Jacob Samuda

Jacob Samuda (1811-1844) was a civil engineer

1811 August 24th. Born the eldest son of Abraham Samuda, an East and West India merchant of London, and Joy, daughter of H. d'Aguilar of Enfield Chase, Middlesex.

After his apprenticeship with John Hague, Jacob went into partnership with his brother Joseph d'Aguilar Samuda setting up the firm Samuda Brothers.

Jacob was an ingenious inventor and made a number of important discoveries. One of these, the Atmospheric Railway, patented with Samuel Clegg received at first with considerable opposition, was subsequently adopted as a means of transit by several important companies, the first being Dublin and Kingstown Railway in 1842. Sir Robert Peel later recommended its adoption to the House of Commons and the Board of Trade. The line to use it in England was from Epsom to London; and later the South Devon Railway adopted the principle of the new invention.

Jacob also made significant improvements in marine engines.

In 1843, he contracted to build the Gypsy Queen, an iron boat to be fitted with his improved engine.

1844 November: On the trial trip of the Gypsy Queen, a joint in the steam pipe failed whilst he was close by and he met his death along with nine other persons.

The Samuda Estate, on the site of his shipyard in Cubitt Town, is named after him and his brother.

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