Maker Info
George Phelps
George M. Phelps (1820-1888) was an American instrument maker and inventor born in Watervliet, New York. He began as an apprentice machinist in Troy, New York. In 1852 he was asked to work on improvements to a telegraph instrument and formed a partnership with a financial backer, Jarius Dickerman. They named their company House's Printing Telegraph Instrument Manufacturer.
In 1856 The American Telegraph Company bought Phelps' factory in Troy and Phelps became superintendent. The company purchased his patents, as well. In 1861 Phelps moved to Brooklyn, New York to become superintendent of American Telegraph Company's largest factory.
In 1866 Western Union Telegraph Company purchased The American Telegraph Company, and also acquired the patents and design talents of George Phelps. Phelps became superintendent of Western Union Telegraph Company's New York City factory and machine shop.
During his long career Phelps invented and improved printing telegraph systems and telegraph instruments, stock tickers and telephone instruments. He built the patent models for some of Thomas Edison's inventions.
