James Kennedy (13 January 1797 – 25 September 1886) was a Scottish locomotive and marine engineer. He was born in the village of Gilmerton near Edinburgh, Scotland.[1]
James Kennedy | |
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Born | |
Died | 25 September 1886 | (aged 89)
Nationality | Scottish |
Citizenship | British |
Occupation | Engineer |
Engineering career | |
Discipline | Mechanical engineering |
Career
editEarly years
editHe was apprenticed at the age of 13 to a millwright near Dalkeith, where he remained for five years. He spent some years working as a millwright, working with winding and pumping engines at several places before moving to Laverock Hall (now Larkhall) near Hamilton, where he was employed to erect pumping and winding engines of his own design.
Robert Stephenson and Company
editIn Liverpool to supervise the installation of a marine engine, he met George Stephenson, who was then establishing his locomotive works, Robert Stephenson and Company, at Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Stephenson appointed Kennedy manager in 1824. While in this post, Kennedy constructed two pairs of stationary winding engines[clarification needed] and planned the first three locomotives for the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825.
Bury, Curtis and Kennedy
editIn 1825 he left Stephenson to return to Liverpool as manager of Mather, Dixon and Company but very soon joined locomotive builder Edward Bury and Company as foreman of the Clarence Foundry. In 1842 he became a partner in the firm, now renamed Bury, Curtis and Kennedy.
Thomas Vernon and Son
editFrom 1844 he also acted as manager of the Liverpool shipbuilder Thomas Vernon and Son where he introduced iron deck beams.
Professional appointments
editHe was a founder member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers in 1847, becoming its President in 1860.
Death
editHe died in 1886 at his home, Cressington Park, Garston, near Liverpool. He was survived by his wife, Adelaide.
References
edit- ^ "Biography". Gracesguide.co.uk. 14 April 2011. Retrieved 12 June 2012.