John Alexander McLaren
John Alexander McLaren (c1869-1947)
1947 Obituary [1]
"JOHN ALEXANDER MCLAREN was associated with the firm of Messrs. J. and H. McLaren, Ltd., Midland Engine Works, Leeds, for almost the whole of his long professional career, which dated back to 1890. After serving his apprenticeship at the Lambton Engine and Ironworks, from 1886 to 1890, he entered the firm's drawing office and was promoted to be chief draughtsman in 1894. Five years later he joined the Blackman Ventilating Company, Ltd., in London, as engineer, but in 1901 he returned to Messrs. J. and H. McLaren to become works manager, and was responsible for the production of electric lighting plant, steam traction engines, and steam ploughing tackle. On the reconstitution of the firm as a limited liability company in 1918, he continued to act as works manager and was appointed to the board of directors. Finally, in 1926, he became works director, and was in sole charge of the works until his retirement in 1942. Mr. McLaren, whose death occurred on 28th February 1947 in his seventy-eighth year, was elected an Associate Member of the Institution in 1900, and was transferred to Membership in 1902."