Today in Wheeling History: May 19--Patent No. 318,352 for "Cap and Anchor for Metallic Roofing" granted to Benjamin F. Caldwell, Wheeling inventor and future mayor (1885).
Benjamin Franklin Caldwell, born April 14, 1828, in Little Grave Creek, Marshall County, Virginia (now West Virginia), received U.S. Patent No. 318,352 for his innovative "Cap and Anchor for Metallic Roofing" design on May 19, 1885. This invention solved a critical problem in metallic roofing systems by creating adjustable anchors that could be positioned along metal cap strips to align with roof structural supports. Unlike previous designs where anchors were permanently riveted to caps, Caldwell's innovation allowed anchors to slide along grooved caps until properly positioned over rafters or boards, ensuring every anchor functioned properly.
Caldwell began his career as a cabin boy on the steamer Arcade before apprenticing with G.W. Johnson in 1844 to learn the copper, tin, and sheet iron business. After completing his apprenticeship and working as a journeyman, he established his own business in 1853. His expertise in metalworking led to multiple patents and the founding of Caldwell & Peterson Manufacturing Company, which produced metal roofing materials and tools in Wheeling.
Beyond his business achievements, Caldwell served his community as county commissioner, board of education member, city councilman, and notably as Wheeling's mayor for two terms beginning in 1893. He was also a prominent member of Franklin Lodge of Odd Fellows and attended the Second Presbyterian Church.
Caldwell died on January 1, 1910, at age 81, following injuries from a fall near the Elks' Club on December 11, 1909. He is buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Wheeling. At the time of his death, the Wheeling Intelligencer noted that "the entire city unites in deeply regretting his death" and that "the combination of excellent qualities which were his, is indeed rare."
To learn more: Google Patents (https://tinyurl.com/yckaxwyt), Find a Grave (https://tinyurl.com/2etax38p), Caldwell & Peterson Manufacturing Company (https://tinyurl.com/yapn6d7z), Wheeling Intelligencer (https://tinyurl.com/5235ts83)
Photo credits: U.S. Patent Office, Find a Grave, Caldwell & Peterson, Wheeling Intelligencer
Benjamin Franklin Caldwell, born April 14, 1828, in Little Grave Creek, Marshall County, Virginia (now West Virginia), received U.S. Patent No. 318,352 for his innovative "Cap and Anchor for Metallic Roofing" design on May 19, 1885. This invention solved a critical problem in metallic roofing systems by creating adjustable anchors that could be positioned along metal cap strips to align with roof structural supports. Unlike previous designs where anchors were permanently riveted to caps, Caldwell's innovation allowed anchors to slide along grooved caps until properly positioned over rafters or boards, ensuring every anchor functioned properly.
Caldwell began his career as a cabin boy on the steamer Arcade before apprenticing with G.W. Johnson in 1844 to learn the copper, tin, and sheet iron business. After completing his apprenticeship and working as a journeyman, he established his own business in 1853. His expertise in metalworking led to multiple patents and the founding of Caldwell & Peterson Manufacturing Company, which produced metal roofing materials and tools in Wheeling.
Beyond his business achievements, Caldwell served his community as county commissioner, board of education member, city councilman, and notably as Wheeling's mayor for two terms beginning in 1893. He was also a prominent member of Franklin Lodge of Odd Fellows and attended the Second Presbyterian Church.
Caldwell died on January 1, 1910, at age 81, following injuries from a fall near the Elks' Club on December 11, 1909. He is buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Wheeling. At the time of his death, the Wheeling Intelligencer noted that "the entire city unites in deeply regretting his death" and that "the combination of excellent qualities which were his, is indeed rare."
To learn more: Google Patents (https://tinyurl.com/yckaxwyt), Find a Grave (https://tinyurl.com/2etax38p), Caldwell & Peterson Manufacturing Company (https://tinyurl.com/yapn6d7z), Wheeling Intelligencer (https://tinyurl.com/5235ts83)
Photo credits: U.S. Patent Office, Find a Grave, Caldwell & Peterson, Wheeling Intelligencer
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