JEX

Johnson (son of Wm. Jex, blacksmith). b. Billing ford, Norfolk about 1778, a blacksmith there and at Lethe ring sett near Holt to 1822 when he commenced employing workmen; made a gold chronometer for sir Jacob Astley, with a detached escapement and compensating balance before he ever heard of the detached escapement; learnt French when about 60; invented a lathe by which he could cut the teeth of wheels mathematically correct into any number up to 2000 by means of a dividing plate; an iron and bra founder, a gla blower, a maker of mathematical instruments, barometers, thermometers, gun barrels, air guns, . d. Lethe ring sett, Norfolk 5 Jany. 1852. Norfolk News 17 Jany. 1852 p. 4; Athenæum 24 Jany. 1852 pp. 123–4; A. Young’s General view of Norfolk (1804) 73–4.