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Singer, Isaac Merritt 1811-1875

Inventor; born in Oswego, N. Y., Oct. 27, 1811; learned the machinist's trade; devoted himself to improving sewing-machines; invented a single-thread, chain-stitch machine, for the manufacture of which he built a factory in New York (with Edward Clark, a wealthy lawyer). He was sued by the Howe Sewing-machine Company for infringing upon the patents of Elias Howe while the latter was absent in England in 1847-49. After much litigation, in which some of the most prominent lawyers of the United States were employed, the priority of Howe's invention was established and a compromise was effected in 1854. Singer died in Torquay, England, July 23, 1875.

Harper and Brothers Publishers. . New York. 1902.

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