A man of considerable intellect and talent, William was the eldest son of William Symington and Elizabeth Benson. He was born at Kinnaird, Stirlingshire, in1802 and died at Bacchus Marsh in Victoria in 1867.

                                            Carte de visite portrait of William Symington from his family album

The eldest son of William Symington (1764-1831) and Elizabeth Benson, he was born at Kinnaird, Falkirk, on 22nd March 1802. Nothing is known of his education and early life. At various times, he called himself civil engineer, cooper, and gentleman. He married Eliza Susannah Deas Cunningham on 22nd March 1836 at Saint Dunstan Church, Stepney, London. Elizabeth Bowie and J. L. Cunningham were witnesses. Eliza was born in 1814, the daughter of George Cunningham, a shoemaker, and Mary Miller. She was christened on 29th June 1814 at Moonzie. She died at the Hopetoun Brewery on 8th April 1886. They had two sons and four daughters. One son, Robert, died in childhood.

In 1840 and 1841, he held the position of inspector of works for the railways. The 1841 England Census records him living at Wangye House, Chadwell Heath, Dagenham, Essex. The other members of the household were his wife Eliza and children Mary 4, Eliza 3 and William 1 with his mother Elizabeth, aged 60 (see also Mechanics'Magazine 1841 Vol. 34, pages 68 and 218).

The 1851 Census gives his address as Sea Bridge Road patent Desiccating Company, Tower Hamlet Parish of St. John’s Hackney and lists: William Symington 49 Engineer, Eliza wife 37, and their children: Mary 14, Eliza 12, William 10, “Mary Ann” 8, Margaret 3, also his niece Isabella Symington aged 20, the daughter of his brother Andrew, and a visitor, Margaret Low 20. 

His father had died in 1831. Based on drawings his father prepared in 1828, he submitted illustrations to the Mechanics' Magazine in 1832 and 1833 representing the Charlotte Dundas of 1803 and the original steam boat tried on the Dalswinton Lake in 1788. In his letter to the Mechanics' Magazine dated Bromley November 17, 1832, he described in detail the complex workings of the Dalswinton steam-boat engine.  He also published pictures of his father's land carriage, his atmospheric engine patented in 1787 and a lifting steam engine. He shared his father's interest in steam navigation and took out patents for a paddle wheel and for improvements to steam boat engines. Other patents related to such diverse subjects as sterilization of containers, seasoning of timber, preservation by desiccation of food stuffs, heating air, and preserving milk. He invented a new method of loading artillery. In 1837 a steam-tug fitted with his patent boiler and paddle wheels was launched for the "Symington Steam Towing Company."

The family sailed for Australia in the good ship John Bright departing from London on 19th August and arriving at Melbourne on 22nd December 1855. His sister Margaret (1800-1878) and her husband Dr. Robert Bowie had emigrated from London in 1851.

The Argus Monday 24 December 1855 page 4 ARRIVED (Hobson’s Bay):  December 22 — John Bright, ship, 591 tons, Capt R. Jackson, from London 19th August. Passengers: cabin— Mr and Mrs Simmington and family, Mrs Jackson and child, Miss J. Genders, Miss F. Raglus, Messrs J. Brandt, A. D. Browne, H. Woodcock. J. Henty and Co, agents.

In 1856, he was living in Napier Street, Collingwood and working as a cooper. [1] He was engaged to make equipment for a Melbourne brewery. (?ref)

The Argus Saturday 31 May 1856 page 7 CHURNS on Sale. -Symington’s Improved Horizontal Churns; colonial made. Cooperage, Napier-street, Collingwood.

Within three years he had settled at Hopetoun, at the Eastern approach to Bacchus Marsh, [2] where he established Symington's Hopetoun brewery in 1862. [3] The Brewery became a landmark on the coach route from Melbourne to Ballarat. His son William continued to run the brewery until 1885. He built his own dwelling. An extraordinary feature was a unique octagonal chimney; he also built the brew house and constructed his own vats and casks. 

William Symington died from erysipelas at his residence, Braeside, Bacchus Marsh, on 17th March 1867 and was buried in the Maddingley Cemetery. In his will, dated 16th March 1867, he states "I give and devise and bequeath unto my wife Eliza Susanna and to my son William my business as Brewer to-gether with all my property except as follows. To my daughters Elizabeth and Isabella I give the sum of Twenty pounds sterling each and to my daughter Margaret I give the pianoforte." He signed with a cross because his right hand was incapacitated. His son-in-law William Henry Athorn was a witness. (PROV VPRS 28/P1, 6,223)

[1] VER 1856 William Symington, cooper, householder Napier Street

[2] Current address of his property is 705 Bacchus Marsh Road Merrimu; Moorabool Planning Scheme incorporated Document February 2015 Bacchus Marsh Heritage Study-Statements of Significance page 30 Ref. HO147

[3] Victorian Government Gazette 1858 page 1574

INVENTIONS

PATENTS IN GREAT BRITAIN [1]

No. 6631 23rd June 1834 (with his brother Andrew) Paddle-wheel for propulsion of vessels and for other motive purposes. This invention is discussed in Mecahnics' Magazine Volume 22, number 601, pages 338, 339.

No. 6925 7th November 1835 Machinery for propelling vessels by steam; - partly applicable to motive machinery of other descriptions, whether actuated by steam or other motive power.

