This was in October, 1844. But, although he now had his idea, he lacked money to prove its value. However, a man named Fisher in Cambridge liked his invention, and agreed to board Howe and his family and to advance $500 in return for a half interest in the patent. By the middle of next May, Howe had constructed a machine which did sewing that promised to outlast the cloth.
But the invention was opposed everywhere in America. Finally, in 1846, Howe’s brother Amasa went to England, and managed to sell the English rights in the machine for $1,250 to a William Thomas. This man also gave Elias Howe a place in his factory at $15 a week. But he treated the inventor shamefully, and Howe threw up the situation. He sent his family back to America ahead of him, and then returned himself. He landed in New York with less than a dollar in his pocket, and was met with the news that his wife was dying of consumption at Cambridge. He managed to borrow some money, and reached her side just before she passed away.
These were Howe’s darkest days. Imitations of his machine were infringing on his patent, and he had to begin several suits to establish his rights. He and another man now began to manufacture sewing machines in a small way. It was during this time that the “sewing machine riots” took place; but soon the real value of the invention was seen, and all opposition ceased.
Brighter times began for the inventor. He won his patent suits, and by 1863 his royalties were estimated at $4,000 a day! At the Paris Exposition of 1867 he was awarded a gold medal and the ribbon of the Legion of Honor. His last years were happy ones. He died on October 3, 1867.
PREPARED BY THE EDITORIAL STAFF OF THE MENTOR ASSOCIATION
ILLUSTRATION FOR THE MENTOR, VOL. 1, No. 29, SERIAL No. 29
SAMUEL F. B. MORSE
GREAT AMERICAN INVENTORS
Samuel F. B. Morse
FOUR