rigors of poverty—Returns to America—Death of his wife—Fate's last blow—The sewing-machine becomes better known—Adoption by the public—A tardy recognition—Elias Howe sets up in business for himself—Buys out his partner's interest—The sewing-machine war—Rapid growth of the sewing-machine interest—Earnings of the inventor—A royal income—Honors conferred upon him—Enlists in the United States Army—A liberal private—Last illness and death.
CHAPTER XVIII.
RICHARD M. HOE.
Growth of the art of printing—Birth of Richard M. Hoe—Sketch of the career of Robert Hoe—He comes to America—His marriage—Founds the house of "Robert Hoe & Co."—The first steam printing presses—He retires from business—Richard M. Hoe is brought up in the business—The mechanical genius of the house—The new firm—Richard Hoe's first invention—Obtains a patent for it—Visits England—Invents the double-cylinder press—Demand for increased facilities for printing—Mr. Hoe's experiments with his press—His failures—How the "Lightning Press" was invented—A good night's work—Patents his invention—The first "Lightning Press"—Demand for it—Rapid growth of the business of the firm—Statement of the operations of the house—Personal characteristics of Richard M. Hoe—The "Lightning Press" at work.
CHAPTER XIX.
SAMUEL COLT.
Birth and parentage—A restless boy—Dislikes school—Early fondness for mechanical inventions—Is sent to boarding-school—Runs away to sea—The story of a boy's invention, and what came of it—Origin of the