David Napier (1799-1850)
David Napier (1799-1850)
See Napier Genealogy
1799 Born the fifth son of James Napier, John Napier's partner in the Dumbarton engineering business and brother of Robert Napier who was a well known Clydeside shipbuilder.
Like his cousins was trained in the Dumbarton business, which was one of the largest engineering works on the Clyde at the time, and engaged throughout their early years in boring cannon cast by the Clyde Iron Works for war with revolutionary France. While they remained in the west of Scotland all three continued to work in one of the family's various engineering and iron-working enterprises.
Became a partner in Napier Bros., which took over the Camlachie works from Robert in the 1830s.
1837 purchased the Parkhead Forge from the Reoch brothers for £2800 (possibly to secure the supply of forgings to the family's engineering businesses). He appointed William Rigby, the future son-in-law of the shipbuilder Robert Napier, as works manager.
By 1847 his enterprises were in difficulties and he became bankrupt.
He married Helen, sister of David Napier (1788-1873).
Died at Glasgow in 1850.
See Also
Sources of Information
- Biography of David Napier by Michael S. Moss ODNB [1]