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Morris CookeInfluential American engineer
Date of Birth: 11.05.1872
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Biography of Morris Cooke
- Introduction to Scientific Management
- Establishing a Consulting Firm
- Contributions to Electrical Power and Labor Relations
- Public Service and Achievements
- Rural Electrification Administration
- Later Life and Legacy
Biography of Morris Cooke
Early Life and EducationMorris Llewellyn Cooke, one of eight children of William Harvey Cooke and Elizabeth Richmond Marsden, was born on May 11, 1872, in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He studied at Lehigh University and earned a degree in mechanical engineering.
Introduction to Scientific Management
In 1903, Cooke met engineer-mechanic Frederick W. Taylor, who would later have a significant influence on his work. Taylor was looking for four individuals capable of implementing his theories of scientific management, and Cooke became one of them. It was during this time that Cooke began to believe that "society as a whole would benefit from the application of scientific principles in industrial management."
Establishing a Consulting Firm
Building upon his belief in scientific management, Cooke founded his own consulting firm in 1905. His firm focused on implementing scientific principles in various industries, including agriculture and electricity.
Contributions to Electrical Power and Labor Relations
Cooke's contributions to the development of cost-effective electricity for domestic use, as well as improving labor relations and preserving natural resources, were recognized. His work helped save taxpayers thousands of dollars.
Public Service and Achievements
In 1911, Cooke was appointed as the head of the Department of Public Works by Mayor Rudolph Blankenburg of Philadelphia. In this role, he implemented Taylor's scientific management principles to improve efficiency in various departments. Cooke's efforts resulted in significant cost savings.
During World War II, Cooke served in several government agencies. He reorganized the Quartermaster Corps and modernized the electrical wiring in shipyards. In 1923, Cooke began practicing survey methods under the guidance of Governor Gifford Pinchot. These surveys emphasized the importance of public support for electrification and state-regulated reorganization of the electricity industry.
Rural Electrification Administration
In the 1920s, Cooke began developing the idea of electrifying rural areas. He was initially a progressive Republican but switched to the liberal Democrats after the election of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Cooke was appointed to various committees, including the Mississippi Valley Committee, under the new administration. However, his most notable achievement came as the director of the Rural Electrification Administration, a department created to finance the construction of electricity distribution systems in rural areas. Cooke believed it was his duty to provide access to electricity in many areas where it was previously unavailable.
Later Life and Legacy
Morris Cooke served as the head of the Rural Electrification Administration from May 1935 to March 1937. He resigned from his position, and John Carmody took over. Cooke passed away on March 5, 1960, leaving behind a legacy of contributions to scientific management, electrical power, and rural electrification.
