admin CHARLES MILLER MORSE, Engineer, Commissioner of the Department of Public Works, of Buffalo, head of the municipal Bureau of Engineering, is a man of varied and thorough professional acquirements, and a substantial and representative citizen.
Mr. Morse was born in Buffalo January 11, 1854, and is a son of the late David R. Morse. He attended private schools in this city, graduated from the Classical School of Prof. Horace Briggs and attended the Scientific School of Yale University, where for two years he pursued a special course in mechanical engineering. After leaving the University, Mr. Morse became employed on the preliminary survey of the Buffalo & Jamestown Railroad. Later he engaged for several years in engineering field work, being connected with the U. S. survey in this locality and along Lakes Erie and Ontario. About 1874 he entered the Brooks Locomotive Works at Dunkirk, there serving an apprenticeship at the machinist’s trade. He then entered the employ of the Erie Railroad Company in the motive power department at Susquehanna, Pa. Beginning as a journeyman machinist, he became a draughtsman, and later locomotive inspector, in charge of repair shop construction work. In 1881 he became Superintendent of the Crown Point Iron Company, at Crown Point, N. Y., and in 1882 located in New York City, where for several years he successfully carried on the private practice of engineering.
Returning to Buffalo in 1889 he opened offices in the Erie County Bank Building, and has since continued. He is also senior partner in the Buffalo Engineering. Company, engaged in general engineering and contracting.
January 1, 1902, Mr. Morse was appointed Deputy Engineer Commissioner, a position he still holds, having charge of all the city engineering. He is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Engineers’ Club of New York City, a life member of the Young Men’s Association, a member of the Society of Natural Sciences and the Buffalo Yacht Club.
In December, 1890, Mr. Morse was united in marriage to Kathleen Edgar of Easton, Pa.
SOURCE: Memorial and Family History of Erie County New York; Volume I