Francis Rixson (1846-1901)
Francis Rixson (1846-1901) of Woodhouse and Rixson
1901 Obituary [1]
FRANCIS RIXSON was born at Brimpton, near Reading, on 23rd February 1846.
He was educated privately, and brought up to country pursuits.
In 1871 he entered the works of Messrs. Jessop and Co., Sheffield, and passed through the converting and melting shops.
In 1873 he left their employment, and entered the works of Messrs. Brown, Bayley and Co., Sheffield, becoming foreman assistant in the Bessemer shops. Later on he had charge of the melting shops, and control of all manufactures other than those of railway materials.
In 1881 he entered into partnership with Mr. Woodhouse, and the firm then commenced the manufacture of engineers' forgings, bent cranks, and, tool steel, at the Chantrey Works, Attercliffe, Sheffield.
His death resulted from an accident at his works. He was witnessing the testing of a large new overhead travelling-crane, which load only recently been erected, when the manager became aware that something was going wrong with the working of the crane. Under the impression that it was collapsing, he seized Mr. Rixson and tried to push him out of harm's way. A piece of the crane fell on some loose iron bars on the ground, causing one of these to fly upwards. This missile struck him under the chin with such force that his neck was broken.
His death occurred on 2nd July 1901, at the age of fifty-five.
He became a Member of this Institution in 1898.
1901 Obituary.[2]