SPARK, ALEXANDER BRODIE (1792-1856), merchant, was born on 9 August 1792 at Elgin, Scotland, the son of a watchmaker. He had a literary education at Elgin, studied French and acquired an interest in astronomy. After some experience in business he went in June 1811 to Tod's counting house in London, where he also started a small literary society. Though aiming at 'that Scottish modesty united to English confidence which is the character I admire', he found living difficult on £50 a year and sought parental help. In reply he was lectured for overspending and for bad grammar in his letters, but won his father's favour by finding supplies of low-priced watches and a design for a 'Patent Warning Clock'. In 1817 he was still with Tod, captivated by his work in the shipping department. In 1820 he went on a continental tour, during which he spent some days ...

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Australian Dictionary of Biography