Inventor, Businessman. In 1841 he obtained a patent for an industrial sewing machine to manufacture footwear. In 1849 he obtained a patent for a valve gear, an improvement to the steam engine. In 1856 his continued improvements led him to found the Corliss Steam Engine Company. During the Civil War Corliss Steam Engines in the northern United States enabled the production of weapons and other items in far greater quantities than the Confederacy, enabling a Union victory. Corliss' achievements were recognized internationally, including First Prize at the World's Exposition in Paris (1867), the Rumford Medal from the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (1870), the Grand Diploma of Honor at the Vienna Exposition (1873), France's Montyon Prize (1878), and Belgium's Order of Leopold (1886). A Republican, he served in the Rhode Island House of Representatives from 1868 to 1870 and was an 1876 Presidential Elector. Corliss Steam Engines were used into the 20th Century, and their efficiency enabled improvements for workers, including the eight hour day and five day week. Corliss was a 2006 inductee into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
Inventor, Businessman. In 1841 he obtained a patent for an industrial sewing machine to manufacture footwear. In 1849 he obtained a patent for a valve gear, an improvement to the steam engine. In 1856 his continued improvements led him to found the Corliss Steam Engine Company. During the Civil War Corliss Steam Engines in the northern United States enabled the production of weapons and other items in far greater quantities than the Confederacy, enabling a Union victory. Corliss' achievements were recognized internationally, including First Prize at the World's Exposition in Paris (1867), the Rumford Medal from the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (1870), the Grand Diploma of Honor at the Vienna Exposition (1873), France's Montyon Prize (1878), and Belgium's Order of Leopold (1886). A Republican, he served in the Rhode Island House of Representatives from 1868 to 1870 and was an 1876 Presidential Elector. Corliss Steam Engines were used into the 20th Century, and their efficiency enabled improvements for workers, including the eight hour day and five day week. Corliss was a 2006 inductee into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
Bio by: Bill McKern
Inscription
Serving God in his life and with his wealth, serving men with a kindness that was both careful and generous. By the gift of God he increased magnificently as an inventor the world's resources in the use of steam machinery.
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