Charles f. Shaz)z. 4o3
OBITUARY.
CHARLES J. SHAIN.
I
Charles J. Shain, for nearly half a century an active member of the Institute, and for several years a member of its Board of Managers, recently died at Atlantic City, N. J., where, for some time previous to his death, he had made his permanent home.
The subject of this sketch was born in Philadelphia, October 27, i822. He was educated at private schools, and as a minor was apprenticed to William J. Young, the founder and head of the then principal establishment in Philadelphia engaged in the manufacture of mathematical instruments. In I85o, he formed a co-partnership with Joseph Knox (one time foreman in the Young establishment), under the firm name of Knox & Shain, manufacturers of engineering and telegraphic instruments. This firm continued in active business until the death of Mr. Knox, in I877, and became widely and favorably known throughout the country, their instruments taking high rank in the estimation of civil engineers.
It may be of interest to record the fact that the instruments used by the late Edgar Thompson, in the first survey of the Pennsylvania Railroad, were those of Knox & Shain.
Upon the severance of this long-time connection, by the death of his associate, Mr. Shain retired to private life. His connection with the Franklin Institute dates from his election to membership, in the year I843, and was continued uninterruptedly to the time of his death. He was elected to the Board of Managers in I884, and served until I887, when, on account of his removal from the city; he declined a re-election. He was warmly interested in the Institute, and contributed freely of his time and special knowledge to the furtherance of its work. He died at Atlantic City, on November 23, i89I , of Bright's disease, in his 7oth year.