Henry Lomb facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry Lomb
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| Born | November 24, 1828 Burghaun
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| Died | June 13, 1908 (aged 79) |
| Resting place | Mount Hope Cemetery, Rochester, New York |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Optician, Businessman |
| Known for | Co-Founder Bausch and Lomb |
Henry Lomb was an important German-American businessman. He was born as Heinrich Lomb on November 24, 1828, and passed away on June 13, 1908. Henry Lomb helped start a famous company called Bausch & Lomb. He also played a big part in creating The Mechanics Institute. This school later became the Rochester Institute of Technology.
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A New Life in America
Henry Lomb was born in a place called Burghaun. This was in the Electorate of Hessen, which is now part of Germany. In 1849, he moved to the United States.
He settled in a city called Rochester, New York. There, he started working as a cabinet-maker. This means he built furniture from wood.
Starting Bausch & Lomb
Henry Lomb had a good friend named John Jacob Bausch. John Bausch owned a small shop in Rochester. His shop sold glasses and other optical items. In 1854, John Bausch needed some money to help his business grow.
Henry Lomb loaned his friend $60. This was a lot of money back then! John Bausch promised that if his business ever got big enough, Henry would become his partner. The business did grow, and they kept their promise. Together, they officially formed the Bausch & Lomb Company.
Serving in the Civil War
Henry Lomb was a brave man. He joined the army during the American Civil War. He was part of the 13th New York Volunteer Infantry. He served as a sergeant, then a lieutenant, and finally a captain.
He fought for his new country. In May 1863, his company was no longer needed. So, he left the army and returned home.
Helping to Build a School
In 1885, Henry Lomb joined with other important people. These included Max Lowenthal, Ezra R. Andrews, and Frank Ritter. They all wanted to create a new school. This school was called the Mechanics Institute.
The main goal of this school was to teach people skills "for making a living." This means they wanted to help students get good jobs. Today, this school is known as the Rochester Institute of Technology. Henry Lomb was the chairman of the school's board until 1891. He continued to support the school until he passed away.
Henry Lomb died suddenly in Pittsford, New York. He was 79 years old. He is buried in Mount Hope Cemetery in Rochester.
Lasting Legacy
Many things have been named to honor Henry Lomb. These names help us remember his important contributions.
- A ship from World War II was named the SS Henry Lomb. It was a type of cargo ship called a Liberty Ship.
- An elementary school in Rochester, New York is named Henry Lomb School. It is also known as School #20.
- On the campus of the Rochester Institute of Technology, there is Lomb Memorial Drive. There is also a building called the Bausch & Lomb Center.
