John Neilson
Ironmaster and Engineer (1779-1855)
1779 Born October 19, in Glasgow, son of Walter Neilson iron master of Govan Ironworks.
Elder brother of James Beaumont Neilson (1792-1865).
Received a classical education but adopted the profession of his father
Founder/Owner of Oakbank Iron Works Glasgow.
1805 Married Margaret Baird in St Quivox and Newton, Ayr[1]
He built some iron steamboats for canal navigation, and then proposed to build a seagoing boat, but could get no one to join him in the project.
Nothing daunted, he carried out his plan on his own account, building the Fairy Queen. She was built in 1831, and plied as a passenger steamer on the Largs route. The success of this vessel soon attracted imitators. [2]
1825/31 At his works designed and constructed an iron steamer which, following the PS Aaron Manby was one of the first iron vessels that went to sea.
1836 Established Summerlee Iron Works at Monklands
His sons included Walter Neilson, Hugh Neilson, and William of Mossend Iron and Steel Works.
1846 Married Catherine Smellie in Glasgow[3]
OR
1848 Married Catherine Twaddle in Glasgow[4]
1851 John Neilson 70, J.P., engineer, lived in Oak Bank House, Glasgow, with Catherine Neilson 32[5]
1855 October 25, died in Glasgow
See Also
Sources of Information
- Gravestone [2]