John Harrison (1828-1894)
John Harrison (1828-1894)
1894 Obituary [1]
JOHN HARRISON was born on the 15th of June, 1828.
Both his father and grandfather were well known as the authors of various pamphlets on horology, several of which may be found in the Library of the Institution among the works bequeathed by the late Mr. B. L. Vulliamy ; while his grandfather, John Harrison, attained distinction as the inventor of the marine chronometer.
The subject of this notice was articled in 1845 to the late James Oldham of Hull. During the four years of his pupilage he was employed in making surveys and in preparing plans for the reclamation of Sunk Island, a tract of about 700 acres in the estuary of the Humber; on coast-defence works and on the construction of a new sea-wall at Bridlington Quay.
From the expiration of his articles in 1849 until 1857 he prepared plans and sections for the Driffield Navigation Commissioners in connection with the improvement of the River Hull by the Hull Dock Co; surveyed and took out quantities for the Victoria Dock at Hull; and prepared drainage schemes for Driffield, South Cave, Hessle and other places.
In November, 1857, Mr. Harrison was appointed Surveyor to the Commissioners of Sewers for the East Parts of the East Riding of the County of York, which post he held until October, 1890, when failing health obliged him to retire. During that period he obtained great experience in land-drainage and in the construction of river and sea defence-works, the jurisdiction of the Commission extending over a large area from the Humber to north of Flamborough Head.
Mr. Harrison died at his residence, Spring Street, Hull, on the 12th of July, 1894, the cause of death being a complication of ailments from which he had suffered for some years. His genial nature and social qualities made him extremely popular amongst a wide circle of friends.
He was elected a Member on the 1st of December, 1885.