Henry F. White

As printed in 1887

ENRY F. WHITE, Chief Engineer of the B., C. R. & N. R. R. and the branch lines, and a resident of Cedar Rapids, is a native of Boston, Mass., and was born Oct. 14, He is the sou of Joseph A. and Jane E. (Fisher) White, also natives of the Bay State. He comes from an excellent family. In early manhood Mr. Joseph A. White was engaged in mercantile pursuits, and in 1858 retired upon a competency, and is now living at Framingham, twenty miles from Boston. He was the father of three sons: Henry F., our subject; Edward I., engaged in the plumbing business in Chicago, and Joseph A., a resident of Alexandria, Mo., and a successful lumber dealer at that point. The wife and mother passed from earth in March, 1809, leaving behind her a record of womanly virtues and kindly deeds. Henry F. White attended the district schools in his boyhood, and subsequently entered the High School at Framingham, from which he graduated at the age of seventeen years. In his earliest years he exhibited remarkable mechanical genius, and whenever possible was to be found around mills, factories and railroad depots, or wherever machinery was in operation. Soon after leaving school he made known his determination to his parents to puisne the calling of a practical machinist and engineer. With wise judgment they did not deter him, and he accordingly entered the employ of a practical engineer at Worcester, Mass., where he ftifffiffffiffii began the career which he has since followed with so much credit and in which lie has become so proficient. He remained there for two years, and in this short time had attained to considerable skill, and was possessed of valuable information concerning the operations of complicated machinery. lie then left" Worcester and proceeded to St. Louis, Mo., where he was given a position on the Cairo & Vincennes Railroad as Assistant Engineer on the Tunnel Division. This being his first experience in a position of responsibility, the result was naturally watched with great interest by his friends. He proved equal, to their anticipations and remained until this road was completed, in 1873. He then returned to St. Louis, and after remaining in the office of the company a few weeks was detailed as transit man on the Kansas, Brookfield & Chicago Railroad, and there remained until the surveys were finished.

Mr. White had been absent from home for two years. He was young and had a natural desire to visit his parents and take a turn over the old tramping ground. He accordingly set his face eastward, arriving in Boston in due time, visited his old friends and acquaintances, and then, being proffered a position as Division Engineer of Ware River Branch of the Boston & Albany Railroad, decided to remain in that locality for a time, or until the Ware River Branch was finished. He again set his face westward, came into Van Buren County, Iowa, and made a survey of the county. When this was completed he proceeded to Dayton, Ohio, and there engaged as transit man on the Dayton & Southeastern Railroad. After the completion of the surveys he had charge of the Jamestown Division, and remained thus occupied until June, 1870. He then came to Cedar Rapids, and was employed by the B., C. R. & N. R. R. as Assistant Engineer, which position he held until November, 1881. lie was then appointed Chief Engineer in charge of construction of tracks, bridges and buildings, which position he still holds. From 1,000 to 1,500 men are under his supervision, twenty-one of these being in the engineer corps.

Mr. White was united in marriage with Miss Anna McConnell in 1880. His bride was a native of Marion and daughter of l\ev. N. A. McConnell.

They have a comfortable residence located at Kill Eighth avenue.

Besides occupying other positions of trust and responsibility Mr. White is Secretary of the Iowa Society of Civil Engineers, of which body he lias long been an honored and efficient member. He is a Republican in politics, a member of the Congregational Church, and, whether engaged in public duties or enjoying the amenities of social life, he is regarded on every hand as a whole-hearted man and a good citizen.

As printed in Portrait and biographical album of Linn County, Iowa (1887). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.