Heartland
master brummie
From a canal perspective Samuel Garbett has not had the best press, Broadbridge almost dismisses his contribution in his single volume on Birmingham Canals. Jean Lindsay in her book on the Trent & Mersey indicates Garbett had an early interest in promoting the canal that linked the Mersey and the Trent with the Gilbert family, but a different proposal by Wedgwood eventually won the day and went forward.
Samuel Garbett in reality remained committed to waterway development. He a thorn in the side of Birmingham Canal Chairman, when that canal had its route changed and lengthened. Garbett favored a more direct line. He also was a keen supporter of the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal.
As a businessman he was a successful London Merchant. He was involved with the promotion of the Carron Ironworks in Scotland as well as Sulphuric Acid making there with his partner Priestley. The Carron venture eventually caused a lengthy litigation for debt that was to affect at least three generations of the Garbett family and often deflected Garbett from his canal interests. He did eventually set up an acid making works in Birmingham, which was continued after his death in 1803. Sulpuric acid was used as part of the refining process for precious metals and also was used to
clean others such as steel. Birmingham came to have several acid makers within the town.
Samuel Garbett in reality remained committed to waterway development. He a thorn in the side of Birmingham Canal Chairman, when that canal had its route changed and lengthened. Garbett favored a more direct line. He also was a keen supporter of the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal.
As a businessman he was a successful London Merchant. He was involved with the promotion of the Carron Ironworks in Scotland as well as Sulphuric Acid making there with his partner Priestley. The Carron venture eventually caused a lengthy litigation for debt that was to affect at least three generations of the Garbett family and often deflected Garbett from his canal interests. He did eventually set up an acid making works in Birmingham, which was continued after his death in 1803. Sulpuric acid was used as part of the refining process for precious metals and also was used to
clean others such as steel. Birmingham came to have several acid makers within the town.