Clessie cummins biography of williams

When Clessie Lyle Cummins was born on 27 December 1888, in Sulphur Springs, Jefferson Township, Henry, Indiana, United States, his father, Francis Marion Cummins, was 24 and his mother, Almira Josephine Edleman, was 20. He married Ethel Mildred McCoy on 18 May 1910, in Bartholomew, Indiana, United States. They were the parents of at least 4 sons and 2 daughters. He immigrated to Vermont, United States in 1932 and lived in Henry Township, Henry, Indiana, United States in 1900 and Columbus, Bartholomew, Indiana, United States for about 20 years. He died on 17 August 1968, in Sausalito, Marin, California, United States, at the age of 79, and was buried in Columbus City Cemetery, Columbus, Bartholomew, Indiana, United States.

20th-century American entrepreneur and engineer

Clessie Lyle Cummins (December 27, 1888 – August 17, 1968) was the founder of the Cummins Engine Co. He was an entrepreneur who improved on existing diesel engines, created new diesel engine designs, was awarded 33 United States patents for his inventions, and set five world records for endurance and speed for trucks, buses and race cars.

Early life

Clessie Cummins was born on December 27, 1888, in Columbus, Indiana.

Cummins began his career as a farmboy, and had no formal higher education beyond the eighth grade. Although he didn't have any formal education he learned to build a steam engine at age 11. In the 1910s Cummins went to work for a banker named William Irwin in Columbus, Indiana, as a chauffeur and mechanic.

Foundation of Cummins Engine Co.

In 1919, Clessie Cummins founded the Cummins Engine Co, Inc (now Cummins, Inc) with the assistance of banker William G. Irwin. At the time of its founding, Cummins developed the first engine as licensee of R.M. Hvid Co. This engine was a 6 horsepower (4.5 kW) model designed for use on the farm.

Cummins' former employer, Irwin, invested a great deal of money in Cummins' company. However, Irwin was not satisfied with the company's profits and threatened to cease investing. Sales of diesel engines to farmers through the Sears-Roebuck catalog were not generating significant profits, partially because farmers would purchase and use the engines during the harvest period and then return them to Sears.

Clessie Cummins secured a Packardlimousine (a vehicle with a large engine compartment) and fitted one of his best engines into it

Pioneer in Diesel and Gas Engine Production

Cummins Inc., renowned globally as a trailblazer in the manufacturing of diesel engines for trucks traversing long distances, has its roots in modest beginnings. Its foundation was laid by Clessie Cummins, an Indiana native born in 1888, whose formal education didn’t progress beyond the eighth grade, compelling him to abandon school to assist with work on the family’s agricultural land.

Despite his limited formal education, Clessie demonstrated a remarkable affinity for mechanics from a young age. As legend has it, he engineered his own steam engine at the tender age of 11 using molten iron, which he cast into wooden molds. This invention went on to become a pivotal irrigation tool on his family’s farm.

An Innate Engineer

Clessie’s mechanical prowess and innovative mindset, akin to those of an engineer, facilitated his role as a mechanic at Marmon Motor Company. This position paved the way for his collaboration with Ray Harroun on the groundbreaking Marmon Wasp race car, which clinched victory at the inaugural Indy 500 in 1911. Clessie was a pit crew member for this winning car.

In parallel, Clessie also served as a chauffeur for William Irwin, a banker and investor from Columbus, Indiana, who was a substantial supporter of Harroun’s endeavors. Irwin quickly recognized Clessie’s extraordinary capabilities and encouraged him to explore engine construction for local agriculture.

Expansion into Marine and Diesel Sectors

Cummins continued to expand its footprint, supplying engines to marine and industrial sectors for four decades and making significant strides in engine development. Cummins was appointed as the president of the company in 1930 and played a pivotal role in promoting diesel engines through sponsorship of race cars, including the pioneering turbocharged engine featured in the Indy 500.

Cummins continued to expand its footprint, supplying eng