Ernest Spon

Born on August 1, 1849, Ernest Spon trained as a civil engineer in the office of Oliver Byrne from 1869 to 1872, then spent about eighteen months at the works of Thomas Don of Reigate. He later worked in consulting engineering, with notable experience in well sinking, and built a reputation for practical technical knowledge.

Alongside engineering work, he became known as an author and editor of technical books. He wrote Water Supply: The Present Practice of Sinking and Boring Wells, first published in 1875, and was associated with the well-known Spon family publishing world; Grace's Guide identifies E. and F. N. Spon as his uncles. His name also appears on engineering reference works and workshop manuals that helped spread specialist knowledge to professionals and skilled amateurs.

His career included industrial design work as well. Grace's Guide notes that he was appointed engineer to the Explosives Company in 1881 and designed and supervised new dynamite works at Pembrey, near Cardiff. He died young in 1890, but his books and technical compilations continued to circulate for many years afterward.