Today in Wheeling History: September 3--Wheeling industrialist and former mayor Andrew J. Sweeney, known for bringing electricity to the city, granted patent #131,133 for "Improvement in wheels for harvesters" (1872).
Andrew J. Sweeney, born in 1829 in Pittsburgh, was a prominent figure in Wheeling, West Virginia. He served as mayor multiple times and was a successful industrialist. On September 3, 1872, Sweeney was granted patent #131,133 for an "Improvement in wheels for harvesters." This invention addressed issues with existing harvester wheels, which were prone to breaking due to weakened hubs and high stress on connections.
Sweeney's design connected special parts to the wheel's spokes rather than cutting into the hub. These parts included a flat disk with moving pieces that click into place (pawl-plate with spring pawls) and a round rim (circular flange). This made the wheel stronger and reduced strain on the parts. The invention allowed harvester machines to move better in all directions, including turning corners in fields.
Beyond this invention, Sweeney was known for bringing electricity to Wheeling, founding the Wheeling Electric Company in 1882. He was also involved in steamboat building and other industrial work throughout his career.
To learn more: (https://shorturl.at/QDF7t) (https://shorturl.at/G22d3) (https://shorturl.at/ABbs8) (https://shorturl.at/oQqQK)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; U.S. Patent Office
Andrew J. Sweeney, born in 1829 in Pittsburgh, was a prominent figure in Wheeling, West Virginia. He served as mayor multiple times and was a successful industrialist. On September 3, 1872, Sweeney was granted patent #131,133 for an "Improvement in wheels for harvesters." This invention addressed issues with existing harvester wheels, which were prone to breaking due to weakened hubs and high stress on connections.
Sweeney's design connected special parts to the wheel's spokes rather than cutting into the hub. These parts included a flat disk with moving pieces that click into place (pawl-plate with spring pawls) and a round rim (circular flange). This made the wheel stronger and reduced strain on the parts. The invention allowed harvester machines to move better in all directions, including turning corners in fields.
Beyond this invention, Sweeney was known for bringing electricity to Wheeling, founding the Wheeling Electric Company in 1882. He was also involved in steamboat building and other industrial work throughout his career.
To learn more: (https://shorturl.at/QDF7t) (https://shorturl.at/G22d3) (https://shorturl.at/ABbs8) (https://shorturl.at/oQqQK)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; U.S. Patent Office
RSS Feed
