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SHEPHERD, ROTHWELL & HOUGH
In 1872 Hough became a co-founder of Shepherd, Rothwell & Hough, an Oldham based company manufacturing "Eclipse" sewing machines for a rapidly growing domestic market. This partnership was dissolved in November 3, 1887.
In affidavits(*), written sworn in various phonograph infringements cases, James Edward Hough described himself as a "Mechanical Engineer".
Fred Rothwell having actually been apprenticed to Bradbury & Co in 1866.
They started trading from premises at Roscoe Street, Mumps before moving to Matley's Buildings, Gas Street, Oldham producing various models of the "Eclipse sewing machine".
.... " The Jones lock-stitch patent, or Jones Hand Machine as named by Jones & Co., was probably first manufactured in 1874 circa. Jones Hand Machines were also named as "cat-back", often called "serpentine" or "swan neck". This design was also sold under the name of "Empress of India", manufactured by the Canada Sewing Machine Co. (Hamilton, Canada), the "Eclipse", manufactured by The Eclipse Machine Company of Oldham (Shepherd, Rothwell & Hough) and the "Favourite". " ...
note:
(*) An affidavit is a written sworn statement of fact voluntarily made by an affiant or deponent under an oath or affirmation administered by a person authorized to do so by law.
1875
GB 350 Shepherd, Rothwell & Hough
To Emanuel Shepherd, Fred Rothwell, James Edward Hough and Tom Rothwell, all of Oldham, in the county of Lancaster and John Mc Nay Rimington, of the town and county of the town of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Manufacturers, have the like notice in respect of the invention of improvements in sewing machines.
January 29, 1875
GB 3.268 Shepherd, Rothwell & Hough
To Emanuel Shepherd, Fred Rothwell, James Edward Hough and Tom Rothwell, all of Oldham, in the county of Lancaster, Manufacturers, for the invention of improvements in sewing machine shuttles.
September 18, 1875
1876
GB 4.693 Shepherd, Rothwell & Hough
To Emanuel Shepherd, Fred Rothwell, James Edward Hough and Tom Rothwell, all of Oldham, in the county of Lancaster, Sewing Machine Manufacturers, for the invention of improvements in the construction of tables and stands for sewing machines.
December 5, 1876
1877
1878
GB 488 Shepherd, Rothwell & Hough
To Emanuel Shepherd, Fred Rothwell, James Edward Hough and Tom Rothwell, all of Oldham, in the county of Lancaster, Sewing Machine Manufacturers, for the invention of improvements in the construction of sewing machines.
February 6, 1878
1882
In 1882 an Oldham sewing machine manufacturer held an evening of feasting and entertainment that went on into the small hours.
The event celebrated the fact that Messrs Shepherd, Rothwell and Hough had been so successful that it was moving to a new factory.
1887
Notice is hereby given, that the Partnership heretofore subsisting betweenus the undersigned, Emanuel Shepherd, Fred Rothwell, James E. Hough and Tom Rothwell, as Sewing Machine Manufacturers, at Oldham Sewing Machine Works and 92, Yorkshire Street, Oldham, in the county of Lancaster and at other places, under the style or firm of Shepherd, Rothwell & Hough, was dissolved, by mutual consent, on the 3rd day of November (1887) instant, as from 31st day of October last. The business will in future be continued by the said Fred Rothwell and Tom Rothwell, who will pay all the debts due by the said firm.
November 3, 1887
1890
1891
