Moses Lane was born in Northfield on this day in 1823. He would graduate from UVM and begin work as an engineer.

Lane helped to determine the routing and construction of the Vermont Central Railroad. Lane was recognized as a good engineer. He worked on other railroad construction jobs before migrating to work on Brooklyn’s water works.

Lane, it turns out, was an excellent hydraulic engineer. From his work as a hydraulic engineer in Brooklyn, Lane first became a principal assistant, and then Chief Engineer. Lane then became Chief Engineer in charge of the water works for the city of Milwaukee.

Historic image courtesy Vermont Historical Society