Documentary History of American Water-works

Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta was incorporated as a city in 1847.

The Atlanta Canal and Water Works Company was incorporated in 1866 by William W. Boyd, Hammond Marshall, David E. Mutler, Samuel A.Marshall, Thomas W. Chandler and Francis T. Wilkes.  The company did not build anything.

The Atlanta Canal and Water Company was incorporated on March 16, 1869 by Hannibal I. Kimball, Edwin N. Kimball, John Rice, John C. Peck and James A. Burns.  Another company of the same name was incorporated the next day with Lewis Schofield, W.D. Cook, and Lewis Schofield, Jr. as incorporators.  The company selected ex-Confederate General Braxton Bragg as their superintendent, who had previously been superintendent of the New Orleans water works.  Company president Dr. John G. Westmoreland presented a proposal to the city on July 8, 1870, but the city did not act on it.

The city council formed a committee headed by Anthony Murphy to investigate and report on water works, which was submitted on September 30, 1870.  The following month the council agreed to advertise for water works proposals, which was published on November 5th.  Two complete bids were received on November 25th, along with other proposals for pumping plants and pipes.  Thomas W. Yardley and William C. Weir proposed installation of a Holly water works system.  Yardley owned the Chattanooga water works from 1866 to 1868 and later built the Holly system in Memphis.  Weir built several Holly water systems, including one in Covington, Kentucky. The other complete bid was offered by Theodore T. Woodruff and J.P. Stidham & Co. of Philadelphia.  Woodruff owned the Norris Iron Company, which built Cornish pumping engines, and Stidham had recently received a contract to build the new Union Passenger Depot in Atlanta.

The bids were opened on November 28th, and the council decided in secret meeting to include a public vote for water works in the upcoming election, where the new water commissioners would also be elected..  Voters approved the water works by a vote of 1928 to 499 on December 7, 1870, and the council selected the Woodruff and Stidham bid of $436,000 at a meeting late on the night of December 9th.  

Levi C. Wells and others were not happy about this outcome, and sought an injunction in the Fulton County Superior Court to prevent the completing of the contract and issuing of bonds.  The court declined to issue an injunction, and an appeal to the Georgia Supreme Court also failed.  This appears to be the only court case relating to the construction of the Atlanta water works.   

The new water commissioners organized in January, 1871 and elected Anthony Murphy as their president.  They conducted their own study and visited the Holly water works system in Covington in May before awarding a contract for a pumping engine to the Holly Manufacturing Company and a contract for pipes to Gaylord Iron Pipe Manufacturing Company, of Newport, Kentucky at a total cost of $130,000.  The water commissioners wanted the city council to ratify their action, but three members of the council, led by Charles W. Wells, simply left the council chambers so that a quorum was not present to consider any water works issue.  Wells wrote a letter to The Atlanta Constitution explaining his opposition to the commissioners' action, noting that there had been no public bids and that the old Woodruff and Stidman contract would result in the city being sued.  James C. Wells, who worked for J. P. Stidham & Co., stated in a June 21, 1871 letter to The Atlanta Sun that the council voted to accept the bid on December 9 constituted a binding contract under Georgia law, but nothing more was heard from Woodruff or Stidham about the matter.

The Holly company proceeded to build the pumping engine, which was ready to be shipped the following March, when a council committee reported that the bond issue was legally deficient and that the contract was with the "City of Atlanta," rather than the "Mayor and Council of Atlanta."  The impasse continued until the following year, when David Bukofzer and William Titlebaum made a proposal to build water works for the city.on March 22, 1873, using the Holly system.  A joint committee recommended against a privately-owned system, and the commissioners then engaged hydraulic engineer  Alonzo R. Ketcham to report on the water works.  The report was presented to the council, which agreed to issue $300,000 in bonds and the water commissioners would manage the construction contracts.  Advertisements for bids were published in early 1874 and the new water system began pumping water from the South River with a grand celebration on September 11, 1875.  Theodore R. Scowden was also hired to inspect the completed system and assist with the initial operation.

The delay had allowed the Holly company to provide one of their new Quadruplex compounding, condensing pumping engines that had been introduced in 1874.  Two Holly rotary pumps were added in 1877, but they quickly wore out and a second Quadruplex engine was installed in 1880.  A new plant on the Chattachoochee river was built in 1892.

The waterworks are currently owned by the City of Atlanta.

