Edgar Harrisson Messer
Edgar Harrisson Messer (1867-1902)
1902 Obituary [1]
EDGAR HARRISSON MESSER was born at Reading on 11th September 1867, and was educated at Sidcot School, Somerset, and Bootham School at York.
In 1885 he was apprenticed to Messrs. W. and J. Player, engineers, of Birmingham, and was employed there for three years in the fitting shops, and for one year in the drawing office.
In 1889 he proceeded to South Africa, and was employed for two years as an erector in various mines. Afterwards he was appointed engineer-in-charge of the New Primrose Gold Mining Co.'s stamp mill, cyanide plant, and hoisting works.
At the beginning of 1893 be became head draughtsman to Mr. S. B. Connor, consulting engineer to the Consolidated Gold Fields of South Africa. With the exception of a visit to the Australian Gold Fields, extending over nine months (1896-7), he continued his connection with the Consolidated Gold Fields of South Africa, as assistant mechanical engineer under Mr. J. B. Pitchford, and later under Mr. H. C. Behr, whose appreciation of his services both gentlemen were proud to acknowledge.
Severing his long connection with the company in June 1902, he joined the British Engineers' Alliance, as chief engineer, where his thorough knowledge of every detail connected with the mining industry promised him a brilliant future.
His career of usefulness was however cut short very soon after joining the Alliance. Contracting a severe cold which developed into double pneumonia, he died in Johannesburg, on 12th August 1902, in his thirty-fifth year.
He became an Associate Member of this Institution in 1895.