In about 1860 James M. Smith began manufacturing small lathes in his foundry and machine shop in Seymour, Connecticut. These lathes were adapted for making fountain pens and other small cylindrical items—fountain pens were manufactured in large quantities in that part of the state. In 1866 Smith patented a hollow auger for making tenons or small cylinders. The following year he patented a lathe chuck for holding small cylindrical parts. He would obtain more patents over the years, mainly for hand tools and lathe accessories.

Eventually, son Frank T. Smith joined the business, becoming superintendent and handled the day-to-day operations as his father reached retirement age. In January 1916 the business incorporated as James M. Smith Co. The elder Smith died later that same year, age 78. The business continued on in a low-key way after his death; we have found virtually no mention of them after 1916, and it is likely that they were relying on their existing clientele, mainly manufacturers of small turned items such as fountain pens. The James M. Smith Co. was formally dissolved in 1941.

Information Sources

• 1878 book The Connecticut Business Directory does not have any listings for James M. Smith.
• 1879 book History of Seymour, Connecticut: With Biographies and Genealogies, by W. C. Sharpe, lists James M. Smith among electors in 1878. On page 140, in the business directory: "James Smith, Machinery and Repairing, Factory street, foot of Raymond st. General Blacksmithing in shop attached to Machine Works.
• 1916 National Corporation Reporter (volume LI No. 24, 1916-01-20 page 932), New Incorporations, Connecticut: "James M. Smith Company, Seymour; $30,000; machinery; James M. Smith, Frank T. Smith, Agnes M. Smith. James M. Smith died in August 1916 so the incorporation preceded his death by some months.
• 1921 American Biography: A New Cyclopedia, volume 9, pages 159-160.

  Smith, James Maxwell
  Manufacturer, Inventor

  The late James Maxwell Smith, founder of the James M. Smith Company, of Seymour, Connecticut...was born in Glasgow, in July, 1838, the son of Traver and Margaret (Nelson) Smith. His mother died in Scotland, and Traver Smith, a master mechanic, brought his children to the United States. He settled in Seymour, where he resided...until his death at the age of eighty-three years...

  James M. Smith was but eleven years old at the time of his coming to America. Despite his his years, however, he soon found work in a cotton mill in New York State for an infinitesimal wage... [H]e became deeply interested in the work, and in the milling machinery, displaying a decided talent in this line, which brought him quickly to the attention of his superiors. His evenings were spent in night school, and by this method he secured his education... In 1862, he received a flattering offer from the Humphreys of Seymour, Connecticut, Connecticut, to become manager of their plant there. His connection with the Humphreys extended over several years, and was only terminated when he decided to enter business for himself. Mr. Smith launched his own enterprise in a shop in Seymour, beginning with the manufacture of the lathes which are used in the making of fountain pens. This industry is one of the most important in this section, and the productions of these plants are known all over the world. The business prospered from the outset, and Mr. Smith expanded his plant and began the manufacture of augers, bits, and other tools and machinery which he marketed readily in all parts of the country. In 1916, the business was incorporated under the name of the James M. Smith Company. Mr. Smith continued to manufacture the business actively...until his death... He invented and patented many machines and labor-saving devices, and was widely recognized in manufacturing circles in Connecticut.

  On March 20, 1864, Mr. Smith married Martha Skeels, daughter of Burritt and Sara (Bradley) Skeels. Mrs. Smith descends from Revolutionary ancestors, and is a great-granddaughter of Truman Skeels, who fought with the Continental forces in the War for Independence. She is a granddaughter of Jason Skeels. Mr. and Mrs. Smith were the parents of the following children. 1. Frank T., who succeeded his father in business, and is now superintendent of the James M. Smith Company Machine Shop, at Seymour. 2. Augustus H. 3. Agnes M., who resides with her mother. 4. Mabel, wife of Frank H. Cooper...

  [James M. Smith's] death, which occurred at his home in Seymour, August 8, 1916, at the advanced age of seventy-eight years, was deeply and sincerely mourned in a wide circle of friends.

• 1930-02-27 American Machinist, page 380. "...Made by the James M. Smith Co., Seymour, Conn... the tail stock. In this, and the fact that it can turn a small concave or convex, it has some advantages or some other methods. The fixture consists of a mild steel block A, shaped to fit the tool rest of the lathe. A hole is bored in this block to..."
• 1941 issue of Connecticut Law Journal (volume 9 page 2): "James M. Smith Co., Seymour, ctf preliminary dissolution, 1-16-41. In another issue in the same volume, same page number: "James M. Smith Co. , Seymour , ctf final dissolution , 5-28-41."
• Patent records reveal several patents granted to James M. Smith of Seymour, Connecticut (see Patents tab, above). The earliest we have found is an 1866 patent for a hollow auger, and an 1867 patent for a lathe chuck. /68,537
• Seen on eBay: small lathe on cast-iron stand, 12" between centers. Looks to be mid-19th century. Lathe plaque says, "Made by Jas. M. Smith / Seymour, Conn."
• Findagrave.com pages on James Maxwell Smith (1838-1916) and Frank T. Smith (1867-1940).