References
1866 An Act to incorporate the "Atlanta Canal and Water Works Company" March 7, 1866 | also here |

1866 "Atlanta Water Works," The Daily Intelligencer, October 7, 1866, Page 3.
Report of Councilman Murphy

1869 An act to incorporate the Atlanta Canal and Water Company.  March 16, 1869 | also here |

1869 An act to incorporate the Atlanta Canal and Water Company.  March 17, 1869 | also here |

1870 "Council Proceedings," Weekly Atlanta Intelligencer, June 15, 1870, Page 2.
Alderman Murphy introduces resolution for the Committee on Wells, Pumps and Cisterns be authorized to take such action to furnished the city with a supply of water for a population not less than 100,000 inhabitants.

1870 "The New Union Passenger Depot," The Atlanta Constitution, June 22, 1870, Page 3.
The contract for building was awarded, yesterday, to Mr. Adams, who represents the firm of J.P. Stidham & Co., Builders, Philadelphia.

1870 Memphis Appeal, June 30, 1870, Page 2.
It is probable that Gen. Bragg will be appointed Superintendent of the Atlanta water works.  He has approved a plan which has been submitted to him by a committee.

1870 "Proceedings of the Council," The Atlanta Constitution, July 2, 1870, Page 3.
Atlanta Canal and Water-Works Company.  Dr. J. G. Westmoreland, President of the above company, addressed Council, stating that he was ready to submit propositions for constructing the works.  Council agreed to receive any propositions submitted to them.

1870 Daily Atlanta Intelligencer, July 3, 1870, Page 3.
Water Works,— In the report of Council proceedings that appeared In our paper of yesterday morning, the movement made known to the body of an enterprise looking to immediate action for a supply ol water for the city, was by oversight of our reporter left out. We regret this, as no enterprise could be started in wbich our people would feel more lively Interest than in the construction of water-works for our city. It seems from the statements of Dr. J. G. Westmoreland, President of the "Atlanta Canal & Water Company," made to the Mayor and Council on Friday night, that about the first of April the Company was organised, aud now make known to the city government their object, asking for the consideration of propositions for an abundant supply of pure water, and negotiation of terms, upon which the amount for public consumption will be furnished. The organization as stated to Council, was commenced at a meeting of the corporators, by the election of E. W Holland, J. J. Thrasher, W. F. Westmoreland, J. G. Westmoreland aud James Atkins, Directors of the Company.  In pursuance of provisions of the charter the directors met and elected J. G. Westmoreland, Preaident, James Atkina, secretary and E W. Holland, Treasurer.
In reply to the application, the Council decided to consider propositions from the company. We hope that the harmonious and concentrated efforts of those engaged in this enterprise will speedily lead to practical results.

1870 "Proceedings of the Council," The Atlanta Constitution, July 9, 1870, Page 3.
Water-Works.  The Atlanta canal and water-works, proposed through Dr. Westmoreland, to construct works sufficient to supply four million gallons daily and raise it to a height of sixty feet above the level of the railroad track.  Water for sanitary and fire purposes.  The cost of construction is estimated at $68,000 in round numbers.  The company proposes to build the works at their own expense.  Referred to Committee on Wells, Pumps and Cisterns, (old fashioned water-works.)
Another Water-Works.
Postmaster Dunning explained a bill he had prepared to the Legislature for the introduction of water into the city, under the direction of the City Council and a Board of Water Commissioners.  Referred to Committee on Wells, Pumps and Cisterns.

1870 "The Proposal of the Atlanta Canal and Water Company to Supply the City with Water," Atlanta Daily New Era, July 10, 1870, Page 3.

1870 "Plan and Proposition," Weekly Atlanta Intelligencer,  July 13, 1870, Page 3.
July 8, 1870 proposal of Atlanta Canal and Water Company.

1870 An Act to authorize the Mayor and Council of the city of Atlanta to provide for the introduction of Water Works in said city, and for other purposes.  September 23, 1870 | also here |

1870 "Proceedings of the Council," The Atlanta Constitution, September 24, 1870, Page 3.
Canal and Water-Works.  Senator Dunning presented a bill passed in the Legislature and approved by the Governor, to authorize the Mayor and Council of the city of Atlanta to provide for the introduction of water-works into said city, and for other purposes.  Bill referred to Committee on Wells, Pumps and Cisterns; and a vote of thanks rendered to Senator Dunning for his energy and promptitude in carrying the measure through the Legislature.

