Figure 36. — Grover's patent model for the first portable case. 1856. The machine in the case is a 

 commercial machine of 1854, bearing the serial number 3012 and the patent dates "Feby 11. 1851, (vine 22, 

 1852, Feby 22. 1853."' Powered by a single, foot-shaped treadle that was connected by a removable wooden 

 pitman, it also could be turned by hand. (Smithsonian photo 45525-D.) 



enchained it. and the process repeated. The slack 

 in the needle thread was controlled by means of a 

 spring guide. The cloth was fed by feeding rolls and 

 a band. 



A company was organized under the name of 

 Grover and Baker Sewing Machine Company, and 

 soon the partners took Jacob Weatherill, mechanic, 

 and Orlando B. Potter, lawyer (who became the 

 president), into the firm. Potter contributed his abili- 

 ty as a lawyer in lieu of a financial investment and 



handled the several succeeding patents of Grover 

 and Baker. These patents were primaril) for me- 

 chanical improvements such as U.S. patent No. 

 9,053 issued to Grover and Baker on June 22, 11152. 

 for devising a curved upper needle and an under 

 looper fi -' to form the double-looped stitch which 

 became known as the Grover and Baker stitch. 



'-' A looper on the underside in place of the horizontal 

 needle. 



17 



