Matthew Cridge (1823- )
1823 Born in Merriott, Somerset, on 12 March, son of John and Mary (nee England).
Matthew became a patternmaker, and emigrated to the USA at the age of 19. He was an inventor, and patented several improvements to steam engines. He built the Evergreen Narrow-Gauge Railroad. In 1844 he married Elizabeth Wadsworth, who had emigrated from Cheshire in 1817.[1]
1854 US Patent US12052 for oscillating steam engine, granted to Matthew Gridge and Samuel Wadsworth[2]
1860 US26654 US Patent for improvement to steam engine governor, granted to Matthew Cridge[3]
1860 US26664 US Patent for oscillating steam engine, granted to Matthew Cridge and Samuel Wadsworth.