1870 "Proceedings of the Council," The Atlanta Constitution, October 15, 1870, Page 3.
Resolutions.  By Alderman Dunning- Adopted:
Resolved, That the Committee on Wells, Pumps and Cisterns be authorized to receive proposals for the erection of Water works in this city, and report the results of the same to the Council.

1870 "To Contractors," The Atlanta Constitution, November 5, 1870, Page 2.
Sealed proposals will be received until 4 o'clock P.M, Friday, the 25th instant, for the erection of works complete, to supply the city of Atlanta with water.

1870 "Water Works for the City of Atlanta," Daily New Era (Atlanta, Georgia), November 29, 1870, Page 3.
Description of proposed systems.

1870 "Letter to the Editor from T.W. Yardley," The Atlanta Constitution, November 30, 1870, Page 1.  | Part 2 |

1870 "The Water Works Question," Daily New Era (Atlanta, Georgia), November 30, 1870, Page 3.
Reply to Yardley's letter and summary of bids.

1870 "Proceedings of the Council," The Atlanta Constitution, November 30, 1870, Page 3.
Water works bids opened.

1870 "Water Works Bids," Daily Atlanta Intelligencer, November 30, Page 3.

1870 "Council Proceedings," Daily Atlanta Intelligencer, December 3, 1870, Page 3.
Report of Committee on Water Works to examine bids.  Recommend a committee be authorized to examine the various systems of water works by visiting the different cities employing them.

1870 "Proceedings of Council," The Atlanta Constitution, December 3, 1870, Page 4.
Joint Committee on Water Works Report.

1870 "Water Works," Daily Atlanta Intelligencer, December 4, 1870, Page 2.
Preamble and resolutions passed by the City Council

1870 "Resolution Passed About Water-Works in the City Council in Secret Session Last Night," The Atlanta Constitution, December 4, 1870, Page 1.

1870 "Notice to Voters," The Atlanta Constitution, December 6, 1870, Page 2.
The bids for bringing the water from South River were as follows:
$481,500, $435,440, $345,837, and $338,000; and to bring the water from the Chattahoochee would cost a great deal more.

1870 "Water-Works," Atlanta Daily New Era, December 8, 1870, Page 3.
Comparative statement of Cornish and High Pressure Pumping Engines

1870 "Water," The Atlanta Constitution, December 9, 1870, Page 2.
Cost of coal used by a high pressure pumping engine and a Cornish pumping engine.

1870 "The Vote on Schools, Water Works, and for Water Commissioners" The Atlanta Daily Intelligencer, December 9, 1870, Page 3.

1870 "More Water," Atlanta Daily New Era, December 9, 1870, Page 3.
Response to letter about Cornish and High Pressure Pumping Engines

1870 "Water Works," The Atlanta Constitution, December 9, 1870, Page 3.
The vote for Water Works shows a large majority in favor of establishing Water Works in the city.

1870 "Water Commissioners," The Atlanta Constitution, December 9, 1870, Page 3.
Votes for five water commissioners, one from each ward.

1870 "Proceedings of Council," The Atlanta Constitution, December 10, 1870, Page 3.
December 9, 1870. Water Works.  After a secret session, extending to near 2 o'clock, the contract was awarded to Thomas T. Woodruff and Seldham & Co., on conditions to be agreed upon hereafter.

1870 "Council Proceedings," Daily Atlanta Intelligencer, December 10, 1870, Page 3.
Discussion of water works.

1870 "Council Proceedings," Atlanta Daily New Era, December 10, 1870, Page 3.
Discussion of water works proposals.

1870 "The Water-works Contract," Atlanta Daily New Era, December 11, 1870, Page 3.

1870 Atlanta Daily New Era, December 17, 1870, Page 3.
Many people are anxious to know if the Water-works contract has been signed, and if not, why not?

1870 "The Water-works," Atlanta Daily New Era, December 18, 1870, Page 3.
We understand that on Wednesday next an application will be made to Judge Hopkins for an injunction to restrain Mayor Ezzard from signing the proposed contract for the Water-works.

1870 "The Water-Works Injunction Case," Atlanta Daily New Era, December 29, 1870, Page 3.
The injunction was refused.  There is some talk of appealing to the Supreme Bench, but we hardly think there is much chance of its being carried up.

