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Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Anderson, James Caleb

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630701Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900, Volume 01 — Anderson, James Caleb1885Thompson Cooper

ANDERSON, Sir JAMES CALEB (1792–1861), inventor, was the eldest son of John Anderson, the founder of Fermoy [q. v.], by his second wife, Elizabeth, only daughter of Mr. James Semple, of Waterford. He was born 21 July 1792, and was created a baronet 22 March 1813, as a mark of approbation, on the part of the government, of the great public services rendered to Ireland by his father. Sir James was a celebrated experimentalist in steam-coaching, and took out various patents for his inventions. He lodged specifications in 1831 for ‘improvements in machinery for propelling vessels on water,’ in 1837 for ‘improvements in locomotive engines,’ and in 1846 for ‘certain improvements in obtaining motive power, and in applying it to propel carriages and vessels, and to the driving of machinery.’ He died in London 4 April 1861. By his marriage, in 1815, with Caroline, fourth daughter of Mr. Robert Shaw, of Dublin, he had two sons (both of whom died unmarried) and six daughters. As he left no male issue, the baronetcy became extinct.

[Patents, 6147, 7407, 11273; Notes and Queries, 3rd series, vii. 153; Gent. Mag. ccx. 588.]