Charles Archibald Grieve
Charles Archibald Grieve (1851-1879)
1880 Obituary [1]
MR. CHARLES ARCHIBALD GRIEVE was born on the 24th of April, 1851, at Dumfries, where his father was in practice as a physician, and at the Academy in that town his education was received.
The profession of an engineer being the one for which he seemed best suited, his turn of mind from boyhood being thoroughly mechanical and practical, in October 1868 he became a pupil of thc late Mr. Williams Johnstone, M. Inst. C.E., on the Glasgow and South-Western railway.
In December 1872 he entered the office of Messrs. Blyth and Cunningham, as an assistant, and was employed in office and field work, giving such satisfaction for accuracy, intelligence, and energy, that in September 1874 he was appointed by that firm Resident Engineer on the Carlisle Citadel Station Extension works, which embraced the construction of 13 miles of railway, besides the enlargement and remodelling of the station.
In 1877 Mr. Grieve’s health gave way, and he made a voyage to India, under medical advice. He returned in a few months, apparently much improved in health, and resumed his duties ; but the winter of 1877-78 again warned him that he must seek a warmer climate.
Fortunately an opening soon occurred under Mr. H. C. Stanley, M. Inst. C.E, chief engineer of the Southern and Western railway of Queensland. He arrived at Brisbane in October 1878, and immediately entered upon his duties as principal office assistant. He appeared to gain strength, but was cut off suddenly on the 25th of July, 1879.
Mr. Stanley wrote of him : “During the short time he was with me, he became a general favourite, and his loss was much felt by all with whom he had been associated in the service. I found him a most valuable assistant, and a pleasant and genial friend.”
Mr. Grieve was elected an Associate of the Institution on the 2nd of April, 1878.