Ector B. Latham, hydrographic and geodetic engineer, U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, died in New Orleans, Louisiana on April 7, 1921, after an illness of only a few days. At the time of his death, Mr. Latham was in charge of the field station of the Coast and Geodetic Survey in New Orleans.

Mr. Latham was born in McMinn County, Tennessee, June 9, 1864, and at the time of his appointment in the Survey was residing in Atlanta, Georgia. He was educated at the University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee, 1881; University of Illinois, Champlain, Illinois, 1882 to 1885. At the latter institution he took a course in civil engineering.

After leaving college he was engaged in the general practice of surveying and on railroad surveys and construction. For a time he served as assistant city engineer of Atlanta, Georgia.

He was appointed an assistant in the Coast and Geodetic Survey, July 1, 1895 (which title was afterwards changed to hydrographic and geodetic engineer). Since that time he has been employed on various classes of field work in the Survey in all parts of the United States. His work included triangulation, topography, photography, hydrography, and magnetic work. He served in the Philippine Islands, in Alaska, and on the first expedition to Mount St. Elias region. For a time was in command of one of the vessels of the Survey on the Atlantic Coast.

Mr. Latham was a most efficient officer, always manifesting great interest, both in his own work and the work of the Survey in general; was fertile in suggestion and untiring in the performance of official duty.

He leaves a widow and four children.

Among his associates in the Survey Mr. Latham was esteemed for his sterling character and for his activity in all matters relating to the work of the Service.