CHARLES BUSS, of the BUSS MACHINE WORKS, 36 and 38 Mill street, was born at Marlboro, N. H., Sept. 21, 1820. His parents were JOHN and LEVISA (CONVERSE) BUSS. When 14 years of age, Mr. Buss went to Keene, N. H., and apprenticed himself to J. A. Fay & Co., now of Cincinnati, O., to learn the machinist trade. He remained in their employ five years, and subsequently had charge of a woolen-mill and machine shop for two years. Some time after he erected a shop at his native place (Marlboro), where he remained in business until April, 1878. At the latter date he was induced to come to Grand Rapids and establish his present business. He removed 84 tons of patterns, models, tools and machinery a distance of over 1,500 miles. Since starting in business at Grand Rapids, Mr. Buss has admitted his boys as partners in the business. Charles Buss is possessed of an inventive mind, and when 15 years of age invented a patent rotary revolver. This was before Colt obtained his patents, and was probably the first of the kind in the world. He also patented a pistol in connection with a portemonnaie, and on May 6, 1856, patented the Buss hand vise. In 1854 he patented an eight-shot revolver, and after manufacturing several thousands, sold his stock and interest to a party at Lowell, Mass. Mr. Buss was married in February, 1845, to JANE A. WOODARD, a native of Marlboro, N. H. Five children have been given them, four sons and one daughter, the sons, GEORGE F., CHARLES H., EDWARD P. and WENDELL R., being partners with their father in the business. The daughter, FLORENCE A., is aged 16 years. Mr. Buss has been a member of the I. O. O. F. fraternity for many years, and was formerly a Whig, but since 1854 has been a member of the Republican party. One son and wife and daughter are members of the Congregational Church.

HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MICHIGAN (Illustrated), Chas. C. Chapman & Co., Chicago, 1881, Pgs. 962-963 (Grand Rapids City - Biographical Sketch on CHARLES BUSS)

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BUSS MACHINE CO., manufacturers of wood-working machinery. This old and well established business was founded in 1862, by CHARLES BUSS & SONS, at Marlboro, N. H., and the business was continued under that name until 1878, when the machinery and trade was removed to Grand Rapids. The firm rented a building on Mill, north of Bridge street, where they have since carried on business. The building was formerly 42x48 feet in size, but as business increased, more room was necessary and a large addition was made, one 55x48 feet, three stories high, also a block adjoining it on the south was brought into requisition as a foundry, the size of it being 100x35 feet. The company employed 10 men at first. In the course of a few months the force was increased to 20, and at present 50 machinists find constant employment. This company are engaged in the manufacture of wood-working machinery, and make a specialty of manufacturing machinery for turning out fine furniture. Their pail and tub machinery is regarded as the latest and best improved of the day, being built from new patterns, and extra heavy. The Buss & Sons Improved Buzz Planer, Endless Bed Planing Machine and Shaping Machine, are among the principal machines turned out by this firm. Their sales are made throughout the West and South, and average $40,000 annually.

HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MICHIGAN (Illustrated), Chas. C. Chapman & Co., Chicago, 1881, Pg. 925 (Grand Rapids City - Machine Shops and Foundries - BUSS MACHINE CO.)

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