Horace Smith (inventor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Horace Smith
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Horace Smith in 1890s
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| Born | October 28, 1808 |
| Died | January 15, 1893 (aged 84) |
| Occupation | Inventor, industrialist |
| Known for | Co-founder of Smith & Wesson with Daniel B. Wesson |
| Spouse(s) | Eliza Foster; Eliza Hebbard Jepson; Mary Lucretia Hebbard |
Horace Smith (born October 28, 1808 – died January 15, 1893) was an American inventor and businessman. He was also a skilled gun maker. He is best known for starting two companies called "Smith & Wesson" with his business partner, Daniel B. Wesson. The second company became the famous Smith & Wesson firearms company we know today.
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Early Life and Work
Horace Smith was born in Cheshire, Massachusetts. When he was young, from 1824 to 1842, he worked for the U.S. Army's armory. An armory is a place where weapons are made and stored.
After that, he worked for different gun makers. He moved to Newtown, Connecticut, and later to Norwich, Connecticut. While in Norwich, he made special guns for hunting whales. He also invented an explosive bullet that was used to hunt whales.
Starting Volcanic Repeating Arms
In 1852, Horace Smith teamed up with Daniel B. Wesson. They wanted to create new types of guns that could load bullets automatically. In 1854, they started the Smith & Wesson Company in Norwich, Connecticut.
Their goal was to develop repeating firearms. They created the Volcanic rifle, which was one of the first repeating rifles. Smith also invented a new type of cartridge (a bullet with its own powder) for this rifle. He received a patent for it in 1854.
In 1855, their company was renamed Volcanic Repeating Arms. A wealthy businessman named Oliver Winchester helped fund the company.
Forming Smith & Wesson
In 1856, Smith and Wesson left Volcanic Repeating Arms. They decided to start a new company together. They wanted to make a new kind of revolver (a handgun) and a special cartridge to go with it.
So, in 1857, they formed another company, which they also named Smith & Wesson. This time, they focused on making pistols with parts that could be easily replaced. Their new guns also had a special revolving magazine and used metallic cartridges.
They continued to develop many more firearms. They used their own inventions and also bought ideas from other gun makers.
In 1874, when Horace Smith was 65 years old, he decided to retire. He sold his share of the company to Daniel Wesson.
Later Life and Legacy
Horace Smith was married three times during his life. He passed away on January 15, 1893.
In his will, he left money to his family and to different organizations. He also wanted some of his money to be used for public good. Because of his wishes, the Horace Smith Fund was created in 1899. This fund helps students from high schools in Hampden County, Massachusetts, by giving them scholarships for college.
