Madson, B. A. (Ben Adolph), b. 1887

Biography

Ben Madson (1887-1974) graduated in 1907 from Iowa State College. After working as an assistant chemist at the college and as chief chemist for the Iowa Sugar Company, in 1910 he came to the University of California as an assistant in agronomy. He went on to serve as chairman of the Agronomy Department from 1927-1948.

In 1948 he was made director of Agricultural Field Stations, a new position that was charged with administering the outlying research areas established by the University of California for more effective local area service to the state. He held the position until his retirement in 1954.

Madson was also active in community affairs. He served on the Davis City Council in 1939-1947 and again in 1957-1960. He was city treasurer in 1951, and mayor of Davis in 1947-1948. He was active in the Davis Chamber of Commerce and served as Chamber president in 1955 and in 1964. He was named Davis Citizen of the Year in 1952.

Source:

Love, R.M., Miller, M.D., and Myler, J.D. "Ben Adolph Madson." In Memoriam. [Berkeley, Calif. : Academic Senate], 1977.

From the guide to the Ben Madson Papers, 1920-1956, (University of California, Davis. General Library. Department of Special Collections.)