John Fritz | |
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| Born | John F. Fritz (1822-08-21)August 21, 1822 |
| Died | February 13, 1913(1913-02-13) (aged 90) Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Awards | John Fritz Gold Medal Bessemer Gold Medal Elliott Cresson Gold Medal |
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John F. Fritz (August 21, 1822 – February 13, 1913) was an American pioneer of iron and steel technology[1][2] who has been referred to as the "Father of the U.S. Steel Industry".[2] To celebrate his 80th birthday theJohn Fritz Medal was established in 1902, with Fritz himself being the first recipient.[2]
Fritz was born August 21, 1822, inLondonderry Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, the eldest of seven children of George Fritz and Mary Meharg.[3][4] He was ofGerman andScotch-Irish descent.[5]
At the age of 16, Fritz was awarded an apprentiship as ablacksmith.[2][6] He progressed to become a mechanic, working for the Norristown Iron Company. In 1854, he moved to theCambria Iron Company, where he designed the first three-high rolling mill, a notable achievement.[2][4] In 1860 he became General Superintendent and Chief Engineer of theBethlehem Iron Works inBethlehem, Pennsylvania.[1][2][4] While there he was responsible for installing aBessemer Converter and various developments in the company, staying until 1892, when he was 70.[4]
Fritz was president of theAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers, president of theAmerican Institute of Mining Engineers, honorary vice president for life of theIron and Steel Institute ofLondon, member of theAmerican Society of Civil Engineers, honorary member of theAmerican Iron and Steel Institute, and recipient of theBessemer Gold Medal, theElliott Cresson Gold Medal, and the John Fritz Gold Medal of the United Engineering Societies.[7] He was awarded honorary degrees fromColumbia University, theUniversity of Pennsylvania,Temple University and theStevens Institute of Technology.[7]
Fritz died at his home inBethlehem on February 13, 1913, at age 90[8]
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