Hornblower, Josiah, 1729-1809

Josiah Hornblower (February 23, 1729 – January 21, 1809) was an English-born American engineer and statesman. He was a delegate for New Jersey in the Continental Congress in 1785 and 1786.

Born in Staffordshire, England, he studied mechanics and mathematics as a young man. In 1745, he started working for his elder brother Jonathan as an engineering apprentice. They went to Cornwall, England and built Newcomen steam engines for use in tin mines. Josiah became an expert in both the engines and mining operations. In September 1753, Hornblower was brought to America by the Schuyler family to support their copper mines on New Barbadoes Neck. Hornblower settled in Belleville in the Province of New Jersey and is credited with building the first steam engine in America in 1755. He continued to practice mechanical and civil engineering for much of his life.

For several years, Hornblower was involved in politics. He served as clerk in various town meetings and for his county. As New Jersey established a revolutionary government, Essex County sent him to the state’s Assembly from 1779 to 1780; in 1780, the Assembly named him its speaker. From 1781 until 1784, he represented Essex County as a member of the New Jersey Legislative Council, which functioned as an upper house in the legislature. In 1785, the New Jersey assembly sent Hornblower as one of their delegates to the Continental Congress. His term started in November 1785 and ran for a year. While he was diligent in attendance and voting, he wasn’t a leading member of the Congress. After his year, he returned home to attend to his engineering and mercantile pursuits.

Hornblower remained active in engineering circles, and for a time served as the head of a mine association. He expanded his operations, opening various mills in along the Second River and the Passaic River. In 1794, he built the first stamping mill in America. He remained somewhat active in public life as well, serving as a County Judge in Essex County from 1790 until 1808, when his failing health led to his resignation. Hornblower died in Newark on January 21, 1809 and is buried in the yard of the Dutch Reformed Church in Belleville.