A Tribute to Benjamin Chew Tilghman

Author:  H.J. Plaster
Source:  Conf Proc: ICSP-5, (p. 1-7)
Doc ID:  1993055
Year of Publication:  1993
Abstract:  
It may have been a theory, a bare idea an insight - or just an inspiration. Whatever it was, perhaps just a shot in the dark, it set off what was to become one of the most intriguing industries in the world. As it is often the case, myths grow up as happened in this case. It was said that B.C. Tilghman, when a General in the army, had seen the effect of wind blown sand upon glass windows, in the desert. The sand has etched the glass where unprotected and revealed the contrast against parts that were covered by steel mesh. The story had been told over such a long period of time that it has become widely accepted. When we look at the facts there is some basis for the story. It is interesting to read the recording in the National Cyclopeadia of American Biography: Benjamin Chew Tilghman was born Philabelphia on October 26th 1821, the third childof Benjamin and Anne Marie, His father was descended from Richard Tilghman, a surgeon in the British Navy, under Admiral Blake, who having sighned the petition that justice be done to Charles Stuart, was flouted as regicide by the Royalists and just before Charles II came to the throne, emigrated to Lord Baltmore colony in Maryland. Here he obtained lands on the Charles River and built has home. His descendants have been prominent at the Bar and jurists for generations.