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    392 Results with the "Biography" genre


    • IV – OPERATIONS OF 1810 Cover
      by LovelyMay Having landed at seven, and found everything in an orderly state, the landing-master's crew again commenced the work of getting the cast iron rails of the stair into the house, several of which, being upwards of 400 pounds weight, required considerable tackle for lifting them out of the hold of the ship and into their places, which was done by fixing a pair of shears or a triangle of spar upon the solid rock. This piece of work, the rails being all of different figures and numbers, was found to be more…
    • III – OPERATIONS OF 1809 Cover
      by LovelyMay In the chapters of "Records of a Family of Engineers," the narrative continues detailing the intricate and arduous process of building the lighthouse on the Bell Rock. The work is marked by strenuous efforts to transport and lay stones despite the challenges posed by the tides and weather. Beginning with detailed accounts of landing materials, setting up cranes, and laying stone courses, the narrative underscores the laborious nature of construction at sea. The workers faced numerous obstacles, from…
    • I – OPERATIONS OF 1807 Cover
      by LovelyMay In the ongoing and perilous efforts to construct a lighthouse on the Bell Rock, significant progress was made, despite the constant battles against the elements and the limitations of working hours dictated by the tides and weather conditions. The construction team, led with exemplary dedication, often extended their working hours to the extreme, squeezing out as much time as possible on the rock - a practice that necessitated utmost caution to avoid being stranded by sudden changes in weather. A…
    • CHAPTER III THE BUILDING OF THE BELL ROCK Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter III of "Records of a Family of Engineers" details the challenging endeavors surrounding the construction of the Bell Rock Lighthouse, positioned in the treacherous waters where the Tay and the Forth rivers meet the North Sea. The Bell Rock, notorious for its hazardous navigation conditions, lay submerged under the sea at high tide, revealing its menacing form only during low water, making it a perilous obstacle for mariners. Early efforts to mark this danger with beacons were futile until Robert…
    • III -Records of a family of engineers Cover
      by LovelyMay In this chapter, we delve into the professional life and underlying philosophy of Robert Stevenson, an esteemed engineer known for his practical approach towards engineering challenges. Stevenson is renowned not merely for his mechanical inventions, such as the Jib or Balance Crane at the Bell Rock, but more so for his ability to project works against nature and modulate the natural environment to meet human needs. Whether it involved constructing roads, buildings, harbors, or managing river channels,…
    • II -Records of a family of engineers Cover
      by LovelyMay From the beginning of the century until 1807, Robert Stevenson partnered with Thomas Smith in serving the Board of Northern Lights, thereafter continuing alone. Stevenson, dedicated both to his profession and the well-being of his lightkeepers, dealt with the isolation and challenges lightkeepers faced, from quarrels in isolated sea towers to the temptations of sloth in maintaining the stations. With rigorous personal standards and a keen eye for detail, Stevenson's correspondence reveals a man of…
    • I -Records of a family of engineers Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter II of "Records of a Family of Engineers" chronicles the dedicated endeavors of Thomas Smith and Robert Stevenson in establishing and maintaining lighthouses along Scotland's perilous coasts, showcasing a profound contrast between their adventurous engineering pursuits and the domestic tranquility of their family lives. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the Scottish coastline, notorious for its shipwrecks, was predominantly unlit, save for an ancient beacon on the Isle of May. Undertaking…
    • CHAPTER I DOMESTIC ANNALS Cover
      by LovelyMay In 1665, James Stevenson, likely a tenant farmer from Nether Carsewell, Renfrewshire, married Jean Keir. Their son, Robert Stevenson, was born in 1675 and later became a maltster in Glasgow. In 1710, Robert remarried Elizabeth Cumming, with whom he had a son named Robert in 1720, also a maltster. The narrative traces the lineage to Hugh Stevenson (born 1749) and Alan Stevenson (born 1752), focusing on their lives, early deaths, and ventures in the West Indies, which included a hunt for a deceitful agent…
    • Chapter

      INTRODUCTION

      INTRODUCTION Cover
      by LovelyMay The Stevenson surname, with its of variations like Stevinstoun, Stevensoun, and Stewinsoune, was widespread in Scotland from the 13th century. However, by 1700, the presence of land owned by Stevensons in Scotland was almost nonexistent, with a few exceptions. The narrative provides a broad sketch of the Stevenson family, revealing a history of modest progress and near extinction. Despite the bleak outlook of the family's future, records uncover numerous Stevensons involved in Scottish history, albeit in…
    • Records of A Family of Engineers Cover
      by LovelyMay Records of a Family of Engineers by George H. B. Ward is a memoir detailing the history and accomplishments of the Ward family, focusing on their contributions to engineering and their involvement in significant projects, while also offering insights into their personal lives and values across generations.
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