SINGER

October 30, 1811

I am Ruth, née Benson, Isaac's stepmother and his father is Adam Singer (his last name was originally Reisinger). Isaac currently has four siblings: John Valentine Singer (born 1791), Alexander, Elizabeth Colby (born 1801), and Christiana Cleveland (born 1804). My husband and I are a large but poor immigrant family. It's very hard for us to get along with so little money, but it's enough to keep us alive. None of my children or my husband's first wife's children went to school--there just isn't enough money. 

 

November 29, 1821

Papa and Mammy left each other today. They said something about a "d'vorce," but I didn't know what that meant. I'm writing now because before Mammy left, she gave me this book, so I'm writing in it now. 'Tis a scary place without Papa. I will write again.

 

April 9, 1822

I couldn't stand all the noise and sadness at home so as soon as I could get my hands free, I left. I'm old enough, anyways. I'm twelve. I joined a traveling stage act and they was very kind to me. Also, I do odd jobs to make some money to send to Papa--that's how good of a son I am.

 

July 31, 1822

Sometimes, I feel very sad. I see other children my age going to school and their parents caring for 'em. But I don't have no one except for myself and my older brother. After I ran away, I went to live with him in Oswego, New York. He owns a big machine store where they make parts of the same size and shape and other knick-knacks. I do get a little money from all the work, and that's all I care for now. The people in the store teach me lots of stuff. Making machines, putting them together, fixing broken ones.

 

March 28, 1827

I met a pretty girl today! She said her name is Catharine. She's only thirteen now, but we can wait a little while longer to get married. She sure can cook. I visited her house and we had soup, fish, roast mutton, currant jelly, and vegetables. For dessert, she made pudding. She's such a nice lady.

 

August 2, 1829

I grew very tall here at my brother's store: six feet and four inches. I'm a wondering if I can leave now that I'm pretty old. I left for another job today: acting. It looks a very exciting and I get more money this way.

 

July 8, 1830

I'm a man today! This is because I married Catharine Maria Haley (she's fifteen years of age and quite pretty!). We didn't have a grand wedding like most people do because I didn't have much money. So we just had a  little ceremony and now we're husband and wife! 'Twas a grand day.

 

November 21, 1830

I heard of a story in the market today. In Paris, Barthelemy Thimonnier almost got killed by his fellow tailors because he invented the first lock stitch sewing machine and they were afraid it would take away their job. Poor man!

 

August 7, 1834

Our first child was born today! We named him William, and my Catharine was beaming with pride. I have not written in quite a while since I am working on an invention, a machine which can drill rocks. Hopefully, I can obtain a patent for it in the near future, as I need money because we're moving soon and need to pay for tuition.

 

September 18, 1835

We moved to New York City because I changed jobs. Now, I work in a press shop. I don't like it much in there, but I still have to make do. I'm still working on the rock drilling contraption. It is a little thing and can only drill a few inches in a minute.

 

February 11, 1836

I left with the company of theatrical players and we toured through Baltimore, Maryland, where I met the charming eighteen year old Mary Ann Sponsler. I can't believe it, but I actually proposed!! She agreed to wait for me to return since I had some business in New York City. Yes, I'm still married to old Catharine, but I suspect she is having an affair with another man.

 

July 27, 1837

Isaac Augustus Singer was born today! Mary Ann was awful pale after his birth, but quickly recovered at night. 

 

April 10, 1839

I had a very grand day today. I received my very first patent!!! Just think, a patent for my very own machine! I sold this rock-drilling contraption to the I&M Canal Building Company and got $2,000 for it. I plan on using this mighty fine money to start my own acting group. 

 

June 8, 1839

Today, I got started my very own acting troupe! My Mary Ann and I decided to name it "The Merritt Players." It is such a fine name. 

 

January 4, 1840

Vouletti Theresa Singer Proctor. Her name is wonderful. Born today, she reminds me so much of my own sisters. Quite a little beauty, just like her mother.

 

September 12, 1842

John Albert Singer born. Mary Ann is getting a little tired of all the children, but I love them.

