John Elliott (1822-1906)
John Elliott (1822-1906)
1907 Obituary [1]
JOHN ELLIOTT was born at Long Benton, near Newcastle-on- Tyne, on the 15th March, 1822. He was first employed in the West Moor Colliery at Killingworth, as an engine-wright and driver, and left during the miners’ strike in 1842 to become an engine driver on the Brandling Junction Railway at Gateshead, where he remained about 2 years.
In 1844 he entered the service of Messrs. Robert Stephenson and Company, of Newcastle-on-Tyne, and 12 months later he was sent to Florence to superintend the erection of twelve locomotives for the Florence and Pisa Railway, and to take charge of running during the term of their guarantee. At the expiration of that period he transferred his services to the railway company in the capacity of Locomotive Superintendent.
In 1856 he obtained the post of chief mechanic to the Leopoldina Railways at Florence, which he relinquished in 1863 for that of Locomotive Superintendent of the Livornesi and Roman Railways at Leghorn, where he remained until 1874, when he was transferred to Foligno. During the latter period he was also connected with the improvements of the harbour of Leghorn, and the construction of the breakwater.
In 1877, for his work in connection with railway development, Mr. Elliott was made Cavalier of the Order of the Crown of Italy by the late King Victor Emanuel II.
From Foligno he went to Florence in 1880, and 3 years later, on reaching the age limit of service, he retired on pension.
In 1884 he acted as Chief Mechanical Engineer for the contractors of the Florence-Faenza Railway, and designed all the machinery in connection with the driving of the Cercina Tunnel.
Subsequently he was appointed Chief Government Inspector of Boilers for the Province of Tuscany, and retained this office up to the time of his death.
He died on the 9th December, 1906, after a brief illness, at his residence in Florence.
Mr. Elliott was elected a Member of The Institution on the 6th February, 1872.