Frederick Haynes Newell

Frederick Haynes Newell, the American hydraulic engineer, was not only a man of great expertise, but he was also a visionary. Born in Bradford, Pennsylvania, in 1862, he graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1885. After gaining field experience in Colorado and other states, Newell was appointed as the Assistant Hydraulic Engineer of the United States Geological Survey on October 2, 1888, under Major John Wesley Powell.

Newell's appointment marked a significant turning point in the history of irrigation in the United States. He was the first aide designated to investigate the potential for irrigating the arid regions of the country. Subsequently, he was appointed as Chief of the Hydrographic Branch, where he worked to develop methods for the efficient use of water in irrigation. His expertise and dedication paved the way for the United States to make significant strides in irrigation engineering.

During his tenure, Newell actively assisted Representative Francis G. Newlands, George H. Maxwell, and President of the National Irrigation Association, among others, in preparing and presenting various Congressional bills. One of these bills, with the personal efforts of President Theodore Roosevelt, became the Reclamation Act when signed into law on June 17, 1902. This act laid the groundwork for the United States Reclamation Service, which Newell went on to lead as its first Director.

Newell was appointed Chief Engineer under Charles D. Walcott, then Director of the United States Geological Survey, immediately after the Reclamation Act became law. His expertise was sought by many, and he served on numerous commissions and boards related to water resources, including the Inland Waterways Commission, of which President Roosevelt appointed him as a member in 1907.

Newell's work was not without recognition. He was the recipient of the prestigious Cullum Geographical Medal in 1921 for his significant contributions to irrigation engineering. He passed away in 1932, leaving behind a legacy of expertise, dedication, and vision that paved the way for the efficient use of water resources in the United States.

In conclusion, Frederick Haynes Newell was a visionary hydraulic engineer whose expertise and dedication paved the way for significant advances in irrigation engineering in the United States. His work laid the groundwork for the United States Reclamation Service and helped develop methods for the efficient use of water in irrigation. He was a man of great vision and foresight, and his contributions to the field of water resources continue to inspire new generations of engineers to this day.

Early life

Frederick Haynes Newell was a pioneer in hydraulic engineering, but before he achieved greatness, he had a tumultuous start in life. Born in 1862 in Bradford, Pennsylvania, Newell was the son of Augustus William Newell and Anna M. Haynes. His father was a successful industrialist and real estate magnate in Bradford, but tragedy struck the family when Newell's mother and sibling died during childbirth a year after he was born.

Following this tragic event, Newell was sent to live with extended relatives and was raised by his uncle in Newton, Connecticut. Growing up, Newell was exposed to the hardships of living in a small lumber and mining town, which would later influence his life's work. Despite these hardships, Newell showed exceptional promise and attended the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology, graduating in 1885.

Newell's early life was marked by loss and upheaval, but it also gave him a unique perspective on the challenges faced by people living in rural areas. His experiences living in a small town and attending MIT would help shape his views on the importance of water conservation and the role of technology in solving the problems of the arid West. Despite the challenges he faced, Newell persevered and went on to become a trailblazer in the field of hydraulic engineering, leaving a lasting legacy that still resonates today.

Early career

Frederick Haynes Newell's early career was a journey filled with adventure and exploration. After obtaining his degree in Mining Engineering, he returned to his hometown of Bradford, Pennsylvania, where he worked alongside his father, Augustus William Newell. His father was an industrialist and real estate mogul who had a knack for making entrancing schemes that would benefit his business ventures.

Newell's return to Bradford was a homecoming of sorts. He found the people to be rough, illiterate, and filled with old country habits and superstitions. But Newell was not one to shy away from a challenge, and he eagerly dove into his work, surveying the coal and timber lands that his father had bought and sold.

However, Newell's thirst for adventure and exploration was not quenched by his work in Bradford. In 1888, he left Pennsylvania to join the Ohio Geological Survey, where he studied oil-bearing rocks. It was during this time that he had a chance encounter that would change the course of his life.

Newell met John Wesley Powell, the head of the United States Geological Survey in Boston. Powell was a pioneering explorer who had led the first successful expedition through the Grand Canyon, and he recognized in Newell a kindred spirit. Powell offered Newell a job with the USGS, and Newell accepted without hesitation.

Newell's new job with the USGS allowed him to indulge his passion for exploration and innovation. He worked on a variety of projects, including irrigation projects in the arid West, which were critical for the development of agriculture in the region. Newell quickly became an expert in the field, and his work helped to shape the future of the American West.

