was attra cted to him. and he was
given employment by Mr.. Stephenson. With
him he went to the continent to make sur
veys for railways. In Belgium, among
other lines he located that between Bruges
and Brussels
Returning to England, he entered the
service of the government and was intrust-
ed with much important work in Scotland
and Ireland, as well as in England. Some
of the principal parks of London and the
grounds at Brighton attest his skill.
Emigrates to America.
Over half century ago Mr.. Forsyths
attention was attracted to this country. He
had long before become an admirer of
America and it's government and with his
young wife and family he landed in New
York in June, 1850. A few months were
spent in the commercial metropolis, and
then in the fall of that year he came to
this city. The next year he found employ
ment under the government, entering the
office of Col. B. B. French, commissioner
of public buildings, as an engineer, and
about the same time he was appointed the
deputy surveyor of Washington. county I'M
der the old Levy Court. 80. z3s
Under the general government he per-
formed much important work. He planned
an a hxed the grades of the extension of the
Capitol grounds, laid out Washtngton Cir
Gle, which heretofore was wild common;
laid out the many triangular reservations
along the avenue, fixed the lines and grades
of the same thoroughfare west of 18th
street. established system Of sewerage for
a large section of the city lying west OF
init cd tha rom "a nf
the circular wall south of the. Presidents
grounds and planned the improvement of
the White Lot, and superintendent the i'm
provement of the arsenal grounds when
they were extended north from the north
line of the penitentiary to ? street.
AS deputy surveyor of the county he gain
ed such knowledge of the original lines of
the colonial estates and the lines of the Old
roads that he became an expert in such
matters and was an acknowledged author
ity. His knowledge was exceedingly valu-
able to the authorities, especially when the
former wood and farming lots We're being
laid out for residential purposes. Many of
the now prosperous subdivisions are the
product of his advice and skill.
During the administration of Mayor Ma
gruder Mr. Forsyth was elected to the Office
of city surveyor, and for ten years he filled
the position, serving during the admins
trations of Mayors Berret and Wallach.
While he was connected with corporation
affairs he became one Of the most popular
of men. Billy Forsyth, as he was famil-
iarly called by all classes, won to himself
hosts of friends, and 1t is questionable If in
the days of suffrage there was an official
better liked or who had more personal ad
herents among his political opponents-his
genial disposition and witty sayings making
him welcome everywhere.
Corporation Work.
Much corporation work was done under
his direction, such grading the streets,
sitting curbs and laying foot pavements,
constructing sewers. This was in addition
to fixing the lines of buildings and survey
ing lots, and 1t brought him in contact
with persons of every station.
During the terms of Mayors Bowen and
Emery he was relegated to private or I'M
official life but his vast fund of informa-
ton and his services were ever in demand,
and in the interim he was kept busy by the
government and private parties
Under the act of Congress of 1870 he ST.
perintended the laying of wood pavement
on Pennsylvania and Louisiana avenues.
Under the board Of public works, in 1871,
he was employed by Governor Shepherd in
engineering work, and September % of that
wear he was made the surveyor of the Dis
trict of Columbia. In this office there was
an immense amount of street work done
and the grades as established by him were
permanently fixed, the improvements super
yised and special taxes levied, etc.
Mr.. Forsyth served under the board of
public works and the temporary Commits
SiOnerS unul august, 1910, WHen ne gave
way to Capt. ]. A. Partridge for four years
| In the month of August, 1881, he was again
| appointed surveyor of the District and
| filled 1t until August, 1897, when the infirm-
| tiles of his years caused him to resign. The
| Commissioners in reluctantly accepting the
| resignation, paid him the compliment of
| thanking him for valuable services extend
| ing over a period Of nearly a half cen
| fury.
| 1t Is proper to say that his services to
| the public were but well nigh Invaluable,
| and that in his day he witnessed an in
| crease of tenfold in the business of the Of
| fee, result which he ascribes to the i'm
petus given in the days Of Cooke and Shep-
herd. 1t was a matter OF pride with him
| that he was associated with them and had
| been connected with SO many improvements
| in the old days and had planned so many
| Of the radical changes made by Boss
Shepherd, Of whom he was won't to say,
| THE boss Is a great man and Washington
| would not be the beautiful city you behold
| had 1t not been for him."
| TNrp q Crn - ryrr rnnr,,o