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Jean-Claude Verpilleux
Jean-Claude Verpilleux (2 May 1798 – 13 October 1875) was a French mine laborer who became a leading engineer, manufacturer and inventor. He was involved in the design of early railway locomotives, and invented innovative steam-powered "grapple boats" driven by traction wheels running along the bed of the river or canal. Early years Claude Verpilleux was born at Rive de Gier in 1798, son of a canal worker. His father died when he was ten. His limited education allowed him to read, calculate, and to write with some difficulty. On 15 August 1810 he began work at a daily salary of one franc at the Montjoint mines in Rive de Gier. One of the mine concessionaires, Fleurdelix, was struck by Verpilleux's activity and intelligence, and had him help install a British steam engine, which was not working satisfactorily. Verpilleux immediately understood how the machine worked, and in 1814 at the age of 16 was placed in charge of it. He examined it carefully and improved it, then built a m ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Rive-de-Gier
Rive-de-Gier (, literally ''Bank of Gier (river), Gier''; ) is a Communes of the Loire department, commune in the Loire (department), Loire Departments of France, department in central France. In 2020, with a population of 15,086 inhabitants and an area of 7.3 km², the population density is 2,058 inhabitants per km² It was an important center of Loire coal mining basin, glass making and iron and steel manufacture in the 19th century. In the late 20th century the town lost most of its heavy industries. Location Rive de Gier is Located in the Loire (department), Loire department, on the border of the Rhône (department), Rhône department, 25 km from Saint-Étienne, 38 km from Lyon and 11 km from the town of Saint-Chamond, Loire, Saint Chamond. The altitude of the city varies from 227 to 394 meters. The municipal territory is located above the Loire coal basin. Economy The median income of the municipality is 18,780 euros The poverty rate in 2020 is 23%. In 2020, the ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
