David Napier by David Napier and David Bell: Appendix
Appendix
On retiring from Millwall, the three younger Napiers turned their attention to Australia, then regarded as the "land of promise." Setting out in 1852, they first made a brief inspection of gold-mining life, but quickly decided that their road did not lie in that direction. Their paths accordingly diverged for a number of years, but as they ultimately were again associated together in founding the important business of Napier Brothers, Glasgow, the supplementary notes that follow may be found of interest.
JOHN D. NAPIER, fourth child and eldest son of David, was born at Glasgow in 1818, educated at the Grammar School (now High School) and University; and acquired a thorough knowledge of engineering in his father's Lancefield Foundry. His first appointment in Australia was that of manager of a Melbourne shipping business, and thereafter he accepted an appointment as superintending engineer, under the Colonial government, to carry out, operations for removal of the Geelong Bar, which then formed a serious obstacle to navigation. This proved a task of much difficulty, but after two years of arduous work it was found that vessels of deep draught could be taken over one part of the Bar in safety. As private business required then his return to London, he could not see the work wholly finished; but the high appreciation of what he had accomplished found expression, before he left, in a public entertainment, and the presentation of valuable gifts.
Returning to Britain in 1855, he became assistant manager in the shipyard of R. Napier and Sons, Govan, where just then the armour-clad vessel Erebus was being constructed, under great pressure, for the British Government. She was, by extraordinary effort, completed in about three and a half months, Mr. Napier going with her from the Clyde to Portsmouth and delivering her there to the naval authorities. Shortly thereafter another vessel, built by his uncle's firm for the Canadian Government, had to be delivered in the St. Lawrence; and that duty he likewise carried out successfully. He then made a lengthened tour through Canada and part of the United States, accompanied by his wife; discovering to their amusement that, from Montreal onward, rumour would have it that they were none other than "Lord and Lady Napier" travelling incognito.
Returning to Govan, he was appointed principal manager, holding that position for over six years. Within that period the vessels constructed included the Scotia, last of the Cunard Atlantic paddle steamers, and the pioneer armour-clad frigate Black Prince. On leaving Glasgow, Mr. Napier, about 1865, was invited by the Millwall Iron Works and Shipbuilding Company to manage their "Scotch" yard, this being, practically, the same yard where he and his brother had formerly carried on their business. The difficulty remained, however, of making shipbuilding on the Thames successful; and the works had ultimately to be closed. From London Mr. Napier proceeded to Birkenhead, where for about three years he was manager of the extensive Canada Works. That position he relinquished in 1867 to join his brother Robert in establishing the firm of Napier Brothers in Glasgow; and he remained senior partner in that business till his death in March 1880.
In 1875 he became a member of the Incorporation of Hammermen in Glasgow, the ancient guild of which his father had been a deacon. With much of his father's energy and resourcefulness he combined great geniality and kindliness of disposition. He was much liked by those who served under him, and held in the highest regard by a wide circle of professional and private friends.
FRANCIS NAPIER, two years younger than John, was educated at the Grammar School and University of Glasgow. He served an apprenticeship as marine engineer in the works of Tod and McGregor; and it is understood that he supplemented his father's invention of the steeple engine by designing the four piston-rod arrangement. On proceeding to Australia he became partner in an engineering company in Sydney; and in 1867 he joined an expedition, organised by the South Australian Government, under command of Captain Cadell, to explore the northern coasts of its territory. His journal of this expedition was, after his death, printed for private circulation by his cousin, James R. Napier, under the title of Australian Notes. He returned to Glasgow, in 1871, to join the business which his brothers had established; and his ingenious invention the double-screw steering gear contributed materially to the reputation of the firm. A highly qualified engineer, and devoted to scientific pursuits, he was of a quiet retiring disposition. He died at Gareloch, Clyde, in December 1875.
ROBERT D. NAPIER, the youngest surviving son, was educated for a time at Liverpool, and later in London. In Australia his experience was chiefly that of marine engineering, afloat and on shore. Having invented the valuable "Differential Self-acting Friction Brake," he returned to Britain, about 1865-66, to patent and introduce this invention. Along with his brother John he established the business already referred to, and the firm was successful in applying the Friction Brake in many directions, especially in the well-known Napier Windlass. In papers submitted to the Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders by Robert, he discussed the "Special applications of the Differential Friction Clutch," which the president pronounced "one of the best mechanical inventions that had been brought under the notice of the Institution." He carried out an exhaustive series of experiments to determine "the velocity of steam and other gases" and "the true principles of the discharge of fluids," the results of which were embodied in further contributions to the Transactions of the Institution. In common with his brothers, he inherited much of their father's inventive ability; and in private life was very highly esteemed by all who knew him. He died at Glasgow in May 1885.