GEISE-L Archives

From: "Diane Anderson" <>
Subject: William Geiss of Hamilton Ontario Canada
Date: Sat, 31 Jul 2004 19:55:33 -0400

I have been doing research on the 19th century sewing machine industry in Canada (a very under-studied area of research), and wish to learn more about a William Geiss who held an early patent for a sewing machine part. Is anyone doing research on the Geiss family in Canada? Or is there anyone who would be interested in what I have found and could add to my information?

Currently I have these facts about Mr. Geiss:

- Born in Germany - 1841
- in 1868 his address is Paris, Ontario, Canada
- Held a Canadian patent #2410 in 1868 for a sewing machine positive take up lever.
- in the 1871 Canadian Census he lives in Hamilton Ontario, is a machinist and his religion is Lutheran
- in the 1871 Canadian Industrial Census he is listed as operating a factory called a "sewing/creasing Machine Manufactory" employing 1 man and 1 boy. The workers earned an average wage of $33.33 per worker.
- the 1881 Census lists him still in Hamilton, Ontario - he is 42 years old, has a wife Arlean born in 1839 in Scotland. Other members of the household are Ernest Geiss, born 1862 in the USA, age 19, occupation machinist with an ethnic origin of Scottish. Edward Roth, born in Ontario in 1863 age 18 of German ethnic origin and Fanny Shields listed as married, age 20, born in the U.S.A. is also a member of the Geiss household.

It is interesting to note that Ernest Geiss born in the USA is of Scottish origin. For the 1881 Census paternal origin was supposed to be used for children - this may mean that Ernest was a stepson of William.

Any further information about William Geiss or his factory operation would be of great interest to me.
Thank you from Diane Anderson,

This thread:

• William Geiss of Hamilton Ontario Canada by "Diane Anderson" <>