Tufts University: 175 Years of Innovation

Frederick Stark Pearson, E1883, G1884, H1900, H05, revolutionized the use of hydroelectric power around the world. After attending Tufts on the recommendation of Professor Amos E. Dolbear, he became a professor in the mathematics department as well as co-founder of two electric companies. Working alongside fellow alumnus Henry Chase Buck, A1875, their companies were among the first to provide electricity to an entire community using only one power line. Pearson also brought electrical power to the West End Street Railway in Boston, the Brooklyn Heights Railway Company in New York, and many other railway systems throughout America, Canada, and England.