Stephenson

Stephenson, GEORGE (1781-1848), great engineer was the son of a collier, and was born on Tyneside. He worked in the mines from childhood, and gradually worked himself up to the position of brakesman, where his inventive genius soon began to show itself. He made some small improvements in the working of the horse engine, meanwhile educating himself as well as be could, and trying his hand at the adjustment of mechanical contrivances. In 1815 he invented a useful safety lamp, for which be was presented with 1,000 guineas at a public banquet in Newcastle. Previously he had thought over the possibility of constructing a locomotive, and in 1814 made a trial of one at Killingworth. Though a very simple affair it wolked well, and in the following two years he made others, each being an improvement on the preceding. His fame extended, and he was appointed manager of the HIlton Col1iery Railway, where his engines were used. The speed of his early engines was from six to eight miles an hour, and when his famous "Rocket" attained a speed of twenty-nine miles an hour, great wonder was expressed. Stephenson's later years were exceedingly prosperous - a succession of triumphs. His son, ROBERT STEPHENSON (1803-59), was even a greater engineer than his father, who gave him an excellent education, sending him finally to Edinburgh University. He was apprenticed to his father in 1822, and soon outrivalled the latter in his mechanical ingenuity, constructing the "Planet," which has proved the model of the engine of today. He carried out many grand undertakings in England, and was consulted by various foreign countries, from which he received many honours. Besides his rematkable feats of engine-making, he constructed many bridges which are marvels of engineering. His achievements are too numerous to mention. In 1847 he became M.P. for Whitby. He was a most generous benefactor to public institutions.