Thomas Savery was a member of a well-known family of Devonshire, and was born in Shiliston around 1650.

He had great fondness for mathematicians philosophy and Mechanics. Savery became a military engineer, rising to the rank of Captain by 1702, and spent his free time performing experiments in mechanics. In 1696 he took out a patent for a machine for polishing glass or marble and another for "rowing of ships with greater ease and expedicion than hitherto beene done by any other" which involved paddle-wheels driven by a capstan and which was dismissed by the Admiralty following a negative report by the Surveyor of the Navy, Edmund Dummer. Savery also worked for the Sick and Hurt Commissioners, contracting the supply of medicines to the Navy Stock Company, which was connected with the Society of Apothecaries. His duties on their behalf took him to Dartmouth, which is probably how he came into contact with Thomas Newcomen. In 1698 he became the inventor of the steam engine. It is known whether he was aware of the earlier inventions. A comparison of the drawings given of the two engines exhibits, nevertheless, a striking resemblance; and, assuming that of the marquis's engine to be correct, Savery is to be given credit for the finally successful introduction of the "semi-omnipotent and water-commanding " engine of Worcester. The most important advance in actual construction, therefore, was made by Thomas Savery. The constant and embarrassing expense, and the engineering difficulties presented by the necessity of keeping the British mines, and particularly the deep pits of Cornwall, free from water, and the failure of every attempt previously made to provide effective and economical pumping machinery, were noted by Savery, who, July 2, 1698, patented the design of the first engine which was ever actually employed in this work. A working model was submitted to the Royal Society of London. He spent considerable time in improving his engine in the year 1699. Finally after the satisfactory changes he exhibited a model Fire Engine. In 1698 in Hampton Court he obtained the patent. After this he launched his work with a systematic and successful system of advertisement. He made sure that everyone understood not only his plans but even the matters of detail. The Royal Society was then fully organized, and at one of its meetings he obtained permission to appear with his model fire engine and to explain its operation.

References: http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blsavery1.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Savery