Raphael Pumpelly
b. Owego, NY, September 8, 1837
d. Newport, RI, August 10, 1923
A resident of Newport for 44 years, Professor Pumpelly arrived in 1879,
appointed director of the U.S. Geological Survey branch. The office
was located in the Vernon House on Mary Street.
With his striking personal appearance and his courteous, genial composure,
Pumpelly was a familiar figure on the streets of Newport.
Associated with the scientific and literary societies of our city, he frequently
contributed vast knowledge of the world and gave people a rare opportunity
to learn first hand about his various explorations.
Even though he maintained his residence in Newport, he traveled extensively
throughout the United States and around the globe.
Pumpelly passed away with his daughter and son present at the age of 86
in the house that was built for him in the early 1880’s. House no
longer stands, present day site of the grassy knoll to the right of #270
Gibbs Avenue.
Marked by the largest tombstone, Professor Pumpelly and family rest today
at the St. Columba’s Chapel, (formerly Berkeley Chapel and/or Berkeley
Memorial Church), Vaucluse Avenue off Indian Avenue, Middletown.
Considered one of the most illustrious geologists and mineralogists of
his day.
Schooled at the Owego Academy, Pumpelly, at the age 17, decided against
attending Yale University and traveled to Europe. Began his scientific
and geological training at the Royal School of Mines at Frieburg, Saxony,
Germany. Graduated in 1859. Initial job was in the Apache country
of Arizona overseeing the development of silver mines. Two years
later as consulting geologist to the Japanese Government, he explored their
empire. Due to political instability in the country, he decided to
move on.
He made the first extensive survey of the Gobi Desert (1864-1865).
One of the first professionally scientific geological works ever done
in China, it was done privately, with no organizational affiliation or
government backing. He journeyed the Yangtze River in China.
Before making his way overland to St. Petersburg, Russia.
He returned to the U.S. after Civil War. Appointed the first professor
of mining at Harvard University (1866). He held the post for seven
years and during this time he married Eliza Frances Shepard, on October
20, 1869.
Pumpelly was the first to set forth clearly the secondary nature of iron
ore and establish its age.
Bibliography
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