|
| |
Mini
Biographies of Scots and Scots Descendants (B)
Burden,
Henry |
|
(1791-1871) born in Dunblane, he was
interested in steam navigation and organized a company to produce ships of
as much as 18,000 tons to transport hundreds of passengers across the
Atlantic in six to ten days. As his fortune grew, Burden became interested
in philanthropy. He gave generously to many charitable enterprises and
institutions. He died at Troy, New York, January 19, 1871. Burden was one
of that rare breed of American immigrants who saw opportunity in American
and took advantage of it. America and Burden both profited by the
association. In 1834, Henry Burden invented and patented a new machine for
making spikes which were used on the flat rails then being used by several
railroads. Later, on a visit to England, he became convinced that the
"T" and "H" rails would become more popular and on his
return patented a new machine for making spikes. These would be the
hook-headed spikes that are still in use today. A later version of his
spike making machine was patented in 1857 and he considered it his
greatest invention.
|
Return to B Index
Return to Mini Bios Index
|
