GUTHRIE, Alfred [1805-1882] -- American engineer

Son of ¤Dr. Samuel Guthrie, the discoverer of chloroform. He studied medicine and chemistry with his father and practised medicine at Sacket Harbor, N.Y., for ten years when he took up the study of mechanical engineering. He removed to Chicago, Ill., in 1846. The hydraulic works of the Illinois and Michigan canal were designed and constructed by him and besides supplying the canal with water from Lake Michigan he utilized the surplus power in conveying the sewage of Chicago to the canal and thence to the Mississippi river. He studied the cause of the frequent steamboat explosions of 1851 and his research resulted in the passage of the U.S. steamboat inspection act, drawn by him and passed by congress through his personal efforts in 1852.

His brother Edwin, also a physician, born Dec. 11, 1806, was a resident of Iowa and gave to Guthrie county its name. He was captain of Iowa volunteers in Mexico, 1846-47, was wounded at Pass la Hoya and died at Castle Perote, Mexico, July 20, 1847, Alfred died at Chicago, Ill., Aug. 17, 1882. BDNA  
 

• Father: ¤GUTHRIE, Samuel