James Gilmore Latta
James Gilmore Latta (1865-1927)
1927 Obituary [1]
JAMES GILMORE LATTA was born at Troon, Ayrshire, in 1865, and spent much of his professional life in Scotland.
He was apprenticed with Messrs. Andrew Barclay, Sons and Company of Kilmarnock, and afterwards Messrs. G. and J. Weir of Glasgow.
In 1887 he went to sea as a junior engineer for a year or so, and then rejoined Messrs. Weir as a draughtsman. He was later placed in charge of the installation of pumps, machinery, evaporating and distilling plant in many of the largest liners and battleships built at the time.
In 1892 he was appointed London manager for the company.
During the War he took charge of the aeroplane and engine department at Cathcart.
In 1920 Mr. Latta left the service of Messrs. Weir and, in company with several friends, bought the Scottish Stamping and Engineering Company at Ayr. He remained managing director of this firm until his sudden death on 5th January 1927.
He became a Member of the Institution in 1899.