Robert Harris
Robert Harris (1835-1892)
ROBERT HARRIS, the eldest son of the late Mr. Robert Harris, of Feltham, Middlesex, was born on the 14th of September, 1835.
When between sixteen and seventeen years of age he became a pupil of the late Mr. Alexander Wright, the Engineer to the Western Gas Light Co, and was engaged at the Company’s works at Kensal Green, and upon similar works at Luton, Penzance, and other towns.
In January, 1869, on the death of Mr. Wright, he was appointed Engineer of the gasworks at Bow Common, then the property of the Great Central Gas Co.
When that Company was amalgamated with the Gas Light and Coke Co, Mr. Harris was retained as Engineer of the Bow Works, and appointed 'Regulating' Engineer of the Eastern Division of the latter.
He also acted for some years as Consulting Engineer to the East Barnet Gas Co.
In 1884 he left Bow and entered the Company’s station in Goswell Road as General Distributing Engineer, which post, however, he was obliged to resign in 1889 on account of ill-health.
Mr. Harris died on the 5th of April, 1892, from a paralytic seizure. As a gas engineer he possessed considerable ability; and his simplicity of character and kindness of heart gained for him universal respect and affection. He was an active member of 'The Gas Institute,' and served as President in the year 1884. Mr. Harris was elected a Member of the Institution on the 4th of March, 1873.