Root in Montgomery County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Enoch Ambler

Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, September 14, 2013

1. Enoch Ambler Marker

Inscription. Home of Enoch Ambler
Inventor of First
Mowing Machine
Patent Signed by Pres.
Andrew Jackson in 1834
Heritage & Genealogical Soc. of Montg. Co

Erected 2011 by Montgomery County Heritage and Genealogical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Man-Made Features. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #07 Andrew Jackson series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1834.

Location. 42° 51.441′ N, 74° 27.948′ W. Marker is in Root, New York, in Montgomery County. Marker is on Darrow Road, on the right when traveling north. Marker is a on Darrow Road a short distance off Route 162 in the hamlet of Currytown. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 115 Darrow Road, Sprakers NY 12166, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. This Vicinity Raided (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fort Lewis (approx. 0.2 miles away); Currytown Reformed Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Canagere (approx. 2.8 miles away); This Is Mohawk Country (approx. 3.2 miles away); Site of Early Home of Major Jelles Fonda

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(approx. 3.2 miles away); The Canalway Trail: Sprakers / Competition / Anything & Everything (approx. 3.4 miles away); Volkert Vrooman (approx. 3.6 miles away).

Regarding Enoch Ambler. Enoch Ambler, formerly a resident of the town of Root, has in his possession letters patent granted December 23, 1834, and executed by Andrew Jackson, President of the United States, securing to him the sole right to a machine of his invention for "cutting hay and grain. " His discovery embraced nearly all the most important principles embodied in the machines now sold. The driving-wheel, crank-movement and guards protecting the knife were as now produced, but the knife itself was a straight edged blade, instead of the more efficient saw-toothed scythe of the modern machines. Mr. Ambler unfortunately had less success in introducing his machine than in constructing it, and, himself hardly aware of its immense value, allowed his patent to expire without availing himself of it. The invention was revived, and the great fortune and grater fame which the inventor deserved went to another than Mr. Ambler, who is now a humble resident of Fulton county. - History of Montgomery and Fulton Counties, New York, F.W. Beers Co., 1878

Reportedly Ambler’s original mowing machine was put

Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, September 14, 2013

2. Enoch Ambler Marker

on trial at a farm near his home in the hamlet of Currytown by a noted and prominent farmer, William P. Dievendorf, “He (Dievendorf) mowed something over an acre of grass, but the scythe being straight and smooth and no guards being used, the work was but imperfectly done. The machine was condemned as useless.” In an area newspaper, the Gloversville Intelligencer, dated March 18, 1873, it's reported that “Ambler sold out all his right and title (to his invention) to Mr. (Cyrus) McCormick, the “original” mowing machine man for $250.”

Ambler later moved from the town of Root to Bleecker, which is north of Gloversville, becoming a shingle maker there. According to Root Historian Bill Maring, Amber died of an accidental gunshot wound after a friend's new gun went off while the friend was showing it to Ambler. Ambler, being a man of little means, was buried in the Bleecker Cemetery at the town's expense.

On July 22nd, 2011 the Enoch Ambler marker was dedicated in the presence of Root Town Historian Bill Maring, as well as members of the Root Historical Society and members of the Montgomery County Heritage and Genealogical Society. Special guests also in attendance where Enoch Ambler’s great-granddaughter Jane Ambler, of Schenectady, and his great-great-granddaughter Nancy Ambler Weinberg, of Washington, D.C.

There is an example of Ambler's 1836 Patent Mowing

Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, September 14, 2013

3. Enoch Ambler Marker

Machine on display at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.

Also see . . . Ambler's Mowing Machine, circa 1836. Google Arts and Culture website entry (Submitted on November 25, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

Additional keywords. Currytown Silas McCormick

Enoch Ambler Marker Unveiling image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, September 14, 2013

4. Enoch Ambler Marker Unveiling

On July 22nd, 2011 the Enoch Ambler marker was unveiled. Present for the ceremony and pictured here are, left to right, Enoch Ambler’s great-great- granddaughter Nancy Ambler Weinberg, of Washington, D.C. his great-granddaughter Jane Ambler, of Schenectady, and Root Town Historian, Bill Maring. This photo is on display at the Root Historical Society, which is located in the hamlet of Flat Creek, Montgomery County.

"4 Horse Neck Yoke" image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, September 14, 2013

5. "4 Horse Neck Yoke"

From the Estate of Paul Dievendorf; According to Mr. Dievendorf this yoke was used by the team of horses that pulled Enoch Ambler's mowing machine when it was tested on the William Dievendorf farm. These items are on display at the Root Historical Society, which is located in the hamlet of Flat Creek, Montgomery County.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 25, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 15, 2013, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. This page has been viewed 899 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 15, 2013, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.