Richardson, Texas – (February 10, 2025) TSPS Chapter 5 is excited to share the history of Johnny LeeRoy Ingram, a respected professional in the surveying community, and his heartfelt contribution to the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors (TSPS) Chapter 5. Johnny, a lifelong collector of surveying instruments, will be donating a selection of his prized tools to support the Spellman Survey Exhibit organized by Chapter 5. This exhibit, at the Spellman Museum, in Forney Texas will be open to the public from April to June 2025 and will offer a glimpse into the history and evolution of surveying equipment.
In early February, TSPS Chapter 5 President, Marcos A. Madrid and former Chapter 5 President Christopher Freeman had the privilege of visiting Mr. Ingram, a retired PE and RPLS at his Museum of Measurement and Time, located in Jefferson, Texas. During their visit, they were able to gain an exclusive interview with Mr. Ingram as they gained insight into his incredible collection of surveying instruments, his career, and the legacy he has built through his contributions to the surveying profession.
Mr. Ingram’s journey in surveying began before the advent of modern technology used in land surveying today. Over the years, he’s meticulously curated an impressive collection of surveying instruments dating back to the 1700s. But as we learned during our visit, Mr. Ingram’s passion for preserving the history of surveying goes beyond just his collection. It’s rooted in a deep respect for the profession and the tools that have shaped it.
As we walked through the museum, Mr. Ingram shared stories from his long and successful career. From his beginnings in Odessa, Texas, to his 45 years of engineering and surveying in Jefferson, Texas. Mr. Ingram’s journey is one of perseverance and passion. He became a Registered Professional Land Surveyor (RPLS) in the early ‘70s (RPLS No. 2160), and over the years, he amassed not just equipment, but stories—tales of boundary lines, vintage tools, and the changes he witnessed in the profession.
But it’s not just about the instruments. Mr. Ingram’s personal story is just as remarkable, especially his life with his late wife, Edith May Buzbee Ingram. They were married for an incredible 65 years, and Edith was an integral part of the museum’s creation. While Mr. Ingram’s collection grew over time, Mrs. Ingram’s own collections—ranging from American clocks to salt and pepper shakers—were just as much a part of the story they built together. It was Edith who suggested they turn their shared passion into a museum, a dream that became a reality in 2010.
Though Edith passed away last year after a long battle with dementia, Mr. Ingram continues to honor their shared legacy. His dedication to preserving the history of surveying, along with his own personal history, is a testament to the lasting impact Edith had on his life. As Mr. Ingram put it, “I recognized I wasn’t going to live forever, and I wanted to make sure our collection didn’t just sit in boxes.”
In addition to the museum, Mr. Ingram has written a series of heartfelt poems dedicated to Edith, some written before her passing, and some after. These poems reflect his deep love for her and their life together. We are honored to share these poems with you, and they are linked here for those who wish to read them. You can also view a lifetime of memories here.
MUSEUM OF MEASUREMENT & TIME
301 N Polk St, Jefferson, TX 75657
(903) 665-6668