No. 9924 2nd November 1843 Cleansing, purifying and sweetening, casks, vats, and other vessels.

No. 10,126 28th March 1844 Drying, seasoning, and hardening wood and other articles; - partly applicable to the desiccation of vegetable substances generally.

No. 11,947 6th November 1847 Application of heat to the preparation, desiccation and preservation, of bread stuffs, confectionery, pulse, meats, vegetables, and other edible substances.

No. 14,030 22nd March 1852 Flues; heating air; evaporating certain fluids by heated air.

The Mechanics’ Magazine, Museum, Register, Journal and Gazette Volume 25 1836 Page 274 refers to “SYMINGTON’S PATENT HORIZONTAL WINDMILL.” The engraving on page 273 represents a novel horizontal mill. However, this invention is not recorded in Woodcroft's index of patentees.

[1] Woodcroft, Bennet, Alphabetical Index of Patentees of Inventions 1854

SYMINGTON STEAM TOWING COMPANY

The Times 10 May 1836 page 7 column G

Stock Exchange

Shares

“Symington’s Patent Paddle Towing Company

The Mechanics’ Magazine 1837 Volume 27 page 128

 A Steam Tug belonging to the Symington Steam Towing Company, was launched on Wednesday last (May 24), after having been very appropriately named, at the suggestion of a punning member of the Company, the "Drag-on." The boat is of a very peculiar shape and construction, and designed, (by her builder, Mr. Ritchie,) particularly with a view to dragging a load in her rear. She is to be fitted with a pair of Mr. Symington's paddle wheels, and also with his patent boiler; the principal features of this latter invention are, that one boiler will answer the purpose of two, on board a vessel. – and the prevention of priming.

 The Nautical Magazine and Naval Chronicle for 1837 page 779

 Symington's Wheel.

44, Burr Street, Sept. 15th, 1837.

     MR. EDITOR, -I have observed the various articles from correspondents in your Journal against the Symington paddle-wheel, but refrained from answering them until able to produce the most convincing proof of the fallacy of their assertions, in an efficient steam vessel, fitted with a pair of such wheels properly constructed.

     Being now possessed, not only of one, but of two, proofs of this kind, I have merely to invite those who take an interest in improving steam navigation, to come on board of the Dragon, or William Symington, and judge for themselves. A much better mode surely of arriving at an accurate conclusion than trusting to the criticisms of individuals, who, in attempting to decry the invention, have been obliged to confess their opinions were formed from mere hear-say evidence.

     In the same spirit that this opportunity of proving or disproving the efficiency of the wheels is offered, I subjoin a few reports* in their favour, from parties who have ascertained their superiority; reports which, I hope, you will insert the more readily that I have not presumed to solicit a space in your valuable pages, until I could adduce something more decisive than theoretical conjecture.

     Duly appreciating the liberal manner in which you have acted on this question, I remain, Sir, your most obedient humble servant,

                                                                                                                                    ROBERT BOWIE.

     P.S. I am authorized to say, that every facility will be afforded to those who may wish to see the wheel at work, on application being made at the office of the Symington Towing Company, 353, Hermitage, Wapping.

The Times 4 October 1838 page 2 column D

Re. Extraordinary general meeting to consider increasing the capital and extending the operations of the company. (L.J. Harrison, Chairman)

IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM ENGINE AND PROPULSION OF STEAM VESSELS

The Edinburgh New Philosophical Journal Vol. 20 1836 Page 430

List of Patents granted in Scotland from December 18. 1835, To March 18. 1836

31. To William Symington of Bromley, in the county of Middlesex, cooper, for an invention of “certain improvements in the steam-engine, and in the machinery and apparatus for propelling vessels by steam, which improvements are wholly, or in part, also application as and to motive machinery of other descriptions whether actuated by steam, or by any other moving power.” 

HORIZONTAL WINDMILL

The Mechanics’ Magazine, Museum, Register, Journal and Gazette Volume 25 1836 Page 274 (Illustration page 273)

“SYMINGTON’S PATENT HORIZONTAL WINDMILL.”

The Mechanics’ Magazine, Museum, Register, Journal and Gazette Volume 27 1837 Page 202

EXTINGUISHING FIRES ON STEAMBOATS

“Suggestions of a Plan for Extinguishing Fires on board of Steam boats. By Mr. William Symington, Engineer.

Letter dated 21 June 1837

A METHOD OF CLEANSING CASKS AND VATS

Mechanics' Magazine 1843 Volume 39 page 383

William Symington of East Smithfield with Robert Davison of Brick lane Spitalfields, "A method of cleansing, purifying, and sweetening casks, vats and other vessels"

In 1844 he received the gold medal of the Society of Arts for his invention of an apparatus for removing moisture from various substances including fabrics, wood and casks.

He applied this method also to the preservation of milk and potatoes.

The Practical Mechanic and Engineers Magazine 1844 Volume 3 page 348

Robert Dawson, of Brick-lane, London, civil engineer, and William Symington, of East Smithfield, London, civil engineer, for a method or methods of drying, seasoning, purifying, and hardening wood and other articles, either in a manufactured or unmanufactured state; parts of which are applicable to the preparation and desiccation of animal, vegetable, and mineral substances-July 1

GUN WADS

GREAT EXHIBITION 1851

Official Descriptive and Illustrated Catalogue of the Great Exhibition 1851.

