Cushman Motor Co., Lincoln, Nebraska, was not formally incorporated by the Nebraska Secretary of State until 1902, but the gears were turning at least as early as Oct. 25, 1901, for that is when Everett B. Cushman and Leslie S. Cushman applied for their first patent. Awarded on July 1, 1902, patent no. 703,695 covers a 2-cycle vertical gasoline engine, “designed for use in connection with a bicycle or other light work.”
Innovation Leads to Early Success at Cushman Motor Co.
The history of the Cushman Motor Co.
1 / 3
Cushman's 4 hp vertical engine.
Photo courtesy Farm Collector Archives
2 / 3
“One blacksmith sold three the first month,” this ad crows, in an effort to win additional agents.
Photo courtesy Farm Collector Archives
3 / 3
Everett Cushman and Leslie Cushman’s 1902 patent for a gas engine.
Photo courtesy Farm Collector Archives