John William Kiser
John W. Kiser | |
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| Born | John William Kiser June 20, 1857 St. Paris, Ohio U.S. |
| Died | October 31, 1916 (aged 59) Chicago, US |
| Resting place | Spring Grove Cemetery Saint Paris, Champaign County, Ohio |
| Citizenship | United States |
| Alma mater | Wittenburg College |
| Occupation | Industrialist |
| Known for | Bicycle manufacturer |
| Notable work | Monarch Cycle Manufacturing Company |
| Spouse | Thyrza (nee) Furrow |
| Children | 1 |
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John William Kiser (June 20, 1857 - October 31, 1916) was an 19th century industrialist who owned Monarch Cycle Manufacturing Company in Chicago Illinois. His company became one of the largest bicycle manufacturers in the world.
Early life
Kiser was born in St. Paris, Ohio, 20 June, 1857. Hs parents were farmers, George R. Kizer and Margaret Ellen (nee McVey) Kiser. He earned a BA from Wittenburg College in 1884.[1][2]
Career
In 1889 was made manager of the Chicago Sowing Machine company. He rose to become the president of the company. He and his partner Chandler Robbins then started Monarch Cycle Manufacturing Company to manufacture bicycles.[1]
In 1892, his company (Monarch Cycle Manufacturing Company), had only 35 employees and the company made 150 bicycles. By 1896 there were 1200 Monarch cycle employees, and they were producing 50,000 bicycles. The company sold bicycles worldwide.[3]
In 1899 he sold his company to the Bicycle Trust.[1]
In 1902 he became the treasurer of the Phoenix Horseshoe Company of Chicago. By 1907 he was made president of the company. He was also the director of the first National Bank and the Miehle Printing Press.[4]
Personal life
He married Thyrza (nee) Furrow on September 18, 1884. They had one son born June 10, 1889; he was also named John William Kizer.[1] It was reported that Kiser had amassed a fortune of 8m by the time of his death.[4]
Death
Kiser spent his time in St. Paris Ohio, and New York and Chicago. He died October 31, 1916 in Chicago Illinois, and his body was sent back to St. Paris for burial.[5]
Reference
- ^ a b c d White, J.T. (1920). The National Encyclopedia of American Biography Volume XVII. New York: James T. White and company. p. 72. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
- ^ "Monarch Cycle Manufacturing Company". Chicagology. Chicagology. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
- ^ "A Wonderful Record". Mitchell Capital. April 9, 1897. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
- ^ a b American Artisan and Hardware Record. Chicago, Illinois: Daniel Stern. November 4, 1916. p. 28. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
- ^ "John W. Kiser Passes Away". The Piqua Daily Dispatch. November 1, 1916.