Volume 1, page 359, Class viii Number 286 Symington, William, 41 Gracechurch St. 

Inventor and proprietor: " Gun wads, a substitute for the rope wads at present used in gunnery."

Official Catalogue of the Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of all Nations, 1851. Corrected Edition LONDON

Page 55

Class 8. WEAPONS &c. 

286 SYMINGTON, W. 41 Gracechurch St.

Inv- Gun wads.

INTERCOLONIAL EXHIBITION OF AUSTRALASIA, MELBOURNE, 1866-1867

In 1866 he was awarded a gold medal for his granulated potatoes at the Intercolonial Exhibition in Melbourne: "A very valuable article for long voyages." [1]

Official Catalogue Second Edition Melbourne

Class III Section 8, Agricultural, &c., Products

Page 20

235-SYMINGTON, WILLIAM, Bacchus Marsh.

Granulated or Processed Potatoes Manufactured by Exhibitor

He addressed methods of quartz crushing, and the amalgamation of gold using vaporized mercury.

VICTORIAN PATENTS

Vic. Gov. Gaz. March 27, 1857 Issue 31 page 570

On 13 March 1856 William Symington of Napier Street, Collingwood, deposited a patent specification for an invention for Improvements in extracting gold from auriferous clays and other materials

“Specifications for registration of patent by William Symington-Improvements in extracting gold from auriferous quartz” 1857 NAA Item 9032572 Series number A13150 Series accession number 2006/00176198

Vic. Gov. Gaz. January 8, 1861 Issue 5 page 47

No. 411. WILLIAM SYMINGTON, of Bacchus Marsh, civil engineer, has applied for a patent for Improvements in working stampers for granulating or reducing quartz, and for other purposes, deposited 1st December, 1860.

[1] Official Record page 208

NEWSPAPER CORRESPONDENCE

Argus (Melbourne), Saturday 18 July 1857, page 9

INVENTION OF STEAM NAVIGATION.

To the Editor of The Argus.

     Sir,-It is on record, and fully proved that William Symington not only entertained the idea of propelling vessels by steam, but actually invented a steam-engine for that purpose as early as 1786, a fact at once scattering to the winds the idle pretensions of James Taylor, who according to his own showing in a memorial addressed to Sir Henry Parnell, beat over the whole system of mechanics after a certain boat race which took place in February 1787, before the visionary steam-engine presented itself for the purposes of navigation.

     In the month of March, 1833, a biographical sketch of James Taylor appeared in Chambers’ Edinburgh Journal, describing Taylor as a scientific prodigy, capable of entering on the profession of Medicine or Divinity, and only “hindered from fixing his mind to any one pursuit by the excursiveness of his genius.” Whilst thus hindered, “he continued to devote himself to his favorite Philosophical studies, particularly Geology, Mineralogy, Chemistry, and Mechanics,” until he made the important discovery, “that the ardour of enthusiasm although it may sustain the mind will not support the body-a discovery that induced him to accept the situation of preceptor in the family of Mr. Miller, of Dalswinton”

In that sketch, Chambers stated that he had “documents in his possession proving that to James Taylor the world is indebted for that wonderful fabric the steam-boat.” Chambers, while thus attempting to obtain money from Government under false pretences for his friend, was unexpectedly called upon to produce his proofs, but to this day they have never been forthcoming; conduct which drew upon him the reprehensions of some of the most eminent mechanicians of the day. It has been said that Chambers is looked to as an authority in this colony. To quote him in the mother country as such would be deemed ridiculous.

Perhaps, as Mr. Morton imagines himself able to set at rest the disputed question, who was the inventor of efficient steam navigation, he will be kind enough to answer the following queries, without referring to his friends the Bedouins of the street to explain his meaning.

1. Whose engine was it that was fitted into Mr Miller’s boats?

2. Was that engine secured by letters patent?

3. To whom, and in whose name, were those letters granted?

4. Did Mr. Morton ever hear of a certain brother John?

5. Did brother John derive no profit from Mr. Symington’s invention?

6. Did Mr. James Taylor ever see Mr. Symington’s steam-carriage model at Wanlock Head, or in Edinburgh, before his recorded vision of the steam engine?

7. Did not Mr. Ferguson, of Craigdarroch, recommend Taylor to accept the situation of preceptor in Mr. Miller’s family, to enable him to complete his medical education?

8. Where did Taylor procure his medical degree, or diploma?

9. Where did he procure his license as a Minister?

10. Where are his drawings, specifications, &c.

11. Did Jonathan Hulls, although possessed of an idea, invent a steam-engine, and with it propel a boat?

12. Did not Mr. Symington invent a steam engine, and with it propel a boat?

Confident that I have not advanced a single statement which I cannot prove, I shall conclude with the following quotation from the Mechanics’ Magazine, No. 511, vol 10.

 ‘Many other objections suggest themselves to the claim, set up by this person (Taylor), but It seems to us that it would be a waste of words to dwell further on pretensions so wholly unsupported and so void of probability.

I have the honor to be, Sir,

Your most obedient servant,

W. SYMINGTON C.E.

Napier-street, Collingwood,

July 7th, 1857.

The Argus Friday 24 May 1861 page 7C

EXTRACTION OF GOLD.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE ARGUS.

 Sir, -In your issue of the 29th ult. a communication appeared by a party styling himself “A Chemical Amateur,” purporting to vindicate the originality of Mr Porter’s process for separating gold from quartz by means of sublimed mercury, in which the writer refers to a method recommended by me some time ago as an impossibility. As the description given by “A Chemical Amateur” of the apparatus used in my process betrays his total ignorance of its construction as well as the rationale of the operation, I shall feel obliged by your giving publicity to the following remarks, and the more especially as the subject in point seems to engage considerable attention at present.

Having found, from repeated experiments, that volatilized quicksilver, when brought into contact with unheated quartz by the arrangement described in my specifications, forms an amalgam most readily and effectually, I have been quite unable to perceive the utility of heating the quartz as by Mr Porter’s process. It is well known that heat is a most potent agent in separating quicksilver from gold, and the raising both materials to a high temperature must tend rather to defeat than facilitate the desired result. Moreover, the expense of fuel attending the heating process, as well as the length of time required for its completion, renders it of comparatively little commercial value.

I am, Sir, your obedient servant

WILLIAM SYMINGTON, C.E.

Bacchus Marsh, May 9.

NEWSPAPER REPORTS

WILLIAM SYMINGTON OBITUARY

The Bacchus Marsh Express Saturday 23 March 1867 page 2

One of our most noteworthy residents has been removed from our midst by death. On Sunday last, Mr. William Symington, senior, C.E., died at his residence, after a short illness. This gentleman was a colonist of some twelve years’ standing, nearly nine years of which time was passed in Bacchus Marsh. It will be recollected that, a few months back, this journal contained an article showing that Mr. Symington, lately deceased, was the son of the real inventor of steam navigation, who, in 1789, fitted a boat with a steam propelling apparatus, which was tried on the Forth and Clyde Canal, and with such success that Lord Dundas and the Duke of Bridgewater earnestly assisted Mr. Symington in further developing his invention. However, untoward circumstances prevented Mr. Symington obtaining such a reward for his services as their merit deserved, but some recognition of them was made by George the Fourth, who gave him £100, and a further sum of £50 a year or two afterwards. As was stated in the article we have alluded to, Mr. Symington, now deceased, was the “inventive son of an inventive father,” for he has, besides other inventions, perfected a plan for preserving potatoes, and also one for preserving milk. The former invention was sold to a company in England, who in turn obtained £1000 for it. An exhibit of these granulated preserved potatoes at the recent Intercolonial Exhibition in Melbourne obtained for Mr. Symington a gold medal from the Commissioners. It is gratifying to think that this recognition of the merits of the invention must have been a pleasing feature of the last few weeks' existence of the deceased inventor. Mr. Symington was born in Falkirk, Stirlingshire, on the 22nd March, 1802. In 1844 he received the gold medal of the Society of Arts, for his invention for dessicating (sic) or extracting moisture from various substances -such as woollen and silk fabrics, wood, &c., and for purifying casks. Several of these apparatuses were supplied to Her Majesty's Government for use in the Crimean Hospitals during the Russian war, for drying and disinfecting clothing. The invention was also used in all cases where drying or roasting powers were required, such as for roasting coffee, chicory, &c., or for warming large buildings, and was subsequently applied to assist the processes of preserving potatoes and milk, above mentioned. Mr. Symington also exhibited at the Great Exhibition of 1851 an improved gun wad, made of wood, which was then rejected by the Admiralty authorities as unsuitable for adoption by them, but at the present time this gun wad is almost exclusively used in the service; and Mr. Symington fitted up at the Woolwich Arsenal one of his dessicating machines, for the very purpose of drying or seasoning gun wads of his own invention. He also effected an improvement in projectiles, for smooth bore guns, obviating the necessity of rifling. This was brought under the notice of the present Treasurer of Victoria, but no notice appears to have been taken of it, and Mr. Symington did not care to pursue the matter. On his arrival in Victoria, Mr. Symington naturally turned his attention to effecting improvements in quartz-crushing and amalgamating processes, more particularly the latter, and took out a patent for a process the principal feature of which was the introducing amongst the pulverised quartz of quicksilver in a state of vapour. Other matters prevented his following up this invention. Amongst the minor improvements made by Mr. Symington, we may mention one as showing the truly inventive bent of his mind. He had occasion to cure a smoky chimney, and immediately devised a plan as simple as it was effectual namely, the fixing a few inches above the top of the chimney proper of an outer casing (or larger chimney) of metal, leaving a space all round between it and the chimney for the smoke to escape, so that any wind which otherwise blew directly across the top of the chimney, was broken by the edge of the protector, and the smoke issuing from the chimney had time to escape down the side. As is well known, Mr. Symington, during his residence on the Marsh, devoted himself to brewing pursuits, and although doubtless this occupation was not congenial to his taste, yet we are sure all will admit that, even in this line of business, he was completely successful in producing an excellent article. He built his own dwelling-house and brew-house, constructed his own vats and casks, and, in fact, nearly everything required for the business. In this he was assisted by his son, who has latterly almost entirely conducted the brewing operations, and will continue to do so in the future. The funeral took place on Tuesday, and was very numerously attended. Every mark of respect was paid to the deceased, and thus ended the career of one who, in a manner, links Bacchus Marsh with one of the most important achievements of science-viz., the consummation of steam navigation, and who, besides, was entitled to be considered a benefactor to mankind as having added considerably to its knowledge of mechanical appliances, Mr. Symington was a member of the Bacchus Marsh Road Board until a very short time back.

