Walter Montgomery Neilson was a locomotive builder and the son of James Beaumont Neilson, the inventor of the hot blast furnace.
After becoming an apprentice mechanic, a machinist and an ironfounder Neilson established Mitchell, Neilson & Co and built the Hydepark Locomotive Works (Glasgow's first) in Anderston, c 1836. Subsequently he became sole partner in Neilson & Co and in 1861 the works were relocated in Springburn. The founder left the business in 1878, but failed to recreate his earlier success after opening the Clyde Locomotive Works nearby.
Neilson was a Colonel in the 25th Volunteer Corps. A freemason, he was a member of the Caledonian Railway Lodge No 354 and became Grand Master of the Glasgow Province in 1868, serving until 1880. His home was at Queenshill in Kirkcudbright.
Reference: Mitchell Library, 920.04BAI
Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Libraries Information and Learning
Keywords:
25th Volunteer Corps, Caledonian Railway Lodge 354, Clyde Locomotive Works, Colonels, freemasons, Glasgow Province, Grand Masters, Hydepark Locomotive Works, iron founders, locomotive builders, mechanics, Mitchell, Neilson & Co, Neilson & Co, Volunteers
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