James Jack and Co
of Victoria Engine Works, Sandon Dock, Boundary Street West, Vauxhall Road, Liverpool.
James Jack founded the Victoria Engine Works.
1860 Patent. '2553. And James Jack and David Rollo, both of Liverpool, in the county of Lancaster, Engineers, have given the like notice in respect of the invention of "improvements in the construction of surface condensers and feed water heaters, and in the combination of certain parts of steam engines especially adapted for marine purposes."[1]
1861 Patent. '1474. To David Rollo, of Liverpool, in the county of Lancaster, Engineer, and Partner in the firm of James Jack and Co., of the Victoria Engine Works, for the invention of "improvements in valves for steam and other engines"'[2]
1861 Made surface condensers, to J. Frederick Spencer's design, to fit to ships already running[3]
Built engines for early vessels in the White Star Line's fleet
1871 His only son, Alexander Jack, became a partner in the firm of James Jack, Rollo and Co.
1880 On the death of James Jack, and David Rollo having retired from the firm, Alexander Jack took over the direction of the business
1884 Alexander Jack became sole partner, and started shipbuilding at Seacombe on the Mersey. However, because of a depression in trade and due to trouble with the workmen, the company did not prove to be a financial success.
1886 Alexander Jack died.