 

July 11, 1843

Alas, while my acting troupe was a huge success, everything must come to an end at some point. My troupe disbanded today and I shall miss it dearly.

 

April 13, 1844

Fanny Elizabeth Singer born today. I confess: I am getting tired of all these children who have to be fed and clothed. 

 

December 14, 1846

Jasper Hamlet Singer born on this winter day. I hope I can soon get a patent to support this large family.

 

June 1, 1847

Mary Olivia Singer born today. I'll leave it at that.

 

June 13, 1848

Julia Ann Singer born today. I hope this is the last child.

 

April 10, 1849

A wonderful day today! I got a patent for my second invention: a wood and metal carving machine! I am very, very happy. I hope my family can now be very comfortable. 

 

May 8, 1849

I packed up Mary Ann and our eight children and moved back to New York City a week ago. This is because I'm trying to market my wood-block cutting machine, which I already obtained a patent for. I obtained an advance to build a working machine and finally constructed one in A. B. Taylor & Co.'s store. Yesterday, I actually met G. B. Zieber, and we worked everything out so now he's my financier and partner.

 

June 13, 1849

Everything was going smoothly until today. The machine I was building was already finished when the steam boiler blew up, ruining everything in the work room, including my new prototype. It was terrible. That confounded boiler!

 

June 15, 1849

After the boiler exploded, I thought everything was lost; my hard work, my time, everything. But Zieber encouraged me to make a brand new start in Boston today. He said Boston was the core of the printing trade. I shall head there at the end of the year. Meanwhile, I must establish a firm home for my growing family.

 

September 20, 1850

I headed for Boston alone today to show my invention at Orson C. Phelps. Orders' machine store. Sadly, my poor wood cutting machine didn't get a lot of attention. I shall try a little harder.

 

August 1, 1851

You will not guess what happened today. I was working in a machine shop in Boston in 1851 when someone gave me a sewing machine to repair (me of all persons!). I'm working on improving it right now. 

 

August 2, 1851

Finally got around finding a way to count the stitches on the machine. I showed it to my wife and she said she couldn't bear to imagine herself using such a scary-looking machine to make clothes. No matter, I shall experiment with it more. The needle still needs some adjusting as it is very stiff at the moment. Right now, the machine can sew 600 stitches in a minute; I am aiming for 900. As my wife Catharine would say, it is "indeed a spectacle!" But I mean it in a good way and she doesn't. I'll explain more details in my next entry for I hear Mary Ann Sponsler (my mistress, of course) spanking young Vouletti Theresa.

 

August 5, 1851

Today, everything went very well. I finished incorporating the pedal and a side turning 

wheel. I used my machine to sew an apron and it actually worked! I'm looking into ways

to patent my work, hopefully this year, as I desperately need the money...The

confounded machine still only has 600 stitches going per minute. If only it will speed

up a little!

 

August 10, 1851

A few days ago, I was adding the last few finishing touches. The machine is rather rapid now; it can make 800 stitches per minute now-just what I'm working on. Aiming for 900. 

 

August 11, 1851

I have finally made a better sewing machine, which I patented the Singer's version of the sewing machine (quite a fine name, isn't it?) I believe it is the very first to allow continuous and curved stitching, with an overhanging arm which held the needle bar over a horizontal table. It allows one to sew on any part of the work. It is beautiful!

 

August 12, 1851

I got my patent today!! To be honest, I was very interested in the machine and I really wanted a chance to improve it. And now, I certainly have! The only problem is that many other inventors have claimed that they  produced the improved sewing machine and not me. I believe what sets my invention is that it can sew 900 stitches in a minute compared to forty stitches a minute from seamstresses. This is what my sewing machine looks like.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 19, 1851

Very proud of myself. My buddy Edward Clark (a lawyer) and I established the I & M Singer and Co. Looking forward to the growth of the store. 

 

September 30, 1851

Manufacturers from Grover & Baker and Wheeler & Wilson came 'visiting' today. They talked with me about patent infringement and the whatnot. This whole patent fight thing is getting on my nerves! I just cannot think of my hard work passed off as another man's. 

