Born in Washington, D. C., a cousin, twice removed, of John Philip Sousa. Received M. E. from Cornell in 1916. He served as lieutenant in the Coast Artillery in World War I. He received the silver star. He retired in 1929 as a major. Married Florence Josephine Wimsatt November 18, 1924. They had five children.

He was general manager for the Century of Progress Exposition in Chicago. From 1940 to 1958 he was president of the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. President of the Columbia Broadcasting System.

He had an outstanding collection of patterns. About 1500 patterns were purchased by the Empire Coin Company (Bowers and Ruddy) in 1961. One of his collections was sold at auction by Stack's October 24, 1956.

He collapsed in his office at the museum and died on the way to the hospital. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

bio: WWWA-5