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L. Lewis Sagendorph
L Lewis Sagendorph.jpg
Born (1842-09-26)September 26, 1842
Died April 13, 1909(1909-04-13) (aged 66)
Occupation Inventor, industrialist, businessman

L. Lewis Sagendorph (born September 26, 1842 – died April 13, 1909) was an American inventor and a very important maker of metal products. He lived in the late 1800s and early 1900s. He started a company in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that later became known as the Penn Metal Company.

Early Life and Military Service

Longley Lewis Sagendorph, Jr. was born in Hudson, New York. Later, he moved to Rhode Island. During the American Civil War, he served as a soldier. He was part of Company K in the 10th Rhode Island Infantry Regiment.

Starting His Business Journey

After the war, Sagendorph moved to Staunton, Virginia. In 1869, he began his own business. This was the start of his career in making things.

Building Metal Product Companies

In 1879, Sagendorph moved his company to Cincinnati, Ohio. There, he teamed up with Major Harlan P. Lloyd. They created the Sagendorph Iron Roofing and Corrugating Company. This new company made many different products from sheet steel.

Founding Penn Metal Company

In 1889, he sold his company in Ohio. He then moved to Philadelphia and started a new business. This was called the Penn Metal Ceiling & Roofing Company. This company made many useful items. They produced corrugated iron and steel for roofs. They also made pipes, metal ceilings, and strong steel lockers. Cabinets, shelving, and corrugated metal pipes were also part of their products.

Sagendorph's Inventions and Patents

L. Lewis Sagendorph was not just a manufacturer; he was also a clever inventor. Between 1879 and 1905, he received over 100 patents. These patents were for machines that made sheet metal products.

Key Inventions and Methods

His inventions included special tools like roller dies and sleeve dies. He also created automatic feeding systems for presses. He invented machines for cutting and punching steel sheets. One of his most important inventions was a new way to make corrugated sheets using rolls.

Sagendorph's Legacy and Family

When Sagendorph passed away in 1909, he was the president of several companies. These included The Penn Metal Ceiling & Roofing Company in Philadelphia. He also led The New York Iron Roofing & Corrugating Company. Other companies he headed were The American Metal Stamping Company and the Enameled Art Metal Company.

The Company After His Death

After Sagendorph's death, his two oldest sons took over. George Adam Sagendorph and Frank Elijah Sagendorph 2nd continued to run the business. Later, the brothers divided the company into two parts. They changed the name to the Penn Metal Company, Inc., and the Penn Metal Corporation of Penna. The name Penco was also used.

L. Lewis Sagendorph was buried in West Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia.

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