Biographical Notices - Christopher Robert Corning

Christopher R. Corning was one of the ablest mining engineers and geologists in America and one whose name was well known also in Mexico, Cuba, South America and many European countries. He was educated at Zurich, Switzerland, and at the Bergakademie, Freiberg, where he was graduated in 1883 with the degrees of Markscheider and Bergingenieur. He continued his studies at Heidelberg until 1886, chiefly in chemistry, under Bunsen, and mineralogy and petrography under Rosenbusch. Although he received a Ph.D. in chemistry, he never used the title. During holidays of 1883-86, he traveled, seeing mines and studying geology in Spain, France, England, Italy, Germany, and Austria. In 1886, he returned to America and in 1887 he was in the Lake Superior iron ore country on the staff of John F. Stevens, then building the Duluth South Shore and Atlantic Railway. In 1889, Mr. Corning was at the Bunker Hill & Sullivan mines at Wardner, Idaho, with John Hays Hammond, and there met E. E. Olcott. Although Mr. Corning was not long connected with the Bunker Hill & Sullivan mines, he left the imprint of his ability and splendid personality upon the men and the property. That his friendship was cherished was manifested by the cordiality, hospitality and frequency of letters of good counsel and cheer. In 1897, Mr. Corning, with E. E. Olcott and Prof. Robert Peele of Columbia University, formed the firm of Olcott, Corning & Peele, consulting mining engineers. Pressure of university duties compelled Professor Peele to withdraw in 1904, and later Mr. Olcott was forced to retire by reason of other important business interests, but the friendship and high mutual regard of the three men continued undiminished. About 1902, Mr. Corning and Professor Peele translated into English Riemer's book on "Shaft Sinking under Difficult Conditions." Mr. Corning's knowledge of structural geology, mineralogy and ore deposits was extensive and accurate. He was a close and intelligent observer. When he became interested in a problem, no amount of trouble was too great in endeavoring to reach a satisfactory solution. He had professional experience in the West, notably in the Coeur d'Alenes, Mexico and South America, and several times was called on to attempt to straighten up mismanaged properties. In 1912, at the request of a large number of members, Mr. Corning headed the "Committee of FiveJ' that investigated the affairs of the American Institute of Mining Engineers and brought about beneficial changes in the organization and its policies. He was one of the organizers