Joseph Casartelli
Joseph Louis Casartelli (1822–1900), maker of scientific instruments
1822 Born Guiseppe Luigi Casartelli in Tavarnerio, Italy.
1834 the family emigrated to Liverpool, joining Luigi Casartelli (also known as Louis Casartelli) in his scientific instrument business, at 20 Duke Street, Liverpool, making barometers and thermometers. The young Casartelli may have served his apprenticeship with him.
By 1845, Joseph and his uncle, Antonio Giovanni (Anthony), had taken over Louis' business. The two continued in partnership as opticians and barometer and thermometer makers and glass-blowers for the next six years, as Anthony and Joseph Casartelli, Anthony continuing in partnership with (presumably) his sons.
1851 Joseph moved to Manchester and established himself as a maker of mechanical and optical equipment.
1851 Joseph married Jane Henrietta Ronchetti and purchased the Ronchetti instrument making business at 43 Market Street, Manchester, which later became Casartelli and Son.
The couple had six children including Joseph Henry, who worked initially in a tailoring warehouse but later joined the family business.
Casartelli expanded the business to produce all kinds of high-quality optical, surveying, textile, and engineering instruments, including microscopes, telescopes, cameras and other optical devices.
He also operated a photographic studio in Manchester.
Late 1850s he also took over the Ronchetti family's chemical business in Clayton, Manchester, and ran it until about 1868 when it was taken over by Hamor Lockwood.
Casartelli had a special interest in steam engines and boilers. He took out seven patents on a variety of subjects.
1856 Patent to Edwin Travis, of Oldham, in the county of Lancaster, Engineer,and Joseph Louis Casartelli, of Manchester, in the county of Lancaster, Optician, concerning improvements in steam engines.[1]
1881 Joseph L. Casartelli 58, scientific instrument maker, lived in Chorlton, with Jane H. Casartelli 58, Frances M. Casartelli 24, Henrietta A. Casartelli 23, Maria L. Casartelli 21, Joseph H. Casartelli 19, Pecilia L. Casartelli 16[2]
Casartelli continued Joshua Ronchetti's work of sending rainfall summaries to the local press, until 1888.
1900 Died at Whalley Range, Withington, on 20 March.
See Also
Sources of Information
- For the source of this and much more information on Casartelli, his business and products, see here by Brian Stevenson, November, 2016.
- Biography of Joseph Louis Casartelli, ODNB