Menefee, Ferdinand Northrup

Ferdinand Northrup Menefee was born on January 7, 1886 in Columbus, Kansas. He received a bachelor of science in civil engineering degree from the University of Nebraska (CE 1932) and finally completed his academic studies at Lawrence Institute of Technology in Detroit (D. Eng.).

Menefee was first hired by Cornell in 1910, but his stay there was brief. Before the year ended he had joined the faculty of the University of Michigan's College of Engineering as an assistant professor. In 1919 he was made a full professor. Menefee continued teaching at Michigan until his death in 1973.

In addition to his responsibilities as an instructor, Menefee was active in professional organizations. He was a life member, and served as President, of the Michigan section of the American Society of Civil Engineers. He was a member and director of the American Concrete Institute. At various times, he chaired the organization's committee on precast floor systems (Committee 711), as well as ACI's membership committee. He was also a member of the Menefee served as president of both organizations.

Menefee was also active in the world of business. He served as a consulting engineer for many firms, was an officer in other forms such as Detroit's Peerless Cement, and helped found still more, such as Lus Trus Plastics, United Engineering Corporation, and the Oak Park Land Co.

In addition to his active academic, professional and business pursuits, Menefee found time for civic affairs. He worked for the pursuits, Menefee found time for civic affairs. He worked for the U.S. Reclamation Service. He was president of the Ann Arbor YMCA and served on that organization's state and national committee. He served as president of the Ann Arbor Board of Public Works and the Ann Arbor Community Fund Association. He also was interested in the Student Christian Association of the University of Michigan.

Menefee belonged to a number of fraternal organizations and clubs. He served as commander of American Legion Post 46, and he belonged to four fraternities. He was elected national president of Sigma Rho Tau.

F.N. Menefee died February 12, 1973.

From the guide to the Ferdinand Northrup Menefee Papers, 1913-1962, (Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan)