Josiah Hornblower facts for kids

Josiah Hornblower (born February 23, 1729 – died January 21, 1809) was an important engineer and politician. He was born in England but became a leading citizen in Belleville, New Jersey.

Josiah is famous for building the first steam engine in America. He also served as a delegate for New Jersey in the Continental Congress from 1785 to 1786.

Early Life and Learning

Josiah was born in Staffordshire, England. His father, Joseph Hornblower, was a pioneer in using steam power.

From a young age, Josiah loved to learn about machines and numbers. He studied mechanics and mathematics.

Becoming an Engineer

Learning About Steam Engines

In 1745, when Josiah was 16, he started working with his older brother, Jonathan. He was an engineering helper, learning how things were built.

They traveled to Cornwall, England. There, they built Newcomen steam engines. These engines were used to pump water out of tin mines. Josiah quickly became an expert in how these engines worked and how mines operated.

Bringing Steam Power to America

In 1753, the Schuyler family invited Josiah to America. They wanted his help with their Schuyler Copper Mine in New Jersey.

Josiah settled in Belleville, New Jersey. In 1755, he built what is believed to be the first steam engine in America. He had brought important engine parts with him from England to make this possible.

Josiah continued to work as an engineer for many years. In 1794, he built the first "stamping mill" in America. A stamping mill is a machine that crushes raw ore, getting it ready for processing.

A New American Attitude

Over time, Josiah became very American in his ways. During the French and Indian War, he joined the New Jersey militia. He was a captain in the Essex County Regiment. His company helped defend the area, but they did not see any battles.

In 1760, Josiah opened a hardware store. This business went along with his engineering work. He became a successful merchant, selling goods to people.

Political Life

Serving His Community

Josiah was a respected leader in his community. He often served as a clerk for town and county meetings.

As New Jersey formed its own government during the American Revolution, Josiah became involved. From 1779 to 1780, he represented Essex County in the state's Assembly. In 1780, he was chosen as the speaker of the Assembly.

From 1781 to 1784, he was a member of the New Jersey Legislative Council. This group was like the upper house of the state's government.

A Delegate to Congress

In 1785, the New Jersey Assembly chose Josiah to be one of their delegates. He went to the Continental Congress, which was the governing body of the United States at the time.

His term in Congress began in November 1785 and lasted for one year. Josiah attended meetings and voted carefully. However, he was not one of the main leaders in Congress. After his year, he returned home to continue his engineering and business work.

Family Life

In 1755, Josiah married Elizabeth Kingsland. Her father, William Kingsland, was a Colonel and a Judge. Her mother's father, William Pinhorne, was also a Judge.

Josiah and Elizabeth had twelve children. One of their sons, Joseph Coerten Hornblower, later became the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of New Jersey.

Later Years and Legacy

Josiah remained active in engineering throughout his life. For a while, he was in charge of a mine association. He also expanded his businesses, opening several mills along the Second River and the Passaic River.

He continued to serve the public as a County Judge from 1790 until 1808. He had to resign because his health was failing.

Josiah Hornblower passed away in Newark on January 21, 1809. He is buried in the churchyard of the Dutch Reformed Church in Belleville.