Black, William Murray, 1855-1933

William Murray Black (b. Dec. 8, 1855, Lancaster, Pennsylvania-d. Sept. 24, 1933), major general in the U.S. Army, graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 1877 and was a highly-trained engineer long engaged on works of river and harbor improvement and practical military engineering. He was chief of engineering work in Puerto Rico and Cuba and was the senior member of the board charged with raising the USS Maine in Havana Harbor. He was also a member of the National Defense Council and the National Research Council. General Black was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for planning and administering the engineering and military railroad services during World War I. He retired in October 1919.

From the description of Black, William Murray, 1855-1933 (U.S. National Archives and Records Administration). naId: 10598089