jlhmnj

Hi,

I cobbled together an article on the early Davis SM Co from early period newspaper articles. I havn't commonly seen this information out there so I thought I'd share it:

Jon

ThayerRags

That's interesting Jon. Thank you.

CD in Oklahoma

GreyQ

Thanks, that was interesting. Where did you find your sources? It must have been challenging.

SteveH

NICE!!! that is going in my research folder!!!! Is this mostly from JDA or ??

jlhmnj

Most of it came from 1860's and 1870's Watertown, NY newspaper articles available for viewing online for a fee. The bit about Elias Howe was in Google books "Growth of a Century" by Haddock. The internet is truly an awesome tool.

Jon

jlhmnj

Also through the use of the internet it was recently discovered that the Davis Vertical Feed inventor, Job A. Davis, lived from 1823 - Jan 31, 1886. This was unknown until a couple years ago.

lovelyl

Jon,
Thanks for sharing! The history of the invention of the sewing machine is fascinating! From the little research that I have done, there were lots of underhanded things that went on during the early days of the sewing machine. Guess there have always been unscrupulous businessmen! Glad the sewing machine industry survived! You mentioned the new factory was in Dayton. Was that Dayton, Ohio or some other state? Is this a "to be continued" article? Would love to know how the new factory worked out...

jlhmnj

Yes, Dayton Ohio. Here's some Davis Dayton history.

http://www.daytonhistorybooks.com/davisdayton.html

Rumors are Davis was bankrupted due to financial / Wall Street skulduggery.

Jon

lovelyl

Thanks! I live just south of Dayton, Ohio! Cool local history!

jlhmnj

Davis factory buildings are still there. From what I hear Dayton is a far cry from its former glory. I used to vacation and go fishing in Watertown, NY / 1000 Islands. Beautiful place to visit.

Jon