Most people in Cherokee County know few details of the man whose name we all speak so frequently. However, judging by his accomplishments as an engineer and his contributions to the people of the state of Alabama, it is clear that Fernand C. Weiss was a man deserving of the honor bestowed upon him.

On April 26, 1958 just outside Leesburg, Alabama Power hosted a groundbreaking ceremony at the future site of its newest hydroelectric power facility. Alabama Power president Walter Bouldin was on the speaker's platform that day, and personally introduced the gentleman in whose honor the new project had been named.

Mr. Bouldin began his comments by stating "... Ladies and gentlemen, nothing could be more appropriate than having the great dam that will be built at this site bear the name of F.C. Weiss.

"For 40 years, Mr. Weiss has been building in Alabama to bring better electric service to more people. During the time Mr. Weiss has been in charge of construction for Alabama Power Company, (we have) built hundreds of millions of dollars worth of property throughout the state."

Weiss was a native of Dallas, Texas. He began his career with Alabama Power in 1913, shortly after graduating from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he earned a degree in electrical engineering. Weiss' first job was as a transmission line inspector.

In 1920, Weiss was named superintendent of the newly formed construction division of Alabama Power. He became manager of construction in 1931 and was elected vice president in charge of engineering in 1941. He became a director of Alabama Power in 1956.

Less than a year after the groundbreaking ceremony in Leesburg, Weiss retired from Alabama Power. The following week, he was named chief consultant of the company's Coosa and Warrior rivers development projects. One month later, in May 1959, Weiss died in Birmingham following a short illness. He was buried at Elmwood Cemetery on May 30.

Weiss was a talented engineer who was responsible for much of the success Alabama Power enjoyed in the first half of the 20th century. Some of Weiss' other designs can be seen at plants like Mitchell Dam near Verbena, Jordan Dam near Wetumpka, and Yates and Thurlow Dams, both near Tallassee.