Montgomery Meigs

Biography of Montgomery Cunningham "Monty" Meigs Jr.

Written by Erika Barrett

Early Life and Education

Montgomery Cunningham "Monty" Meigs Jr. was born on February 27, 1847, in Rouses Point, Clinton County, New York. He was the son of U.S. Army General Montgomery C. Meigs, a notable engineer and Quartermaster General during the American Civil War. Growing up in a family with a strong military and engineering background, Monty Meigs was exposed to the values of dedication and service from a young age.

Monty Meigs pursued his education at Harvard University, where he developed a keen interest in engineering. To further hone his skills, he continued his studies in Germany, gaining valuable insights and advanced knowledge in the field of civil engineering. This solid educational foundation prepared him for the significant contributions he would later make to engineering projects in the United States.

Career Beginnings

After completing his education, Monty Meigs began his professional career with the Northern Pacific Railroad, where he worked for several years. His early work involved surveying and designing railroad routes, which gave him practical experience and a deep understanding of large-scale engineering projects. In 1882, Meigs moved to Keokuk, Iowa, to take on the role of a civil engineer. This position marked the beginning of his long and impactful career in the region, where he would leave a lasting legacy.

Major Contributions and Achievements:

Des Moines Rapids Canal and Locks

Meigs is best known for his management of the canal and locks at the Des Moines Rapids. Although he did not serve in the military, he was often referred to as "Major" out of courtesy because his predecessor at the Des Moines Rapids had been an army officer. His design for traffic control at the canal and locks was highly effective. As Captain F.A. Whitney stated to the Saturday Evening Post in 1924, he could not recall a single incident having occurred by any vessel passing through the locks, so long as the rules had been obeyed. Meigs was hands-on, often personally involved in resolving issues.

Cornelia Meigs, Monty's daughter, recalled the significance of her father's work in her writings. She described how the canal, faced with blocks of cut sandstone, was not a typical dug ditch but rather a section of the river itself, controlled by an embankment. This innovative approach allowed for safer and more efficient navigation of the Des Moines Rapids, which had previously been a hazardous area for vessels.

Keokuk Dam and Power Plant

From 1910 to 1913, Meigs served as the local inspecting engineer during the construction of the great lock, dry dock, and power developments on the Mississippi at Keokuk. This project significantly transformed the local landscape and contributed to the region's economic growth. The construction of the power dam involved building a new lock to replace the old three locks that would be submerged. This ambitious project required careful planning and execution, especially during the winter months when navigation was closed.

Cornelia Meigs recounted the challenges and successes of this project in her writings. She noted how her father worked closely with Hugh Cooper, the distinguished engineer who designed the dam. Despite initial resistance and concerns about the impact on river navigation, the project was completed successfully, ensuring that steamboat traffic was not obstructed. The new lock simplified the process of navigation, making it more efficient and reliable.

Inventions and Innovations

Besides his engineering feats, Meigs was also an inventor. He developed a "canvas coffer-dam" and pioneered the application of crude oil to dirt roads, improving driving conditions by controlling dust and mud. His inventive spirit and practical solutions had a lasting impact on civil engineering practices. Meigs's innovative use of materials and techniques demonstrated his ability to think creatively and address practical problems effectively.

Cornelia Meigs highlighted her father's inventive nature and his contributions to improving everyday life in her writings. She described how he was always interested in boat building and marine architecture, overseeing the construction of vessels in the dry dock attached to the canal system. His dedication to innovation and improvement extended beyond his official duties, showcasing his commitment to advancing engineering practices for the benefit of the community.

Personal Life

Monty Meigs married Grace Lynde, and together they had six daughters: Mary Meigs Atwater, Louisa Meigs Green, Grace Meigs Crowder, Alice Meigs Orr, Cornelia Lynde Meigs, and Emily Meigs Fales. His daughter Cornelia Meigs, a noted Keokuk-born author, wrote extensively about life in the Keokuk area during the 1890s and early 1900s, providing valuable insights into the community and her father's work.

Cornelia Meigs's recollections of her childhood in Keokuk offer a unique perspective on her father's life and achievements. She described how her father was always deeply involved in his work, often rising from bed at night to pilot boats through treacherous sections of the river. His knowledge of the river channel and his ability to navigate it safely were unmatched, earning him the respect and admiration of the local community.

Legacy

Montgomery Meigs Jr.'s contributions to civil engineering and his role in developing critical infrastructure projects in Keokuk left a lasting legacy. His work on the

Des Moines Rapids Canal and the Keokuk Dam significantly improved navigation and power generation on the Mississippi River, fostering regional development. His innovative approaches and commitment to his work earned him a respected place in the history of Keokuk and the broader engineering community.

Meigs's dedication to his profession and his community, combined with his technical expertise and innovative spirit, make him a notable figure in the history of Keokuk and Lee County. His impact is remembered and celebrated, particularly through the continued relevance of the projects he helped to create and the memories shared by his descendants and those who benefited from his work.

Cornelia Meigs's writings provide a personal and heartfelt account of her father's life and legacy, offering a glimpse into the man behind the engineering marvels. Her recollections of growing up in Keokuk, surrounded by the achievements of her father, paint a vivid picture of a man who was not only a skilled engineer but also a devoted family man and a respected member of his community.

Sources:

1. "Montgomery Meigs," entry in Encyclopedia Americana, 1919 edition, p. 596.

2. "Keokuk and the Great Dam" by John E. Hallwas (2001), Arcadia Publishing.

3. "The Old Des Moines Rapids Canal"; Archived 2007-11-23 at the Wayback Machine.

4. "Recollections of the Old River," Archived 2007-11-23 at the Wayback Machine.

5. "Cornelia Meigs Recalls Girlhood on the River," Daily Gate City newspaper, July 30, 1966.