Frederick Graff
Encyclopedia
Frederick Graff was a hydraulic engineer.
, and he acquired skill as a draftsman. When twenty years old he was employed by B. H. Latrobe as his assistant engineer in erecting the first water works in Philadelphia, located in Centre Square. On 1 April 1805, he was elected superintendent and engineer of the works, but they were found to be wholly inadequate after several years of trial.
In 1811 Graff recommended Fairmount as the proper place for the water works, and was entrusted with their construction. At this time, the pipes were made of wood, but Graff devised an iron-pipe system to be used instead. He brought the work to perfection, and patterns of his fire plugs and stopcock
s were sent to England
. In 1822, when the basic system was complete, the city water committee sent him a resolution of thanks, and he was presented with a silver vase. His experience and ability became acknowledged throughout the country, and he supplied detailed information to about 37 corporations in the United States, including New York City
and Boston
.
By 1842, over 113 miles of water mains had been laid. He was engaged for 42 years in the service of the city of Philadelphia, and a monument to his memory was erected on the grounds of the Fairmount Water Works
. In 1828 he received another from the water committee “as a testimonial of respect for his talents and zeal effectually displayed in overcoming unforeseen difficulties encountered in the construction of the northeast reservoir at Fairmount.”
At his death, his son, Frederic Graff, Jr. took his place.
Biography
His early life was devoted to the trade of a carpenterCarpenter
A carpenter is a skilled craftsperson who works with timber to construct, install and maintain buildings, furniture, and other objects. The work, known as carpentry, may involve manual labor and work outdoors....
, and he acquired skill as a draftsman. When twenty years old he was employed by B. H. Latrobe as his assistant engineer in erecting the first water works in Philadelphia, located in Centre Square. On 1 April 1805, he was elected superintendent and engineer of the works, but they were found to be wholly inadequate after several years of trial.
In 1811 Graff recommended Fairmount as the proper place for the water works, and was entrusted with their construction. At this time, the pipes were made of wood, but Graff devised an iron-pipe system to be used instead. He brought the work to perfection, and patterns of his fire plugs and stopcock
Stopcock
A stopcock is a valve used to restrict or isolate the flow of a liquid or gas through a pipe.In Great Britain a stopcock, not to be confused with a gate valve or a DiCiaccio branch, is used to prevent flow of water into a domestic water system. There are usually two stopcocks for a home...
s were sent to England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
. In 1822, when the basic system was complete, the city water committee sent him a resolution of thanks, and he was presented with a silver vase. His experience and ability became acknowledged throughout the country, and he supplied detailed information to about 37 corporations in the United States, including New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
and Boston
Boston
Boston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. The city proper had...
.
By 1842, over 113 miles of water mains had been laid. He was engaged for 42 years in the service of the city of Philadelphia, and a monument to his memory was erected on the grounds of the Fairmount Water Works
Fairmount Water Works
The Fairmount Water Works in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was Philadelphia's second municipal waterworks. Designed in 1812 by Frederick Graff and built between 1812 and 1872, it operated until 1909, winning praise for its design and becoming a popular tourist attraction...
. In 1828 he received another from the water committee “as a testimonial of respect for his talents and zeal effectually displayed in overcoming unforeseen difficulties encountered in the construction of the northeast reservoir at Fairmount.”
At his death, his son, Frederic Graff, Jr. took his place.