James Pickard
James (or John) Pickard, button maker of Birmingham (or owner of a flour mill at Snow Hill)
1780 August. Patent 1263. Patented with John Steed the crank and fly-wheel to convert the reciprocating motion of the steam engine to rotary motion. He worked with Matthew Wasbrough who was the mechanic behind the idea. Later, James Watt who was upset at having been beaten to this, circumvented the patent by inventing an alternative mechanical device, with the sun and planet gear.
1795 Riots at Pickard's Steam Mill at Snow Hill on account of the price of bread.[1]
1803 Partnership dissolved. 'NOTICE is given that the partnership lately carried on between us, as Mealman and Maltsters, and trading under the Firm of Pickard, Son and Co. was this Day dissolved by mutual consent. All Debts owing to or from the said partnership will be received and paid by the James Pickard, who is duly authorized for that purpose. As witness our Hands this 26th day of November. 1803, JAMES PICKARD, EDWARD PICKARD, JOHN PARSON. Witness to the Signing hereof, T. Dixon, Attorney at Law.[2]
Possible connection
1814 Advert. 'HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, BOOKS, &c. Colmore Row, Birmingham. TO be SOLD by AUCTION, on the Premises, by ISAAC FARROR, on Tuesday the 3d Day May next, (by Order the Executors) - all the good and useful Household Furniture, Books, &c. of the late Mr. James Pickard, Colmore Row, Birmingham comprising Mahogany and Oak Bedsteads, with suitable Hangings, good Feather Beds, Blankets, Sheets and Quilts, Chests of Drawers, Linen Chests and Wardrobes, Pier and Swing Glasses, Carpets, capital Eight-day Clock, excellent Mahogany Chairs, Tables, and Sofa, useful China, Glass, Plate and plated Articles, Kitchen Requisites, Brewing Utensils, &c. together with upwards of 300 vols. of Books. Particulars will be Catalogues, and may be had of the Auctioneer, 28, New Street.'[3]