George Singer (1847-1909) was the founder of Singer. He patented the curved bicycle fork that remains in use to this day.
1847 January. Born at Kingston, Dorset, the son of a Farm Bailiff
On leaving school he worked for John Penn and Sons, Greenwich, London.
1869 Moved to Coventry
Was a foreman in the works of the Coventry Sewing Machine Co, in 1868 (sic), when Rowley B. Turner introduced the French Velocipede to the Company[1]
1873 Resigned as Foreman at Coventry Machinists Co and joined the Paragon Cycle Co
1873 January 15th. Married at Coventry to Eliza Anne Stringer
1875 Birth of daughter Louise Maude
1876 Birth of son George Ernest Singer
1877 Birth of daughter Minnie Florence
1878 The 'Xtra Ordinary' cycle was patented by George Singer on 24th October 1878. Weight 53 lbs. Made by Singer and Co Ltd., Coventry, at the suggestion of George Dominy, an amateur cyclist of Weymouth[2].
1881 Living at 8 Stoneleigh Terrace, Coventry: George Singer (age 34 born Dorchester), a Manufacturer of Tricycles and Bicycles employing 300 men and boys. With his wife Eliza A. Singer (age 37 born Kenilworth) and their children Louise M. Singer (age 6 born Coventry); George E. Singer (age 4 born Coventry); and Minnie F. Singer (age 3 born Coventry). Three servants [3]
1881 Birth of son Arthur Leonard Singer
1891-4 George Singer was Mayor of Coventry
1901 Living at Coundon Court, Coventry: George Singer (age 54 born Kingston, Dorset), a Retired Cycle Manufacturer. With his wife Eliza Annie Singer (age 56 born Kenilworth) and their son George Ernest Singer (age 24 born Coventry). Eight servants.[4]
1909 January 9th Died in Coventry.[5]
See Also
Sources of Information
- ↑ Bartleet's Bicycle Book
- ↑ Bartleet's Bicycle Book
- ↑ 1881 Census
- ↑ 1901 census
- ↑ Bartleet's Bicycle Book