James Hally Craig (1860-1922)
1922 M.I.E.E., M.I.E.S., Mechanical and Electrical Engineer, 45, Hope Street, Glasgow. T. A.: "Halcra, Glasgow." T. N.: Central 793. Ed. Glasgow Academy; Dollar Academy; King's College School, London; Glasgow and West of Scotland Technical College, now Royal Technical College; and in U.S.A. Joint Managing Director, Norman and Son, Ltd., Glasgow. After varied practical work, became New England Manager for Crocker-Wheeler Co. Ampere, N. J. In 1892 supervised the building and designed the electric equipment of what is believed to be the first electric vehicle in U.S.A. Returning from America he joined the staff of the British Westinghouse Co, first at Manchester, then as Manager of their Birmingham Office; for a few years Scottish Manager of the A. E. G. Electric Co., Ltd.; went into business on his own account in 1912. Scottish Agent for Berry's Electric, Ltd.; Edison Accumulators, Ltd.; Electricars Ltd.; Standard Underground Cable Co., U.S.A.; Swedish General Electric; United Water Softeners, Ltd. Member of New Club, Glasgow. War Services. — In U.S.A., Spanish-American War, and Cuban Occupation. Great War Special Constabulary, Glasgow.
1922 Obituary [1]
JAMES HALLY CRAIG was born in Glasgow in 1860, and received his general education at Glasgow Academy, Dollar Academy, and King's College School, London.
After a few years spent in the shipbroking business, and then as an accountant and auditor in London, Dublin and Glasgow, his natural bent for engineering led him to study the theoretical side of the subject at the Glasgow Technical College, and he subsequently became joint managing director of Messrs. Norman and Son, Ltd., Glasgow, now Messrs. Claud Hamilton, Ltd.
A desire for wider experience sent him to America where after varied practical work, chiefly on electric construction in mines in the Western States, he became New England manager for the Crocker-Wheeler Company, with headquarters at Boston.
In 1892 he was given plans for an electric vehicle which were brought from England, and he supervised and designed the electric equipment of what was believed to be the first electric vehicle in the United States.
While the adventurous spirit was strong he joined the 8th Massachusetts Rifle Brigade, and was soon promoted to a Captain. He saw active service in the Spanish-American and Cuban wars. Returning from America to join the staff of the British Westinghouse Company, he was first stationed at Manchester, and then became manager of the Birmingham district office.
For a few years he was manager for Scotland for the A.E.G. Company, leaving this firm in 1912 in order to start business on his own account on the commercial side of electrical engineering.
While in Boston he was one of the founders of the Boston Athletic Club, and was an adept at rowing. He also, when in Ireland, was very successful in races on high bicycles. His all-round sportmanship won him many friends, and curling, shooting, fishing and yachting, golf and bowls were all in his athletic sphere.
He died at Glasgow on the 22nd July, 1922, and will be missed by a large circle of friends.
He was elected a Member of the Institution in 1907.