Marston, Anson, 1864-1949

Anson Marston was born in Seward, Illinois on May 31, 1864 to George and Sarah Scott Marson. He received a C.E. degree (1889) from Cornell University. Marston worked as a construction engineer (1889-1891) for the Missouri Pacific Railroad. He joined the staff at Iowa State College (University) in 1892 as Professor and Head (1892-1917) of the Department of Civil Engineering, and became Dean (1904-1932) of the Division of Engineering. Marston, after stepping down and resuming teaching duties, was named Senior Dean (1932-1937) until he retired in 1937.

While at Iowa State, he developed the Engineering Division into a prestigious program. Marston established the Engineering Experiment Station (1904) and became its first Director (1904-1932). He designed the Iowa State College sewage disposal system and water tower (Marston Water Tower) and initiated the building of Engineering Hall (Marston Hall). He also supervised the building of the Campanile and the restoration of Lake LaVerne. He established the Iowa State Highway Commission (Iowa Department of Transportation).

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