Mead, Elwood, 1858-1936

Elwood Mead (1858-1936) was territorial engineer and later, the first state engineer of Wyoming, 1888-1899, and author of its first water code. From 1899-1907, he was in charge of irrigation investigations for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He was chairman of the Rivers and Water Supply Commission in Victoria, Australia, 1907-1915, professor of Rural Institutions at the University of California, 1915-1924, and Commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation from 1924 until his death in 1936. Mead supervised the construction of Hoover Dam; Lake Mead was named in his honor.

From the description of Papers, 1882-1958 (bulk 1899-1936). (University of Wyoming, American Heritage Center). WorldCat record id: 27966019

Professor of engineering, UCB.

From the description of Elwood Mead papers, [ca. 1907-1924]. (University of California, Berkeley). WorldCat record id: 26850125

Biography

Professor of Rural Institute; born Switzerland County, Ind, Jan. 16, 1858; son of Daniel and Lucinda (Davis) Mead; B.S. Purdue University, 1882; C.E. Iowa State College, 1883; Doctor of Engineering Purdue University, 1904. Assistant Engineer, U.S. Army, 1882; Professor Irrigation Engineering, Colorado Agricultural College. 1883; State Engineer, Wyoming, 1888; Chief of Irrigation & Drainage Investigations, U.S.D.A., 1898; Chairman State Rivers & Water Supply Commission, Australia, 1907; Professor of Rural Institutions, University of California, 1915, U S. Commissioner of Reclamation, April 1924 to date. Author: Irrigation Institutions, Helping Men Own Farms . Reports on Irrigation (U.S.D.A.). Member American Society of Civil Engineers, member British Institution, Engineers.

Who's Who in Engineering, 1925. p. 1414

From the guide to the Elwood Mead Papers, 1900-1942, (Water Resources Collections and Archives)