Encyclopedia of Connecticut biography, genealogical-memorial ...

these machines varied so much, they col-
lectively seemed to cover thoroughly the
field of sewing by machinery, yet each
obviously had extensive fields to which
each was particularly adapted, and as
Elias Howe's patents strengthened all, it
seemed wise that all should respect his
patents and the patents and devices of
each other, and in this way join in the
defense of each other's rights. This plan
was adopted, and led to many years of
successful business for all concerned. Mr.
Howe for many years received a royalty
for each machine manufactured by all
these companies, but for several years
did nothing himself in the way of manu-
facturing.
Mr. Wilson, eager to devote attention
in other directions and explore other fields
of invention, among which were cotton
picking machines, illuminating gases and
photography, early retired from active
participation in the business, retaining
stock in the company and receiving the
benefit of dividends, a regular salary
thereafter without services and substantial
sums on renewals of his patents. He
invested largely in building in North
Adams, Massachusetts, the scene of part
of his early life. He built a residence on
a beautiful site overlooking the Naugatuck
River opposite the city of Water-
bury, and continued to live there until
his death, April 29, 1888. The residence
enlarged, has since become the Waterbury
Hospital. His inventions have been
declared by high authorities to be "as
original, ingenious, and efifective, as any
to be found in the whole range of me-
chanics."
In 1856 the factory was removed from
Watertown to Bridgeport, Connecticut,
the company buying and occupying the
works of the Jerome Clock Company. Mr.
Wheeler also removed thither and at once
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
identified himself with the interest of the
city. With increased factory space and
improved machinery, the business advanced
with rapid strides. The capital
stock was increased from time to time,
and in 1864 to one million dollars. Fire
swept a portion of the buildings in 1875,
but they were rebuilt immediately on an
improved plan. Additions were frequent-
ly made until the company's works cov-
ered a ground space of some fifteen acres.
In recognition of Mr. Wheeler's services
in his department of industry, he was
decorated at the World's Exposition held
in Vienna in 1873 with the Imperial Order
of Francis Joseph, and at the Paris Expo-
sition in 1889 he received the cross of
the Legion of Honor of France. In addi-
tion to many sewing machine patents,
either as sole inventor or jointly with
others, he held patents for wood filling
compounds, power transmitters, refriger-
ators, ventilating cars, heating and ven-
tilating buildings. The system for ven-
tilating school houses, originated by him,
was the forerunner of the best modern
practice, and was widely sought after and
copied.
As a business man, Mr. Wheeler was
distinguished for his organizing and ad-
ministrative abilities, his energy, enter-
prise, foresight, good judgment, and fair
dealings— qualities which were recognized
throughout the business world. His so-
licitude for all employed by the corpora-
tion of which he was the head was especially
marked, and won for him profound
regard. He contributed largely to the
success of various important local enter-
prises. He was an incorporator of the
People's Savings Bank ; a director of the
Bridgeport City Bank, Bridgeport Hy-
draulic Company, Bridgeport Horse Railway
Company, Fairfield Rubber Company,
Willimantic Linen Company, and