|
Thomson, J(ohn) Edgar (1808–1874)| US engineer and railroad president. In 1847 he joined the newly incorporated Pennsylvania Railroad to locate the tracks through the Allegheny Mountains, a feat that opened a route from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh by 1854. President of the railroad (1852–74), he bought the state's system of canals and rails (1857) and acquired other railroads that extended the Pennsylvania Railroad to Chicago. He was also instrumental in the creation of the American Steamship Company (1870). |
| Thomson was born in Springfield Township, Pennsylvania. He learned engineering from his father, started with the Pennsylvania Engineer Corps, and by 1830 was in charge of an engineering division. After studying advanced transportation in Europe, he became chief engineer of the Georgia Railroad in 1832. |
| Active in Philadelphia civic affairs, he established a foundation, supported by his estate, called the St John's Orphanage to educate and maintain the daughters of railroad men killed while on duty. |
How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
?Sign in  |
|---|
|
|
|