Josiah Hornblower

Josiah Hornblower (born February 23, 1729 in Staffordshire , England , †  January 21, 1809 in Newark , New Jersey ) was an American politician . In 1785 and 1786 he was a delegate for New Jersey to the Continental Congress .

Career

Josiah Hornblower was a son of Joseph Hornblower (1696–1762). This was a pioneer of steam technology. He attended the public schools in his home country and studied mechanical engineering and mathematics. From 1745 he completed an apprenticeship with his brother, who also worked in the steam industry and wanted to use it in mining. In this way, Josiah became an expert in both steam technology and mining. In 1753 he came to New Jersey at the invitation of William Schuyler. There he built the first steam engine in America in 1755, which was used in Schuyler's copper mines. For the rest of his life, Hornblower remained associated with mechanical engineering and the development of steam technology.

But he also took part in the political events of his time. He served as a captain in the New Jersey Militia during the Seven Years' War . However, he did not take part in any acts of war. From 1760 he also ran a hardware store. He was also very successful in the hardware trade . In the 1770s he joined the revolutionary movement. Between 1779 and 1780 he was a member of the New Jersey General Assembly , of which he became president in 1780. In 1785 and 1786 he represented New Jersey in the Continental Congress. After that, he continued his previous activities. He founded the first crushing mill in America. Between 1798 and 1809 he was also a district judge in Essex County . Whether he ever studied law is not mentioned in the sources. Josiah Hornblower died in Newark on January 21, 1809.

Web links

• Josiah Hornblower in the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress (English)

• Josiah Hornblower in the database of Find a Grave (English)