In summary, Newell's early career was marked by his willingness to take on new challenges and explore new territories. From his work in Bradford to his time with the Ohio Geological Survey and the USGS, Newell never shied away from an adventure. His work in irrigation and land reclamation would be instrumental in the development of the American West, and his legacy continues to be felt to this day.

U.S. Geological Survey

Frederick Haynes Newell's work with the United States Geological Survey was groundbreaking and transformative, and it all began with the creation of the Irrigation Survey in 1888. The primary goal of this survey was to determine how much land could be irrigated in each river basin across the western United States. In order to accomplish this, Newell was hired to develop the necessary methods and train engineers to carry out the systematic program of measuring streamflow in rivers.

The training took place in Embudo, New Mexico, where Newell and his team established the Embudo Stream Gauging Station. This camp on the banks of the Rio Grande River is now known as the birthplace of systematic streamgaging in the US, and it was from here that Newell's hydrographers fanned out in the Spring of 1889 to establish streamgages all across the western United States.

Under Newell's leadership, the convention of using the spelling "gage" was established, a spelling that is still in use by the Geological Survey to this day. His work in these early years with the Geological Survey was so groundbreaking that he is often referred to as the "father of systematic stream gaging" in the US.

Newell's contributions to the Geological Survey were vital, and they laid the foundation for the organization's continued success in the years that followed. His legacy lives on in the continued use of the methods and conventions that he established, and his former residence in Washington, D.C. stands as a testament to his enduring impact on the field of hydrology.

Reclamation Service

Frederick Haynes Newell was a visionary man who made a significant contribution to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the Reclamation Service. Under his leadership, the Reclamation Service, which was later renamed the Bureau of Reclamation, went on to transform the arid West into a productive agricultural region.

After completing the Irrigation Survey in 1888, Newell went on to work for the USGS, where he spearheaded the systematic program of measuring streamflow in rivers across the western United States. This work laid the foundation for the birth of systematic streamgaging in the US. However, Newell's achievements didn't stop there.

In 1902, Newell was appointed as the first hydrographer of the newly formed Reclamation Service. Under his guidance, the Reclamation Service went on to complete twenty-six projects, including reservoirs, canals, and related works, in whole or part. These projects involved an investment of over $100,000,000, and were spread across most of the Western states.

Notable projects completed by the Reclamation Service during Newell's tenure include the Roosevelt, Shoshone, Arrowrock, and Gunnison Tunnels. These projects involved the construction of 100 dams, of which ten form reservoirs of national importance. The Reclamation Service also constructed 25 miles of tunnels, 13,000 miles of irrigating canals and ditches with regulating works, bridges, steam and hydro-electric generators, transmission lines, pumps, and devices connected with supplying water to 20,000 farms.

Newell was an advocate for the highest practicable economy and efficiency in the execution of the work, and made special efforts to meet the needs and desires of the settlers. His work not only transformed the arid West into a productive agricultural region but also created jobs, generated power, and ensured a reliable supply of water for generations to come.

Newell's contributions to the Reclamation Service were significant, and his legacy lives on. Today, the Bureau of Reclamation manages over 180 reservoirs and 8,000 miles of canals and pipelines, providing water to over 31 million people and supporting over 10 million acres of farmland. Thanks to Newell's vision and leadership, the Reclamation Service was able to make a profound impact on the development of the West, ensuring a bright and prosperous future for generations to come.

Offices and awards

Frederick Haynes Newell was not only a brilliant engineer, but he was also a man of many talents. In addition to his work with the Reclamation Service, Newell held a number of prestigious positions in various organizations throughout his career.

One of his notable positions was Secretary of the National Geographic Society from 1892-1893 and again from 1897-1899. During his tenure, he worked tirelessly to promote the society's mission of advancing the study of geography and exploration. His contributions helped to further the society's efforts to spread knowledge about the world's geography, history, and culture.

After 1895, Newell served as the Secretary of the American Forestry Association, where he championed conservation efforts and promoted sustainable forestry practices. He was also the President of the American Association of Engineers in 1919, where he used his engineering expertise to promote the advancement of the profession.

Newell's contributions were not only recognized by his peers but also by various organizations. In 1918, he was awarded the Cullum Geographical Medal by the American Geographical Society for his contributions to the advancement of geography and exploration. The award was a testament to his dedication to the field and his tireless efforts to promote geographic knowledge and exploration.

Newell's extensive experience and impressive accomplishments in various organizations demonstrate his passion for advancing knowledge and promoting progress in various fields. His legacy continues to inspire those who strive to make significant contributions to their respective fields and make a positive impact on the world.