1870 "Council Proceedings Last Night," Daily Atlanta Intelligencer, December 31, 1870, Page 3.
The report of Mr. Birkenhead was received and spread on the minutes.
Of Mr. Edwards, agent for Messrs. Weir  & Yardley, making certain statements in reference to the superior advances of the Holly system water works.

1871 "The New City Government, Daily Atlanta Iintelligencer, January 7, 1871, Page 3.
His Honor said : There has been much talk about water works during the past year, and the Mayor and Council have endeavored to investigate the subject at thoroughly as practicable. It was believed that a proper system of water-works would materially benefit the city in many respects. In fact it is conceded by moat persons, after a full examination of the subject, that in a few years it will be a necessity. With this view the City Council gave notice that bids would be received for the construction oi water works, and certain bids were received. But, in the meantime, an election came on and water commissioners were elected in accordance with an act of the last Legislature, and some difference of opinion arose as to who were the proper parties to make and enter into a contract, the Mayor and City Council or the Water Commissioners, and before the contract was made, certain citizens filed a bill praying an Injunction against the Mayor and Council to enjoin them from making or carrying out said contract. The case was argued and decided against the complainants, and has been carried lo the Supreme Court, and until it is decided, the question must remain in statu quo.

1871 The Atlanta Constitution, January 18, 1871, Page 1.
The Commissioners of Water-works for the city of Atlanta met on the evening of the 16th inst., at the office of J.L. Dunning, for organization.

1871 L.C. Wells et al., plaintiffs in error vs. the Mayor and Council of Atlanta, et al., defendants in error, 43 Ga. 67, January 24, 1871, Georgia Supreme Court.

1871 "Decisions of the Supreme Court of Georgia," Georgia Weekly Telegraph and Journal & Messenger (Macon, Georgia), February 7, 1871, Page 2.
L.C. Wells, et al vs. The Mayor and Council of Atlanta et al.  Injunction, from Fulton. Delivered January 24, 1871.

1871 "The Holly Water-Works System," The Atlanta Constitution, March 22, 1871, Page 3.
The committee who visited Covington, Kentucky, have returned highly pleased with the result of teh test of the Holly System.

1871 The Atlanta Constitution, March 26, 1871, Page 4.
At a meeting of the Board of Water Commissioners, convened March 24, 1871, on motion,
Resolved, That the Board of Water-Works of the city of Atlanta, desire to express their grateful acknowledgements to the Hon. Mayor and Council of the city of Covington, Ky.

1871 "Proceedings of Council," The Weekly Constitution, April 4, 1871, Page 2.
March 31, Water Works.  The bill of H. P. M. Birkinbine, engineer, for services rendered in investigating South River as a source of water supply, for $300 read and considered, Mr. A. Murphy, being present; explained that Mr. Blrkinbine was authorized to make the investigation by the last Council. Referred to Finance Committee.

1871 "Our City Fathers in Council,"The Atlanta Daily Sun, June 10, 1871, Page 3.
Three aldermen (Wells, Cassin and Rice) leave the council meeting so that a quorum is not present to confirm the water works contract.

1871 "Water Works," The Atlanta Daily Sun, June 12, 1871, Page 3.
In regards to this water works matter there is authority for stating that the contracts have all been made, and would have been submitted to Council last Friday night had the members remained long enough to receive it.  The contract for engines has been let to the Holly Manufacturing Company, of Lockport, New York, and the contract for pipes to Gaylord Iron Pipe Manufacturing Company, of Newport, Kentucky.

1871 "To The Citizens of Atlanta," The Atlanta Constitution, June 14, 1871, Page 3.
Letter from C.W. Wells explaining his opposition to the water works contract.

1871 "The Water Commissioners," The Atlanta Constitution, June 15, 1871, Page 3.

1871 "Alderman Wells on Waterworks," The Atlanta Daily Sun, June 15, 1871, Page 3.

1871 "Water Works," The Atlanta Constitution, June 16 1871, Page 2.

1871 "The Water Contract," The Atlanta Constitution, June 20, 1871, Page 3.

1871 "All About the Water Works," by Jas. C. Adams, The Atlanta Daily Sun, June 21, 1871, Page 3.
All Clear Exposition of the Muddle. The Contractors using the Cornish system ventilate the nature of the contract.

