William Paul Gerhard

1854–1927 (age 73)

Sanitary Engineer

Biography

Sanitary engineer William Paul Gerhard dedicated his career to improving urban health through better infrastructure and cleaner water systems. His expertise informed city planning across the Northeast, promoting hygiene practices that greatly reduced disease.

Gerhard’s work exemplified how engineering can serve public well-being, and he was widely respected for advocating that safe sanitation be a right for every urban resident.