Personal life

Frederick Haynes Newell, known for his remarkable contribution to the Reclamation Service and for his leadership roles in several organizations, had a personal life that was just as fascinating. Born to Augustus W. Newell and his first wife, he had two half-brothers, Lewis and Henry Foster, and a younger full brother, Augustus William Jr. His father later married Phoebe Lewis in 1877, with whom he had three more children.

Newell himself was married to Effie Josephine Mackintosh, whom he wed on April 3, 1890, in Milton, Massachusetts. She was the daughter of John Sherman Mackintosh, who was the grandson of John Sherman, a prominent figure in American history, and the great-grandson of one of the founding fathers of the United States, Roger Sherman.

In 1932, Newell passed away in his offices in Washington, D.C. and was buried at Needham Cemetery in Massachusetts. His legacy, however, lived on, and his contributions to engineering and reclamation in the Western United States continued to be celebrated.

Legacy

Frederick Haynes Newell, with his visionary leadership and innovative ideas, made significant contributions in the fields of civil engineering, hydrology, and conservation. His legacy, which includes the creation of the Bureau of Reclamation, continues to inspire and influence new generations of scientists and engineers.

One remarkable tribute to Newell's life and work is the F.H. Newell Building, a joint office building of the USGS and Bureau of Reclamation in Boise, Idaho. The building's name was designated by Public Law 108-462 in 2004, recognizing the vital role that Newell played in shaping these two bureaus within the Department of the Interior. Located at 230 Collins Road, the F.H. Newell Building features cutting-edge energy efficiency features, reflecting Newell's passion for sustainable resource management and conservation.

Newell's impact on American conservation policy cannot be overstated. He was instrumental in developing policies and practices that would protect and manage natural resources such as water, forests, and wildlife. He also played a critical role in the conservation and management of the arid Western United States, which was plagued by droughts, wildfires, and other natural disasters.

Newell's engineering expertise was put to good use in the construction of dams, canals, and irrigation systems that would provide much-needed water resources to arid regions of the country. His efforts helped transform the American West into a thriving agricultural region, where farmers could grow crops and raise livestock with greater efficiency and productivity.

Today, Newell's legacy lives on in the ongoing work of the Bureau of Reclamation and other government agencies dedicated to resource management and conservation. The F.H. Newell Building in Boise is just one example of how Newell's vision and leadership continue to inspire and influence those who work to preserve and protect our planet's natural resources.

Books by Newell

Frederick Haynes Newell was not only a man of action but a man of words. Throughout his career, Newell wrote numerous books on the topics that he was most passionate about - irrigation, engineering, and water resources. His writings are a testament to his vast knowledge and expertise in these fields.

One of his earliest works was 'Oil Well Drilling,' which was published in 1888. In this book, Newell explores the process of drilling for oil and provides practical advice for those in the industry. This book was one of the first of its kind and was instrumental in advancing the science of oil drilling.

Newell's next book, 'Hydrography of the Arid Regions,' was published in 1891. This book explores the unique hydrology of arid regions and provides insight into the challenges of water management in these areas. This work established Newell as a leading authority on water resources and irrigation.

In 1894, Newell published 'Agriculture by Irrigation,' which is considered one of his most significant works. In this book, Newell outlines the importance of irrigation for agriculture and describes the various methods used to irrigate crops. This work was groundbreaking at the time and helped to popularize the practice of irrigation in the United States.

Newell continued to write on the topic of irrigation throughout his career, publishing works such as 'Irrigation in the United States' (1902), 'Principles of Irrigation Engineering' (1913), and 'Irrigation Management' (1916). These books delved deeper into the science of irrigation and provided practical advice for those involved in the field.

Newell's interests were not limited to irrigation, however. In 1895, he published 'The Public Lands of the United States,' which explores the history and management of public lands in the United States. Newell was a strong advocate for the conservation of public lands, and this book was influential in shaping public policy on the topic.

Later in his career, Newell turned his attention to water resources more broadly. In 'Water Resources, Present and Future Uses' (1919), he explores the various uses of water resources and the challenges of managing these resources sustainably.

Newell's final book, 'Engineering as a Career' (1916), reflects on his own career and encourages young people to pursue careers in engineering. This work is a testament to Newell's passion for his profession and his desire to inspire others to follow in his footsteps.

Overall, Newell's writings are a valuable contribution to the fields of irrigation, engineering, and water resources. His works helped to advance these fields and provided practical guidance for those involved in them. Today, his books continue to be read and studied by scholars and practitioners alike, cementing his legacy as one of the foremost experts in these areas.