John Stewart Napier (1871-1957) of Arrol-Johnston
1871 Born in Govan, son of Robert Assheton Napier and Margaret Inglis (nee Frew)[1]; great-grandson of Robert Napier
Educated at Ardenlee and Larchfield schools, Helensburgh
Appreticeship from July, 1886, to August, 1888, in the works of John Collins, Bowling,
1888-91 Three years at Public School, Loretto
1891-94 Second term of apprenticeship in the works of Robert Napier and Sons, of Glasgow. The last eight months of his time were passed in the drawing office.
Mr. Napier continued as a draughtsman from January, 1894, until May, 1895. The variety of the experience which he was able to gain may be gathered from the fact that, during his apprenticeship, he was given independent work on the RMS Ophir, HMS Gibraltar, and on other steamers, so that when he left Messrs. Robert Napier and Sons, with a view to managing paper mills at Denny, he was well equipped, both mentally and physically, to accept charge of a large commercial undertaking.
1896 Moved to John Collins, Denny with a view to managing the paper mills
1898 Made manager and director of John Collins, Ltd., of Denny
1900 Birth of son Robert Carnegie Napier
1901 Living at Broompark House, Denny (age 28 born Glasgow), a Papermaker. With his wife Christian (age 26 born Glasgow) and their son Robert (age 10 months). Also Mary Kerk (age 27), his sister-in-law. Two servants. [2]
1902 November: Owing to his conspicuous ability, Sir William Arrol picked him out for the position of general manager to the Mo-Car Syndicate
1905 With an increase in capital, the name of the company was changed to the New Arrol-Johnston Car Co Ltd of Paisley, of which Napier became managing director[3]
1906 Member of I Mech E
1911 Living at The Moat House, Walsgrave-on-Sowe, Coventry (age 39 born Govan), a Consulting Engineer - Mechanical, and Employer. With his wife Christian (age 35 born Govan) and their son John Kirk Stewart (age 6 born Paisley). One servant. [4]
WWI Served with the Royal Army Service Corps; attained rank of Lieut Colonel; awarded OBE[5]
Director of Holland and Hannen and Cubitts
Joined the board of Cubitt's Engineering Co
1938 Resigned from I Mech E
1957 Died in Poole, Dorset[6]