[Born at Kelso, on the Tweed, 1789. Still living.]
This eminent engineer settled as a millwright in Manchester, in 1815,
and distinguished himself at once by his practical improvements in the
construction of mills and workshops. To his early efforts, in the
science of mill architecture, may be traced much of the improved taste
now displayed by mill-owners in the manufacturing districts. His latest
achievement in this direction is the magnificent structure at Saltaire,
near Bradford, Yorkshire. He was an early builder of iron ships in
Manchester, Hull, and London. His experiments, designs, and
superintendence, were available in the construction of the Conway and
Britannia Tubular Bridges. Mr. Fairbairn, besides his title to respect
as a mechanical engineer, and a great improver in the specific sciences
to which he has devoted his life, is a contributor of much valuable
knowledge through the medium of the press. He is the architect of his
own fortunes, and is remarkable, in an age of remarkable engineers, for
his great energy, skill, taste, and discrimination.
[By J. E. Jones.]