Note also the articles in the Bacchus Marsh Express dated 6 October 1866 page 4 and 5 December 1914 page 3.

GRAVE AND MEMORIAL OF WILLIAM SYMINGTON

Bacchus Marsh Express (Vic.), Saturday 2 May 1874, page 2

From time to time we have called attention to the unkempt state of the Bacchus Marsh Cemetery, and have expressed the desire of the public to have some information as to the trustees’ proceedings, but no result has followed such appeals. A need for calling attention to the matter has again arisen owing to the recent placing in the Cemetery of three or four handsome tombstones and railings, which render all the more necessary an improvement in the general surroundings under the control of the trustees, Chief among these tombstones is one erected by the widow of the late Mr. William Symington, C. E., who died in 1867, and whose history has some public interest, not exactly local, although he was for a time a Shire Councillor. His claim to be remembered as a public man rests upon his merits as an inventor, and also upon the fact that his father was the introducer of steam navigation. As our present purpose is not to write a memoir of the late Mr. Symington, but simply to describe the monument erected to his memory, we cannot describe at length his various inventions, some particulars of which appeared in this paper in 1866 and 1867. These inventions obtained for him the gold medal of the Society of Arts and a gold medal from one of the exhibitions held in Victoria, also some pecuniary results, but not to the extent they should have done. The memorial erected in the Cemetery over the grave of Mr. Symington is a large polished marble slab, some seven feet high, and four inches thick, without much ornamentation about it; indeed the merit of the whole erection, railing included, is its plain good taste and massiveness. The railing is supported on a bluestone course with polished margins and finely axed panels. It is difficult to give an idea in words of an erection of this kind, except to monumental masons. The stone-work is 20 feet by 9 feet, and the railings stand about 4 1/2 feet from the ground. The stone came from Malmsbury. The memorial is the handsomest in the Cemetery, and reflects credit upon Mr. Hanson, of Carlton, who executed the whole of the work, including the erection. The cost has been, we hear, between £150 and £200.

FAMILY NOTICES

The Argus Saturday 11 August 1860 page 4

MARRIAGE.

On the 6th inst., at Trinity Church, Bacchus Marsh, Thomas Pinkerton to Elizabeth Bowie, second daughter of William Symington, C.E., late of King William-street, London.

The Argus Wednesday 17 February 1864 page 4

DEATHS.

SYMINGTON. —On the 16th inst., at Bacchus Marsh, Mary Miller, eldest daughter of W. Symington, aged twenty-seven years.

The Bacchus Marsh Express Saturday 9 December 1871 page 2

MARRIAGE. SYMINGTON—TANNER. — On the 30th ult., at Bacchus Marsh, by the Rev. James Lambie, William Symington, Bacchus Marsh, to Annie Hampson Tanner, Bacchus Marsh.

The Argus Saturday 7 February 1874 page 1

SYMINGTON - On the 4th Inst, at Bacchus Marsh, the wife of William Symington of a son.

The Bacchus Marsh Express Saturday 5 February 1876 page 2

BIRTH. SYMINGTON. —On the 29th ult., at, Bacchus Marsh, the wife of William Symington, of a son.

The Bacchus Marsh Express Saturday 17 February 1877 page 2

DEATH. SYMINGTON. —On the 10th inst., at Bacchus Marsh, Henry James, second son of William and Annie Symington, aged twelve months and a half.

The Bacchus Marsh Express Saturday 19 January 1878 page 2

BIRTH. SYMINGTON. —On the 13th inst., at the Brewery, Bacchus Marsh, the wife of William Symington, of a son.

The Bacchus Marsh Express Saturday 20 September 1879 page 2

BIRTH. SYMINGTON. —On the 14th inst., at the Brewery, Bacchus Marsh, the wife of Wm. Symington, of a daughter.

The Bacchus Marsh Express Saturday 22 November 1879 page 2

DEATHS. SYMINGTON. —On the 19th instant, at Bacchus Marsh, William, eldest son of William and Annie Hampson Symington, aged five years and nine months.

The Bacchus Marsh Express Saturday 30 April 1881 page 2

BIRTH. SYMINGTON. —On the 25th inst., at the Brewery, Bacchus Marsh, the wife of Wm. Symington, of a son.

The Argus Saturday 9 February 1884 page 1

SYMINGTON. -On the 28th ult., at Bacchus Marsh, the wife of William Symington of a son.  

The Bacchus Marsh Express Saturday 10 April 1886 page 2

DEATH. SYMINGTON. —On the 8th inst., at the Brewery, Bacchus Marsh, Eliza S. Symington, aged 74, widow of the late Wm. Symington, C.E., late of Bacchus Marsh, and formerly of King William St., London.

The Age Saturday 19 June 1886 page 5

SYMINGTON. — On the 8th June, at the Brewery, Bacchus Marsh, the wife of Wm. Symington of a son.

The Bacchus Marsh Express Saturday 28 January 1888 page 2

DEATH. SYMINGTON. —On the 26th inst., at Bacchus Marsh Walter Bowie, infant son of William and Annie Symington, aged 1 year and 7 months. Funeral at 2 o’clock on Saturday.

