James Thomson (1803-1870)
James Thomson (1803-1870) founder of J. and G. Thomson
1803 December 19th. Born at Broomhill, Partick, the son of John Thomson
1834 August 26th Married Grace McIntyre
Worked for the famous engineer Robert Napier.
1845 Went into business with his brother George Thomson establishing an engineering works in Finnieston Street.
1847 They established a foundry in Anderston, Glasgow.
1851 Living at 13 Kelvingrove Place (age 49 and born at Partick, Renfrewshire), an Engineer employing 200 Men. With wife Grace (age 40) and children Agnes Thomson (age 15), Jane Thomson (age 14), Grace Thomson (age 12), John Thomson (age 11), James Thomson (age 7), Mary Thomson (age 5), Jessie Thomson (age 2) plus two servants. [1]
The Thomson brothers established a ship yard J. and G. Thomson, named after their foundry.
1861 Living at 13 Royal Crescent, Anderston, James Thomson 57, Engineer and Iron Ship builder, Employing 86 Men And 64 Apprentices, with G Thomson 50, G M Thomson 22, John Thomson 21, engineer, James Thomson 17, draughtsman, Mary Thomson 15, Jessie Thomson 12[2]
1863 James Thomson retired; George took over the business.
1868 He bought land at Finnieston Street, Glasgow, and started his 2 sons, John and James in business as the Finnieston Engine Works: John and James Thomson, engineers and boiler makers.
1870 March 14th. James died
1870 March. 15th. Obituary. Aged 68 and had been ill for a year. Leaves a widow and family. His sons John and James are in the business in Finnieston Street. Previously to forming his company of J. and G. Thomson he was a senior member with Napier [3]
See Thomson Family