partnership was dissolved. When the business expanded enough that it required additional facilities, Stiles moved to Middletown, CT. Prior to this, he had made several improvements in his stamping press, making it far superior to what was known as the Fowler press. This device he patented in 1864. Parler Brothers, of Meriden, who were engaged in manufacturing the Fowler press, adopted Stiles' eccentric adjustment, which involved a long and expensive litigation, resulting finally in a compromise and the organization of the Stiles & Parker Press Company, in which Stiles held a controlling interest. His pluck and perseverance were finally rewarded with success, and he built up a large and extensive business, involving the necessity of opening a branch factory and office in New York City. In 1873, he attended the Vienna World Exposition, obtaining a foreign market for his goods. The presses were used in the armories and navy yards of the United States, as well as those of Germany, Austria, Prussia, Sweden, Turkey, Egypt, and Mexico. Some of these manufacturers are the manufacturers of fire arms, agricultural implements, builders' hardware, locks, brass goods, clocks, sewing machines, and their attachments, tin ware, silver-plated and Britannia ware, and pocket cutlery. Public service During his residence abroad, Stiles became prominently connected with the manager of the Vienna Exposition, and was nominated as one of the Advisory Committee, but his position as exhibitor precluded his acceptance. He was a member of the Advisory Committee at the Centennial Exposition held at Philadelphia in 1876. He is one of seven directors of The United States Patent Association, which includes examiners of the Patent Office, solicitors of patents, and inventors. He interested himself to some extent in the public affairs of Middletown, and served two years as a member of the Board of Aldermen. He was a member of Cyrene Commandery, Knight Templars, and was also a member of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Trinity. Family On March 23, 1864, he married Sarah M., daughter of Henry Smith, of Middletown, by whom he has had three children, Henry R., Edmund E., and Millie B. Patents This is a partial list. Improved punching-press, (1864). Improvement in drop-presses, (1867). Machine for cutting wire to lengths, (1891). Fountain-pen, (1890). Fountain-pen, (1896). References 1834 births 1907 deaths 19th-century American inventors People from Agawam, Massachusetts