Bastin, Edson S. (Edson Sunderland), 1878-1953

Geologist. Professor of economic geology, University of Chicago. A.B., University of Michigan, 1902. M.S., University of Chicago, 1903. Ph. D, University of Chicago, 1909 . Died in 1953.

From the description of Papers, 1913-1922. (University of Chicago Library). WorldCat record id: 52248994

Edson Sunderland Bastin was born on December 10, 1878 in Chicago, Illinois to Edson Sewell and Christiana Boyd Bastin. He received an A.B. from the University of Michigan (1902), and an M.S. (1903) and a Ph.D (1909) from the University of Chicago.

A Member of the United States Geological Survey from 1904 to 1919, Bastin surveyed Maine, western mining districts, copper properties, and parts of Chile. From 1918 to 1919 he served as chief in the division of mineral resources for the U.S.G.S.

Bastin joined the faculty of University of Chicago in 1919. From 1922 to 1944 he was the chairman of the department of geology and paleontology. Bastin became a prominent geologist, especially during the 1920s when his research on groundwater from oil fields first showed that microorganisms live deep in the subsurface.

Bastin's works include Suggestions Concerning Desirable Lines of Research in the Fields of Geology and Geography (1936) and Contributions to a Knowledge of the Lead and Zinc Deposits of the Mississippi Valley Region (1939). His professional memberships included the Illinois Board of Natural Resources and Conservation, the Geological Society of America, and the American Institute of Mining and Metallurgy Engineers.

On June 30, 1910 Bastin married Elinor Norton.

Edson Sunderson Bastin died on October 9, 1953.

From the guide to the Bastin, Edson Sunderland. Papers, 1913-1922, (Special Collections Research Center, University of Chicago Library 1100 East 57th Street Chicago, Illinois 60637 U.S.A.)