The Bacchus Marsh Express Saturday 31 August 1889 page 2

BIRTH. SYMINGTON—On the 28th inst., at Hopetoun, Bacchus Marsh, the wife of William Symington, of a daughter.

The Bacchus Marsh Express Saturday 23 May 1891 page 2

BIRTHS. SYMINGTON. —On the 14th inst., at the Brewery, Bacchus Marsh, the wife of William Symington a son.

The Bacchus Marsh Express Saturday 18 November 1893 page 2

SYMINGTON. —On the 29th October, at Bacchus Marsh, the wife of William Symington, of a daughter.

The Bacchus Marsh Express Saturday 28 February 1903 page 2

DEATH. ATHORN. —On 12th February, at Prince-town, Isabella Grace, the dearly beloved wife of W. H. Athorn, and daughter of the late W. Symington, of Bacchus Marsh.  

The Bacchus Marsh Express Saturday 28 August 1909 page 2

DEATHS. ATHORN. —On 22nd August, at Market street, Benalla, William Symington Athorn, beloved husband of Margaret Athorn, late manager Swanpool Butter factory, aged 43 years.

The Age Thursday 31 October 1929 page 1

SYMINGTON. —On the 28th October, passed peacefully away, William, the dearly beloved husband of Annie, and loving father of William (deceased), Henry (deceased), Robert, Eliza, William, Henry, Arthur, Walter (deceased), Ellen, Thomas and Nancy, in his 90th year. A colonist of 74 years.

SUBMISSIONS TO THE MECHANICS' MAGAZINE

Number 524, Saturday August 24, 1833 pages 333 and 334

SYMINGTON'S ATMOSPHERIC ENGINE

SYMINGTON'S ATMOSPHERIC ENGINE, 1784.

     Sir, —I herewith forward a drawing and description of the improved atmospheric engine, invented by my father in 1784, and protected by patent for the united empire in 1787, which will supply the information which you considered (page 122) to be wanting on this head. A model of this engine was submitted to the inspection of the celebrated Mr. Smeaton, who bestowed upon it his most unqualified commendation.

The advantages which it possesses, as a, lifting engine, were so obvious, that in many instances it superseded the engines then in use, and among others even those of Mr. Watt. It was attempted, on the part of that gentleman, to prevent its introduction, on the plea that it was an infringement upon his patent rights; but wide as was the circle he had drawn for protection, after the strictest scrutiny had been made, the invention was proved to be beyond his boundary. I have also sent one of the printed circulars issued by the inventor, which may now, perhaps, be deemed a curiosity. As soon as time will permit, another drawing, representing another improved steam-engine, patented by my father in 1801, will be supplied.

      I am, Sir,

     Your most obedient servant,

     William Symington.

  1, Mary-street, Bromley, Aug. 1, 1833.

Description of the Engraving.

     a is the steam pipe; b the cylinder; c atmospheric piston, attached by the rod p to the lever beam o, which works the mine pump; d intermediate piston, connected to the lever beam e, by the rod r, which works through a stuffing box in the bottom of the cylinder; f a counterpoise attached to the end of lever beam e; g valve to admit steam from the boiler to the cylinder, which acts on both pistons, elevating piston c to the top of the cylinder, and depressing d into the required position; h a valve, which opens a communication to the wider side of the piston d; k discharge pipe, on the end of which is a valve opening outwards, and into the vessel n; m cold-water cistern;  t hand gear and plug frame; u injection cock.

     When the apparatus is in the position be shut, the steam, having performed its office between the pistons, will he admitted by the valve h to the under side of the piston d, which piston will immediately ascend by means of the counterpoise f. The steam will continue rushing below to restore the equilibrium, while, at the same instant, the cock u will admit a jet of cold water sufficient to produce condensation. By this arrangement the vacuum will be formed under the atmospheric piston, without cooling that part of the cylinder required to be kept hot; and the injection air and condensation, contained under the piston d, will he completely discharged by its descent through the pipe k.

     N. B. —The boiler and a portion of the beam are omitted in the representation of the engine, for the purpose of exhibiting the principal part of the apparatus upon a scale of sufficient magnitude.

Copy of the printed Circular issued by Mr. Symington, sen.

" FIRE-ENGINE UPON A NEW PRINCIPLE AND IMPROVED PLAN.

" Mr. Symington, the inventor of this engine, having been equally attentive to saving of fire and increase of power, obtained these ends by a simple construction and method of condensing the steam, so that at each stroke as perfect a vacuum is produced as the nature of steam and water will admit; and any person acquainted with the common old fire engine may easily manage and keep this one in repair. By a comparative trial made betwixt Mr. Watt's and this engine, at Wanlockhead Lead Mines, in Scotland, in the course of last summer, it appeared—both engines having a cylinder 36 inches diameter, consuming the same quantity of coal, and working an equal number of 8 feet strokes per minute—Mr. Symington's wrought with a power equal to 12 lbs. for each square inch contained in the area of the piston, whilst Mr.

Watt's wrought with a power equal only to 9 ½ lbs. per square inch; that is to say, his engine did at least one fifth more work than Mr. Watt's, upon the same consumption of fuel.

     “Having secured his property by patent, he offers the use of this much improved engine, and its various application by a new and advantageous rotatory motion, to all those who are concerned in mines, stamps, water works, draining of fens and lakes, grist mills, saw mills, breweries, or other manufactories which require great mechanical powers. He intends to give, make, and put it up, upon most reasonable terms.

