Hugh Dunsmuir was born in Ayrshire and served his apprenticeship in the Lancefield Works of Robert Napier & Sons.

Early in his career he was employed as engineer on the Clyde paddle steamers, and when the American Civil War broke out he joined the crew of the 21-knot paddle steamer Neptune which was requisitioned to run the blockades of American ports. He served as chief engineer and completed four successful runs before resigning because the ships owners wouldn't increase his salary out of their large profits. His timing was fortunate for the Neptune was captured on her next run and used as a scout against other blockade runners.

For a short time after his adventures in America he was employed with various ship owners in India before returning to Glasgow in 1873. In 1876, together with Alexander Muir he founded the company of Dunsmuir, Muir & Co., Engineers and Boilermakers, Harbour Engine Works, Portman Street. Kinning Park. He retired from Dunsmuir, Muir & Co., the following year (1877) and founded. along with William Jackson. one of the largest and best known marine engineering companies, Dunsmuir & Jackson, Govan Engine Works, Princes Street, Glasgow.

William Jackson (1844-1928), like Dunsmuir himself. was a former Napier apprentice, and from comparatively small beginnings the company prospered extending their works and their work force. Before the outbreak of war in 1914 the company employed 1000 men building engines and boilers for Clyde built steamers and other shipbuilding centres around the world. Hugh Dunsmuir retired from the company in 1909 and was succeeded by his son. The company closed down in 1923.

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