William Symington

William Symington (1764-1831) was a Scottish engineer and inventor, and the builder of the first practical steamboat.

Related Topics:
1764 - 1831 - Scottish - Engineer - Inventor - Steamboat

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Symington was born in Leadhills, South Lanarkshire, Scotland to a family he described as being "respectable but not wealthy." His father worked as a practical mechanic at the Leadhills mines.

Related Topics:
Leadhills - South Lanarkshire - Scotland

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Although his parents intended for him to enter the ministry, he intended to use his good education to make a career as an engineer. So, in 1785, he joined his brother George in his attempts to build a steam engine at Wanlockhead, Dumfriesshire. While there, he impressed the manager of a local mining company, Gilbert Meason, so much that he was sent to the University of Edinburgh in 1786 to spend a few months attending science lectures.

Related Topics:
1785 - Steam engine - Wanlockhead - Dumfriesshire - University of Edinburgh - 1786

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By the time William joined his brother, George had already succeeded in building the second engine using James Watt's design to be built in Scotland.

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