OBITUARY. 279 
terest included not only personnel, ordnance, navigation and seamanship, but it extended to 
the material, including all matters connected with the development of shipbuilding. He was 
a Charter Associate Member of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers and 
maintained his interest in its work, as well as his membership, until his death. 
He retired from active service on February 20, 1910, after a notable active career in 
the Navy, twenty-two years and eleven months of which were spent at sea. 
Admiral Sebree died at his home in Coronado, California, on August 6, 1922. He is 
survived by his widow, the daughter of the late Colonel Bridgman, U. S. Army, whom he 
married in 1886; also by one son, Captain John Bridgman Sebree, U. S. Marine Corps. 
JOHN SHIELDS 
MEMBER 
Mr. Shields was born in Newry, Ireland, January 1, 1850. 
He was educated in the schools of Newry and Belfast, after which he served an ap- 
prenticeship as machinist in the mills at Bessbrook, Ireland. He then went to Liverpool, 
where he was in the employ of the well-known shop of “Jacks.” 
After coming to this country he was engaged in the shops of the Worthington Pump 
Works, Brooklyn, following which he became associated with Handren & Robins, which 
company was later absorbed by the John N. Robins Company. Mr. Shields remained with 
the John N. Robins Company for twenty-five years until 1898 when he, together with Frank 
Mulhearn and John A. Moran, formed a partnership known as the Atlantic Basin Iron 
Works, which was finally incorporated in December, 1902. Mr. Shields became president 
of the Atlantic Basin Iron Works at the time of incorporation and served in that capacity 
until his death, November 1, 1921. 
He became a member of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers in 1913. 
FRANK WALKER 
MEMBER 
Mr. Walker was born in Kings Lynn, Norfolk, England, May 7, 1867. His father was 
engaged in the manufacture of agricultural machinery, and in the shops of his father he 
gained a mechanical foundation that was rounded out in an apprenticeship in one of the great 
English shipyards. During this apprenticeship be attended the South Kensington evening 
schools, graduating with high honors. Completing his apprenticeship, he turned to the sea, 
where he rapidly rose from junior engineer, and at the age of 21 held a first grade chief 
engineer's license. In 1896 he took up his abode in Tacoma, Washington, becoming port 
engineer for Dodwell & Company and later superintendent of the Quartermaster Harbor Dry- 
docks. During the Klondike gold rush he designed and had built several vessels for lake 
service in the north. In 1907 Mr. Walker took up his residence in Seattle, where he en- 
gaged in marine surveying and naval architecture and as time progressed obtained the 
