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William P. BettendorfAmerican inventor and industrialist
Date of Birth: 01.07.1857
Country:  USA |
Content:
- William P. Bettendorf: Inventor, Industrialist, and Pioneer
- Agricultural Innovations
- Bettendorf Axle Company
- Railroad Innovation
- Business Expansion
- Personal Life and Legacy
William P. Bettendorf: Inventor, Industrialist, and Pioneer
Early Life and CareerWilliam P. Bettendorf was born in Mendota, Illinois, the eldest of four children. After working as a messenger and then a machinist's apprentice, Bettendorf began his career at Peru Plow in 1874.
Agricultural Innovations
At Peru Plow, Bettendorf invented the automatic lift plow in 1878, which enabled farmers to adjust the plow's elevation with a lever. He also designed the malleable iron Bettendorf Wheel with spoked hubs, revolutionizing agricultural machinery.
Bettendorf Axle Company
In 1889, Bettendorf and his brother Joseph established Bettendorf Metal Wheel in Davenport. In 1895, they opened Bettendorf Axle, which initially manufactured agricultural equipment.
Railroad Innovation
Bettendorf's greatest achievement was the one-piece steel railroad truck, which revolutionized the industry. By 1909, Bettendorf Axle had expanded its plant significantly, adding steel foundries for railroad car components.
Business Expansion
In the early 20th century, Bettendorf Axle diversified its production, manufacturing oil burners, toys, pumps, and ice crushers. By 1910, the workforce had grown from 300 to 800 employees.
Personal Life and Legacy
Bettendorf married Mary Wortman in 1879, and they had two children. After Mary's death in 1901, he married Elizabeth Staby in 1908. Bettendorf died in 1910, leaving behind an opulent Spanish Revival mansion that became a Masonic home for the elderly. The city of Gilbert was renamed Bettendorf in his honor.
