Frank Manly Thorn
Frank Manly Thorn | |
|---|---|
| Superintendent, U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey | |
| In office September 1, 1885 – June 30, 1889 | |
| President | Grover Cleveland |
| Preceded by | Julius Erasmus Hilgard |
| Succeeded by | Thomas Corwin Mendenhall |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 7, 1836 Collins (now North Collins), New York |
| Died | April 17, 1907 (aged 70) Orchard Park, New York |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Eola Smith Thorn (1848-1923) |
| Alma mater | Fredonia Academy |
| Profession | Lawyer, journalist |
Frank Manly Thorn (December 7, 1836 – April 14, 1907) was an American lawyer, politician, government official, essayist, journalist, humorist, and inventor. He served as the sixth Superintendent of the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey. The first non-scientist to hold that position, he guided the Coast and Geodetic Survey through a critical period of reform following the exposure of improprieties under his predecessor, and he defended it from being abolished or diminished by its critics.