Fred W. Barnes (1877-1943) of Zenith Motors and designer of the Gradua gear.
1877 Born in Didsbury, Lancs., the son of William Henry Barnes
Ed. Nottingham. Training: Nottingham University.
1901 Boarding in Hunslet, Leeds. Engineering Draughtsman.[1]
Started work with Humber
1906 Married in Surbiton to Gertrude Elizabeth Lewington
1909 March 29th. Sets first motorcycle record on the newly opened Brooklands test hill in 18.633 seconds on a 3.5 h.p. Zenette-JAP with Gardua gear.[2]
1911 Living at 28 Claremont Road, Surbiton: Frederick William Barnes (age 33 born Didsbury, Lancs.), Works Manager - Motor Cycle Manufacturers. With his wife Gertrude Barnes (age 32 born Islington), Costumier, and their daughter Freda Barnes (age 4 born Subiton). Also two assistants to his wife's business. Two servants.[3]
1922 Automobile Engineer; Director and Works Manager Zenith Motors, Ltd.; Career: Designer and Patentee of the Infinitely Variable Gear for Motor Cycles; Designed and Patented one of the first Spring Frames for Motor Cycles; Patentee of Positive and Friction Clutch combined; Patentee of Front and Rear Brake for Motor Cycles, etc.
1943 February 10th. Died. Of Rex, East Beach, Selsey.