Born: 1842
Died: 1914 (Mount Tamalpais Cemetery, California)
Biography:
Carrie Jane Everson, born Rebecca Jane Billings on 27 August 1842, was a pioneering American metallurgist and inventor. She is best known for her groundbreaking work in developing processes for extracting valuable minerals from ore using froth flotation. Everson’s contributions to the field were so significant that the Mining Journal recognized her as being a quarter of a century ahead of her time in 1916.
Born and educated in Massachusetts, Everson began her career as a metallurgist in the late 1800s. It was during this time that she made her groundbreaking discovery. Through extensive experimentation, she found that by combining fats or oils with ore, the oils would adhere to the metals while sparing the rock. This technique proved to be highly effective in extracting metals such as gold, copper, antimony, and arsenic from their respective ores.
Everson’s revolutionary approach to ore extraction earned her two United States patents: US471174A and US474829A. These patents solidified her place as a pioneer in the field of metallurgy. Despite facing challenges due to her gender, Everson persevered and continued to advance her work.
By 1890, Everson had tested her innovative flotation process in various locations, including Georgetown and Silver Cliff in Colorado, as well as Baker in Oregon. However, during this period, tragedy struck as her husband passed away. Everson made the difficult decision to return to nursing school and pursue a career in nursing in Denver.
In 1901, a misadvised decision led Everson not to renew her patents just as the flotation process was being rediscovered in England. Unfortunately, this meant that others were able to benefit from her methods without her being able to reap the rewards. Everson, though disappointed, lived to appreciate the impact of her work on the field of metallurgy.
Historians have debated the extent of Everson’s influence on the development of the flotation process. However, there is consensus that gender bias significantly hindered her ability to promote her process and achievements fully. Despite these challenges, Everson’s innovative contributions had a lasting impact on the field and paved the way for future advancements in mineral extraction.
Carrie Everson’s legacy extends beyond her scientific accomplishments. In 1864, she married Dr. William K. Everson, a Chicago physician. Together, they had two sons, John Lewis Everson and George S. Everson. On 3 November 1914, Carrie Everson passed away and was laid to rest at Mount Tamalpais Cemetery on 17 November 1914.