In the previous article, I raised the question whether there could be a direct connection between Frank M. Underwood (who built engines in several locations around northwest Ohio) and the Underwood Machine Co. of Minneapolis, Minnesota. My answer was “no direct connection.” But could there be an indirect and coincidental connection between the two Underwoods? To approach that question, let’s look at the career of C.M. Giddings.
C.M. Giddings Connection?
“Mr. Giddings started this business at Rockford, Illinois, some four years ago and reports a steadily increasing business until now he requires the help of five assistants. Mr. Giddings, after taking a course in mechanical engineering at Cornell University, at Ithica, New York, first designed the portable engine now being built by John Lang, of that city, then for two years was connected with the Waterous Governor Co., of Boston, as expert and traveling salesman, then leaving the road, he married and settled down at Massillon, Ohio, as mechanical engineer for Russell & Co. He was with this firm for seven years, the last four of which he had exclusive charge of the engineering department, which position he resigned to go to Sioux City, Iowa, with the Sioux
