THORN, Frank Manly, superintendent of the coast survey, born in Collins (now North Collins), New York, 7 December, 1836. He was educated at common schools in Erie county and at the Fredonia academy. After studying law he held the office of clerk of the surrogate's court in Erie county, New York, in 1857-'60. Subsequently he was occupied with professional work and as a journalist until 1871, when he was chosen a member of the county board of supervisors, continuing as such until 1880, except during 1876. In July, 1885, he was appointed chief clerk in the bureau of internal revenue in Washington, and a few weeks later was made superintendent of the United States coast and geodetic survey, which office he still fills.