November 4, 2008 at 11:17 pm
I’m seeking some biographical information on James McCollum, the co-inventor of the single-sleeve valve which was used by Bristol and Napier in their piston aero-engines.
McCollum, (full name, James Harry Keighly McCollum) was a Canadian, probably born in Toronto circa 1860 – 1870. Before the first World War, he worked in Toronto as an electrician before moving on to internal combustion engines, including his version of the single-sleeve motor.(see attachment).
He visited England and Europe in 1914 where he met the Argyll Co. representatives to come to a sharing arrangement re the Peter Burt engine.
After WW1, it appears he may have moved to the U.S. to work with his brother or son, Henry John deNeville McCollum.
He was married (wife’s name possibly Florence) and had at least one male grandson.
Canadian institutions such as libraries, universities, and engineering societies seemingly have never heard of him!
Any further details gratefully received!