Robert
Lee Faris
died unexpectedly at his home on October 5, 1932. He was born
at 
Caruthersville,
Missouri, January 13, 1868. Educated in the public schools,
he took his degree in civil engineering from the University
of Missouri in 1890. Prior to his bureau service he was assistant
engineer for a year with the Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army,
upon the survey of the Missouri River.
Entering the service of the Coast and Geodetic Survey on May
12, 1891, he held the position of assistant director for the
18 years prior to his death. His early assignments covered
various field operations, including transcontinental triangulation
and the survey of the Yukon Delta and the northern coast of
Bering Sea. He commanded various survey ships in Puerto Rico
and along the United States east coast. It was during this
period that he did important pioneer work in the development
of making magnetic observations at sea. In September 1906,
he was designated inspector of magnetic work and chief of
the division of terrestrial magnetism, which position he held
until November 1914, when he became assistant inspector of
hydrography and topography. He was appointed assistant director
in March 1915, and during the World War, in the absence of
the director in Europe, acted as head of the survey.
Captain Faris was appointed a member of the Mississippi River
Commission in 1919, and served in that capacity until his
death. He was a fellow of the American Association for the
Advancement of Science; member of the committee on navigation
and nautical instruments of the National Research Council;
Federal Board of Surveys and Maps; Washington Academy of Sciences;
Philosophical Society of Washington (President, 1921); Washington
Society of Engineers (President, 1921); American Society of
Civil Engineers; American Astronomical Society; American Geophysical
Union; Society of American Military Engineers; Geological
Society of Washington; International Association of Navigation
Congresses; and the Cosmos Club.
An earnest scholar, an untiring worker, a quick thinker, endowed
with a clear vision and a remarkable memory, Captain Faris
possessed the basic attributes of the successful engineer
and administrator. He enjoyed his labors and inspired respect
and loyalty. A visit to his office was a visit with a friend,
for the affectionate regard in which he was held was mutual.
His broad knowledge and his sound personal judgment of all
sciences relating to the activities of the Coast and Geodetic
Survey, combined with a kindly generous spirit, prompted him
to assist all who sought his counsel. An excellent writer
himself, he was a helpful critic of the work of others. The
death of Captain Faris is a personal loss to his many friends
in the Coast and Geodetic Survey and elsewhere, in whose thoughts
his memory will always linger as a true gentleman and a lovable
character.
C&GS Bulletin, No. 210, 11/30/1932