 

January 17, 1852

I sell my sewing machines at $100 each. I have heard a few complaints about it being too pricey, but how am I supposed to make a profit then? It's much cheaper compared to Elias Howe's $300 sewing machines, but I know that a hundred dollars is a lot of money. 

 

October 5, 1856

I've been working on a sewing machine with a table and treadle for some time

now. I think this type will be much easier for home-use.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 5, 1860

I sketched a drawing of what one of my showrooms look like. I set these rooms

up to show off my machines. At these 'conventions,' I sell parts, make repairs, 

and offer training instructions. This always attracts attention. You could call me

a born salesman. Next month, I'm off to Paris to sell my machines!

 

 

 

 

 

December 14, 1860

I divorced Catharine today because of her adultery with Stephen Kent (that dratted man. At least I still have Mary Ann). 

 

August 6, 1861

"The elegance, speed, noiselessness and simplicity of the machine; the beauty and strength of the stitch…impossible to ravel, and leaving no chain or ridge on the under side; the economy of thread and adaptability to the thickest or thinnest fabrics, have rendered this the most successful and popular sewing machine made." I found this in an advertisement for a Weber Sewing Machine in The Illinois Farmer VI 1861. Even though it wasn't talking about my sewing machine, it also applies. One word to describe the sewing machine: perfect (well, almost). I just love this excerpt.

 

January 7, 1862

Had to flee town with Mary McGonigal after angry Mary Ann saw us together and sent me to jail. Fortunately, I had my bond paid and was soon on a buggy headed for somewhere else...

 

 

 

June 13, 1863

I married Isabella Eugenie Boyer, a Frenchwoman I lived with during my trip in Paris.

My dear left her husband to marry me under the name of Isabella Eugenie

Sommerville (she is pregnant today). I'm 52 and Isabella is 22. we still love each

other dearly. I have included a photograph of her (she's a French model!). 

 

May 17, 1865

To attract attention to my beautiful sewing machine, I like to advertise "The Song of the Shirt"

at local county fairs and circuses, while a pretty woman (fortunately, Isabella wasn't there) 

showed off the ease of my new machine. I have included a few photos. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 20, 1869

I had my portrait painted today by Edward Harrison May. I think I look quite dashing.

As included, I wore my favorite red and gold robe with a vanilla colored waistcoat and

my gold watch with its chain. 

 

December 5, 1871

I purchased an estate in Paignton, Devon, England today. Isabella will stay with me here. 

 

 

Excerpts from Elias Howe's Journal

 

June 6, 1854

I patented the first American lock stitch machine today. My machine can sew 250

stitches per minute or the equivalent to 5 hand-sewers. I plan on visiting England

soon to show off my machine and to advertise its completion. I included a quick

sketch of the machine.

 

 

 

 

 

November 14, 1854

I went to England last month to market my sewing machine, but when I returned,  I found that Isaac Singer and others had infringed on my patent! I intend on winning this Sewing Machine War if it's the last thing I do! Humph, that Isaac Singer, he's the head of the gang. 

 

September 29, 1856

I won! It was hard, but I won! I made all the thieves pay a fine, especially Singer. I brought up my fight to the Supreme Court, who made them pay and gave me a royalty for all future sewing machine sales. My machine is still the best, and I will make sure no one steals it out of my hands.

 

 

Excerpt from Grover & Baker Company's Journal

 

January 7-11, 1855

I can't believe we're doing this, but we are. The manufacturers from our company, Grover & Baker, met with manufacturers from Singer and Wheeler & Wilson. We were all accusing each other of patent infringement, so we finally met in Albany, New York to pursue our suits. We finally decided to pool all our sewing machine patents because I, Orlando B. Potter, a lawyer and president of this company, proposed to pool our patents. This way, rather than use all our profits on litigation, we can use our money very wisely. This was the very first patent pool, I believe. We agreed to form the Sewing Machine Combination, but for this to work, mean old Elias Howe, who still had important uncontested patents, had to agree. We arranged a few terms so Howe could receive a royalty on every sewing machine manufactured.

