John Birkinbine

John Birkinbine (November 16, 1844 – May 14, 1915) was an American mining engineer who worked alongside Thomas Edison during 1881 at the Edison Ore-Milling Company.

Early life Birkinbine was born November 16, 1844, in Reading, Pennsylvania, to parents Henry P M Birkinbine and Louise Yocum

He was educated in public schools and Friends' High School in Philadelphia, as well as Hill School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, and the Polytechnic College of Pennsylvania. In 1863, he undertook 1 year of military service, although his subsequent studies were interrupted by a vision imperfection.

He served two terms as a president of American Institute of Mining Engineers. For a number of years during the late 19th century,

Around 1905, he was the Head of New State Water Supply for Pennsylvania. By 1910, he had compiled a map showing the distribution of iron ores across the United States following years of studying ore shipments and was by then described as being "one of the foremost mineralogists of the country". Among his other accomplishments included developing a scheme for utilizing the water power of Niagara Falls and devising blast furnaces for use in the Lake Superior copper region.

Death He died on May 14, 1915 of heart failure. He was survived by his widow and nine children, comprising four sons and five daughters. His funeral was held on May 17 and he was interred at Westminster cemetery.