1871 "Council Meeting Last Night," The Weekly Sun (Atlanta, Georgia), June 21, 1871, Page 5.
WATER-WORKS. This great question was approached with fear and trembling. Several motions to adjorn were made, and lost, when that question was reached. ALDERMAN LOWRY wanted to read his financial statement.  Water men said if that was read it would close the show, as it was always the last thing. Lowry insisted. But Alderman Cassin succeeded iu reading the following resolution, which was adopted:
Resolved, That no contract for engines or pipes, or to do any kind or manner of work looking to the construction of water-works for the city of Atlanta, will be recognized, or payment for the same, provided for by the Council, that has not first been submitted to the Mayor and Council thereof for examination, and made subject to their approval in writing by the Board of Water Commissioners. This seemed to be a relief to all hands.

1871 "City Council," The Atlanta Daily Sun, July 29, 1871, Page 4.
The Council refused to pay the expenses claimed by L.C. Wells and others, relative to the water works suit.

1871 Proceedings of the Rochester Common Council 1871-72, Page 165, August 22, 1871.
LOCKPORT, Aug. 23d, 1871.
N. A. Stone, Esq., Alderman, Rochester, N. Y.:
In reply to your letter of inquiry, whether it is practicable to supply your city with water from Lake Ontario by the Holly system, I beg to state that this company has contract for machinery for the water supply and fire protection of Atlanta, Ga. The machinery will be set up four miles distant and 300 feet below the city. In the contract we guarantee to supply at that elevation and sixty feet in addition for household purposes. We also guarantee to throw fire streams direct from hydrants at the altitude of 300 feet above the pumps. This, you will observe, is substantially the requirement for Rochester, and what we can do in Atlanta we can most assuredly perform in your city.
The question of the cost of the machinery cannot be answered without more definite information than I possess upon many points which affect the question.
This company will be happy to respond to the call of Rochester for water, and meanwhile I am, very respectfully yours,
T. T. FLAGLER, President.

1871 "Water-Works," The Weekly Sun, September 27, 1871, Page 1.
By a private letter, from Lockport, N.Y., we learn that the machinery for the Atlanta Water-Works is being constructed in that city by the Holly Water-Works Company.

1871 An Act to amend an Act entitled an Act to authorize the Mayor and Council of the City of Atlanta to provide for the introduction of water works in said city, and for other purposes. Approved September 23d, 1870.  December 13, 1871. | also here |

1872 "Council Proceedings," The Atlanta Daily Sun, March 2, 1872, Page 4.
Water Works. The Committee appointed to investigate the contract for water works (Holly system), Messrs. Wilson, Jones, Hill and Newman, reported that the bonds were legally defective, and that in the contract submitted to tho Council, they agree to throw water only two foot above the highest point in the city; and also that tho contract was made with tho city of Atlanta, when in fact, no such corporation existed. Tho company had made known their willingness to perfect the bonds, throw water one hundred feet above tho highest point, to sign the contract with the "Mayor and Council of Atlanta;” that tho Holly Company agreed to take one-half of the bonds at 85 cents; that the Gaylord Company (pipe contractors) agreed to take one-fifth of the bonds on same terms. Considering that tho machinery was ready for shipment, and had been manufactured in good faith by tho Company, tho committee recommended that the Commissioners be instructed to close the contract with the company. A lengthy discussion followed. Some favored the system of water works by canal from Chattahoochee; some opposed any system at present until tho Georgia Western Railroad was completed.

1873 "Council Committee Meeting," The Atlanta Daily Sun, January 23, 1873, Page 3.
Agreed to consider proposal from Messrs. Titlebaum and Bukofzer, representing New Orleans capitalists.

1873 "Water Works," The Atlanta Constitution, March 23, 1873, Page 1. | part 2 |
Full Text of the Proposition to the City.  The Holly System to be Adopted.  Schedule of Water Rates.

1873 "Conference Committee Water Works," The Atlanta Daily Sun, April 9, 1873, Page 3.
Opposed to granting an exclusive franchise.

1873 "The City Council Proceedings,"The Atlanta Daily Sun, April 26, 1873, Page 4.
Resolved, That the Board of Water Commissioners be authorized to confer with the Holly Works Company as to the best means of rescinding the contracting exciting between the city of Atlanta and this company.  Laid on the table.

1873 The Code of the City of Atlanta, June 6, 1873.

1873 "Water Works," The Atlanta Daily Herald, August 5, 1873, Page 4.
Holly System adopted.

