Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-09-24

had been identified with the scientific work
of the government since the early eos.
Major Powelrs most notable scientific work,
from the viewpoint of scientists here, was
his exploration of the grand canon of the
Colorado in the eos. His fellow workers
say that he was not only the first man who
ever went through the Colorado canon,
but the only one who thus far has ever
Travelled its entire length from Green river
station to the mouth of the canon.
This exploit, scientists say, was one of
the most notable geographical, geological
and chronological explorations and surveys
In the history of North America. 1t was
partly undertaken in connection with the
Smithsonian Institution and partly by
means of his own private resources. His
work as director of the government geo.
graphical and geological surveys in the
Rocky mountain region in the early '7o's
was largely responsible for his selection for
executive responsibilities later in this city.
This Rocky mountain district was one Of
four surveys Of the territories which In
1879 were combined into the present geo.
logical survey. He had been director OF the
bureau of American ethnoIogy since he
founded it in 1879, and also was director of
the geological survey for more than dec
ade, beginning in 1880.
His Early Life.
Major Powell was born March a. 1884, at
Mount Morris, n. Y. the son of Metho-
dist minister. His fathers work was such
that the family was constantly on the
move While the family living in north
ern Illinois the elder Powell died, and the
support of the family devolved principally
on the sons. Major Powell was then only
fourteen years old, yet he had already dem
onstrated fondness for the natural
sciences and displayed great aptitude in the
study of natural history and geology.
For a time in 1850 Major Powell attended
school at GAINESVILLE, Wis. working for
farmer before and after school hours. Most
of his education was the result Of his own
eXertion. Being devoted to the study of
natural science he traversed Wisconsin, Hill
nois. Iowa and the Iron mountain region
of Missouri, collecting shells, minerals.
plants, etc, and acquiring a reputation
which led to his election in 1859 to the
secretaryship Of the Illinois Natural History
Society. Many of his wanderings were made
on foot, and though constantly resolved to
each spring lured from his purpose by his
desire to roam.
AT the outbreak Of the war he enlisted In
the Goth Illinois Volunteers. He entered at
once on the study of military science the
construction of bridges and civil engineering
and was employed on the fertilization of
Cape Girardeau, undertaken by General Ere
mont As captain of Battery F of the I'd
Illinois Artillery, organized by him, he took
part in the battle of Shiloh, losing his right
arm at Pittsburg Landing, and as acting
chief of artillery under General Ransom,
commanded three batteries of the fourth d.
vision of the 18th Corps. on the march to
Grand Gulf, constructing bridges. corduroy
roads, etc, over bayous and through deep
mud.
On the return march from Jackson. Miss,
he took part in the battles of Champion Hills
and Black River bridge and during the
siege of Vicksburg labored necessarily day
and night as engineer, the order to open
fire at daybreak of July being given to
his batteries, but anticipated by the sur
render.
Declined Colonelcy.
He was obliged to return home to submit
to the operation of resection of his arm, but
in the fall took part in the Meridian raid
Declining a colonelcy Of colored troops as
likely to detain him in garrison, he was
made major and chief of artillery, first of
the 18th Army Corps and subsequently of
the Department of the Tennessee, taking
part in the operations round Atlanta, and
with sixteen batteries. all Of which were
in the front of the battle Of Franklin.
At the close of the war he became pro-
fessor Of geology at Bloomington, ILL.,, from
which he had previously received the de-
grees Of A. B. and A. NJ. He also delivered
lectures on geology at Normal University,
to the museum of which he presented col
lection Of fossils from Vicksburg and the
region around. By his lectures and adj
okS SSco luiOuSuOuL the state ne lNHuenCeQ
largely the Introduction Of science into COL
lege curriculums, insisting principally upon
studies in the field. In this he inaugurated
new practice which has been extensively
followed.
In May 1867, with party Of sixteen stu
dents, he undertook an expedition across
the great plain through the mountain re-
gion of Colorado. ascending Pixies Peak,
which then had no trail. and Mt. Lincoln
Ia, 297 feet high. A second expedition un-
dertaken in 1858, was assisted by several
institutions but principally by the Smith
sonial Institution. which supplied the ap-
paratus, outfit and Instruments necessary
for the collection contemplated, and geo.
graphical reconnaissance.
The influence of General Grant also oh
tanned from Congress authority for the
commissary general of the army to supply
the party with provisions at the military
posts in the west. Important studies in
high attitudes were made, Longs Peak be-
ing assembled for the first time, and the
whole mountain system Of Colorado care
fully traversed. the highest peak Of Cor.
mountain receiving the name Of the en-
thusiastic explorer.
The majority Of the students having re-
turned. Major Powell and his wife remained
In winter camp in the valley of White
river. making studies of canon geography.
the canons- OF the Green, White, Yampa ana