     “For particulars, apply to Mr. William Symington, Engineer, Wanlockhead, by Sanquhar, North Britain.

     “N. B. —Steam engines, upon whatever principles, may be convert into those of

the above plan, at a moderate expense.”

     “London, February 21, 1789."

No. 536 Saturday, November 16, 1833

 SYMINGTON'S LIFTING STEAM ENGINE

Number 676, Saturday July 23, 1836

SYMINGTON'S PATENT HORIZONTAL WINDMILL

SYMINGTON'S PATENT HORIZONTAL WINDMILL.

     Perhaps no mechanical problem has received more attention than the best mode of applying to machinery that cheapest of all motive-powers, the wind. The common vertical windmill is attended with so many acknowledged dangers and inconveniences, that the great object sought after by engineers in this department of constructive science, has been to provide an equally efficient horizontal mill; but though innumerable plans for this purpose have been brought forward— some of them by engineers of the highest eminence—they have been all of so complicated, or so expensive, or so inefficient a description, that not one of them has ever found its way into general use.

     The engraving on the preceding page represents a new variety of the horizontal mill which has been lately patented by Mr. William Symington, and is on the same ingenious principle as the first paddle-wheel of his invention (see Mech.Mag. vol. xxii. p. 337.)  A is an upright shaft, which work the stones; 13, frame-work connecting the fans with the shaft; C, fans in action; D, fans feathered when coming round against the wind; E, quadrants (for which coupling-links may be substituted) to connect the fans; F, cranks and rollers, keeping the fans in action, and producing the feathering motion by revolving in the oblique path of G, the guide-ring, which is the only part of the mill that requires to be moved when a change of wind takes place.

It will be observed, that the power in this windmill is communicated directly to the shaft without the intervention of bevil-gearing, and the loss from friction is thus greatly diminished. The sails always fall into that position the best adapted to obtain the greatest effect from the impulsion of the wind, and to offer the least possible resistance when moving against it. The fans have, by their manner of action, all the effect of a fly-wheel—accumulating power when the wind is in excess, and giving it out again when the wind is low. No wind can be so violent that this mill will not work steadily under it, and seldom so slight that it will not turn it to good account.

     The great lateral strain to which vertical windmills are subject, makes great size and strength in such structures in-size and strength indispensable; and even when most carefully and skilfully provided against, occasions much wear and tear, and in squally and tempestuous weather is not unfrequently the cause of their being blown down, or rendered utterly useless. A striking accident of this sort was noticed in our last volume, p. 464. But in the present horizontal mill there is no lateral strain whatever; it need be of no greater strength than is necessary for working purposes; and as the shaft can be supported from within, it can be erected on any building, however slight.

     The direction in which the mill rotates can be changed at pleasure, by merely turning the guide-ring; or it may be brought to a state of rest by the same means, without any part of the mill-house requiring to be moved.

     The parts of this windmill being much fewer than those of the common mill—wholly exempt from sudden and violent strains, working under all circumstances equably and smoothly—the wear and tear must be comparatively trifling.

     Cheaper in its first cost—less expensive to keep in order—easier to manage—and much more serviceable and effective, this horizontal windmill offers altogether such advantages over the common vertical mill as must, we apprehend, speedily ensure its universal adoption.

                                                                                                                   N.         

MESSRS WILLIAM AND ANDREW SYMINGTON’S PADDLE WHEEL

WILL OF WILLIAM SYMINGTON 1802-1867

PROV VPRS 7591/P1/28 item 6/223 and VPRS 7951/P0/66 item 6/223 

Will dated 16th March 1867

This is the last will and Testament of me William Symington, of Bacchus Marsh, Brewer.

            After payment of all my just debts, funeral and Testamentary expenses, I give and devise and bequeath unto my wife Eliza Susannah, and to my son William, my business as Brewer together with all my property -except as follows.

            To my daughters Elizabeth, and Isabella I give, devise and bequeath the sum of Twenty pounds sterling each; and to my daughter Margaret I give, devise, and bequeath the Pianoforte.

            And I hereby appoint my Wife Eliza Susanna, and my son William or the survivor of them Executors to this my will, as witness my hand this Sixteenth day of March 1867.

            (Signed with a mark because his right hand was incapacitated)

            Witnesses W H Athorn and Henry Wrixon

FIRST BRITISH EXPERIMENTS IN STEAM NAVIGATION

Mechanics' Magazine, Volume 18, December 15, 1832, pages 161, 162

         Sir, - The accompanying sketch, fig. 1, represents a lateral section of the original steam boat invented by my father, the late William Symington, and the efficiency of which was twice proved, though on different scales of magnitude, by him, viz. once in 1788, on Dalswinton Lake, Dumphries-shire – and another time, in 1789, on the Forth and Clyde Canal.

Description

         AA, the two cylinders. B, the boiler. C, steam-pipe. DD, paddle wheels, situated and wrought in a trough extending from the stem to the stern of the boat, which trough allowed free ingress and egress of the water. EE, connecting-chains. FF, direction-pullies. GG, ratchet-wheels, which communicated motion to the paddle wheels. II, lower piston-rods. H, beam. K, plug-frame and hand-gear. LL, flotation-line. M, water-cistern.

