MAYER, Albert James (Myer Albert James)

(1829-1880)
Born September 20, 1829 in Newburgh (pc. New York). In 1847 he graduated from high school in Hobart, in 1851 - Medical College in Buffalo. In 1854 he enlisted in the army as assistant surgeon. Intrigued by the possibility of sending messages over long distances using visual signals, carried out experiments in the field and made a proposal to create in the army signal service. In 1860 the command of the Army approved his proposal, and in 1861 he used his signaling in hostilities against the Indians Navajo.
When the 1861 Civil War began, Mayer was ordered to organize and lead the Army Corps communications. In case connection has been successfully applied o Flag signaling, and pyrotechnics - flares and 'Roman Candles'. Mayer participated in several battles. In 1862 he was promoted to lieutenant-colonel for bravery in the battle at Hanover, and then the rank of colonel for taking part in the battle of Malvern Hill. From 1864 until the end of the war was the chief communications division of West Mississippi. In 1865 he was awarded the rank of Brigadier General for the assistance which it has an alarm system the troops were surrounded by Allatunoy (pc. Georgia) in 1864. This system maintained the link between federal troops, pressed by the enemy, and the main part of the army led by General William Sherman.

In 1866 Meyer became commander of the Army Signal Corps. In 1870, Congress approved the establishment of the U.S. Weather Bureau (now the National Weather Service), a subordinate command of the Army Signal Corps. Within ten years, Weather Bureau operated under the direction of Mayer.

Meyer died in Buffalo (pc. New York) August 24, 1880.