Scientist, Naturalist, Author, Educator. He is considered the "Father" of the U. S. Weather Bureau. Born Palmyra, New York, he was educated as a civil engineer and served on several canal projects, including the canal around the Falls of the Ohio at Louisville. Moving to Wisconsin in 1836, he published numerous articles on different scientific subjects and was Chief Geologist of the State of Wisconsin from 1873 to 1875. As an observer and recorder of meteorological data he urged the recording and sharing of weather data and a warning system to protect lives on the Great Lakes. He consistently sent information to Milwaukee Congressman Halbert Paine about weather related accidents on the lakes and urged the formation of a weather service. Yielding to Lapham's entreaties, Paine offered a resolution on February 9, 1870 requiring the Secretary of War to provide for the taking of meteorological observations at various military posts and giving warning of approaching storms on the Great Lakes and seacoast. This eventually led to the founding of the U. S. Weather Service. Lapham died of a heart attack aboard his boat on Oconomowoc Lake.
Scientist, Naturalist, Author, Educator. He is considered the "Father" of the U. S. Weather Bureau. Born Palmyra, New York, he was educated as a civil engineer and served on several canal projects, including the canal around the Falls of the Ohio at Louisville. Moving to Wisconsin in 1836, he published numerous articles on different scientific subjects and was Chief Geologist of the State of Wisconsin from 1873 to 1875. As an observer and recorder of meteorological data he urged the recording and sharing of weather data and a warning system to protect lives on the Great Lakes. He consistently sent information to Milwaukee Congressman Halbert Paine about weather related accidents on the lakes and urged the formation of a weather service. Yielding to Lapham's entreaties, Paine offered a resolution on February 9, 1870 requiring the Secretary of War to provide for the taking of meteorological observations at various military posts and giving warning of approaching storms on the Great Lakes and seacoast. This eventually led to the founding of the U. S. Weather Service. Lapham died of a heart attack aboard his boat on Oconomowoc Lake.
Bio by: Steve Dunn
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