William Rigby (1821-1863)
William Rigby (1821-1863) of Parkhead Forge, Glasgow, inventor of the Rigby Hammer.
1821 Born, son of John Rigby, engineer, Hawarden, Flintshire[1]. John Rigby was probably the son of John Rigby
1837 David Napier (1799-1850) purchased the Parkhead Forge.
In about 1845 he appointed William Rigby as works manager.[2]
William Rigby married Jane, daughter of shipbuilder Robert Napier.
1848 Robert Napier took over the bankrupt Parkhead Forge.
1861 The Clyde Artisans, Napiers' and Parkhead Forge Corps of the 25th Battalion of the Lanarkshire Rifles mustered under the command of Colonel William Rigby[3].
1861 William Beardmore senior entered into partnership with William Rigby.
1861 William Rigby 39, living in High church district, Glasgow, with Jane Rigby 35, Isabella Rigby 10, Jane Rigby 9, Maria Rigby 7, John Rigby 1, Rigby 1 month[4]
1863 William Rigby died at Penzance on April 10[5]. The business continued to be known as Rigby and Beardmore for some years[6].
1871 The Parkhead Forge business was run by William Beardmore senior until 1871, when he took his brother Isaac into partnership.
1895 Jane Rigby, widow of William Rigby and daughter of Robert Napier died[7].