Jeptha Avery Wilkinson
Born in Cumberland, R.I., USA
Invented a machine for making reeds for weavers. He started a factory to make the reeds in Providence, R.I., and left it in the charge of his brother, Arnold Wilkinson, and went to England to start the manufacture of his reed in Manchester. This was brought to an early end by the action of arsonists, probably makers of reeds by traditional methods whose livelihoods were threatened. [1]. He subsequently reached an agreement with a partnership which later became Sharp, Hill and Co.