Charles Stewart Middlemiss facts for kids

Charles Stewart Middlemiss (born in 1859, died in 1945) was a British geologist. Geologists are scientists who study the Earth, including rocks, minerals, and landforms. He spent much of his career working in British India, which is now countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society, which is a very important group for top scientists.

Charles went to Caistor Grammar School when he was younger. Later, in 1878, he started studying at St John's College, Cambridge, a famous university. He earned his degree in 1881 and then spent two more years studying geology on his own. In 1883, he joined the Geological Survey of India. This was a team of scientists who explored and mapped the geology of India. He started as an Assistant Superintendent.

Exploring India's Geology

During his time with the Geological Survey of India, Charles Middlemiss traveled to many different places to study the Earth. He explored mountains, deserts, and other landscapes.

Field Work Across Regions

He did important field work in several areas:

• The Himalayas, which are huge mountains, and places like the Salt Range and Hazara (now in Pakistan).
• Areas in southern India, including Coimbatore, Salem, and the Vizagapatam Hill Tracts.
• Regions in Burma (now Myanmar), such as the Shan States and Karenni.
• Other parts of India like Bombay (now Mumbai), Central India, and Rajputana.
• Finally, he worked in Kashmir, a beautiful northern region.

Office Work and Leadership

When he wasn't out in the field, Charles also held important roles at the Geological Survey's main office. From 1898 to 1899, he was the Curator of the Geological Museum. This meant he was in charge of the museum's collections. He also managed the main office from 1907 to 1908.

Career Progression and Retirement

Charles Middlemiss continued to advance in his career. In 1889, he became a Deputy Superintendent. By 1895, he was promoted to Superintendent. He retired from the Geological Survey of India in April 1917.

Working for Kashmir

After retiring, Charles didn't stop working. He began a new job for the Maharaja of Kashmir and Jammu. He was given the title of Superintendent, Mineral Survey of Jammu and Kashmir State. He held this important position from 1917 until 1930. In this role, he would have helped find and map valuable minerals in the region.

Return to the UK

In 1930, Charles Middlemiss returned to the United Kingdom. He settled in a town called Crowborough. He passed away in a hospital in the nearby city of Tunbridge Wells on June 11, 1945.

Personal Life

On June 6, 1887, Charles Middlemiss married Martha Frances Wheeler in Nainital, India. Martha's father was Major-General Frederick Wheeler.

Awards and Honours

Charles Stewart Middlemiss received several important awards and honours for his work in geology:

• 1900 — He became a Fellow of the Geological Society of London.
• 1914 — He was awarded the Lyell Medal, a very respected prize in geology.
• 1916 — He received the C.I.E., which was an honour given by the British Empire.
• 1921 — He became a Fellow of the Royal Society, one of the highest honours for a scientist in the UK.