         The merit of these exemplifications has been in several publications erroneously awarded to the late Patrick Miller, Esq. The engine was of a peculiar construction, partly for the purpose of avoiding infringement on Mr Watt's patent-rights. It had two cylinders on atmospheric principles, each cylinder having two pistons, the lower of which acted as an air pump. The more clearly to illustrate the principles of this part of the machinery, a section of the two cylinders is exhibited in fig. 2. a and b are the cylinders, a being in the act of receiving, and b of condensing steam; c, the steam-pipe; dd atmospheric pistons, producing, by their alternate action on the ratchet-wheels, rotary motion; ee, exhausting-pistons; ff, steam-valves; gg, exhausting valves; hh, foot-valves; ii, discharge-valves; kk, connecting-chain; ll, injecting-pipes; m, beam.

         From this sketch it must be evident, that while the steam is elevating the atmospheric piston of either cylinder, the lower piston is necessarily depressed, and performs the exhausting stroke of the opposite cylinder, both pistons being connected by means of the beam.

         The exemplification of 1789 was propelled by the power of steam at the rate of six miles an hour; thus satisfactorily proving that the performance of the Charlotte Dundas, in 1802, as a tug, was not "the first public trial of steam for a useful purpose in navigation," as asserted in a report of the Forth and Clyde Canal Committee, contained in your Magazine of July 9, 1831.

         Sensible of the readiness with which you have inserted my former communications, and perfectly prepared to substantiate every particular which I have advanced.

                                             I remain, Sir,

                                 Your most obedient servant,

                                                         WILLIAM SYMINGTON

Bromley, Nov. 17, 1832

CENSUS RETURNS

1841 ENGLAND CENSUS (6th June)

DAGENHAM

Residence Wangye House, Chadwell Heath, Dagenham

William Symington 33 Inspector of Works

Eliza 25

Mary 11

Eliza 3

William 1

Elizabeth 60

ADDRESSES

FROM SUBMISSIONS TO THE MECHANICS' MAGAZINE

Bromley, Middlesex, Sept. 4, 1832; Nov. 17, 1832.

Mary-street Bromley, May 13 1833.

1, Mary-street, Bromley, Aug. 1 1833; Oct 15 1833.

1, King William-street, London Bridge, Sept. 1 1836; Sept. 30 1836; Nov. 8 1836; Dec. 8 1836.

Dean-street, Commercial Road, June 21 1837.

Wangye House, Essex, Dec. 21 1840; Jan. 11 1841; Feb. 3 1841; March 3 1841.

FROM BIRTH RECORDS OF HIS CHILDREN

1842 Essex Isabella Grace

1847 Essex Margaret

POST OFFICE DIRECTORY

1846 41, Gracechurch Street, London 

PATENT DOCUMENTS

1835 Bromley, Middlesex, No. 6925

1843 East Smithfield, Middlesex, No. 9924

1844  East Smithfield, Middlesex, No. 10,126

1847 New Broad Street, London, No. 11,947

1852 Trafalgar Place, West Hackney road, Middlesex, No. 14,030

1853 41, Gracechurch Street, London, No. 477

1854 41, Gracechurch Street, London, No. 593

1854 King William Street, London, No. 1901

BIBLIOGRAPHY FOR WILLIAM SYMINGTON 1802-1867

LETTERS TO THE MECHANICS' MAGAZINE

The First Steam-Boat, 1832, Vol. 18, No. 475, page 386

Mr. Symington's Steam-Carriage Experiments 1784-86, 1832, Vol. 18, No. 480, page 34

First British Experiments in Steam Navigation, 1832, Vol. 18, No. 388, page 162

The Late William Symington and the Application of Steam to Locomotive Purposes, 1833, Vol. 19, page 121

Symington's Atmospheric Engine, 1784, 1833, Vol. 19, page 354

Symington's Lifting Steam-Engine, 1833, Vol. 20, page 98

Symington's Condensation by Injection, 1836, Vol. 25, pages 295-297

Mr. Symington and Mr. Howard, 1836, Vol. 25, page 393

Messrs Symington and Howard's System of Condensation, 1836, Vol. 26, pages 15, 16

Mr. Symington and Mr. Howard, 1836, Vol. 26, pages 119, 120

Mr. Symington and Mr. Howard, 1836, Vol. 26, pages 219, 220

Extinguishing Fires on Board Vessels, 1837, Vol. 27, pages 202, 203

Symington's Patent Boiler, 1837, Vol. 27, pages 218, 219

Condensation- Mr. Symington in Reply to Mr. Howard, 1841, Vol. 34, pages 8-10

Condensation- The Plans of Mr. Symington and Mr. Howard, 1841, Vol. 34, page 176

Howard and Symington's System of Condensation, 1841, Vol. 34, page 217

OTHER LETTERS

1844

Letter to the Editor of the Times (with Dr. Robert Bowie), 30 November 1844

1857

Letter to The Argus, 18 July 1857 page 9 "The Invention of Steam Navigation"

Dated Napier Street, Collingwood, 7 July 1857 

1861

Letter to The Argus, 24 May 1861 page 5 "The Extraction of Gold"

Dated Bacchus Marsh, 9 May 1861

Letter to The Colonial Mining Journal 6 June 1861 page 147 (on the separation of gold from quartz)