1873 "Water Works," The Atlanta Constitution, August 10, 1873, Page 8.
Letter from J. A. Stewart recommending wells as a source of water.

1873 "Meeting of the Water Works Commissioners," The Atlanta Constitution, August 29, 1873, Page 3. | Part 2 |
Report by hydraulic engineer A. R. Ketchum.

1873 "Water Works a Necessity," The Atlanta Daily Herald, May 4, 1873, Page 8.
Insurance Agents Interviewed

1873 "Proceedings of Council," The Atlanta Daily Herald, June 14, 1873, Page 4.
By Alderman Boring— That in view of tho great demand for water works, tho Board of Water Commissioners be empowered to employ a competent Hydraulic Engineer to make needed surveys -- and that said Board report such surveys to The Mayor and Council as they deem to the interest of tho city, together with estimates of the probable cost of construction. Adopted.

1873 "Colonel Adair's Plan of Water Works," The Atlanta Daily Herald, June 25, 1873, Page 4.
By Atlanta.

1873 "The Water Works Question," The Atlanta Daily Herald, June 26, 1873, Page 4.
Communication by Mr. Anthony Murphy, he reviews "Atlanta"

1873 "Water Works," The Atlanta Daily Herald, June 28, 1873, Page 4.
Atlanta makes a reply to A. Murphy

1873 "Water-Works, The Atlanta Daily Herald, July 20, 1873, Page 8.
A. R. Ketchum, an experienced hydraulic engineer, has been engaged with the commissioners during the past ten days in making surveys.

1873 "Water Works," The Atlanta Daily Herald, August 24, 1873, Page 1.
Supply of Water from Wells.  A Paper Upon the Subject by Col. Jas. A. Stewart.

1873 "Meeting of the Board of Water Commissioners," The Atlanta Daily Herald, August 29, 1873, Page 4.
Interesting reports and cost estimates.  Report of A. R. Ketchum.

1873 "City Council Proceeding," The Atlanta Daily Herald, September 4, 1873, Page 4.
Received reports and favored issuing $300,000 in bonds.

1873 "Proceedings of Council," The Atlanta Daily Herald, September 6, 1873, Page 4.
Approved $300,000 in bonds.

1873 "The Actions of the Council for Water-Works," The Atlanta Daily Herald, September 7, 1873, Page 4.

1873 "Water for the City," The Atlanta Constitution, September 13, 1873, Page 3.
Letter from F.D. Thurman recommend wells.

1873 "Water Works for Atlanta," The Atlanta Daily Herald, September 14, 1873, Page 4.

1873 "Meeting of the Water Works Commissioners," The Atlanta Constitution, September 17, 1873, Page 3.
Discussion of bonds and the well question

1873 "Tinkering With The Water Works Question," The Atlanta Daily Herald, September 19, 1873, Page 4.

1874 "Water Works," The Atlanta Daily Herald, January 6, 1874, Page 5.
Letter from water commissioners to General W.S. Walker, President Atlanta Board Fire Underwrites, December 24, 1873.

1874 "Meeting of the Water Commissioners," The Atlanta Daily Herald, January 27, 1874, Page 5.
Surveyor John A. Grant hired to make a thorough survey.

1874 "Atlanta Water Works," The Atlanta Constitution, March 1, 1874, Page 1.
Notice to Contractors.

1874 "Atlanta Water Works," The Atlanta Constitution, March 1, 1874, Page 3.
Notice to Water Pipe Founders.

1874 "Awarded," The Weekly Constitution, July 7, 1874, Page 5.
The water works to be commenced soon.

1874 Cincinnati Daily Times, November 19, 1874, Page 4.
Thomas W. Yardley against the Holly Manufacturing Company seeking commissions on sale of water works equipment in Atlanta and Memphis.

1875 "The Water Works," The Atlanta Constitution, August 4, 1875, Page 3.
The New Holley Engine, Its Capacity, and How it Works.

1875 "Our Water Works," The Atlanta Constitution, September 12, 1875, Page 3.
Grand Demonstration Yesterday Afternoon.  Brilliant Success of the Holley System.

1875 "After Damages.  Our Water Works' Commissioners Threatened with Heavy Suits," The Atlanta Constitution, July 28, 1875, Page 3.