 

 

Excerpts from Inslee Hopper's Journal

 

April 25-30, 1856

Our sewing machines are usually used as industrial machines, used for clothes, shoes, and tailors. This year, Isaac decided to make a smaller version so families could use them, too. They used to be $100 each, but Isaac put lots of his time and energy in interchangeable parts (developed by Samuel Colt and Eli Whitney for their rifles and muskets). That's how the home sewing machine is only $10 now and also increases our profit because more people can afford them. 

Inslee Hopper

Vice president of I. M. Singer & Co

 

October 12, 1860

Sewing machines are currently mass-produced. We manufactured 2,564 machines in 1856, and 13,000 this year, most at a new factory on Mott Street, New York. Before sewing machines were invented, a seamstress took about 14 hours to make a man's dress shirt, a dress took at least 10 hours, and a pair of summer pants took about three hours. But with the wonderful invention of sewing machines (especially Isaac's version!), the time for a dress shirt was cut down to one hour 15 minutes,  a dress took an hour, and a pair of summer pants took only 38 minutes! We're actually helping women so they have more time to spend with their family and also so they can seek more employment.

 

November 23, 1863

The I. M. Singer & Co. members went their own ways today by mutual agreement. Since I am the president now, I decided the business will continue as "The Singer Manufacturing Company." We will operate under this new name starting in 1887.

 

 

Excerpt from a Letter written by an Unknown Seamstress from New Haven, Connecticut

 

February 13, 1860

Isaac Singer is such a selfish man! He made that stupid machine just for the money and didn't care one bit about us seamstresses' jobs and pay. Many of my friends and I were fired because not as many people were needed to operate the dumb things. True, the sewing machine can stitch 900 stitches per minute, but that isn't worth so many of our jobs and families. We're going to move to another part of New York and try to find a job there. Our shirt factory started using sewing machines, so now they only need 400 workers instead of 2,000 to make 9,600 shirts. To the people they kept, the wages were raised, but I heard the factory's costs lowered from $6,000 to $1,600. I know those machines can produce clothes much faster than we can, so maybe I'll try to look for a job as sewing machine operator.

 

 

Excerpts from *Montgomery Cunningham Meigs​' Journal

 

December 26, 1864

We need thousands and thousands of uniforms, so we decided to use sewing machines to make them. I asked the army suppliers to **“set the innumerable needle and sewing machines at [their command] to work any durable cloth." It's easier, faster, and cheaper. With this demand, Singer sold 20,000 machines in 1863, I believe. It's difficult to keep up with this war, but sewing machines have made it much easier to make clothes, haversacks, and shoes. Very lucky for us, all of the sewing machine makers were located in the North. ***Most of our uniforms are machine-made.

 

*Meigs was Quartermaster General of the U.S. Army during the Civil War. Although he was born in the South, he remained loyal to the Union. 

**<http://americancivilwarvoice.org/2014/06/03/the-sewing-machine-and-the-civil-war/> 

***About 76% of Union uniforms were machine-made, while only 2% of the Confederate ones were made with a machine.

 

 

Excerpt from Alexander Graham Bell's Journal

 

July 23, 1875

A great man died today in Torquay, Devon, England. Isaac Singer, the man who made the sewing machine practical and easy to operate. He fought his way through many patent fights, but he never gave up. He worked hard and died as a multimillionaire. This entry is to remember Singer, the man who 'modernized' the sewing machine.

 

Sincerely,

Alexander Graham Bell

 

 

Excerpt from Danielle Ji's Journal

 

May 14, 2015

I finished a pillow for my sister today. I have a sewing machine, but it's broken. The entire process took me about six hours; if I had used a sewing machine, it would have taken me only one hour at most. Comparing something hand-made to something machine-made helped me appreciate Isaac Singer's modernized sewing machine. His detailed sewing machine paved the way for many future inventions, such as the vacuum cleaner and automobiles, and his way of selling and advertising also improved the clothing industry. I'd better look how to fix my sewing machine now...