1875 Charter, by-laws, rules, regulations, and water rates governing the Atlanta water works.

1875 The manufactories and manufacturers of Pennsylvania of the nineteenth century.
Pages 184-185:  Norris Iron Company, Norristown, T. T. Woodruff, Proprietor.  This establishment was commenced in the spring of 1870, when the present owner purchased a half interest in the West Engine Company and organized the existing concern.  In the following spring, he bought the remaining half, and has since been the sole owner of the works.

1877 "The Poisoned Waters," The Atlanta Constitution, May 12, 1877, Page 4.

1877 "Our Colored Water," The Atlanta Constitution, May 16, 1877, Page 4.

1878 "The Holly System of Water Supply and Fire Protection for Cities and Villages," Scientific American Supplement, 6(140supp):2219-2234 (September 7, 1878)

1881 Atlanta, Engineering News, 8:342 (August 27, 1881)

1882 Atlanta from "The Water-Supply of Certain Cities and Towns of the United States," by Walter G. Elliot, C. E., Ph. D.

1885 "Against The Sale," The Atlanta Constitution, May 24, 1885, Page 12.

1885 "Report of Committee on Water Works to Sale of the Works," The Atlanta Constitution, May 26, 1885, Page 6.

1887 Dr John Gray Westmoreland (1816-1887) grave. Founder of Atlanta Medical College and President of the Atlanta Canal and Water Company.

1888 "Atlanta," from Manual of American Water Works, Volume 1.

1889 History of Atlanta, Georgia: With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers, by Wallace Putnam Reed
Pages 277-281:  Waterworks

1890 "Danger in the Water," The Atlanta Constitution, January 8, 1890, Page 7.
The Board of Health condemns the artesian well.

1890 "Atlanta," from Manual of American Water Works, Volume 2.

1891 "A Card from P.H. Lineen," The Atlanta Constitution, July 13, 1891, Page 4.

1891 "Atlanta," from Manual of American Water Works, Volume 3.

1892 Theodore Tuttle Woodruff (1811-1892) grave.  He may have been the bidder on the 1870 water works.

1892 "The New Water Supply for Atlanta, Ga.," Engineering News 27:526-528 (May 26, 1892)

1895 "The New Water Supply of Atlanta," by Joel Mable, Engineering News 33:330 (May 23, 1895)

1896 Levi C. Wells (1827-1896) grave

1897 "Atlanta," from Manual of American Water Works, Volume 4.

1900 Charles W. Wells (1844-1900) grave

1900 Twenty-Sixth Annual Report of the Board of Water Commissioners to the General Council of the City of Atlanta, for the year ending December 31, 1900. | also here |

1901 Twenty-Seventh Annual Report of the Board of Water Commissioners to the General Council of the City of Atlanta, for the year ending December 31, 1901. | also here |

1902 Twenty-Eighth Annual Report of the Board of Water Commissioners to the General Council of the City of Atlanta, for the year ending December 31, 1902. | also here |

1902 Atlanta and its builders : a comprehensive history of the Gate city of the South, Volume 2, by Thomas H. Martin | also here |
Pages 490-501 : Chapter XX. Waterworks

1903 Twenty-Ninth Annual Report of the Board of Water Commissioners to the General Council of the City of Atlanta, for the year ending December 31, 1903. | also here |

1904 Thirtieth Annual Report of the Board of Water Commissioners to the General Council of the City of Atlanta, for the year ending December 31, 1904. | also here |

1907 "How Atlanta Secured Her Waterworks System," The Atlanta Constitution, April 21, 1907, Page 15.

1907 Thirty-Third Annual Report of the Board of Water Commissioners to the General Council of the City of Atlanta, for the year ending December 31, 1907. | also here |

1908 Thirty-Fourth Annual Report of the Board of Water Commissioners to the General Council of the City of Atlanta, for the year ending December 31, 1908. | also here |

1909 Anthony Murphy (1829-1909) grave.  President of the board of water commissioners

1909 Thirty-Fifth Annual Report of the Board of Water Commissioners to the General Council of the City of Atlanta, for the year ending December 31, 1909. | also here |

1910 Thirty-Sixth Annual Report of the Board of Water Commissioners to the General Council of the City of Atlanta, for the year ending December 31, 1910. | also here |

1911 "The Enlarged Filter Plant at Atlanta," Fire and Water Engineering 50(20): (November 11, 1911) | also here |
The New York Continental Jewell Filtration Company of New York recently completed an extensive addition to the filtration plant of Atlanta, Ga. It consisted of 20 units of 500,000 gallons each of the New York sectional wash filters. The addition of these filters raises the total capacity of the plant to 21,000,000 gallons per day. The plant includes a battery of 12 Hyatt filters installed in 1887. They are of the vertical pressure type with a daily capacity of 3,000,000 gallons. In 1802 the system was extended by the addition of a 4,000,000 gallon New York horizontal pressure tilted plant with sectional wash and this was duplicated at a late period. In 1895 the Hyatt filters were placed alongside the New York filters and gave the plant a nominal total opacity of 11,000,000 gallons. In 1910 the company was awarded a contract for the 20 units, increasing the plant by 10,000,000 gallons more or an aggregate of 21,000,000 daily. These filters arc operated as mechanical gravity filters under a pressure of front 8 to 15 pounds. From a local source the following data in relation to the waterworks plant of the city is taken. The water supply of Atlanta is from the Chattahoochee river, pumped into a storage reservoir of 178,000,000 gallons capacity, which with a new reservoir of 250,000,000 gives a total storage of 428,000,000 gallons. The water flows into two coagulating basins of 1,500,000 gallons each and thence to the filters. The new coagulating basins constructed increases the capacity to 6,000,000 gallons. Located at the C hattahoochee pumping station are three pumping engines of the horizontal compound crank and flywheel type, constructed by the Holly Manufacturing Company, with a maximum capacity of 38,000,000 gallons per day. The average daily pumpage from this station is 15,000,000 gallons. At the Hemphill No. 2 pumping station are three engines of the same type with a daily capacity of 35,000,000 gallons and one vertical triple expansion pumping engine constructed by the Wisconsin Engine Company with a capacity of 20,000,000 gallons, which gives the plant a total of 55,000,000 gallons. The average daily pumpage from this station is 13,600,000 gallons. The filter plant completed by the New York Continental Jewell Filtration Company adds another to the long list of mechanical systems installed by this company that are in effective operation in the United States and foreign countries. The Atlanta plant has been in successful operation for so many years removing suspended matter, cleansing and purifying the highly colored water of the Chattahoochee river that it is a very strong argument in favor of this system of filtration.

1911 Thirty-Seventh Annual Report of the Board of Water Commissioners to the General Council of the City of Atlanta, for the year ending December 31, 1911. | also here |

1912 Thirty-Eighth Annual Report of the Board of Water Commissioners to the General Council of the City of Atlanta, for the year ending December 31, 1912. | also here |

1913 Thirty-Ninth Annual Report of the Board of Water Commissioners to the General Council of the City of Atlanta, for the year ending December 31, 1913. | also here |

1914 Fortieth Annual Report of the Board of Water Commissioners to the General Council of the City of Atlanta, for the year ending December 31, 1914. | also here |

1915 Forty-First Annual Report of the Board of Water Commissioners to the General Council of the City of Atlanta, for the year ending December 31, 1915. | also here |

1916 Forty-Second Annual Report of the Board of Water Commissioners to the General Council of the City of Atlanta, for the year ending December 31, 1916. | also here |

1955 "William Finch, Negro Councilman and Political Activities in Atlanta During Early Reconstruction," by Clarence A. Bacote, The Journal of Negro History 40(4):341-364 (October, 1955)

1955 "The Participation of the Negro in the Municipal Politics of the City of Atlanta, 1867-1908," by Edgar G. Epps, Masters Thesis, Atlanta University

1962 "Atlanta," from Public Water Supplies of the 100 Largest Cities in the United States, 1962, US Geological Survey Water Supply Paper 1812, by Charles Norman Durfor and Edith Becker

1969 Atlanta and environs a chronicle of its people and events. Volume I, by Franklin M. Garrett
Pages 914-916:  Water works

1975 A Century of Progress, 1875-1975:  The Story of Atlanta's Water Supply, published by the city water department.  No copy of this has been found.

1977 "Atlanta's Water Supply, 1865-1918," by John Ellis and Stuart Gallishoff, The Maryland Historian 8:5-22 (1977)

2010 "Hydrology and Residential Segregation in the Postwar South: An Environmental History of Atlanta, 1865-1895," by Bartow Elmore, The Georgia Historical Quarterly 94(1):30-61 (Spring 2010)

2014 Thirsty City: Politics, Greed, and the Making of Atlanta's Water Crisis, by Skye Borden

© 2019 Morris A. Pierce